On arrival you will be met by our representative outside the airport and transfer to your hotel and the start of your Omani adventures.

Leaving this morning we head to the Grand Mosque, a beautiful example of Arabian Islamic architecture. Next we head to the Natural History Museum, which has some excellent collections of bygone era, displayed.

This afternoon we drive along the waterfront Corniche heading to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos for a photostop, then onto the 16th century Portuguese Mirani and Jalali forts. We’ll visit the colourful Muttrah Souq for a chance to browse an oriental bazaar and then return to the hotel.
 

After breakfast we set off for Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman. En route we will have the stops of oasis villages of Fanja and Birkat al Mauz, then head to Bahla and Jabrin.

Bahla is a mystical town once famous for its black magic rituals but now is known for its traditional Arabian pottery making. We’ll visit one of the potteries here and then continue our drive to Jabrin Fort, built in 17th century, once the seat for Omani learning.

We’ll also visit Al Hamra, one of the oldest village of Oman, having houses that date back 400 years. Al Hamra Falaj system is also one of the oldest of its kind and has recently been added to World Heritage Site List.

Before arriving in Nizwa we visit Al Hota caves, one of the largest natural caves in Oman.

We first start with and exploration of Nizwa. We visit the round tower fort of Nizwa and the town’s souq where they sell pottery, gold and silverware.

Later we set off for the Wadi Gul and visit a carpet-weaver and at Wadi Nakar we see one of the most-remote villages in the mountains. Also on our itinerary is Tanuf as we head for Jebel Shams, the highest peak of the Jebel Akdhar range. Here is located what is known as the Grand Canyon of Oman a sight truly worth seeing.
 

We set off this morning into the Wahiba Sands, a vast desert area that is adjacent to the famous Empty Quarter.

First we visit the old cities of Ibra and Sinaw along with Al Mudayib camel farm. We then enter the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sand, a veritable sea. This unique environment is far from barren, being host to a variety of flora and fauna.

We will have roller coaster dune ride as our Land Cruisers climb the dunes and then drop down the other side. The whole area is breathtaking and has scattered settlements of local Bedouin who me may be able to meet.

This evening we camp under the incredibly clear skies and a myriad of stars.

Drive toward the Sur and en route visit of Wadi Bani Khalid a beautiful oasis in the middle of the barren and dry mountains and where we can enjoy turquoise-blue pools of fresh water. We spend some time at the wadi to enjoy the ambiance then continue to Sur.

Sur is a coastal town and famous for dhow building. We visit the dhow shipyards and then check into our hotel.

This evening we visit a turtle reserve to see the green turtles that use the beaches here on the India Ocean coast to lay their eggs.

Next we head north again driving the coastal route back to Muscat. The drive along this route is one of the most memorable as the road winds through oases, past white sandy beaches and deep wadis.

We pause at Wadi Tiwi and the famous Wadi Shab where we make a short 30 minute trek in to see the wadi’s amazing pools. We also see Fins Beach and the Bimah Sinkhole before reaching Muscat.

This morning we head to the lively Muttrah fish market where the days catch is a sight to see! We then walk along the Corniche before this afternoon heading out for a coastal boat cruise.

After breakfast we depart for the airport and connect with the flight to Salalah.

The region of Dhofar and city of Salalah! A Salalah city tour follows, showing why Salalah is known as the “garden city” of the south, a veritable tropical paradise. In the afternoon head for East Salalah, with visits to Taqa village, the ruins of Samharam and Mirbat. This area is where the Queen of Sheba traded frankincense with the rest of the world.

We continue our sightseeing today with visits to local garden farms, and where you can see coconut, banana, papaya and vegetables being grown. 

We’ll have a photo stop at the beautiful Shanfari Mosque with its exquisite artwork and stained tiles and also visit Al Husn Souq, where frankincense crystals of Dhofar and typical Dhofari frankincense burners are sold.
We return via the Al Balid Museum, famous for its Dhofari costumes.

This afternoon we visit the Biblical “Nabi Ayoub” the tomb of the Prophet Job and en route are spectacular views of the plains, mountain landscape and emerald green pastureland. We proceed to Mughsail Beach where water geysers spout through “blow-holes”, and drive a hairpin road that leads to the Yemen border.

We’ll see the stark shapes of leafless frankincense trees dotting the landscape: once traded as a commodity more precious than gold, frankincense harvested in Dhofar is rated the best in the world.

After breakfast at hotel we’ll depart to the airport to connect with the flight to Muscat and then proceed to the international terminus for flight home.