Walking in Oman

Discover the Omani capital of Muscat, one of the most exciting and attractive cities in the Arabian Peninsula. The half-day tour will visit the exquisite Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah’s busy fish market and atmospheric souq, then concludes in old Muscat where you will see the twin Portuguese forts of Jalali and Merani (outside), the Al Alam Palace (outside), and the Bait Al Zubair Museum. The afternoon will be at leisure.

Set off early this morning along the scenic coastal road to the magical Wahiba Sands. At Wadi Shab, stop to walk (2 hours – graded moderate) through beautiful palm-lined canyon to the beautiful spring-fed natural pools, where there will be an opportunity for a swim. Late this afternoon, arrive at your desert camp in the Wahiba Sands and watch the sunset over the dunes.

Climb into the wild eastern Hajar Mountains to the beautiful spring-fed canyon of Wadi Bani Khalid. Cross a series of stepping stones, then walk up alongside the lovely water-filled canyon to Al Muqal Cave (1 hour – graded easy). Next, drive to nearby Bidah village at the narrow southern entrance of the wadi and trek past enormous boulders to a secluded pool and seasonal waterfall (2 hours – graded moderate) – an ideal place to swim and relax! Return to your desert camp this afternoon. As the sun lowers towards the horizon, you might enjoy setting out on a self-guided sunset desert walk.

Drive to the traditional mudbrick village of Al Hamra and visit the 400-year-old Bait Al Safah house, then walk with a guide on small trails through Al Hamra’s oasis to the stone-built mountain village of Misfat Al Abryeen (2 hours – graded easy). Explore picturesque Misfat and its oasis on arrival, then drive up to your aptly named mountain hotel.

Jabal Shams – Oman’s highest mountain (3,028m) will be your destination this morning. On arrival, set off on the Balcony Trek (3 hours) with a mountain guide. This spectacular, easy-going trek affords stunning views down into the thousand-metre-deep gorge of Wadi Nakhr, the “Grand Canyon” of Oman. It is considered to offer one of the best trekking experiences in Oman. Next, visit the imposing fortress of Jabrin, then continue up a narrow winding road into the highly scenic Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain).

This morning, there will be two guided walks to discover the wonderful scenery, terraced fields, orchards and stone-built hanging villages of the Jabal Akhdar. Start the day with the ‘Four Villages’ guided trek from Al Aqur to Sayq (2 hours – graded moderate) through some of Oman’s most picturesque countryside, then drive onto the beauty spot of Wadi Bani Habib where you will hike down to the abandoned village of the same name (2 hours – graded easy) before returning to your Jabal Akhdar hotel. The afternoon will be spent leisurely enjoying the Jabal Akhdar scenery.

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 town’s magnificent 17th-century castle, then drive through the strongly fortified Sumail Gap to Muscat.

Today will be at leisure in Muscat.

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