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Indus Tours, the tailor-made holiday specialist, has expanded its exclusive selection of escorted tours to include an extraordinary 10-day odyssey to the Sultanate of Oman to discover The Spirit of Frankincense.

The new Oman – the Spirit of Frankincense tour departs in February 2012 and follows ancient trading routes across this unspoilt, entrancing country on a journey combining history, nature and contemporary luxury. Highlights include visits to bustling souks, peaceful groves of frankincense trees, as well as world-class archaeological sites and castles to uncover the secrets of frankincense – the fragrant incense whose mystical connotations made it one of the most valued treasures of the ancient world. As with all Indus Tours, this comprehensive, small-group itinerary is carefully planned and meticulously executed, with the price (from £2,124 per person) including all flights, five-star accommodation, sightseeing excursions, as well as some meals, the services of local guides and a dedicated tour director throughout – plus of course the high levels of quality, service and value for money for which Indus Tours is renowned.

Indus Tours’ selection of escorted tours has evolved from its highly acclaimed programme of tailor-made holidays to India, South-East Asia, the Middle East and beyond. These individually-themed group holidays encompass a huge range of experiences across thirteen different countries, each itinerary exclusive, exotic and entrancing.

As an almost undiscovered jewel in Arabia’s crown, Oman makes an obvious ‘next step’ in the continued expansion of Indus Tours’ portfolio of imaginative escorted holidays, perfectly complementing the existing destinations in the programme and providing an insight into this fascinating country.

The tour is themed around the story of frankincense, the aromatic resin that was so highly prized in the past that it was famously presented to the infant Jesus by one of the three Wise Men as a gift as valuable as gold, since it symbolised divinity. Frankincense is produced by collecting the gum resin from a particular species of tree that thrives in arid regions of Oman, Somalia and Eritrea. It has been exported from the southern Arabian peninsula for more than 5,000 years and Oman has long been at the centre of this trade as the main source of the “pearls of the desert” and due to its historical prominence as a seafaring nation. Today, much of the world’s best frankincense is still produced in the Sultanate and its value remains deeply embedded in contemporary Omani life, as well as an important ingredient in the modern international perfumery industry.

In order to uncover the secrets of frankincense culture, the itinerary follows in the footsteps of the ancient camel caravans that once crossed deserts and mountains taking in some of the most important historic sites associated with the use and trade of this valuable commodity. What’s more, the tour is led by Juliet Highet, an internationally renowned frankincense expert whose infectious enthusiasm for Middle Eastern heritage and culture is guaranteed to make this tour an experience to remember.

Oman is particularly noteworthy for its incredible scenery, authentic and well-preserved traditions and truly outstanding cultural and historic attractions – elements that have all been incorporated into this intriguing and well-paced adventure. The journey begins in Muscat, the modern capital of Oman, with a luxurious Frankincense and Rose spa treatment to help set the tone for the experience ahead. Muscat is a sophisticated, elegant city, full of character, whose attractions include historic forts, excellent museums and architecturally outstanding mosques and public buildings, plus of course the opulent palace of Sultan Qaboos himself. Particular highlights here will be the visit to the Amouage perfume factory manufacturing “the most expensive scents in the world” to discover how frankincense oil is distilled from the raw resin, followed by a chance to barter for exotic ornaments, kaftans and ornate incense burners at Muttrah Souq, a thriving, atmospheric market in Muscat’s picturesque old city.

From Muscat, the tour continues to Salalah (in the south of the country, source of frankincense) to visit the Al Balid archaeological complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose port was once a major exporter of frankincense) and the Al Hosn souk, the best place in Oman to buy raw frankincense crystals and colourful rustic incense burners. Salalah is also convenient for day-trips to watch resin being harvested from groves of frankincense trees and to visit crumbling caravanserai and other sites that were once important rest-stops and departure points on the trade routes of long ago. Other high points of the itinerary include explorations of Nizwa (an oasis town and former capital), with a castle and antiques market, the soaring Jebel Akhdar Mountains and the magnificent Jabrin Castle (widely considered to be Oman’s most impressive fort), plus ‘wadi-bashing’ – an exhilarating drive through sand dunes in the ominously-named Empty Quarter and a sunset cruise aboard a dhow (traditional Omani sailboat) on the placid waters of the Indian Ocean.

The ten-day Oman – the Spirit of Frankincense tour is scheduled to depart on Friday 10 February, 2012, with prices starting from £2,124 per person.

Commenting on the new tour, Yasin Zagar, Managing Director of Indus Tours, said, “Frankincense was Oman’s gift to the world and we are delighted to be offering this brand new itinerary to discover the secrets of this ancient treasure. This new itinerary illustrates our commitment to developing and expanding our escorted tour programme to provide both prospective and loyal customers with new, exciting and inspirational holiday ideas where satisfaction and value for money are as integral to the holiday as the experience itself.”

For more information, please call Indus Tours & Travel on 020 8901 7320, email: holidays@industours.co.uk, www.industours.co.uk