Highlights & hiking in Oman

Mascat

Tag 1: Welcome to Muscat

An up-and-coming destination in the Persian Gulf, prepare to be surprised by this tour through the north of Oman. Head to the hotel and shake off the journey with a swim in the rooftop pool, followed by a leisurely dinner in this modern oasis.

Muscat - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - Muttrah

Tag 2: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Muttrah

Discover Muscat; modern, beautiful, yet retaining the traditional feel of a Middle Eastern city. Take a full tour with lunch in a local restaurant (included).  Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, look out for the Opera House, The Sultan's Palace and the National Museum. The  trip also includes a guided hike to the Portuguese fort at Muttrah, with its impressive panoramic views. Muttrah itself is the old commercial district of Muscat, renowned for its Souk. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleyways and try your hand at bartering for anything from textiles, silver and gold, to spices and Omani speciality frankincense.

Nakhl - The View

Tag 3: Nakhl Fort

Today begins the 9-day guided 4x4 tour included in this trip.  Head up into the mountains to Nahkl Fort; incredibly photogenic, it is worth circling the apparently impenetrable walls to truly appreciate its scale. Head inside to imagine life among the traditional Omani decor and weaponry on display.

The trip includes entry to the Bait Al Ghasam Museum just outside Nakhl. This 300 year old fortified mud-built residence has been sensitively restored and provides a unique insight into the Omani way of life. Seek out the hidden passage way, library and a room full of donated treasures.

The day ends at The View hotel, tucked into the hills and providing an ideal base from which to explore the Jabal Shams region. Dinner here is included.

Al Hamra - Misfah Al A

Tag 4: Al Hamra and exploring Misfah Al Abriyyin

Visit one of the best preserved traditional towns in Oman; stroll between the historic buildings and visit the Bait Al Safah living museum (entry included) to discover more about traditional Omani life.  If there is time, its worth the short detour to visit the impressive Al Hoota cave.

Move on to Misfah Al Abriyyin, take a guided hike (included) through the locale. Explore this luscious mountainside oasis. Wander among mud homes and palm-shaded terraces, intersected by cool passages and stairways. Afterwards, stop in at the locally-run Rogan Cafe project for an iced coffee and a snack, seated on one of the terraces.

Return to the The View overnight.

Wadi Nakhr - Jebel Shams

Tag 5: Hiking around Wadi Nakhr

Journey into Wadi Nakhr and complete a hike through this spectacular landscape (included).  Wadi Nakhr travels up into the Omani mountain interior as far as An Nakhur village.  The Wadi is also known as the 'Grand Canyon' of Oman, and a further 4km hike takes you along the Balcony walk set along the rim of the canyon edge (included). Enjoy stunning views, visit waterfalls and look out for mountain goats on this incredible trail.

Afterwards, head to the Jebel Shams resort, the perfect place to unwind and relax after a day in the hills. Dinner is included.

Bahla - Jabreen - Nizwa

Tag 6: Bahla, Jabreen and Nizwa

Today takes you to Bahla, a 13th Century defensive settlement with UNESCO World Heritage status. A walled oasis, enjoy a stroll through the site, known not only for its battles, but also for locally produced pottery. Close by is Jabreen Castle (entrance included), a huge three-story structure from the 17th century. Look out for the wooden inscriptions and ceiling paintings.

From Jabreen, move to Nizwa, once the Capital of Oman and site of a massive castle fortress constructed in the 17th century. Camels and goats may steal the limelight around this highly photogenic site, as you follow an informative historic trail. Stop off for a coffee at the Fort coffee shop and pick up some souvenir trinkets at the Nizwa souk.

The intercity hotel provides a tranquil location for the night and an easy dinner option for tired feet; there is a waterpark next door for those seeking a few more thrills.

Birkat Al Mouz - Jebel Akhdar

Tag 7: Birkat Al Mouz to Jebel Akhdar

Today's tour takes in the ruined village at Birkat Al Mouz; take a short walk from the mosque to this fascinating site set amongst a banana palm plantation.

Jebel Akhdar the 'green mountain' is also the location for the night; the Sama Hotel offers a mountainside retreat with stunning views of the canyon and the distant sunset. Dinner included.

Jebel Akhdar

Tag 8: Hiking around Jebel Akhdar

Spend today on a guided hike around Jebel Akhdar (included). Make your way through spectacular scenery, discover abandoned villages, traversing terraced hillsides. You may even reach the Mirage in the Mountains. Return to the Sama Hotel and dine in, or head out to one of the local restaurants. The Al Burj Lounge (part of the nearby Anatara resort) offers an upmarket shisha experience. 

Al Mudhaireb - Wahiba Sands

Tag 9: A night in Wahiba Sands

The tour continues to Al Mudhaireb, an ancient village traditionally occupied by the Al Harthi tribe. Explore the culture and heritage house, climb to the old watchtower and seek out hidden architecture around the village quarters.

Move on to Wahiba Sands, breathtaking classic dune formations reaching up to 200m. Take a glimpse into Bedouin life in the region and for the full desert experience, spend the night at the traditional Thousand Nights Camp.

Enjoy dinner around the campfire (included) and marvel at the clear night sky, then awaken to a stunning sunrise.

Wadi Bani Khalid - Sur - Ras Al Hadd

Tag 10: Wadi Bani Khalid, Sur and Ras Al Hadd

Wadi Bani Khalid is where the desert and mountains collide; freshwater and a tropical climate prevail.  Swim in the main pools or into the narrower canyons for a reviving and refreshing experience.  Grab a coffee, ice cream and even popcorn at the restaurant before heading off to Sur.

A traditional boatbuilding city, Sur occupies a prime location on the coast. It does have an industrial area, yet remains surprisingly tranquil.  Visit the Dhow Factory (entrance included), souk and either of the forts.

To the East, Ras Al Hadd is a castle that sits prominently on the headland, soak up the authentic atmosphere here before moving across the headland to Turtle Beach.  The resort offers traditional style, but modern facilities and the typical charming Omani welcome. Dinner is included for the last night of the 4X4 tour.

Wadi Shab - Bimah Sinkhole - Muscat

Tag 11: Hiking and swimming in the Wadi Shab

Head north along the coast for the final day of the 4x4 tour.  Hike up through the canyon, with the chance to see how local agriculture survives in this challenging environment. Swim in the upper pools and waterfall, enjoy local tea or coffee at a cafe en route, and stop at the Bimah sinkhole on the return leg.

Return to Muscat, where the Crowne Plaza provides a striking waterfront location for the final two nights of the trip. Savor a cool drink at Dukes Gastro as the sun dips. Choose from italian cuisine, traditional persian fayre or the lavish buffet on the terrace with stunning sea views.

Muscat

Tag 12: Return to Muscat

Revisit favourite locations from the beginning of your time here, or discover new gems, or simply head to the beach for a day in the sun, to revive and restore even the most aching limbs. A plethora of local restaurants and cafes lines the shore, or head to one of the many fine dining venues found within the hotels. The Tomato in the Intercontinental is well worth visiting for lunch, while The Edge at Crowne Plaza is pretty unbeatable.

Muscat

Tag 13: Departure day

Hotel to airport transfer included, ready for departure from Muscat International Airport.