Classic Oman Tour

Discover the Omani capital of Muscat, one of the most exciting and attractive cities in the Arabian Peninsula. The privately guided tour starts with a photo stop at the Royal Opera House. Next, visit the exquisite Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, then continue to Muttrah where you will wander through the busy fish market, explore the atmospheric souq, and climb up to Muttrah fort for a view over the harbour. Your sightseeing continues in Old Muscat where you will see the twin Portuguese forts of Jalali and Merani (outside) and the Al Alam Palace (outside). This afternoon, visit the excellent National Museum, the nation’s premier cultural institution, before returning to your hotel.

Take the scenic coastal road south, breaking your journey to explore Wadi Abraeen, a stunning canyon with towering cliffs, swaying date palms and crystal-clear pools of water. Continue to Sur, where wooden dhows have been built at Sur for a thousand years, a scene that conjures up images of the legendary 1001 Arabian Nights story of Sindbad the Sailor. After visiting the dockyards, strike inland into the spectacular Wahiba Sands and watch sunset over the dunes.

Cross the magical parallel dunes of the Wahiba Sands from North to South, a desert experience par excellence. Towering up to 150 metres in hues of soft pastel shades ranging from apricot to flaming salmon, the Wahiba Sands were made famous by the exploits of explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger and, for many visitors, represent the quintessential image of Arabia. The day’s highlight is having a picnic lunch on the beach at Qihayd where the Wahiba Sands meet the Arabian Sea.

Leave the Wahiba Sands behind you, drive to Ibra and visit the souq, then explore the crumbling ruins of Munsifah with its richly decorated mudbrick mansions, traditional wooden doors, and defensive walls. Proceed to the 17th-century fortress of Jabrin, one of the finest in Oman, before taking the serpentine road up into the Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain) and checking in at your spectacularly located mountain eyrie of a hotel.

Admire the spectacular mountain views from Diana’s Point this morning before setting off on foot with a local guide along the Three Villages trail (easy – 90 minutes) and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Jabal Akhdar with its craggy peaks, gorges, ancient villages, picturesque terraced hillsides, and orchards. Next, drive across the undulating Sayq Plateau (2,000m) with its forests of gnarled Juniper trees to view the ancient stone-built hamlet of Sawghera that clings to an impossibly steep cliff above a beautifully irrigated wadi before returning to your hotel and spending the remainder of the day at leisure.

Rise early this morning to witness Nizwa’s vibrant Friday cattle auction – one of the highlights of any holiday in Oman. Next, explore Nizwa’s colourful souq and visit the magnificent 17th-century castle. Continue to Al Hamra, one of Oman’s best-preserved old towns, then drive to the nearby authentic ‘living’ village of Misfat Al Abryeen. On arrival, discover Misfat’s beautiful old houses, the maze of shaded passageways, rushing falaj’s and verdant terraces of date palms on a two-hour walking tour with a local villager. Return to Muscat late this afternoon.

Today will be at leisure in Muscat (no guiding or transportation services are included).

Transfer to Muscat International Airport and check in for your onward flight.