Combining breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural legacy, the Sultanate of Oman is one of the least known yet most exciting tourist destinations in the Middle East.
You will visit magnificent forts and palaces, the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands and the stunning Islamic architecture.
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Muscat with Oman Air. Transfer and stay for 3 nights at the Park Inn.
Morning visit to the Grand Mosque†, followed by a tour of the city, including a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, the sultan’s palace and the forts of Al Jalali and Mirani. Continue to the Royal Opera House, the largest in the Middle East. Remainder of afternoon at leisure.
Full-day tour, including Barka fish market and Nakhal fort, before driving to the warm springs of Nakhal, where a picnic lunch is served. Early afternoon visit to Bait Na’aman fort before returning to Muscat. Optional twilight dhow cruise.
Drive south by 4x4 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.
Set off this morning for 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.
Early departure for Nizwa stopping en route at the bustling Sinaw market. Proceed to the Wadi Al Madeen checkpoint, which leads to Jabal Akhdar, a unique spot in the Arabian Peninsula with spectacular views. Continue to Nizwa.
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 Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak, stopping en route at Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakher farming villages before returning to Nizwa.
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.
Transfer to the airport for a flight from Muscat to London with Oman Air.
The 1000 Nights Campsite is located in an isolated area of the vast Sharqiya Sands, and offers a unique opportunity for guests to experience a taste of bedouin life. The campsite has 42 traditionally styled black goat-hair tents, and four modern air-conditioned Sand House rooms. The tents are furnished with camp beds, but there is no electricity or air conditioning and the tent accommodation must be regarded as basic. All Cox & Kings clients are accommodated in Sheikh tents, which have a private bathroom.
The Park Inn is located in the centre of several shopping areas and close to historical buildings of interest. Al Ghubra beach is about 2.5km from the hotel with the gardens at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque 4.5km away. This modern and stylish hotel has superb facilities including a rooftop bar with spectacular cityscape views across Muscat where you can dine and enjoy fine cocktails.
Ras Al-Jinz Scientific and Visitors Centre is located on the eastern shores of the Arabian peninsula in the Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve, approximately 1 hour's drive from Sur. The area is world renowned for the nesting endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas), probably the most important nesting concentration in the Indian Ocean.
The View is located at 4,590 feet (1,400 metres) above sea level in a valley spanning the Jebel Shams mountains, near Al Hamra and about a 45-minute drive from Nizwa. As its name suggests, the hotel has spectacular views over the surrounding terrain. The rooms have a pod-like design, each with their own private terrace. Local activities include trekking and visits to cultural sights. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the canyon from its terrace and serves breakfast, lunch and buffet dinner.
Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don't include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment's notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.
