Arrive

Day 1 Arrive in Oman

Arrive in the welcoming city of Muscat.

Overnight: Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort - Al��� Waha Hotel, Muscat

Day 2 Explore 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 the amazing, 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. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or on the lazy river.

Overnight: Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort - Al��� Waha Hotel, Muscat

Day 3 Snorkelling and Dolphins

Potter down to the marina and set off on a privately chartered motor-boat to see the resident pods of dolphin that live in the bay and also to try some fishing in the fish-rich waters. Then spend time snorkelling in the quiet coves down the coast before heading back to the hotel for lunch.

Overnight: Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort - Al��� Waha Hotel, Muscat

Day 4 Nizwa and 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. Continue on to the traditional village of Al Hamra, high above which your innovative hotel is perched, enjoying tremendous views down over the village below. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk out to the village of Misfat Al Abriyeen.

Overnight: The View, Al Hamra

Day 5 Mountain biking between Bahla and Jabrin.

Drive down to Al Hamra and then ditch 4 wheels for 2 and cycle between 2 stunning Omani forts, Bahla and Jabrin. The 37km route is largely off-road through the date plantations and a dry wadi bed and the terrain is not tough, taking in the smaller villages of the area, Bahla's lively souk and Oman's rural interior. After visiting Jabrin's impressive castle, head up to the village of Jabal Akhdar, high on its green plateau, arriving in time to watch the amazing sunset from your hotel's swimming pool, which is perched spectacularly on the edge of a canyon-like wadi.

Overnight: Alila Jabal Akhdar

Day 6 Jabal Akhdar and down to the Wahiba Sands

After breakfast, explore on foot the dramatic wadis and traditional Omani villages that are scattered amongst the fertile terraces, where roses and pomegranates grow in abundance. See too the traditional mud-house village and the extraordinary "falaj" watercourse system at Birkat Al Mauz, before driving south to the rolling sand dunes of the Wahiba Sands, home to Bedouin herdsmen and prize camel-breeders. Here you board camels for a sunset camel safari before dinner in camp.

Overnight: Desert Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands

Day 7 Dunes, Dhows & Turtles

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 driving down to the turtle sanctuary at Raz Al Jinz. Stay in comfortable tented accommodation just back from one of the most important nesting beaches for Green Turtles in the Indian Ocean, and after dinner, set out with a naturalist to see nesting females and hatchlings struggling down to the sea.

Overnight: Raz Al Jinz Scientific Centre, Raz Al Jinz

Day 8 Wadi swimming and back to Muscat

After breakfast, take a packed lunch and head 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 a final night by the sea.

Overnight: Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort - Al��� Waha Hotel, Muscat

Day 9 Depart

Transfer to the airport and fly home.

Depart