COX & KINGS' TOURS EXPLORE LITTLE-KNOWN MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES OF YEMEN, OMAN

Two of the least-known countries in the Middle East, Yemen and the Sultanate of Oman, have only recently opened their doors to international visitors and this year for the first time Cox & Kings is offering travelers a rare opportunity to explore these ancient lands.

A 14-day tour to Yemen on the southern area of the Arabian peninsula ventures through spectacular desert scenery of green valleys, rolling terraced hills, bare cliffs and white sandy beaches. Yemen, renowned for its distinctive style of architecture, is the land of the Queen of Sheba and the source of frankincense and myrrh.

The rich historical legacy of the Sultanate of Oman is complemented by the natural beauty of its dramatic mountains, desert valleys and long unspoiled beaches. These and other features, such as 17th century fortresses, frankincense trees, bustling Arabian markets and fishing villages, are among the highlights of an 11-day tour.

According to Nathaniel Waring, President of Cox & Kings, the longest established travel company in the world: 'Yemen retains a real sense of the ancient and the unspoiled, with a history which dates back to the earliest known civilizations of Southern Arabia, more than 1,000 years before Christ. The journey to Oman will be filled with the spontaneous warmth and hospitality of its people.'

The tour of Yemen begins in Sana'a, a breathtaking ancient walled city which prospered because of its location on the spice route across Arabia. The itinerary continues across the desert to Marib, with its ancient tall mud houses and the temple of Mahram Bitquis, built around 400 BC; Seyun with its huge old Sultan's Palace; the celebrated city of Shibam, known as the 'Manhattan of the Desert' because of its 500 mud-built eight-story 'skyscrapers'; the lush fertile valley of Wadi-Dhahar; the 11th century Mosque of Queen Arla in Jibla; and the colorful town of Taiz.

Participants in the tour to Oman will wander through Muscat's fascinating Muttrah Souq or market and visit the imposing forts of Nakhl, Rustaq and al-Hazm. A four-wheel-drive trip down the stunning rugged coastline towards Sur includes a picnic lunch stop at the beautiful oasis town of Wadi Shab, followed by a visit to the ruins of the ancient city of Qalhaat. In Sur there is a visit to a dhow yard and to the island of Ayga, as well as a stop in Nizwa, a center of jewelry-making and a visit to the World Heritage site of Bahla, famous for its traditional pottery-making and pre-Islamic Fort. An excursion visits the semi-tropical town of Salalah, set amid coconut groves, banana plantations and gardens of flame trees.

Both tours are priced from $3,385 per person, including roundtrip air travel from the UK. The Yemen tour price also includes accommodation and all meals; the price of the Oman tour includes accommodation, breakfast daily, and three lunches and one dinner.

For more information and reservations contact travel agents or Cox & Kings toll-free 1-800-999-1758 or in New York City (212) 935 3935.