Y - June 14, 2011 - Issue 174 - Y-oman.com

Dear Reader,
Drive along any main artery that passes
through the capital and you will see
construction in progress. The buildings
being built are no doubt luxurious and top
of their class, but for the younger, less
financially endowed people of this country,
finding property is still a difficult task. That
is why we were delighted to hear about a
residential development from the Al Khonji
brothers who made it their mission to
provide affordable luxurious property to
young local professionals. In this issue, we
speak to Mr. Mohammed Al Khonji about
the development of AQAR’s latest complex
that will provide much needed relief to
house hunters in Muscat.
Also in this issue, we take you on a venture
through an Al Sharqiyah sandstorm,
Spotlight Abbas Al Lawati, an upcoming
Omani comic talent. X-tra Time brings you
gripping news from Oman Sail and keeps
you up-to-date with the latest sporting
affairs in the Sultanate. We also feature
TLC’s Sally Vale, and show you how she
set up a nursery and primary school
with a difference. We also have a special
‘Breakfast with Bentley’ review of the
gorgeous Continental GT. Plus, we have
all the latest news and reviews from both
Oman and afar.
We hope you enjoy the issue!
Y team
SuMMer
SpeCIAl
Early Bird: Bookings until
30 June 2011
MS Harmony V
Your comfortable Megayacht
Delivered to Variety in October 2008, the 180-ft. (55
meters) vessel was originally launched in 2003, but
completely rebuilt in 2007. The Cruise line is attracting
with its small ships and unique itineraries. It can travel
leisurely 12 knots, has dual stabilizers, has been made
SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) compliant, and received
a complete cosmetic and technological facelift.
Harmony V has three passenger decks and capacity for
49 guests.
Cruise with a Megayacht through the gems of the Greek Islands
In Greece, the cradle of Western civilization beckons you with its proud monuments, sun-drenched isles,
and friendly people. You want to discover the beauties of the Greek Islands plus discover the enduring
treasures of antiquity, from the Parthenon in Athens to the Temple of Apollo.If you are looking for a touch
of adventure on the Mediterranean, by way of a casual, informal and relaxing cruise vacation, without
the routine of traditional cruise tours? Then cruise aboard Sindbad Trails private small ship, and explore
millennia-old settlements layered deeply in myth and history. Visit Delos, birthplace of Apollo ... volcanic
Santorini … bustling Syros … and Crete, the craddle of ancient history. Crown your adventure with two
nights Athens, Greece’s cosmopolitan capital.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Muscat – Athens
Departure by Qatar Airways from
Muscat via Doha to Athens. Transfer to
Hotel Divani Palace Acropolis, centrally
located. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 2: Discover Athens
In the morning Athens Sightseeing with
the visit of the famous Acropolis , the
Panathenaic Stadium where the first
Olympic Games of modern times were
held in 1896 and not to forget a walk
through the lively Plaka with its many
small shops and tavernas. Afternoon at
leisure for shopping.
Day 3: Marina Zea – Island of Kea
Transfer from the hotel to Marina Zea.
Embarkation on the Yacht Harmony V.
Depart via Kap Sounion to Kea. Time at
leisure to explore Kea’s tiny port, Korrisia
after dinner. Departure in the early
hours for Delos.
Day 4: Delos – Mykonos
Optional morning tour to the
archaeological site of Delos,antiquity’s
most sacred island.On to the port of
Mykonos, with a swim stop on the way.
Free afternoon and evening to enjoy the
island’s cosmopolitan lifestyle.Overnight
in Mykonos.
Day 5: Santorini
Noon arrival in Santorini (anchorage at
Fira). Experience the stunning natural
drama of the volcanic Cadera. Optional
tour to archaeological sites and typical
TREASURES
OF GREECE
Aegean Islands Cruise and Athens
SpeCIAl proMotIon: Departure July 20, 11 for 2 people, 2nd person pays half the actual price.
