Highlights of Oman

Day 1  Muscat      
Arrive in Muscat and explore the city at leisure before meeting your fellow travellers at a welcome meeting this evening.  

Day 2  Muscat      
Perhaps the Middle East’s most fascinating city, Muscat covers a huge area, actually formed of three settlements. Discover some of the city’s highlights today, including the enormous Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the historic souk at Muttrah and Old Muscat’s 16th Century forts.  

Day 3  Muscat to Ras Al-Jinz      
Depart Muscat and travel southeast to the picturesque Bimmah Sinkhole. Continue along the coast and stop by at Sur; the town’s shipyards were once a hub for traditional dhow building. Head out to a turtle sanctuary this evening to witness the nesting process of these fascinating creatures.  

Day 4  Ras Al-Jinz to Wahiba Sands    
Oman is full of scenic wadis; stop by at Wadi Bani Khalid – a rocky oasis in the mountains – where there’s time for a hike or a swim in the natural springs. Afterwards, travel deep into the desert to tonight’s desert camp for a traditional meal under the amazing night sky.  

Day 5  Wahiba Sands to Nizwa
Perhaps rise early and enjoy a peaceful sunrise before leaving the desert behind, heading towards Ibra. Visit Jabrin Castle, built in the 17th Century and Bahla Fort, a magnificent walled city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Nizwa this afternoon.  

Day 6  Nizwa  
Start the day with a colourful trip to the weekly Nizwa cattle market. Watch locals buy and trade the best livestock, directly from traditional herders. Afterwards, travel to Al Hamra and see the historic mud houses of Misfat al Abriyeen. While in the area, learn about the ancient aflaj irrigation system which is still in use today and helped irrigate this arid country for centuries.  

Day 7  Nizwa to Muscat      
Journey back to Muscat via Wadi Bani Awf, a narrow track through the Hajir Mountains. Reach Muscat by late afternoon and enjoy a final evening with your fellow travellers.  

Day 8  Muscat      
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast.