Travel to Nizwa

• Nizwa - weekly goat & cattle auction, Nizwa fruit, vegetable & spice souq, Nizwa Fort
• Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)
• Night 1 - Jebel Akhdar

Arrive at Oman International Airport and transfer to airconditioned 4WD. Travel via the Sumail Gap and the Western Hajars to Nizwa for the weekly goat and cattle auction; enjoy the ʻorganised chaosʼ of hundreds of men in flowing dishdashas (traditional long shirt dress) and colourful mussars or kummahs (head wear) as they buy and sell their livestock. A wander through the fruit, vegetable, and fish souq leads to the alleyways of aromatic spices and silverware, copper and rugs just outside the walls of the Nizwa Fort. From the 17th century, Nizwa Fort has dominated the town of Nizwa; From the top of its 40 metre tall round tower there are views of the surrounding Hajar Mountains and the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, built at the same time as the Fort and Nizwa town itself.

During the afternoon take in the mesmorising views of the Hajars (mountains) as we drive to the Saiq Plateau at 2000m. Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) is famous for its terraced gardens, roses and orchards. Enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the mature juniper trees. Overnight Jebel Akhdar.

Nizwa & Surrounds

• Tanuf, Al-Hamra, Misfat Al Abryeen
• Jebel Shams & Omanʼs Grand Canyon
• Night 2 - Nizwa

Tanuf is an interesting deserted village at the foot of the mountains; It was the scene of civil unrest in the 1950s, during the Jebel Wars. The original falaj system (water channels) still flows through the village and along the cliffs. Al Hamra is one of the oldest villages in Oman with two and three storey mud-brick houses built in the Yemeni style and the village of Misfat Al Abryeen literally clings to the mountain itself, amongst date plantations. Picnic lunch in Wadi Ghul.

Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain) is Omanʼs highest mountain at 3,075m, known not for its peak but for the dizzying views into the spectacularly deep straight-sided Wadi Ghul known locally as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. Return to Nizwa.

Nizwa & Surrounds

• Jabrim Castle, Bahla Castle, Bahla Pottery, free afternoon
• Nizwa Souq at night
• Night 3 - Nizwa

The view of Jabrim Castle rising from the surrounding plain as we approach is impressive; Jabrim is one of the most picturesque Omani castles with its famous hand- painted wooden ceilings and carved doors. Wander through the myriad of hidden rooms and passageways, see the carved vaults in the burial chambers and climb staircases to the roof for views to the distant horizon.

Bahla is one of the finest walled cities in the world; these extended for 12km and can still be seen. The 12th century fort built by the Bani Nebhan tribe is under Unesco World Heritage classifiation. Visit the local potters, well-known in Oman for the creamy beige pots used for water storage.

Afternoon at leisure. In the early evening we head into town to wander the shops checking out the womensʼ fashions. Overnight Nizwa.

Nizwa to Sharqiya Sands

• Birkat Al Mawz, Bedouin Family visit. A night of Bedouin Music
• Night 4 - Safari Desert Camp

Enroute to the our Desert Camp we stop to explore the postcard pretty village of Birkat Al Mawz (which means ʻbanana poolsʼ) The mountain formations and watchtowers on the surrounding hilltops makes an impressive scene. Arriving at the sands we visit some of our Bedouin friends to enjoy fowala (traditional refreshments of coffee and dates).

Our permanent Bedouin camp is located 25km inside the quiet desert landscape of the magnificent red and white dunes of the Sharqiya sands, accessed only by 4WD. The Bedouin women of the sands wear distinctive brightly coloured costumes, peaked metallic masks and an abeyya (outer garment) of gauze. After checking in, we can enjoy the exhilaration of dune driving before immersing ourselves in the serenity of the desert. After dinner we will be entertained by local Bedouin musicians who welcome everyone to join in our evening of music, song and dance. Overnight Camp.

Sharqiya Sands

• Wadi Bani Khalid, Camel ride with Dune Sunset
• Night 5 - Safari Desert Camp

A relaxed morning at Wadi Bani Khalid famous for its beauty, abundant vegetation and natural spring. The spring waters flow all year and collect in a series of deep pools of emerald green water ideal for swimming. The approach road zigzags through the colourful geological rock formations of the Eastern Hajars with spectacular views of the wadi pools from high above.

In the afternoon we return to Safari Desert Camp with our Bedouin guide and camels to enjoy the peace, quiet and sense of space unique in the desert. From the top of the dunes watch the setting sun turn the endless desert sands blood orange. Overnight Camp.

