DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Oman

You will be met at Muscat Airport by your driver/guide and transferred to the capital city of Oman, with its characteristic low-rise white buildings. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the culture of this ancient port that has been an important trading link between the east and the west since the 1st century.

In the evening enjoy a 2 hour Sunset Cruise, sailing along Oman's spectacular coast in a traditional wooden Arab dhow, passing the Mutrah Corniche, the old harbour, medieval forts and sleepy villages.

Day 2: Explore Muscat

This morning enjoy a half day private tour of the modern city Muscat (meaning ‘anchorage’ as it is a natural harbour), that exists in harmony with its traditional culture.

Our first stop is the enormous Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with its magnificent central dome and five minarets. The huge central chandelier is made from Swarovski crystal and the prayer mats are made from pure Persian silk. Rajasthani sandstone and the finest Italian marble were used in its construction.

We then drive along the Mutrah Corniche, which is flanked by attractive latticed buildings and mosques, where we visit the fish market and walk around the colourful 'souk' (traditional market). We continue down the coast to Old Muscat, where we visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, which has an extensive collection of ancient weapons, household equipment, Omani national dress and jewellery. Outside the museum there is a full-scale Omani village and souk.

From here we drive to Al Alam Palace, the official home of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, and the historic 16th century Portuguese Forts of Mirani and Jalali which still guard the harbour. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore more of the city independently.

Note: When visiting the Grand Mosque, your body must be fully covered, including wrists and ankles, and women must wear a scarf covering the hair and neck. The Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House and Bait Al Zubair Museum are all closed on Fridays.

Day 3: Travel to Green Mountains

We leave Muscat this morning and travel 4.5 hours to the dramatic Jebel Akhdar Mountains (known as the Green Mountains). Before we leave the city we visit the Amouage Perfume Factory, where you can see the working behind one of the most luxurious perfume brands in the world.

We then drive to the 400 year old well preserved mountain village of Al Hamra, with its traditional mud brick houses. Here we visit the Bait Al Safah living history museum that showcases Omani culture. Our next photo stop is at the immense ruined Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site located at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar Highlands. Originally built in the 13th century as a mud-walled fortified oasis in the Omani Desert, it was extensively rebuilt in the 1600s. Today Bahla is called the 'City of Magic', as it is rumoured that its potters have magic in their fingers.

Afterwards we visit to the 300 year old Jibreen Castle, built on a flat plain close to the city of Nizwa and considered the most beautiful historic castle in Oman. A picnic or lunch in a local restaurant is included today.

At Birkat Al Mawz we start our uphill journey to the vast Saiq Plateau situated at over 6,500 ft (2,000 m) above sea level, travelling on roads suitable only for 4x4 vehicles. Here you can see crumbling abandoned houses clinging to the mountainside, cultivated wadi beds where garlic is grown in the clay soil and pomegranate trees clinging to the rocks. You may even see the famous Jebel roses. On arrival we check in to our hotel in the beautiful Green Mountains.

Day 4: Green Mountains

This morning explore more of the beautiful Green Mountains with your guide, including the 400 year old town of Al Hamra, the mountainside village of Misfat Al Abriyyin and the atmospheric Tanuf Castle ruins.

A picnic or lunch in a local restaurant is included today, with your afternoon at leisure to relax in this scenic region.

Day 5: Travel in to the Desert

We leave the Green Mountains this morning and drive 5 hours to Sharqiya Sands (still referred to locally as Wahiba Sands) - a region of the spectacular Omani desert, driving on roads suitable only for 4x4 vehicles.

Our first stop is at the ancient city of Nizwa, the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries and the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate. Surrounded by lush greenery fed by ancient water channels (known as 'falaj' irrigation systems), the city is full of rivers, orchards and date palms. Nizwa souk is central to the life of the city and is lined with handicraft stalls and silversmiths working in small shops. Here you can taste Omani 'halwa' (a sweet desert) and buy a ceremonial 'khanjar' (traditional dagger). On Friday mornings you can even watch the goat and cattle auctions – a very authentic cultural experience. You can also climb up to the 17th century Nizwa Fort, whose 40m central tower soars above the rest of the building. The views of the city and mountains beyond will make up for the short climb.

