In the Land of Sinbad

Day 1-

Depart London Heathrow on Oman Air flight direct to Muscat (2125/0840**).

Day 2-

"Arrive in Oman in the morning and transfer to the InterContinental Muscat hotel for a 2 night stay in a seaview room. This afternoon you will be met by your guide to start your sightseeing. 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. Proceed to 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. Visit the famous Muttrah Souq, an Old World souq with charm and choice."

Day 3-

"After breakfast proceed to visit the magnificent opulence of the Grand Mosque, one the largest in the world and capable of holding over 20,000 worshippers (open for visitors from Saturday to Wednesday only except during holidays from 08:00 hrs until 1100 hrs). 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. Continue with a drive to the majestic citadel at Nakhl (approximately 2 hours drive from Muscat), 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. Picnic lunch will be served here. After spending some time here, return to Muscat. "

Day 4-

"A 4-wheel-drive transfer takes you along the eastern coast today, towards the dhow shipyards of Sur (approximately 7 hours with stops). Travelling via the village of Quriyat (1 and a half hours drive from Muscat), 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 (2 hours on from Quriyat) and stop for a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque setting of Wadi Shab (a further 15 minutes on), en route to your destination. Checking into the Sur Plaza Hotel for the night in a standard room (45 minutes from Wadi Shab), you then enjoy a remarkable evening’s visit to the turtle beach at Ras al-Hadd. The beaches of the Arabian Peninsula see thousands of 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. "

Day 5-

"After a morning’s visit to the clear green natural spring water pools of the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khaled (2 hours from Sur), continue into the endless shifting dunes of Wahiba Sands (a further hour on), 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 (1 hour 45 minutes drive), regarded by many as Oman’s cultural capital, for a stay at the Falaj Daris Hotel in a standard room. "

Day 6-

"A full day exploring some of the highlights of the area includes the impressive fort at Bahla ( 1 hour from Nizwa), which is currently closed for restoration (but none the less presents a fine view from nearby advantage points) and also that at Jabrin (10 minutes from Bahla). 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 (approximately 45 minutes drive), 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. Also visit the lovely mountain village of Misfah (approximately 45 minutes from Nizwa), 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. "

Day 7-

"In the early morning you will visit the Nizwa market area, where on Fridays a goat and cattle auction is held. This weekly event encapsulates all the colour and noise of a traditional Arabic market. The souq is also renowned for its intricately hand-carved, Khanjar"" and ornately designed silver Jewellery. You will then proceed to Nizwa town. It remains one of the most popular tourist attractions with its historical buildings & imposing fort, 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. The fort was built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’aruba, Access to the top is only by means of a narrow, twisting staircase barred by heavy wooden doors, studded with metal. From the top of the tower one can get a bird’s eye view of the Nizwa city. Continue with your drive to Muscat (approximately 2 hours). Arrive Muscat and check into the Al Bandar part of the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa for a 2 night stay in a deluxe seafacing room."

Day 8-

"Whole day at leisure, perhaps make the most of the extensive facilities at the resort, or even venture back into the city to explore some more of Muscat’s bustling souks and cultural delights. "

Day 9-

Late morning transfer to the airport for Oman Air flight to London Heathrow (1315/1740).

InterContinental Muscat

The InterContinental Muscat is set in 35 acres of palm gardens, and yet is in the diplomatic quarter and only a short distance from the old city. The hotel has 265 rooms all with the facilities you would expect in a first class hotel. There is a choice of restaurants, shaded lap pool, main swimming pool, children’s pool, six tennis courts, two air conditioned squash courts, health club and direct access on to the beach. The small Jawaharat al Shatti Mall is adjacent to the hotel and has a coffee shop snack bar and post office (0800 to 1400 Saturday to Wednesday, but mall open 0900 to 2200 daily)

Sur Plaza Hotel

The Sur Plaza Hotel is located in the city of Sur, originally famous for its dhow building, and 60 kilometres from the turtle beach at Ras-al-Hadd, a major tourist attraction in Oman. The hotel has 108 basic centrally air-conditioned rooms and facilities include a swimming pool, shop, restaurant and a bar.

Falaj Daris Hotel

Close to the famous fort and bustling souq in Nizwa, the Falaj Daris Hotel has 55 rooms with satellite television and mini-bar. There are two courtyards, each set around a swimming pools, a small gymnasium, restaurant and bar.

Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

he Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa opened early in 2006 and is located at the Bay of the same name. Comprising three hotels, with 680 rooms, it is set within 124 acres of landscaped gardens. All rooms have balconies and are sea facing, although some have better views of this than others because of the palm trees and lush gardens. The resort has a total of nineteen restaurants and bars, a Chi Spa, five tennis courts, a lazy river, three swimming pools, children’s pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, fitness centre and three private beaches (the longest being 450 metres in length). The three properties are Al Waha (first class), Al Bandar (deluxe) and the exclusive Al Husn (superior deluxe). All rooms have mini bar, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, separate bath and shower, satellite television, but the size of room and quality of fixtures and fittings differ between the three properties. All facilities are available to all hotel guest

Oman Air - Business Class

Cost: from £ 1850

Enjoy first class service and amenities with the Sleeper Seats in Business Class. The Business Class seats have a 63-inch pitch and 24-inch bed width, complemented by cotton-back blankets, pillows and a hot mug of bedtime comfort. Whether sleeping, working or taking advantage of the Air Cinema, privacy is guaranteed with a 2-2-2 configuration, individual dividing screens and a cocoon seat head, plus noise-cancelling headphones, and laptop powerpoints and in-seat phones.