Oman Discovery

Oman Discovery Itinerary

• Day 1: Fly to Muscat

  Fly from London (regional connections available) to Muscat with Oman Air. Transfer and stay 2 nights at the Hilton Garden Muscat (or similar). (N)

• Day 2: Muscat

  Morning visit to the impressive Grand mosque† and new Royal Opera House then learn how to make some traditional Omani cuisine with local culinary students. After a light lunch, continue to Al Alam Palace, the forts of Mirani and Al Jalali and the National Museum. Optional late afternoon dhow cruise along the coast, with a stop at a stunning cove. (B, L)

• Day 3: Muscat • Al Hamra

  Drive to Seeb fishing village, the sparkling springs at Nakhal and along the roads of spectacular Wadi Bani Awf. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the canyon before visiting the charming village of Bilad Sayt. Drive to Al Hamra, famous for its date plantations. Stay overnight at the Sama Heights, located 1,400 metres above sea level. (B, L, D)

• Day 4: Nizwa • Jabal Akhdar

  Early this morning drive to Nizwa, the birthplace of Islam in Oman. Experience the atmosphere and excitement of the Friday cattle market before wandering through the souk, home to handicraft stalls and silversmiths working in small shops. Visit the 17th-century round tower fort, then explore the narrow streets of the mountainside village of Misfah. Continue to the cooler climate of the Al Hajar mountains and stay 2 nights at Sama Hotel, Jabal Akhdar. (B, L, D)

• Day 5: Jabal Akhdar

  This morning take a leisurely half-day walking tour ending with a picnic lunch in the mountains. This area is known for its terraced fruit orchids and the sweet fragrance of roses fills the air in April and May. Small villages are dotted along the landscape, which look down on dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. (B, L, D)

• Day 6: Sharqiya Sands

  Travel to the village of Birkat Al Mauz, where you can walk through date plantations and see the Unesco-listed irrigation system. Continue to Sinaw market before a picnic lunch. Drive to Sharqiya Sands and stay overnight at 1,000 Nights Camp. Enjoy the sunset over the dunes before dinner at the camp. (B, L, D)

• Day 7: Muscat

  Spend a full day travelling to Muscat via the coast and Wadi Bani Khalid with its mountain villages, natural pools and intricate rock formations. Stops will be made at a dhow factory, the limestone crater of Bimah sinkhole and Fins Beach, where there will be an opportunity for a short swim. Stay 2 nights at Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC. (B, L)

• Day 8: Muscat

  Join a cruise in search of dolphins and whales as you sail along the rugged coastline. A stop will be made at Bandar Al Khayran, where the sheltered bays and copper-coloured mountains provide a perfect location for relaxation. Return to your hotel with the afternoon at leisure. Tonight there will be a farewell dinner at a restaurant serving Mughlai cuisine. (B, D)

• Day 9: Fly to London

  Transfer to the airport for a flight from Muscat to London with Oman Air. (B)

• Meal basis

  As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

• Important information

• *Accommodation

  This tour is based in 4-star accommodation, with the exception of Sharqiya Sands and Al Hamra, where the accommodation should be considered more basic. Transport will be by air-conditioned minibus and by a 4x4 vehicle from day 3 onwards.

• †Grand mosque visit

  Both men and women visiting the mosque must be fully covered. Women must also cover their head with a scarf.

• Solo Travellers group tours

  These small group tours have been specially created for single travellers. Benefits include single occupancy of double / twin rooms as standard and at sensible prices, plus the company of like-minded travellers. View the complete collection at CoxandKings.co.uk/solo-travellers.

• Standard tour

  This tour is based in 3- and 4-star accommodation.

• Private & Tailor-made travel

  This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements.