(Approximate driving time today is 3 hours)

Start your Oman holiday when you arrive at Dubai where you will be greeted by our representative and then transfer by road to Khasab (without guide). Khasab is also known as Musandam, the north most peninsula of Oman overlooking the strait of Hormuz. Check in to the hotel and then later this afternoon; enjoy lofty views on a 4WD mountain safari to Jebel Harim which is the highest point of the Musandam peninsula. The road winds through spectacular views of wadis, valleys and small village settlements. You will also visit Khawr Najd, a beautiful lagoon situated in the rugged mountains and also Khalidyah Park, a majestic Acacia woodland home to a variety of bird life. Overnight Atana Khasab (B)

This morning we board a traditional Arab dhow to enjoy a full-day’s cruise to Khor Sham. A great way to begin your Oman holiday. You will sail through the majestic fjord, surrounded by spectacular mountains and white sand beaches, passing  occasional tiny fishing villages. Scanning the water’s surface, be sure to look out for energetic and curious dolphins riding the dhow’s bow. We anchor at Telegraph and Seebi Island, excellent places for swimming and snorkelling where the pristine waters teem with colourful marine life. After a relaxed lunch aboard, we sail back to the harbour of Khasab and return to the hotel. Overnight Atana Khasab Hotel (BL)

Note: The cruise is a shared activity.

After breakfast, enjoy a morning orientation tour of Khasab city. Visit Khasab Fort built in the 17^th century by the Portuguese and the neighbouring village of Qadah to see the prehistoric cave paintings. You will also visit Wadi Tawi before returning to the hotel where the rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight Atana Khasab Hotel (B)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to the capital Muscat. On arrival meet our local representative and proceed to visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the Middle East. Afterwards, stop for a photo at the magnificent Royal Opera House before a drive through Muscat’s old, walled district with a visit to Bait Al Zubai Museum for its Omani cultural displays. Later we head to the bustling Muttrah Souk situated just off the attractive corniche where it’s possible to bargain for handicrafts and silverware. Overnight Al Falaj Hotel (B)

Note – You will not be accompanied by a guide on the flight to Muscat.

(Approximate overall driving time today is 3.5 hours)

Today drive through spectacular rugged mountains towards Sur. En route we stop at the unusual water filled depression known as Bimmah Sink Hole and Wadi Shab, an oasis of inviting pools where it may be possible to take a dip. After lunch, explore Sur, in the past renowned for its dhow shipyards, before continuing along the coast to Ras al Jinz. After an early dinner we visit the green turtle sanctuary where, after a journey of thousands of kilometres, these magnificent creatures come ashore to lay their eggs. Overnight Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (BD)

Note: The turtle watching is conducted in groups and not on a private basis. Turtles visit the beaches of Oman all year round, and sightings are common but can never be guaranteed.

(Approximate overall driving time today is 3 hours)

This morning drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, a welcome oasis in the middle of barren and arid mountain landscapes. It’s one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman, and its pools of clear deep blue water are a great opportunity for a swim. After lunch we head into the Wahiba Sands, an undulating red and white sea of dunes. After some exciting dune driving, arrive at our desert camp. This evening take the opportunity to climb up to the top of dunes for what should be a memorable Arabian sunset. Overnight 1000 Nights Camp (BD)

Note: The camp does not sell alcohol but you can bring it with you.

(Approximate overall driving time today is 5.5 hours)

After breakfast, we leave the dunes behind and drive to the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. En route visit Ibra Old Houses and explore Jebel Akhdar. In Arabic Jebel Akhdar means Green Mountains and the area is justifiably famous for its gardens, farms and terraced plantations. Visit Wadi Habib to see one of the more remote villages and its nearby fruit plantations, before continuing to Nizwa. Overnight Al Falaj Daris (BD)

(Approximate overall driving time today is 2 hours)

This morning we visit Nizwa’s souk, its busy livestock market and its atmospheric fort. Afterwards drive to the 17^th century Yaruba dynasty castle of Jabrin, where magnificent plasterwork, painted wooden beams and carved doors make it unique in Oman. Afterwards, continue to Bahla, one of the oldest towns in Oman and a 12^th century tribal capital. Admire the views of the town and its magnificent fort before continuing to Jebel Shams. Overnight Jebel Shams Resort (BD)

(Approximate overall driving time today is 5 hours)

This morning in the softer light we take in spectacular views of Jebel Shams, the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’. Afterwards drive to Al Hamra and Misfah, to see the region’s oldest villages. Here traditional mud houses over 400-years-old are incredibly still occupied. Thereafter enjoy a quite mesmerising journey through the mountains to Wadi Bani Awf, the end point of the canyon, to see the ‘snake gorge’ surrounded by vertiginous mountain cliffs. Finally, we visit Nakhl and its restored fort, perched on a rocky outcrop, before arriving in Muscat where you will transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Salalah. On arrival meet our local representative and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Salalah Garden Residences (B)

Note: You will not be accompanied by a guide on the flight to Salalah.

(Approximate overall driving time today is 4 hours)

This morning we travel to Taqa and visit the fort and the impressive ruins at Sumhuram which give an insight into life 2000-years-ago. The adjoining port of Khor Rori was once an important trade centre and the main conduit for the export of frankincense. Just before Mirbat, visit Bin Ali’s Tomb, marked by a twin-domed mosque and adjoining cemetery. In Mirbat, the former capital of Dhofar, visit the old merchant houses, built in traditional Omani-style. Returning to Salalah stop at Ayn Razat Gardens, a quiet place at the foot of the lush Qara Mountains. This afternoon we travel west towards Al-Mughsail Beach passing scattered frankincense trees. At the beach witness the surprisingly spectacular blow holes before visiting the Tomb of Prophet Ayub (Job), located in the mountains north of Salalah. Overnight Salalah Garden Residences (B)

(Overall driving time today is approx. 1.5 hours)

This morning visit Al Balid Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ‘The Museum of the Frankincense Land’. The museum’s displays focus on the geography and history of the Frankincense trail, and Oman’s rich marine heritage. Afterwards we drive through lush green plantations of various fruit and vegetables, stopping optionally to taste fresh coconut water at a street stall. Stop briefly at the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque and Al Husn Palace. At Al Hafa souk, famous for the sale of high-quality Frankincense, follow fragrant, winding alleys populated by stalls offering incense boxes, decorated clay incense burners, and bags of incense. There’s plenty of time to explore before returning to the hotel. Later transfer to the airport for your onward flight from Salalah. (B)

Note – If you wish to extend you stay in Salalah to enjoy the beach or take a day trip into the empty quarter please let us know or alternatively you may wish to return to Muscat and enjoy a beach stay there. Contact us if you wish to tailor your perfect Oman itinerary.