Arabian Odyssey

A warm welcome to the Omani capital where you are met by A&K and transferred to your luxury accommodation. Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Muscat has a rich and vibrant culture and is a remarkably laid-back capital city with a friendly atmosphere. The rest of the day is yours to explore – wander through one of the city’s many souks and the fascinating port area or take a simple stroll along the beachfront in front of your hotel.

The Chedi Muscat

Explore the enchanting port city of Muscat with your private guide. Tour the lavish Royal Opera House, built in 2011 which combines world class acoustics with Middle Eastern elegance. Stroll around the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a stunning example of contemporary Islamic architecture containing the second largest hand loomed Iranian carpet in the world. It is the only mosque in Oman open to non-Muslims. From its minarets, large golden dome, arches, engraved walls, decorated interior, unique lamps and central crystal chandelier, the mosque is an architectural wonder. Drive along the corniche, visit the fish market and the colourful Muttrah Souq.

Discover the rich treasures inside the museum and cultural complex known as Bait Al Zubair Museum. Formerly a private home, it is now a showcase for traditional Omani crafts and culture from across the country. The treasure trove of exhibits includes black and white photographs of desert tribes, ornate and ancient khanjars (Omani swords), and headdresses and necklaces laden with pearls, lapis lazuli and turquoise. Be sure to see the permanent exhibition of local dress, which explains the purpose of each item of traditional clothing, from the waqaya (women’s head scarf) to the wazar (the wrap that men wear under their full-length dishdasha).

After lunch, visit the National Museum of Oman, showcasing the nation's heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula some two million years ago through to the present day.

The Chedi Muscat | Meals: BL

Drive to the unassuming Bait Al Ghasham Museum, formerly a royal residence and today, a trove of archaeological and architectural treasures. Later, travel through the old village of Nakhl to visit palm-fringed hot springs, in which you can dip your feet.

Next, tackle the steep mountain road through spectacular Wadi Bani Auf. This stretch is only for the physically fit as it is full of sharp bends and bumps. At the charming village of Al Hamra, dotted with mud houses and date palms, be awestruck by the beauty of the landscape. Your final destination today is a serene eco-resort at Jabal Akhdar, built to blend seamlessly into its rugged surroundings.

Alila Jabal Akhdar | Meals: BLD

Proceed to the legendary Nizwa Fort at the foot of the Western Hajar mountains. In the ninth century, a stronghold was built to protect the town from marauding forces, and Nizwa Fort with its imposing sandstone structure has been added to and adapted ever since. Search out the metal spikes, booby traps and ‘murder holes’ (through which boiling hot date syrup was poured on to intruders) that made Nizwa so impenetrable. Make your way to the rooftop, where dozens of cannons would have once stood, for excellent views of the city.

The Nizwa souk is one of the oldest in the country and you’ll have time to wander through it, taking in the fresh produce and livestock (Friday mornings only) with excellent photographic opportunities. Continue to Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s castles, built in the late 17th century which became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings. Stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul before continuing to Wadi Nakheer located in the depth of Oman’s deepest canyon. At Wadi Nakheer get a chance to meet locals and weavers before returning to your hotel.

Alila Jabal Akhdar | Meals: BLD

After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to Al Jabal Al Akhdar, renowned for its picturesque fruit orchards typically laid out in terraces hugging the steep sides of mountains. Visit traditional villages overlooking a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. This is a region famous for roses, and around March/April, the air is filled with their fragrance.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy your hotel’s facilities.

Alila Jabal Akhdar | Meals: BD

Today’s destination is Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating dunes, some as high as 200-metres, whose ever-changing patterns are a photographer’s delight. Travel through Wadi Bani Khalid, a mountain area of small villages and waterfalls. The wadi (valley) is in the Al Sharqiyah Region and has several water pools as well as a spring that keeps water flowing inside the wadi all year long. Arrive at your luxury eco-resort tucked away amongst the dunes on the Al Shariqah Sandsin time to see the changing colours of the desert during a golden sunset before dinner.

Arabian Night Resort | Meals: BLD

Experience the thrills of dune driving and observe the surprisingly wide array of flora and fauna found in the desert sands. Head out of camp to Sur, one of the few places that still produces traditional wooden dhows. Watch the craftsmen as they go about their highly skilled work. Journey to Fins beach for a swim and then drive onto the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater filled with blue green water. Continue along the coast back to Muscat and on a clear day you may see sharks in the deep blue water or fleet footed gazelle sprint across the landscape.

Shangri-La's Al Husn Resort & Spa | Meals: BL

Farewell Oman as you transfer privately to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B