Classic Oman

Oman, 7 Nights

Visit lush Salalah, traditional Nizwa souk and Jabrin castle.

Day 1 - London/Muscat
Your journey begins with your comfortable British Airways flight to Muscat, Oman situated on the easternmost tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Once the centre of the ancient frankincense trade, Oman offers a unique travel experience where modern life meets deep rooted local traditions, served up with genuine hospitality. Enjoy your stay at The Chedi, overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman.

Day 2 - Muscat
Your day begins with relaxation before the sights of this enchanting port city with the 16th century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani guarding the impenetrable harbour. Sample the delights at the gourmet Bateel date store with an impressive variety of date products. Here, you have an opportunity to indulge in what was once and not too long ago, the only staple in the diet along with camel's milk. Chocolate dates and bottled sparkling date juice are not be missed.

Day 3 - Muscat
Today view the enchanting port city of Muscat and the magnificent splendour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Bait Al Zubair museum, showcasing an incredible display of Omani antiques. Tantilise your senses with a visit to the House of Amouage which creates some of the most expensive perfumes in the world using only the finest ingredients including frankincense and myrrh found only in Oman and Yemen.

Day 4 - Muscat/Nizwa/Wahiba Sands
Through the rugged interior, drive to the historic village of Nizwa and explore the spectacular fort which boasts the largest round tower in Oman. Also see the old crafts continued in the souq workshops by men stooped over anvils, clanking away, amidst an array of other old antiques and handicrafts. A pocket of red dunes await in The Wahiba Sands, made famous by the exploits of the late Wilfred Thesiger. Travelling off-road, deep inside the sands, you reach a traditional Bedouin encampment tucked at the foot of a large sand dune, surrounded by the hardy desert acacia trees. Your home this evening will be traditional black goat-haired tents, with wooden beds and adjacent bathrooms. A night to remember with a sumptuous dinner eaten whilst seated on Bedouin carpets on the sands and under star-studded skies.

Day 5 - Wahiba Sands/Sur
Stop for a cup of traditional Arabic coffee, the welcome drink of the Middle East enroute to Sur, a coastal town where traditional Arabian ocean going dhows are still built in the traditional manner. This evening you can choose to visit the nearby turtle nesting area, where the huge, 400 lb female turtles return to the beach where they were born to lay up to 100 eggs in carefully concealed nests. Omani hospitality awaits you at the Sur Plaza Hotel.

Day 6 - Sur/Muscat/Salalah
View the beautiful coast dotted with white beaches and coves of turquoise waters and with a chance to take a dip in the Arabian Sea. After a picnic lunch continue to Muscat for our evening flight to Salalah, Oman's southernmost city which exhibits a subtle African flavour. The surrounding countryside is seasonally very lush and green, thanks to the Khareef, an annual summer monsoon. Enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the Hilton Salalah surrounded by papaya and banana plantations.

Day 7 - Salalah
Tour into the Qara mountains west of Salalah, where you will visit Jobs' Tomb and enjoy a unique panoramic view over the Al Garbib plain and Salalah. Pass groves of frankincense trees as the aroma of the ancient incense follows us to the open-air souq, an excellent place to purchase frankincense brought down from the nearby mountains and sold by Omani women in traditional dress.

Day 8 - Salalah/Muscat/London
Head to the outskirts of the city to visit the Al Balid museum and on to the picturesque fishing town of Taqah, with a beautiful sand beach and restored 19th century fort. Enjoy a picnic lunch before a visit to Khor Ruri, a major port for the ancient frankincense trade and the site of one of the palaces of the legendary Queen of Sheba. Return to Muscat to connect with your international flight home or consider our Fjords of Arabia option.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 8 day suggested journey in Oman will cost from £2,395 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.