ESSENTIAL OMAN

Arrive

Day 1 Arrive in Oman

Arrive in the welcoming city of Muscat, by the warm, fish-rich waters of the Gulf Oman.

Overnight: The Chedi Muscat

Day 2 Muscat

Muscat is a complete contrast to neighbouring Dubai and the benign, modernising presence of the Sultan can be felt everywhere - in the amazing Grand Mosque, in glistening Opera House and even in the port at Muttrah, where a vast private yacht sits proudly amongst the myriad of small fishing boats bringing in the daily catch for sale at the busy fish market. A tour of the city also takes in the bustling, frankincense-perfumed souq, and the Bait al Zubair Museum.

Overnight: The Chedi Muscat

Day 3 Snorkelling and Dolphins

Potter down to the marina and set off on a privately chartered motor-boat to the quiet coves down the coast, where the fish life is particularly abundant and where the water is clear. See the resident pods of dolphin and also try some fishing on the way, then spend time snorkelling and trying to spot turtles.

Overnight: The Chedi Muscat

Day 4 Nizwa & the Al Hajar Mountains

Travel out of Muscat by 4x4 vehicle through the high, wadi-riven Al Hajar mountains to the stunning, UNESCO-restored city of Nizwa, the old capital of Oman and a renowned seat of learning, surrounded by extensive date palm groves. It houses a beautifully restored old quarter and souqs, as well as two mosques that date back to the very early days of Islam. But the crowning glory is the superb fortress - part castle, part royal palace, part Islamic school - which is not to be missed. See too the traditional mud-house village and the extraordinary "falaj" watercourse system at Birkat Al Mauz, before heading into the high Al Hajar mountains to the village of Jabal Akhdar. After lunch, explore on foot the dramatic wadis and traditional Omani villages that are scattered amongst the fertile terraces, where roses and pomegranates grow in abundance. There is also time to cool your feet in the hotel's swimming pool, which is perched spectacularly on the edge of a canyon-like wadi.

Overnight: Alila Jabal Akhdar

Day 5 Jabrin & the Wahiba Sands

Head down the mountain to the impressive fortress of Jabrin. Visit the fort and castle, Oman's finest, with exquisite woodcarvings, beautiful painted ceilings, a mosque on the top floor and any number of protective murder-holes, escape hatches and other fascinating intricacies. After lunch, drive south to the rolling sand dunes of the Wahiba Sands, home to Bedouin herdsmen and prize camel-breeders. Enter the desert before sunset and enjoy some exhilarating dune-driving before arriving into your lodge amongst the dunes.

Overnight: Desert Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands

Day 6 Sur to Muscat

Early risers can scale a dune to watch the sun rise over the rolling sea of sand. In the dawn light, a short nature walk reveals the tracks of all the creatures that were out on the dunes during the night. After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy some time driving through the dunes before heading towards the coast and the fishing and dhow-building port of Sur. See the dhow-building factory where magnificent wooden vessels are crafted by hand to traditional designs and if lucky, see the flamingos wading in the lagoon, before heading up the coast to Wadi Shab where the very presence of water, let alone such inviting clear pools, seems like a minor miracle. Cross the wadi in a rowboat, then walk upstream through majestic scenery to find a clear deep pool of translucent water, fringed with palms. After a swim and a picnic, continue on back to Muscat for 2 more nights by the sea.

Overnight: The Chedi Muscat

Day 7 At leisure

Time to relax in the lovely surrounds of the hotel, where the beautiful spa and 103m infinity pool prove extremely attractive to travellers emerging out of Oman's wild interior.

Overnight: The Chedi Muscat

Day 8 Depart

Transfer to the airport and fly home.

Depart