Your itinerary
1. London to Muscat
Your door-to-door driver drops you off at Heathrow for your
direct overnight Gulf Air flight to Muscat.
2. Muscat
A morning touchdown gives you time to relax at the Shangri La Al
Bandar Hotel (5 diamond), your beachside home for two nights.
3. Muscat
Discover Muscat, including a visit to the Grand Mosque, a look
around the souqs in the Muttrah district, a tour of the Old Quarter
and a photo stop at the Sultan's Palace and 16th-century Portuguese
forts. After spending the rest of the day at leisure, watch from an
Arabian dhow or a fishing boat as the sun sets over the city on an
optional cruise. B
4. Muscat to Ras Al Hadd
Travelling by four-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll get to see the
Bimah sinkhole before stopping for a picnic on Fins Beach and a
short trek into Wadi Shab. Back on the road, pay a visit to the
dhow yards of Sur, home of Sinbad the Sailor, before continuing to
Oman's easternmost point - Ras Al Hadd. Check in at the 3 diamond
Ras Al Hadd Hotel for the night, where you can watch green turtles
nesting on the beach. B L D
5. Ras Al Hadd to Wahiba Sands and Nizwa
Some impressive desert scenery today. Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid,
the Lost Shangrila, for a walk through the cave passages. Later,
see the undulating Wahiba Sands: you've time for an exhilarating
drive through the dunes and an optional camel ride before
continuing to the city of Nizwa this evening, passing through the
Bedouin town of Sinaw. Settle in at the 3 diamond Falaj Daris for
the next two nights. B
6. Nizwa, Jabrin and Bahla
Visit Nizwa's round, Yaruba Dynasty fort and browse the souq
before heading out to the castle at Jabrin. En route back to Nizwa,
end the day's sightseeing at the historic town of Bahla with its
loam fort. B
7. Nizwa to Salalah
Stop off at the oasis of Birkit Al Mawz on the way to Muscat's
airport then fly to Salalah on the Arabian coast with Oman Air.
Unpack for three nights at the Crowne Plaza Salalah (5 diamond).
B
8. Salalah, Taqa and Mirbat
Start the day at the castle overlooking the fishing village of
Taqah then explore ruined Sumhuram, reputed palace of the Queen of
Sheba, which was at the centre of the frankincense trade. Follow
the coast to Mirbat's Bin Ali mosque and Mirbat Castle before lunch
in a local restaurant. Finally, visit Mughsayl Beach and the
frankincense trees. B L
9. Salalah
Visit the souqs, Al Husni palace and Al Bilad on an optional
tour of the city. Otherwise, you've a whole day to do as you
please. B
10. Salalah to Muscat
After free time this morning, fly back to Muscat and the
familiar surrounds of the Shangri La Al Bandar Hotel (5 diamond)
for the last two nights of your tour. B
11. Muscat
See more of Muscat under your own steam. B
12. Muscat to London
A free morning before your flight to Heathrow with Gulf Air.
Your driver will meet you this evening. B
Travel notes
We've chosen the 5 diamond Shangri La Al Bandar as your hotel in
Muscat - it's of a very high international standard and a great
base for sightseeing. Outside of the city, accommodation is of a
more simple nature in keeping with the surroundings. So that you
get a chance to unwind, we've made sure this tour has a relaxed
pace. There's only one long day, and we're sure you'll agree that
the journey into the desert and Wahiba Sands on day 5 is
worthwhile. You'll be visiting some religious sites where women are
expected to cover up, so you'll find a scarf
handy.
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