Forts and Deserts of Oman

Forts and Deserts of Oman
One of Arabia’s hidden gems, Oman is a land of rugged coastlines and vast deserts where tradition and
progress go hand in hand. Blessed with a dazzling array of natural and cultural highlights, the country that
spawned the legends of Sinbad the Sailor is also home to shifting sands and towering mountains, colonial
forts and the rich azure waters of the Arabian Sea.
This stunning adventure takes you into the heart of this remarkable country, journeying from its picturesque
capital and through the deserts and mountains into the tribal strongholds of the old Omani Imamate. From
Muscat you will follow the coastline towards the old dhow shipyards at Sur, before continuing on to search out
the nesting grounds of rare green sea turtles.
After camping amongst the shifting sands of Wahiba, you then continue through the jagged peaks of the Hajar
Mountains to Nizwa, whose 17th century fort and bustling souks are one of Oman’s cultural highlights. Whilst
here you will also take in the impressive settings of Jabrin and Bahla Forts, before ending amongst the
dramatic landscapes of the Jebel Al Akhdar (Green Mountain).
Highlights:
Take a boat trip to see dolphins.
Camp in the remote desert of Wahiba Sands.
Discover Masirah Island with its isolated beaches.
Discover the breathless landscape of the Hajar Mountains.
Explore the 17th century forts of Jabrin
Tour includes:
5 nights four star hotel, 2 nights desert camping
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
Accompanied by an experienced English speaking driver/guide
Private 4WD Land Cruiser
Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees
Private transfers to and from all airports
Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Muscat
Arriving in Oman's charming capital today, you will be met at the airport
and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Muscat
One of Arabia's most picturesque cities, Muscat lies within the protective embrace of a ring of horseshoe
mountains that run down into the glittering waters of Muscat Bay. This morning you take a tour of the city, first
visiting the walled city and the Old Town, before moving on to the Bait Zubhair Museum and the Al Alam
Palace, the royal residence of his majesty, Sultan Qaboos. This afternoon you will then enjoy a dolphin
watching boat trip, before heading on to Bandar Khyran and an evening's camping on a private beach. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Muscat - Sur
Returning to the Bandar Rhowda Marina this morning, you will be
collected by your personal guide and driven along the coast to Sur.
Once a major trading port with East Africa, Sur is home to Oman's
traditional dhow shipyards and today this timeless trade still continues
much as it has for generations. From here you will continue on to search
out the nesting grounds of the green turtle, where hopefully you will
catch sight of one of these remarkable creatures before heading back to
Sur for the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Sur - Wadi Bani Khalid - Wahiba Sands
This morning you depart the coast and head inland, towards the vast
expanse of Wahiba Sands, over 10,000 square kilometres of shifting
sands and towering 100 metre high dunes that are home to foxes,
gazelles, birds and small isolated settlements of semi-nomadic Bedouin.
The journey takes you via the oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid and into the
heart of this ever-changing landscape of colours and contours as you
make your way on towards your desert camp. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Wahiba Sands - Sinaw - Hajar Mountains
Breaking camp this morning you travel across country, passing through
the old market town of Sinaw and on to the towering peaks of the Hajar
Mountains (Stone Mountains). The highest mountain range on the
eastern Arabian peninsula, these jagged ridges separate the low lying
coastal plains from the high desert plateau of the interior and this
afternoon you have a chance to explore their breathtaking canyons
before continuing on to your overnight accommodation. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Hajar Mountains - Nizwa - Jabrin - Bahla - Jebal Al
Akhdar
Driving down into the oasis city of Nizwa this morning, you will explore a
little something of the once powerful capital of the old Omani Imamate.
Nizwa is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions; its
imposing 17th century fort and bustling souk providing a wealth of
scenic and cultural diversions. You will also visit the impressive fort at
Jabrin, possibly the finest of Oman's 17th century fortresses, whose
exquisite painted wooden ceilings provide eloquent testimony to the
skills of the fort's original builders. Following a brief photo stop to take in
the UNESCO World Heritage setting of Bahla Fort, you then continue up
into the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Jebel Al Akhdar for the
evening. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Jebal Al Akhdar - Muscat
You will drive back to the Omani capital today, to enjoy some free time to relax and make the most of this
charming city. (B)
Day 8: Muscat
Transfer to the airport in time for the onward flight back to London. (B)
Accommodation
Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands Wild Camp
Sur
Sur Plaza
Jabel Shams
The View
Jabel Akhdar
The Sahab Hotel
Muscat
Tulip Inn