Oman Coast to Mountains

Arrive in Muscat and meet your guide. Start with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and its fine Islamic architecture, then wander through Mutrah Souq, where crafts, spices and frankincense tell of Oman’s trading past. End with a stroll along the Mutrah Corniche, looking over the harbour and the old town.

After breakfast, head south along the coast. Stop at the Bimah Sinkhole, a natural pool of clear water in the limestone, and at Wadi Shab, where paths lead between high cliffs to green pools. Arrive in Sur, an old port famous for its dhow builders and its sea trade.

Head inland from Sur to Wadi Bani Khalid, whose palm-fringed pools are perfect for a swim. Continue to the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands for the sunset and an evening at a desert camp under the stars.

Wake to the stillness of the desert, then drive to Nizwa. In Nizwa, the old capital of the interior, climb the great round tower of Nizwa Fort for the view over the oasis, then browse Nizwa Souq for silver, pottery, dates and local produce.

After breakfast, visit Birkat Al Mouz, an old village among date gardens and falaj channels, then climb to the cool heights of Jabal Akhdar, with its terraced farms, stone villages and deep canyons.

Drive down from the mountains to the oasis of Nakhal. Visit Nakhal Fort, set dramatically against the Hajar mountains, and relax by the warm springs nearby, then return to Muscat for a last evening in the capital.

Breakfast, then our driver takes you to the airport in Muscat in good time for your flight.