Oman: An Arabian Odyssey

Resort:	Oman: An Arabian Odyssey
Operator:	Cox and Kings
Destination:	Middle East
Price From:	£2195.00

Overview

Visit the key cultural and scenic sights of
Oman including magnificent forts and
palaces, the rolling dunes of Sharqiya Sands,
Omans highest mountains and picturesque
coastal fishing villages. Discover the warmth
of the Omani people and travel between the
contrasting landscapes of the desert, sea
and mountains.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Muscat

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Muscat with Oman Air. Transfer to the Park Inn for a 3-night stay. (N)

Day 2: Muscat

Morning visit to the spectacular Grand Mosque, followed by a tour of the city, including a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, the sultans palace and the forts of Al Jalali and Mirani. Continue to the magnificent Royal Opera House, the largest in the Middle East. Remainder of afternoon at leisure. (B, L)

Day 3: Muscat & surrounds

Full-day tour, including Barka fish market and view the Nakhal fort, before driving to the warm springs of Nakhal, where a picnic lunch is served. Early afternoon visit to Bait Naaman fort before returning to Muscat. Optional twilight dhow cruise. (B, L)

Day 4: Wadi Shab Qalhat Ras Al Jinz

Drive south by 4×4 along the coast from Muscat to Sur, passing the fishing village of Quriyat. Stops en route include Wadi Shab, a palm-fringed lagoon, and Qalhat, an ancient city visited by Marco Polo. Check in at your hotel, then make an evening visit to the green turtle nesting site at Ras Al Jinz beach. Stay overnight at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 5: Sharqiya Sands

Take a scenic drive through the eastern Hajar mountains to Sharqiya Sands. Stop at Wadi Bani Khalid, a picturesque river valley, before continuing to Sharqiya Sands, home to the bedouin people. Stay overnight at Arabian Oryx Camp (or similar)*. (B, D)

Day 6: Nizwa

Early departure for Nizwa, stopping en route at the bustling Sinaw livestock market. Proceed to the Wadi Al Madeen checkpoint, which leads to the high peaks of Jabal Akhdar, with spectacular views. Stay 2 nights at The Sama Hotel, Jabal Akdhar (or similar)*. (B, D)

Day 7: Nizwa & surrounds

Morning visit to the impressive new souk, then visit the massive Nizwa fort, which dominates the town. Drive past the date plantations in Al Hamra village and visit a traditional Omani house at Bait Al Safah. After lunch, continue to Bahla to visit a pottery maker and watch mud vessels being made. Continue to Jabal Shams, Omans highest peak, stopping en route at Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakher farming villages before returning to Nizwa. (B, D)

Day 8: Bahla fort Muscat

Leave for Muscat. En route, visit Bahla fort, a Unesco world heritage site, before driving through the Sumail Gap to Muscat. Arrive back in Muscat in the late afternoon. Stay overnight at the Park Inn (or similar). (B)