We continue driving through the inland towns of Manah and Ibra, one of Oman's oldest cities that was once a centre of trade, religion, education and art. It was famous for its fine horses and horsemen and the old quarter holds the remains of many stately mud-brick mansions, mosques and watch towers. A unique feature of Ibra is the ‘Wednesday Souk’ run entirely by women. A picnic or lunch in a local restaurant is included today.

The desert will then open up as we drive towards Wahiba Sands - named after the Bani Wahiba tribe. Home to the Bedouins, these windswept ever-shifting sand dunes offers a glimpse into a traditional way of life that is rapidly disappearing, as modern conveniences limit the need for a nomadic lifestyle involving raising livestock in this incredibly harsh environment. Living a life far removed from that of most Omanis, the Bedu women are bold, brightly dressed and often seen behind the wheel of an ancient pick-up truck driving up and down dunes.

On arrival at our Bedouin camp, check in and relax in this unique environment. Here you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of their nomadic lifestyle while sharing traditional coffee and dates with a Bedu family, admiring their colourful handcrafts and maybe having some henna art painted on your body. You can also choose to go for a camel ride or do some ‘dune bashing’ – hurtling down the sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced desert driver. You will see the desert at its most glorious as the sun sets, then relax around the campfire under a glorious canopy of stars.

Day 6: Drive to Southeast Coast

After rising early to see the sunrise over the dunes, we leave Wahiba Sands and travel 4.5 hours to our beach hotel on the Southeast Coast.

Along the way we stop at the desert oasis ('wadi) at Bani Khalid, where you can swim in emerald pools surrounded by a rugged ravine and date palms. Remember to dress modestly when swimming (women must avoid bikinis and wear at least a T-shirt and shorts / men must avoid skimpy briefs).

We also stop at the windblown town of Al Kamil Wal Wafi, which has some interesting old architecture, including crumbling watchtowers and a castle museum. A picnic or lunch in a local restaurant is included today.

We continue driving to our hotel on the sparkling shores of the warm Arabian Sea on the southeast coast.

Day 7 : Southeast Coast

At leisure to relax at your beach resort on the Southeast Coast which attracts snorkellers and divers to its coral reefs, as well as those wanting to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

The town of Ras al Hadd has a 7.5 mile (12 km) beach that is an important breeding ground for endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. During the turtle nesting season (June to November) on one evening you will be able to participate in turtle watching.

Optional activities vary by hotel but usually include dhow cruises, dolphin trips and fishing.

Day 8: Return to Muscat & fly home

Today we travel 3.5 hours to Muscat, but first we explore Sur - the capital of the Sharqiya region and once one of the most important ports in the region, trading with East Africa and India. This city is encircled by forts and watchtowers and its shipyards, which still produce traditional wooden dhows, played a pivotal role in Oman’s maritime past.

We then travel along the coastal road and through the lush Wadi Tiwi - a magnificent oasis with deep gorges cut into the mountains that run to the sea. With many inviting pools of emerald water and numerous farms and plantations, birds and butterflies abound here.

We also stop at gorgeous Fins Beach - the most photogenic beach in Oman with its beautiful cliffs, pebbly shore and incredibly blue seas. This is a wonderful place for beachcombing and you should see seagulls and flamingos. A picnic or lunch in a local restaurant is included today.

Our next stop is at the dazzling turquoise waters of Bimmah Sinkhole (meaning 'falling star'), where you can have a quick swim, as long as you don’t mind a fish pedicure when you dip your toes into these clear waters.

Continuing past the impressive Wadi Dayqah Dam, we drive through the small fishing village of Quriyat with its 200 year old fort and triangular watchtower overlooking the corniche. This town has a thriving fishing industry and is also known for its basket making.

At the end of the day you will be dropped of at Muscat Airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis in Muscat, and half board basis everywhere else. Economy flights from London and private driver/guide throughout are included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.