Oman: An Arabian Odyssey

Cultural & Scenic Journey Through Oman

Overview

Explore the heart of Oman—its majestic forts, royal palaces, coastal villages, desert dunes, and soaring mountains. This immersive journey reveals the warmth of the Omani people and the rich contrasts between the country’s desert, sea, and mountain landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Muscat

• Depart from London (regional connections available) to Muscat with Oman Air.
• Transfer to the Park Inn for a 3-night stay.
  Meals: None

Day 2: Discover Muscat

• Morning visit to the Grand Mosque†
• City tour highlights:
  • Bait Al Zubair Museum
  • The Sultan’s Al Alam Palace
  • Al Jalali & Mirani Forts
  • Royal Opera House Muscat – the largest in the Middle East
• Afternoon at leisure
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Muscat & Surroundings

• Full-day excursion:
  • Barka Fish Market
  • Nakhal Fort & nearby hot springs (picnic lunch included)
  • Bait Na’aman Fort
• Optional twilight dhow cruise
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Coastal Drive to Ras Al Jinz

• Scenic 4×4 journey along the coast from Muscat to Sur
• Stops en route:
  • Quriyat fishing village
  • Wadi Shab – a palm-fringed lagoon
  • Qalhat – ancient city once visited by Marco Polo
• Evening visit to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
• Overnight at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Hotel (or similar)
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Into the Sharqiya Sands

• Drive through the eastern Hajar mountains
• Stop at Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful oasis
• Continue to Sharqiya Sands, home of Oman’s bedouin communities
• Overnight at Arabian Oryx Camp (or similar)*
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Onward to Nizwa via Jabal Akhdar

• Early visit to Sinaw Livestock Market
• Ascend to the peaks of Jabal Akhdar via Wadi Al Madeen
• Spectacular mountain views
• Stay 2 nights at The Sama Hotel, Jabal Akhdar (or similar)*
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Nizwa & Beyond

• Visit the vibrant Nizwa Souk and Nizwa Fort
• Drive through Al Hamra, known for its date plantations
• Explore Bait Al Safah, a traditional Omani home
• Afternoon highlights:
  • Bahla pottery workshop
  • Visit Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest mountain
  • Stops at Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakher villages
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Return to Muscat

• Stop at Bahla Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Drive through Sumail Gap back to Muscat
• Overnight at Park Inn (or similar)
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Departure

• Transfer to Muscat Airport for return flight to London with Oman Air
  Meals: Breakfast