Oman: Arabian Adventure

After taking Saga’s included VIP door-to-door travel service to the airport, fly overnight to Muscat, the capital city of Oman.

Arrive in Muscat early in the morning and transfer to the locally rated 4-star Al Falaj Hotel. Sitting on the Gulf of Oman, and backed by the rugged Al-Hajar mountain range, Muscat is a beautifully preserved port city that contrasts historic character with contemporary architecture. Oman’s most populous city is formed of several smaller towns grown together, and due to the Sultan’s preferences the skyline of the Muscat is unlike any other capital city, with modern construction following traditional architectural styles. For the adventurous, the capital has a lot to offer, including mountain climbing, trekking, desert safaris and incredible diving and snorkelling locations. D

After breakfast set off on an included city tour of Muscat. The highlight of the tour will be the Grand Mosque, a modern architectural wonder built for the Sultan Qaboos, and completed in 2001, to mark his 30th year of reign. From here visit the Bait Al Zubair museum, home to an extensive collection of Omani artefacts including stamps, furniture and handicrafts, the Al Alam Palace, and the Muttrah Souq – one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world, selling an array of oils, spices, textiles and antiques. You’ll return to your hotel to spend the afternoon at leisure. B, D

Depart your hotel after breakfast and begin your journey to the historic town of Nizwa.

Pause en-route at the Seeb fish market for the chance to experience true Omani culture, before continuing to an Amouage perfumery where you can learn about the making of one of the world’s most expensive perfumes. Complete your journey with a stop at the Nakhal Fort. Re-built in the 17th-century to control trade into the town of Nizwa, the fort was fully renovated in 1990 and is an impressive example of traditional Omani architecture. After climbing the sand coloured walls of the imposing fort, take in the panoramic views and then head down to the Nakhal hot springs for a relaxing soak.

Arrive in Nizwa, one of Oman’s oldest cities, set beneath some of the country’s highest mountains and surrounded by an oasis of date palms. Transfer to the locally rated 3-star Falaj Daris Hotel for a two-night stay on a full board basis. B, L, D

Please note: Nakhal Fort may be closed during your visit. If so, you will visit the nearby Naman Fort instead.

Today enjoy a full day of sightseeing, first visiting Bahla Fort, the only fort in the world to be granted UNESCO-listing, and then explore Jabreen Castle, admiring the impressive Omani woodcarvings and painted ceilings. Next, travel north to the village of Al Hamra, famed for its date plantations, to see the wonderfully preserved mudbrick houses built in the Yemeni style, and the ruined village of Tanuf destroyed during the Jebel Akhdar rebellion in the 1950’s. Lunch today is at a local restaurant in Nizwa. B, L, D

After breakfast visit the imposing Nizwa Fort and explore the bustling Nizwa Souq, selling a myriad of goods from fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, to spices, dates and silverware for which the city is famed. Don’t miss the opportunity to pick up some traditional Omani handicraft souvenirs! Depart Nizwa and drive to the Wahiba Sands, pausing at Birkat Al Mouz, two ruined towns surrounded by lush banana plantations. On arrival in the Wahiba Sands desert, you’ll spend the evening with a Bedouin family, learning about their nomadic lifestyle, and enjoy Kahwa – a local Omani coffee, brewed using a traditional desert method, before an evening dune walk to see the sunset. Stay overnight at the locally rated 3-star 1000 Nights Camp in a luxury authentic Bedouin tent, complete with WC and shower and equipped with electricity. B, L, D

Today you’ll set off for the east coast, stopping at Wadi Bani Khalid, a picturesque valley with green palm trees and turquoise pools – the perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Continue on to the Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve, a world renowned nesting location for the endangered green turtle, where you’ll stay overnight in the scientific research centre. After an early dinner, take a guided walk to the beach to see where the females return to the beach to lay their eggs. B, L, D

Please note: The peak season for turtle nesting is May to September, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Depart this morning for Sur, historically an important destination for sailors, and today the sea stills plays an important role in daily life. Stop at the local fish market to watch the fisherman unload the catch of the day, and then explore the Dhow shipyard where authentic wooden ships are still built. Continue to Wadi Shab, a popular valley where locals come to swim in the fresh water pools. Transfer to Muscat this afternoon for your return flight to the UK and included door-to-door travel service home. B, L.