Spend an evening on the beach with nesting greenback turtles and watch a leaping school of dolphins in the azure blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Drive along rugged coastlines and through dramatic mountain landscapes. Take coffee with the Bedouin and travel across the desert dunes. Explore imposing fortresses and discover the birthplace of Sinbad. See it all on a visit to the Sultanate of Oman, an undiscovered gem.

• Travelling - 1
  

  Fly to Muscat. Your Tour Guide will join you for a light supper. They will be on hand throughout the tour with useful tips on where to shop, local cuisine and special places to explore.

• An introdution to Muscat - 2
  

  Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Muscat sits sandwiched between mountains and the rich waters of the Gulf of Oman. Savour the sights of this enchanting city on our guided tour. See the magnificent splendour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and wander in the beautifully cool gardens, landscaped in traditional Islamic style. Enter the white marble courtyard through a series of symmetrical white stone archways, and look back at the series of repeatedly framed views of the main minaret. This is the perfect photo opportunity. Explore the heart of Old Muscat and gaze in awe at the incredible display of Omani treasures in the Bait al Zubair then visit the 16th century Portuguese forts of Jalani and Mirani that guard the impenetrable harbour. Sample local delicacies at a gourmet date store, sip a cooling glass of sparkling juice and nibble on a chocolate dipped delight.

• Bartering in the souq - 2
  

  No visit to Muscat is complete without some time at the Muttarah Souq. After dinner in a local restaurant, join a guided tour. Shop windows filled with gold jewellery glitter temptingly and traders call out, enticing you with a glass of tea. Maybe you would prefer the old Omani silver ornaments, a perfect memento. Excite your senses and visit perfume shops where some of the most expensive fragrances in the world are created using rare frankincense and myrrh. Join the locals and round off your day with an evening walk along the picturesque corniche.

• A coastal journey - 3
  

  Travel along the breathtaking coast glimpsing pristine white beaches, beautiful valleys and rugged trails. Drive past stunning cave formations and turquoise blue coves and navigate narrow roads through villages surrounded by lush lemon, date and banana plantations. Stop at the Bimah sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater filled with vivid blue green water, and continue to Wadi Tiwi to see cool refreshing pools and lush greenery. Take in the splendid views at the cliff top Bibi Mariam Tomb. Enjoy an included al fresco picnic lunch in these beautiful surroundings. Tonight you will stay in a comfortable but simple beach hotel, ideal for this evening’s turtle viewing.

• Dhows and turtles - 3
  

  The history of Sur centres on dhow building. In the 19th century the ocean-going fleet was the pride of Oman. The craftsmen here still build dhows following traditional designs. Learn more about the ancient skills on a visit to the boatyards. As you walk through Sur your Specialist Guide will point out fine old homes with carved doors and arabesque windows. Shade from the heat of the sun and sip on a refreshing glass of laban, a cardamominfused yoghurt drink.

  After dinner join your Tour Guide and Specialist Guide for a natural history adventure. As evening draws to a close and night falls something quite remarkable takes place on the beach at Ras al Jinz. Hundreds of green turtles come to nest and lay their eggs on a 30 mile stretch of sand. 20,000 green turtles are estimated to lay up to 60,000 egg clutches each year on the beaches of Oman. These majestic creatures can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh over 440lbs. As you watch, the resilient adult turtles give some thought to their babies who will hatch in two months. They will face the preying eyes of foxes, birds and even crabs. If they do make it out to sea they could face the threat of the fishermen’s net as well as other marine predators. Only one in 1,000 will survive and they will return to this beach in 25 years to lay their own eggs. Have your camera ready and witness this unique experience, a true miracle of nature. Please note flash photography is restricted.

• Desert sands and rolling dunes - 4
  

  Drive over jagged mountains and enter Wadi bani Khalid, a quite beautiful oasis in the middle of the dry and barren desert. Water cascades down a gorge forming cool blue-green pools which reflect the surrounding date trees. Underground streams flow from the limestone hills providing vital water supplies to the surrounding villages. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the sheer vastness of the ‘Sand Sea’ that is Wahiba. Drive through the rolling dunes which vary from rich honey to deep red and stretch as far as the eye can see. The ever changing patterns in the sand are a photographers dream. Visit the Bedouin and experience traditional hospitality with a refreshing glass of local tea. Look out for camels in this classic setting. These ‘ships of the desert’ sway across the landscape, perhaps casting an arrogant stare towards you, before continuing on their way. For that Lawrence of Arabia moment take a short ride on one of these magnificent beasts.

• Watch wild dolphins at play/Travelling - 5
  
  What better way to start the day than a cruise along Muscat’s rugged coastline. Wild dolphins frequent the warm waters and early morning is one of the very best times to see these wonderful creatures. The most commonly encountered species are spinner dolphins. They will delight you with their twisting leaps, as they emerge gleaming from the water. A school of long-nosed common dolphins may join in the fun too. Sightings are never guaranteed but your Specialist Guide is sure to enhance your knowledge of some of nature’s most fascinating marine mammals. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be served on board.

  The balance of the day is free to enjoy Muscat. Ask your Tour Guide for recommendations. Visit a local restaurant and try machboos, a tasty dish of slow cooked meat flavoured with spices and dried limes. Round off lunch with a cup of fragrant khawa coffee flavoured with cardamom. Enjoy some last minute shopping, spend time at the beach or just relax at your hotel. This evening fly back to the UK.

• UK - 6
  

  Arrive UK.

Accommodation

• Muscat - Park Inn Hotel (4-star) 3 nights
• Sur - Ras Al Had Beach Hotel (3-star) 1 night

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 1:05 am

Includes

Not Included