Cox and Kings Oman: An Arabian Odyssey

• International flights
• 4* accommodation
• Selected meals: 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners
• Local Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Experienced local tour guide
• Guided sightseeing and entrance fees

• Spend a night under the desert sky in Sharqiya Sands
• Travel in 4×4 vehicles from day 4
• Visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle reserve
• Visit a traditional Omani home & watch local artisans at work

Day 1: Fly to Muscat
Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Muscat
(No meals)

Day 2: Muscat
Transfer to your hotel on arrival and enjoy a welcome lunch to meet your group and guide.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 3: Muscat
Morning visit to the Grand Mosque, followed by a tour of the city, including a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, the sultan’s palace and the forts of Al Jalali and Mirani. Continue to the Royal Opera House, the largest in the Middle East. Remainder of afternoon at leisure.(Breakfast)

Day 4: Muscat & surrounds
This morning, visit the Barka fish market to see local life and a view of the Barka fort. Continue by road to Nakhal hot springs where a picnic lunch is served. Early afternoon visit to the Bait Al Ghasham House before returning to Muscat. Optional twilight dhow cruise.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 5: Wadi Arbayeen • Bimah • Ras Al Hadd
Drive south by 4×4 along the coast from Muscat to Ras Al Hadd, exploring en-route the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Arbayeen. Visit the Bimah Sinkhole and dhow workshops in Sur, then continue to the hotel for an overnight stay. This evening visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve to learn about this green turtle nesting site and conservation.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 6: Sharqiya Sands
Set off this morning for a scenic drive through the eastern Hajar mountains to Sharqiya Sands. Stop at Wadi Bani Khalid, a picturesque river valley, before continuing to Sharqiya Sands, home to the Bedouin people.
(Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 7: Jabal Akhdar
Early departure for the Jabal Akhdar, stopping en route at the Oman Across the Ages Museum and the banana plantations at Birkat al Mauz.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 8: Jabal Akhdar & surrounds
Head off a morning walk to explore the scenery and villages of the Jabal Akhdar. Afternoon is at leisure.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 9: Nizwa • Muscat
Visit the new souk in Nizwa and the massive Nizwa Fort. Next, stop at Al Hamra village and visit Bait Al Safah, a traditional Omani house and living museum. Continue to Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest peak, stopping en route at Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakher farming villages. Return to Muscat via the Sumail Gap.
(Breakfast)

Day 10: Fly to London
Transfer to the airport for a flight from Muscat to London
(Breakfast)

Accommodation
This tour is based in 4-star accommodation, with the exception of Ras al Jinz, where the accommodation should be considered more basic. Transport is by air-conditioned minibus and by 4×4 vehicle from Day 4 onwards.

Grand Mosque Visit
Both men and women visiting the mosque must be fully covered. Women must also cover their head with a scarf.