Single travellers: no single supplement
Ship Specifications:
Sundeck: Public area with chaises-lounges, sitting area,
dining room, bar & bridge
Upperdeck: 16 cabins all with windows, 2 of which can be
used for triple occupancy. Maindeck: Dining Room & Interior
Lounge, 9 cabins (all with windows).
Length overall: 55 m
Beam: 8,20 m
Draught: 3,00 m
Stabilizers: Twin stabilizers
Crew: 17 members
Insurance Coverage: LLOYD’S
Services & Facilities:
Internet & e-mail service, TV/Audiovisual in lounge, Sports
equipment: Kayak, snorkeling. Special meal programmes:
Vegetarian, diabetic diet (to be requested in advance). Other
services: Cruise manager services on scheduled cruises
sailings, optional excursions, no doctor on board.
Departure chart
Outward Journey June July August September October
Wednesday 15 22 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26
package rates per person in oMr
for 10 Days / 9 nights
Cat. Cabin Deck Price per
Person
Triple Double Single
C Outside Main n/a 1495 1945
B Outside Main n/a 1695 2195
A Outside Upper 1525 1795 2365
P Outside Upper n/a 1945 2565
villages with unique views over the
Aegean Sea.Overnight sailing to Crete.
Day 6: rethymnon / Crete
Morning arrival at Crete’s famous and
lively port of Rethymnon.Optional tour
to the ancient city of Knossos near
Heraklion.Late departure for Kithrya.
Overnight at sea.
Day 7: Kithrya
Late morning swim stop and afternoon
arrival to Kithrya, a less known island
gem now fast becoming a favourite
among visitors. Evening at leisure to visit
the picturesque main town of Chora and
experience the subdued charms of this
peaceful island. Overnight in Kithrya.
Day 8: Monemvassia – nafplion
Early morning sailing to Monemvassia.
Discover a remarkable medieval fortified
town, with time at leisure to explore
the uniquely preserved Byzantine and
Venetian architecture and experience
the beauty of the natural setting. Depart
for Nafplion in the early afternoon, with
a swim stop on the way. Evening arrival
at Nafplion. The old quarter is charming,
with narrow streets and characteristic
period architecture. Also, impressive
medieval fortifications can be seen in
the port and crowning the hills above.
Overnight in Nafplion.
Day 9: nafplion – Hydra or Spetses
Optional tour to Mycenae, the powerful
walled palace of Agamenon, the Homeric
Archean king.Early afternoon departure
for the islands of Hydra or Spetses.Time
at leisure to explore this picturesque
port town.Overnight in port.
Day 10: Marina Zea– Flight back to
Muscat
Departure in the early hours for Marina
Zea, Piraeus. Arrival and disembarkation
after breakfast.
Transfer to the airport. Departure by
Qatar Airways from Athens via Doha.
Evening arrival in Muscat.
Services included:
• Flights with Qatar Airways in Economy class
• All taxes and fuel supplements
• All transfers in Athens, Half Day Athens Sightseeing tour incl.
visit of the Acropolis and English speaking guide
• 2 Nights at the Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel 5*in double rooms including
breakfast buffet
• 7 Nights Cruise on the Megayacht Harmony V 4*
• Meals on board: Daily American Breakfast and one meal
• Beverages: Regular (filter) coffee, tea and
mineral water free all day
• Port Taxes and all service charges
• Travel documentation
not included:
All meals not mentioned above, Beverages (except those mentioned above), Shore Excursions, Crew Tips,
Personal expenses, Travel Insurances, Visa Fee for Greece ( approx. OMR 39/-)
Gulf Sindbad travel & tourism llC
Al Khwair 17/1, Al Kuleiah Street, Villa 14, P.O.Box 715, PC114,
Muttrah - Muscat, Sultanate of Oman,
Phone: +968 2447 5437, info@sindbad-trails.com
Departures: 22 June + 13/27 July + 17/24 Aug + 5/12/19 oct
early Bird: Discount per person oMr 250/-
Applies only for bookings until 30 June 2011 and not for Category C and P