Muscat offers the visitor a rare opportunity to witness a modern centre existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbour and attractive corniche, Muscat, meaning ‘anchorage’, lies in a natural bowl and has much of interest.

Begin with a tour of the Grand Mosque (excluding Thursdays and Fridays) and Bait al Zubair Museum (excluding Fridays) which offers a brief introduction to Oman’s history and development.

After driving along the Corniche to visit the fish market and colourful Mutrah Souq, make a photo stop at the official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the magnificent Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali.

Please note that all visitors must be fully covered to wrists and ankles; ladies must wear a scarf covering hair and neck for a visit to the Grand Mosque.

In the morning visit Muscat, including the Grand Mosque, Bait al Zubair Museum, the fish market and the colourful Muttrah Souq. Also included on this trip is a 4WD journey to a beautiful Wadi.

Start the tour with a visit to the Grand Mosque, Bait al Zubair Museum, the fish market and the colourful Muttrah Souq. Also visit the Sultan’s Palace and the two forts, Jalali and Mirani, both of which were built by the Portuguese, and dramatically guard the entrance to Muscat.

Afterwards head off in the 4WD vehicle towards the Mountains. Surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Oman’s mountain range head into the valley in the 4WD, with water splashing high of both sides of the car.

The dry riverbed, which cuts deep into the mountain, offers dramatic scenery and stunning views. A picnic lunch is included before returning to your hotel.

Leave Muscat and travel west to reach the wide-open area of Batinah nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the sea. Stop first at Barka to visit the fort and then proceed to the ancient fort of Nakhal.

Nakhal is perfectly positioned for defence, protected amongst huge palm groves and the surrounding mountains. After visiting the fort, visit the hot springs and continue to Rustaq with its fort famous for its huge carved doors and tricky internal traps, designed for protection from intruders.

From Al Hazm return to Muscat after a picnic lunch.

This tour along the coastline to Sur offers stunning glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman, offset by pristine white beaches. Visit Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue-green water.

On clear sunny days bigger fish can sometimes be seen in the deep water or fleet-footed gazelle are glimpsed sprinting across the landscape of the crater.

Also stop at beautiful Fin’s Beach and the pretty village of Tiwi which provides a surprising contrast with its lush green wadi and plantations.

The ruins of Bibi Miriam’s tomb can be seen at the village of Qalhat. Continue back to Muscat from Sur along the tarmac route.

A picnic lunch is included. Lightweight clothing, walking shoes and swimming gear are recommended.

Drive through the spectacular Western Hajar Mountains to Nizwa, capital of the interior and birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Nizwa is famous for its 17th century Round Tower Fort and the souq with its Friday cattle auction.

Nizwa is also famous for its ornamental silver jewellery and intricately hand-carved ‘khanjars’ (daggers).

The historic town of Bahla is encircled by a winding wall and is famous for pottery as well as a large fort which is now included on UNESCO’s world heritage list.

Jabrin, built in the late 17th century and the finest of Oman’s castles, became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and has beautifully executed woodcarvings.

En-route back to Muscat visit the pretty village of Birkat al Mauz, situated in the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains) and enjoy a walk through its oasis and date plantations. A picnic lunch is included before returning to your hotel in Muscat.