Highlights of Oman: Muscat, Nizwa & the Wahiba Sands

Today you explore elegant Muscat, one of the most beautiful cities in Arabia. You visit the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful in the world, with its vast marble prayer hall, enormous chandelier and hand-woven carpet (dress modestly; women should bring a headscarf). You explore the atmospheric Mutrah Souq, a labyrinth of lanes fragrant with frankincense, and piled with silver, spices, textiles and antiques, and stroll the beautiful Mutrah corniche. You take in the twin 16th-century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani guarding the old harbour, the beautiful Al Alam royal palace, and the stunning Royal Opera House. The elegance and beauty of Muscat are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored gracious Muscat. This evening, perhaps savour Omani cuisine and the relaxed atmosphere. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey inland to historic Nizwa.

Today you journey inland to Nizwa, the historic old capital, amid mountains and palm oases. You travel into the interior, perhaps visiting the magnificent Jabrin Castle, one of Oman's finest, with its beautiful painted ceilings and rooms, and the mighty Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Nizwa, set amid a vast palm oasis beneath the Hajar mountains, you explore its magnificent 17th-century fort, climbing its enormous round tower for sweeping views over the oasis and mountains, and wander its lively, atmospheric souk, famous for silver, khanjars, pottery, dates and spices. The history and atmosphere are captivating. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation near Nizwa, immersed in the timeless heart of old Oman. This evening, savour the peace of the oasis town. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands.

Today you journey to the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands for a magical desert night. You travel into the Sharqiya region and the Wahiba Sands, a vast, beautiful desert of towering golden and russet dunes. You journey by 4x4 into the dunes, meeting Bedouin hosts, riding a camel across the sands, and climbing a high dune to watch a spectacular desert sunset paint the endless landscape gold and crimson. As night falls, you arrive at your desert camp among the dunes, dining beneath a canopy of brilliant stars and experiencing the warm hospitality and silence of the desert. As the day ends, you settle into the magical desert, sleeping beneath star-filled skies with the dunes all around. Rest well amid the beauty and silence of the Wahiba Sands, deep in the golden desert of Oman.

Today you journey from the desert to the coast, via a beautiful wadi and the dhow town of Sur. You wake to a beautiful dawn over the dunes, then leave the desert and visit the stunning Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis, with its turquoise pools, waterfalls and palm groves amid dramatic rock, where you can swim in the cool, clear water, an idyllic and refreshing experience. You continue to the coastal town of Sur, famous for its centuries-old tradition of building wooden dhows by hand, watching these graceful ships being built in the traditional dhow yards, and taking in the beautiful coast, lagoon and forts. As the day ends, you journey back towards Muscat along the dramatic coast, arriving in the capital. Relax this evening in Muscat, savouring the beauty of the desert, wadi and coast. Rest well.

Today you explore more of Oman's beautiful coast and wadis east of Muscat. You visit the spectacular Wadi Shab, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis, taking a short boat across a pool and walking amid palms and dramatic gorge walls to a series of stunning turquoise pools, where you can swim in the cool, clear water (and, for the adventurous, swim through to a hidden waterfall cave). You visit the remarkable Bimmah Sinkhole, a beautiful natural pool of turquoise water in a limestone sinkhole, lovely for a swim, and take in the beautiful coast. The beauty of these hidden natural wonders is magical. As the day ends, you return to Muscat, having explored the beautiful wadis and coast. This evening, savour Muscat's relaxed atmosphere and Omani cuisine. Rest well, ready for a final day exploring the capital tomorrow.

Today you enjoy a final, flexible day in gracious Muscat. You might explore more of the capital, revisiting the souk, visiting the excellent National Museum or the Bait Al Zubair museum, taking a dhow cruise along the beautiful coast (perhaps spotting dolphins), relaxing on a beautiful beach, or simply soaking up the elegant, relaxed atmosphere of the city. You might shop for souvenirs, frankincense, silver, khanjars, pottery and Omani crafts, in the souk. This flexible day lets you savour Muscat and reflect on the beautiful journey you have made across Oman. As the day ends, you gather your impressions of this beautiful, gracious land. This evening, savour a final dinner in Muscat, reflecting on the mosques, forts, deserts, wadis and coast of Oman you have experienced. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow, carrying warm memories of gracious Oman.

After a final morning in gracious Muscat, perhaps a last stroll along the corniche or some final souvenir shopping in the souk, you are transferred to Muscat International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the very best of Oman, elegant Muscat with its stunning Grand Mosque, souq and forts, the great fort and souk of historic Nizwa, the golden dunes and starry skies of the Wahiba Sands, and the turquoise wadis, dhow town of Sur and dramatic coast, all warmed by legendary Omani hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the beautiful Grand Mosque, the great round fort of Nizwa, the golden dunes at sunset, the turquoise wadi pools, and the graceful dhows of Sur. Oman offers beauty, authenticity, adventure and gracious warmth in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and welcoming land.