Sharqiya Sands to Ras Al Hadd

• Ibra Womenʼs Souq, Sur, Ras Al Jinz - Turtle Viewing
• Night 6 - Ras Al Hadd

Enroute to the coast we stop at Ibra to enjoy a morning browsing the weekly Womenʼs Souq. Prepare for a sensory overload and to be bedazzled by the explosion of colour of multi coloured fabrics, silks, satins, embroidered trims, bead work, scarves, perfumes, makeup, incense and handicrafts. Men are not welcome.

We continue to the ancient port town of Sur with its long history of dhow-building. Sur is an attractive town with houses built in traditional Omani design, beautiful beaches, two forts and corniche. After our busy morning we enjoy a relaxed lunch at a well-known local restaurant before checking in to Turtle Beach Resort at Ras Al Hadd. Built in the traditional style of barasti huts (palm leaf house) but with all modern comforts, Turtle Beach Resort has its own glorious lagoon. Afternoon at leisure.

After dinner be one of the privileged to see the protected Giant Green Turtles as they come ashore on the sands of Ras Al Jinz (the eastern most point of the Arabian Peninsular), an important turtle-nesting site for these endangered giants. Over 20,000 females return annually to lay their eggs. Accompanied by rangers watch the awe-inspiring sight of egg-laying or hatchlings emerge from their sandy beds. Overnight Ras Al Hadd.

Ras Al Hadd to Muttrah

• Qalhat, Bibi Miriamʼs Tomb, Bait Al Afeet Sinkhole
• Muttrah Corniche, Muttrah Souq
• Night 7 - Muttrah

Morning at leisure. After a late checkout, we follow the spectacular coastal road accompanied by the Eastern Hajars (mountains) which seem to monitor our progress enroute to Muttrah.

A stop at Qalhat, one of the most ancient sites in Oman, to see Bibi Miriamʼs Mausoleum and remnants of the old city walls. A few kilometres before Dibab we make a stop at Bait Al Afreet Sinkhole (House of the Demon). A popular swimming spot, the depth of its deep green water is still unknown.

On our arrival to Muscat we check into our hotel on the Muttrah Corniche to freshen up before joining the locals in the late afternoon & evening to wander the corniche and alleyways of Souq Al Dhalam (Market of Shades). Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and ambiance of the market at night while browsing the myriad displays of gold and silver jewellery, rugs, handicrafts, clothing and antiques. Dine at a local restaurant. Overnight Muttrah.

Khasab - Musandam Peninsula

• Internal flight Muscat to Khasab
• Half Day Cruising the Khors with lunch, Half Day to Kumzar
• Night 8 - Khasab

Transfer to Seeb International Airport for our short flight north to the Musandam Peninsular. In October the weather is clear and we will glimpse our first sighting of the magnificent rugged fjiords of Musandam from the air.

Today allows us to totally relax, soak up the sun, the sea and the truly unbelievable beauty of the Musandam khors (fjiords). After checking into our hotel, we board our traditional dhow. At Telegraph Island we drop anchor to enjoy swimming in the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman with the colourful fish or watch the pods of dolphins who come to visit. Lunch is served on board.

Transfer to speed boat for our exhilarating ride along the coast to the northernmost town in Oman. Geographically isolated and accessed by sea, it is home to a community of 3000 people. Kumzar sits at the base of a steep gorge, the densely packed houses on raised land on either side of the channel. Overnight Khasab.

Khasab - Musandam Peninsula

• Half day 4WD Mountain tour
• Half day Bakha & Coast tour
• Night 9 - Khasab

Rising steeply from sea level to 1800metres the road to Jabal Harim ʻMountain of Womenʼ and the high plateau at Sayh is truly breathtaking. There are many examples of petroglyphs, featuring prehistoric drawings. We will view the magnificent Khor Najd, Rawdah Bowl, a green oasis after winter rains and a example of Bait al Qufl (house of key) unique to Musandam. Khasab Castle now houses an impressive museum with displays of traditional Musandam boats and houses, heritage and culture of the region.

In the afternoon we take the stunning coastal road to Bukha, a sprawling town overlooked by the Bukha Fort. Built in the early 17th Century the main watchtower is an unusual pear shape.

Evening meal in Khasab.

Depart mid-morning - to Muscat

• Internal flight Khasab to Muscat
• Afternoon & Evening at Leisure
• Night 10 - Muttrah

Transfer to airport for our return to Muscat. After checking in to our hotel we have the day to continue to explore the city of Muscat. The Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum, Souq.

Dine out at a fabulous local restaurant to celebrate our visit of beautiful Oman, The Jewel of Arabia.

Depart Muscat

Transfer to Seeb International Airport for Outbound Flights