Oman: An Arabian Odyssey

Overnight flight to Muscat

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Muscat with Oman Air. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Muscat

Transfer to Radisson Blu Hotel for a 3 night stay. (N)

Muscat

Morning visit to the spectacular Grand Mosque†, followed by a tour of the city, including a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, the sultan's palace and the forts of Al Jalali and Mirani. Continue to the magnificent Royal Opera House, the largest in the Middle East. Remainder of afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Muscat & surrounds

Full-day tour, including Barka fish market and Bait Al Ghasham House where you will have a picnic lunch. Early afternoon visit to Bait Na'aman Fort before returning to Muscat. Optional twilight dhow cruise. (B, L)

Wadi Shab - Qalhat - Ras Al Jinz

Drive south by 4x4 along the coast from Muscat to Sur, passing the fishing village of Quriyat. Stops en route include Wadi Shab, a palm-fringed lagoon, and Qalhat, an ancient city visited by Marco Polo. Check in at your hotel, then make an evening visit to the green turtle nesting site at Ras Al Jinz beach. Stay overnight at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Hotel (or similar). (B)

Sharqiya Sands

Take a scenic drive through the eastern Hajar Mountains to Sharqiya Sands. Stop at Wadi Bani Khalid, a picturesque river valley, before continuing to Sharqiya Sands, home to the Bedouin people. Stay overnight at Arabian Oryx Camp (or similar)*. (B, D)

Nizwa

Early departure for Nizwa, stopping en route at the bustling Sinaw livestock market. Proceed to the Wadi Al Madeen checkpoint, which leads to the high peaks of Jabal Akhdar, with spectacular views. Stay 2 nights at The Sama Hotel, Jabal Akdhar (or similar)*. (B, D)

Nizwa & surrounds

Morning visit to the impressive new souk, then visit the massive Nizwa Fort, which dominates the town. Drive past the date plantations in Al Hamra village and visit a traditional Omani house at Bait Al Safah. After lunch, continue to Bahla to visit a pottery maker and watch mud vessels being made. Continue to Jabal Shams, Oman's highest peak, stopping en route at Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakher farming villages before returning to Nizwa. (B, D)

Bahla fort - Muscat

Leave for Muscat. En route, visit Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before driving through the Sumail Gap to Muscat. Arrive back in Muscat in the late afternoon. Stay overnight at Radisson Blu Hotel (or similar). (B)

Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for a flight from Muscat to London with Oman Air. (B)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.