Highlights of Oman

In the afternoon, drive to the beach at Quantab, just outside Muscat. From here, enjoy a relaxed walk along the picturesque Corniche, a 3km stretch of coastal road, and on to old Muscat, the walled section of the city. Here, you tour Bait Al Zubair Museum, the Al Alam Palace, and the 16th century Portuguese forts, Mirani and Jalali.

In the evening, visit the souk, or central market, before returning to your hotel.

NB. If you’re uninterested in souvenir shopping or bargaining in the market, let your guide know and they’ll take you on a short walking tour of the souk, avoiding as much as possible the souvenir stalls, before you return to your hotel.

The next two days will be spent exploring this historically rich city and its surrounding region, including the Al Hajar Mountains. This afternoon will see you focus on the area around Nizwa, visiting the 17th-century castle at Jabrin, famed for its intricate carved wooden doors and painted ceiling beams; the nearby town of Bahla, one of the oldest settlements in Oman and a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site; and Al Hoota Cave, one of the largest natural caves in Oman.

Return to Nizwa late afternoon and check-in at the Falaj Daris, your hotel in the city centre.

Late morning, leave town and drive to the village of Misfat-al-Abreen, in the Al Hajar Mountains. Located at the foot of Jebel Shams, Misfat is a picturesque settlement set among terraced plantations and date palms, against a stunning mountainous backdrop. It is one of Oman’s oldest oasis towns, and boasts a beautifully-preserved example of a traditional falaj water irrigation system, for which reason it is now a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site.

From Misfat-al-Abreen, continue to the base of Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain, via the yawning expanse of Wadi Ghul, a vast canyon often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arabia.

After stopping for a picnic lunch, set off on a gentle hike into the canyon, following a well-marked trail to the ruined village of As Sab: a huddle of abandoned homes, backed by the vast slopes of Jebel Shams. Near As Sab is a small spring pool, where you can cool off after the walk (don’t forget your swim wear!) Allow 3-5 hours to complete the trek, which is on mostly level terrain, before returning to your hotel in Nizwa.

This evening will be spent camping in the desert, as you journey into the Wahiba Sands, a vast sea  of red and white sand. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes allow for fantastic photos. After some exciting sand dune driving in a 4x4, you’ll arrive at your desert camp, where a barbecue dinner will be waiting.

The evening is free for you to relax at camp or enjoy the sunset from the top of the high dunes.

Once an important trading post, Sur is famed for its large shipyard, which in the past was used to construct dhows, traditional wooden Omani boats.

This evening, after an early dinner, pay a visit to the turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz, a vital nesting ground for the endangered green turtle.

There will be time to stop en route at Wadi Tiwi, an oasis set amid beautiful lemon and date plantations, and at Fins beach, a popular picnic spot, before you arrive into Muscat.

On arrival in Muscat, your guide and driver will drop you off at the airport to catch the late afternoon flight from Muscat to Salalah. In Salalah, meet with your local guide and driver and transfer to your hotel in the city centre, the Crowne Plaza.

Start the day with a visit to the Museum of the Frankincense Land. Situated in the ancient harbour of Al Balid, this small museum houses several excellent works of art depicting the rich culture and history of the Dhofar Region. Later this morning, continue to the impressive Shanfari Mosque, and from there to Al Husn Palace (Palace of the Sultan).

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the old Haffah Souq, where you can buy frankincense and numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs.

East of Taqah, visit the ruins at Sumhuram. A once-thriving port city, Sumhuram now lies in ruins, but visitors here are able to gain an insight into the architecture and living conditions as they were 2,000 years ago. There will also be time to visit the adjoining port of Khawr Rhori, which was once an important trade centre and the main port for the export of frankincense.

Later this morning, continue to Mirbat, the old capital of Dhofar, now famous for its old, wooden merchant homes. Just outside of Mirbat is the famous tomb of Bin Ali, thought to have been built in the late 12th-century.

On the way back to Salalah, rest at the Ayn Razat Gardens, a quiet, secluded spot at the foot of the Qara Mountains.

This afternoon, travel west to Mughsail, passing scattered frankincense trees en-route. Mughsail boasts a beautiful beach with spectacular natural water fountains, or ‘blow holes’. Your last stop for the day is at the Tomb of Prophet Ayub (Job), in the mountains north of Salalah.