Join YPT as we visit 6 Gulf countries in one comprehensive tour, the Gulf Trek from January 27 – February 15 2025!
You can choose from options ranging from 4 days to 20 visiting Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The Gulf is often a misunderstood in simple terms as new, modern city scapes protruding out of expansive desert. However, the Gulf is much more than meets the eye. Civilization has some of its initial days here. They are among the safest countries in the world. The landscape is varied – from mountains, to deserts, lush oasis, beaches and forests.
The people are intriguing – from Bedouins who continue living in traditional, nomadic ways, to ethnic Arabs and those naturalized from other continents centuries ago who have called the Gulf home for generations, to the fresh wave of immigrants diversifying the food, culture and language within the region. The Gulf is one of the most underrated places for travel in the Middle East!
Table of Contents
Oman
While many people think of Oman as being desolate due to its proximity to the empty quarter, Oman is very naturally diverse with enormous deserts, photogenic beaches, Wadis hidden in between mountain ranges, and cities such as Muscat and Nizwa, where human activity has stretched back to the 6th millennium BC. The Omani people are well renowned for their polite nature and hospitality, traditional clothing, and coffee.
The tour starts in Oman’s capital, Muscat where we will explore the city, visit the incredible natural phenomenons of Wadi Shab and Bimmah sinkhole, trek to Nizwar and visit its famous fort, climb to Jebel Sham, the highest point in all of Oman and stay overnight in traditional mud huts! Omani people are known for their kindness and gentleness which you will experience as a guest in their country!
United Arab Emirites
The UAE is a hotspot for tourism and international migration, particularly the city of Dubai which is a modern, developed and multicultural city oozing fanciness and wealth. However the UAE is made up of 8 Emirates, which are diverse in their makeup. The UAE has a lot more to offer than just Dubai!
On this tour you will visit two emirates – Al Ain close to the border with Oman where you will visit the largest camel trading market in the world. Next, you will visit Abu Dhabi where you will visit one of the worlds most jaw-dropping mosques, see the religious diversity at the Abrahamic house and explore the influence of immigrant communities!
Qatar
While Qatar may not, at first glance, seem to be a YPT destination, however there are many hidden gems inside this country. Most people know Qatar for hosting the Fifa World Cup in 2022, but there is a rougher, more traditional way of life in this small nation.
Qatar will be our third stop on the Gulf Trek Tour and will offer a diverse range of attractions – from traditional Souks, slavery museums and mangrove colonies – Qatar is a unique stop that shouldn’t be missed.
Bahrain
Bahrain is a small island country located off the East coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. While tiny, measuring just 786.8 Km squared, Bahrain has a thriving economy, developed city and interesting history – including incredible archaeological sites. Bahrain is unfortunately often named one of the world’s most boring countries, we ask you to explore Bahrain yourself to discover all the great things it has to offer!
Our fourth stop will be Bahrain which has more than meets the eye – a tree that has miraculously survived without water, an impressive historical fort, a busy metropolitan area and the opportunity to go pearl diving – Bahrain is a fantastic place to visit!
Kuwait
Kuwait is one of YPTs favorite destinations. We will start country #5 of our Gulf Trek Tour with a tour of Kuwait city, including its Andalusian influenced Grand Mosque to the Al-Qurain Martyrs House which covers in detail the Iraqi invasion of 1990, which is still fresh in people’s memories. 31 young men who took a collective oath to defend their native land used this house to resist the invasion. The destruction has been left untouched.
We then begin the highlight of the tour by boarding a ferry to Failaka Island – located 20km offshore of Kuwait in the Persian Gulf. The island name meaning ‘outpost’ when Alexander the Great used it as a strategic position of the mighty ancient Greek army. During the Iraqi invasion, the Iraqis forced the island’s 2000 residents back to the mainland and Saddam’s military began mining the beaches and using the island’s facilities and buildings for target practice.
Saudi Arabia
No Gulf Tour would be complete without a trip to the largest, wealthiest and most religiously significant country of the GCC – Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has been a YPT destination for years and we have perfected our 8 day tour. We are introducing an exciting new option for those completing the Full Gulf Tour (Group A) to join us in Saudi Arabia for a highlights trip which includes the essentials of Riyadh and a visit to the Edge of the World!
You can choose which you prefer with the Gulf Trek Tour – a shortened 3-day itinerary perfect for country collectors and those who want a taste of Saudi on a budget, or the full 8-day Saudi Arabia tour for a full immersion and journey across the massive country.
The Gulf Trek – The Budget Way to Tackle The Gulf
For many budget travelers, the Gulf has been off limits because of the costs – The Gulf is home to some of the strongest economies in the world and have been closed to tourism until recently. Now, YPT is providing the Gulf Trek as a budget friendly tour to help you explore the vastness that is the Gulf Cooperation Countries. You can choose from 4 days up to 20 days on the road with YPT to kick off 2025 in style!
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