Depart London Heathrow on Gulf Airways flight via Bahrain (6 hours 40 minutes) to Muscat (1 hour 30 minutes). Arrive in Oman later this evening and transfer to the InterContinental Muscat.

Your journey begins in the Omani capital, one of the most picturesque cities in the Gulf, sandwiched between the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman and the encircling peaks of the Eastern Hajar Mountains. A full day tour of the city takes in the magnificent opulence of the Grand Mosque, one the largest in the world and capable of holding over 20,000 worshippers. Take in its beautiful tile work and marbled halls, decorated with stained glass and chandeliers, and see the expansive carpet that fills the prayer hall – 4,300 square metres of Persian carpet that has earned a place in the Guinness Book of world records. Also visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, whose location in a traditional Omani house affords a glimpse of the lifestyles and traditions of both ancient and modern Muscat. Continuing onto Muttrah’s elegant waterfront and Muscat’s Old Town, you will take a walking tour past the Royal Palace and the dominating bastions of the 16th century Portuguese forts of Jabali and Mirani.

Your destination today is the majestic citadel at Nakhl, an inspiring fortress that dominates the foothills at the base of the Jebel Akhdar Mountains. Dating back some 350 years this beautifully restored fort is one of the most magnificent in the country, set within a gorge and surrounded by a ring of imposing mountains. Towering some 30 metres above the surrounding landscape, its ceilings, doors and windows are decorated with beautiful carvings, whilst the impressive views from the rooftop offer a panoramic vista of the surrounding scenery. The old village of Nakhl, nestling below the fort, gradually leads to the warm springs of A ‘Thowarah, situated at the end of an attractive oasis.

A 4-wheel-drive transfer takes you along the eastern coast today, towards the dhow shipyards of Sur (240 KM/full day with stops). Travelling via the village of Quriyat, a large fishing village still guarded by the dominating presence of a 17th century watchtower, you will pass by the golden sands of Fins Beach and stop for a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque setting of Wadi Shab, en route to your destination. Checking into the Sur Plaza Hotel for the night, you then enjoy a remarkable evening’s visit to the turtle beach at Ras al-Hadd. The beaches of the Arabian Peninsula see thousands turtles come ashore during the nesting season, to lay anywhere up to a 100 eggs at a time in the soft sands, before resuming their epic journeys across the oceans. This evening affords an opportunity to possibly witness this enthralling event for yourselves. Please note, the main season is from July to September, but turtles do come ashore, albeit in fewer numbers, throughout the year.

After a morning’s visit to the clear green natural spring water pools of the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khaled, continue into the endless shifting dunes of Wahiba Sands, a spectacular landscape of ever changing colours and contours that has been home to Bedu tribesmen for generations. Covering some 10,000 square kilometres, this expansive sand sea presents a spectacular wilderness to explore, and one that is remarkably blessed with a dazzling array of bird and animal life, including some 115 species of birds, wild foxes and the rare Arabian sand gazelle. After a chance to enjoy some dune driving across the sands continue to Nizwa, regarded by many as Oman’s cultural capital, for a stay at the Falaj Daris Hotel (120 KM/full day with stops).

A full day exploring some of the highlights of the area includes the impressive fort at Bahla, which is currently closed for restoration (but none the less presents a fine view from nearby advantage points) and also that at Jabrin. Once home to the Imams, Jabrin Fort is filled with passageways and chambers, where most of the ceilings are decorated with beautiful Islamic motifs, including the breathtaking ‘Sun and Moon’ room, and from the roof the views out across the fertile plains to the distant mountains are truly stunning. Continue by heading into the mountain vistas of Jabal Shams, site of a spectacular 1,000 metre canyon, where it is possible to take an exhilarating walk through a landscape that has been aptly described as Oman’s very own ‘Grand Canyon’. En route back to the hotel visit the old mud-brick village of Tanuf, where you will have an opportunity to learn something of the Jebel Wars amongst its haunting ruined streets.

Before heading back to Muscat today, a morning visit to the souk and goat market will present you with one of the highlights of any visit to Nizwa. This weekly event encapsulates all the colour and noise of a traditional Arabic market, where traditionally dressed Omanis vie for space alongside an eclectic collection of goats, cattle, sheep and tourists! You will also visit Nizwa’s impressive 17th century fortress which was built during the struggles between the Sultan and the radical Imams. Towering some 40 metres above the surrounding souk, the fortress is an imposing circular bastion that once dominated the passage through the Sumail Gap, its 400 gun emplacements presenting a formidable barrier against invading troops. Also visit the lovely mountain village of Misfah, where labyrinthine streets and precarious stone houses cling to the rocks as they have for centuries, presenting you with a captivating glimpse into Oman’s rural past. Arrive back in Muscat later this afternoon (175 KM/full day with stops) where you will check into Al Bandar, part of the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa.

The next two days are free to enjoy at your leisure, perhaps making the most of the extensive facilities at the resort, or even venturing back into the city to explore some more of Muscat’s bustling souks and cultural delights.

At leisure in Muscat

Early afternoon transfer to the airport for Gulf Air flight via Bahrain to London Heathrow, arriving later this evening.