Desert Discovery - Eight Days Programme

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	Day 01: Muscat. (Day 02 - Day 03 - Day 04 - Day 05 - Day 06 - Day 07 - Day 08)
		Mirani & Jalali Forts.
	Arrive Muscat. Meet and transfer to a five/four star hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

	Day 02: Muscat. (Day 03 - Day 04 - Day 05 - Day 06 - Day 07 - Day 08)

	Breakfast.

		Typical Villas in and around Muscat.
	Muscat city tour. The walled city of Muscat lies in a small bay, guarded by the spectacular twin forts of Mirani & Jalali. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos's Palace - Al Alam - is an admirable sight. The tour of the National and Natural History Museums is an introduction to Oman's history, fauna and flora. Muttrah, part of the capital area, is the lively, busy trading port of the area.	Typical Villas in and around Muscat.

Its main attraction, Souq Al Dhalam - "Market of Shades" - is a labyrinth of alleyways covered by a palm roof and lit by lanterns, leading to the delights of antiques, gold, old silver, traditional handicrafts, jewellery and the rich scent of frankincense.

Lunch at a typical Middle Eastern Restaurant is optional. Return to hotel and overnight.

Day 03: Muscat - Nizwa - Bahla - Jabrin - Al Hamra - Misfah Al Abreen - Nizwa.
(Day 04 - Day 05 - Day 06 - Day 07 - Day 08)

Breakfast.

Nizwa, a major centre in the Interior Region. Nizwa clusters around its historical buildings, traditional Souq and the imposing circular-towered fort built during the mid 17^th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Yar'ubi. The town is a lush palm oasis stretching foe 8km along two wadis. Water canals run through all parts of Nizwa area. The most important one is Falaj Daris, formed by two streams, which irrigates a large part of the town. At the Souq, built in traditional style, you will find exquisite silver jewellery, intricately hand-made "Khanjars" (daggers), copper, weaving and other handicrafts. You visit the Nizwa Fort, The Souq and Falaj Daris.

Lunch optional.

To Bahla - a delightful town - having retained its traditional characteristics, and surrounded by a 12km long protective wall, much of which still stands. You visit the famous Pottery Centre and Bahla Fort, one of the oldest in Oman, built in the late 17^th century (UNESCO Heritage Site) on much earlier Persian foundations.

Jabrin Fort, designed as a residence, was built in the late 17^th century. It displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings.

You visit the picturesque mountain village of Misfah Al Abreen perched against steep cliffs halfway up the mountain.

Return to Nizwa.

Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Nizwa - Sinaw - Ibra - Al Mudayrib - Wahibah Sands.
(Day 05 - Day 06 - Day 07 - Day 08)

Breakfast.

		Socializing at the Sinaw Souq.
	Depart for Sinaw Souq - lively and vibrant. It constitutes the main meeting place for the Bedouin. Here camels, goats and calves are auctioned and bartered. Bedouin women in traditional dress, complete with shiny metallic face-mask (burqa) trade side by side with the men. In some of the silver shops you can still find the traditional old silver Bedouin jewellery.	Socializing at the Sinaw Souq.

To Ibra - gateway to the Sharqiya Region. Many watchtowers on the surrounding hills pay silent tribute to its past strategic importance. Remains of grand fortified houses and forts abound. A testimony to its past close trading links with East Africa are the falaj system, financed by influential merchants residing in Zanzibar, and their fine houses built on returning to their hometown.

Not far away is Al Mudayrib, where the surrounding hills are dotted with watchtowers. Fine old buildings with beautifully carved doors, painted ceilings and arches show the influence of contact with Africa.

Into the Wahibah Sands - a desert with rolling dunes and shifting sands - magnificent with changing colours. This is the traditional home of the Bedouin, hardy, spirited people who know how to survive in these harsh desert conditions.

This is where our permanent camp Al Areesh is situated. Settle in and enjoy lunch.

A visit to a Bedouin family, which will give you an intimate insight into their traditional lifestyle. An optional camel ride with a Bedouin guide is a thrilling experience. At sunset an exciting dune drive - and the opportunity to watch the sun set from the top of a dune.

Dinner is typically Omani.

Relax and enjoy the tranquility of the desert - clear skies, glittering stars and moving sands.

Overnight in Al Areesh camp.

Day 05: Wahibah Sands - Wadi Bani Khaled - Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan & Ali - Asylah - Ras Al Junaiz. (Day 06 - Day 07 - Day 08)

Breakfast in the camp.

	Departure for Wadi Bani Khaled, one of the largest wadis in Oman. Nestled deep in the mountains, it is a true oasis. Water cascades down the gorge forming cool blue-green pools, fed by underground streams flowing from within the surrounding limestone hills. Perennial flowing streams of spring water carried in aflaj (man-made channels) cling precariously to the rugged terrain and supports villages in the area.	An ideal swimming pool at Wadi Bani Khaled.
		An ideal swimming pool at Wadi Bani Khaled.

The route continues through the villages of Al Kamil and Al Wafi to Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan & Ali. These two villages are named after two tribes who were fiercely competitive in the past. Many forts and fortified houses tell the story of past conflict. The main feature is the Jami Hamoda Mosque built in the 11^th century A.H. It has 52 domes supported by a network of pillars and a main entrance with studded wooden doors.

Optional lunch at the Sur Mecure Hotel.

Sur, an ancient port and seafaring town which once played a major part in the trade between Oman, East Africa and India. It started its trading activities with the African coast as early as the 6^th century. A walk through its labyrinth of streets reveals many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows. The fishing dhows in the harbour make a splendid sight. Separated from Sur by the bay is the village of Al Ayja, well fortified by watchtowers and forts. On the sheltered lagoon is the traditional Dhow Building Yard - today, craftsmen still build dhows following traditional designs without the aid of drawings.

Dinner.

Overnight at the Sur Mecure Hotel.

Day 06: Sur - Qalhat - Tiwi - Wadi Shab - Dibab - Quriyat - Muscat - Al Sawadi.
(Day 07 - Day 08)

Breakfast.

Along the coast to Qalhat - one of the oldest towns and seaports of Oman. Built by the Persians, it was a major and prosperous city during the 13^th century and the main port of trade with the Interior, famous for its exports to and imports of spices from India. Stop at the enigmatic Bibi Mariam Tomb standing high on the cliff top.

Along the coast and through the coastal village of Tiwi to Wadi Shab, which means, "gorge between the cliffs". The wadi is entered via a small ferry and it has cool pools of water all year round. Further into the enchanting wadi is a deep pool ideal for swimming. The ravine is lush with trees, grasses and date palms. A single beach dotted with fishing boats at the mouth of the wadi completes the picturesque view.

Picnic lunch will be served en-route.

Along the coastline passing Fins and Bimah with many tiny coves tucked beneath the cliffs and stretches of white sandy beaches lapped by an incredible turquoise sea.

Near Dibab is a huge sinkhole known as Bait Al Afreet - "house of the demon" - with its clear green water. Concrete steps lead down the sides making swimming possible.

Inland for a while and then head for Quriyat, which lies on the east coast at the end of a sandy plain overlooked by the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Like other ports it suffered under Portuguese supremacy during the 16^th century. An island with a watchtower just offshore can be reached on foot during low tide. Along the beach is an inlet lined with dense mangrove forest - home to marine and bird life.

Continue via Muscat to Al Sawadi. The beach is long and wide in both directions, great for strolls and beachcombing. The main point of interest is the near-shore archipelago Jazir Sawadi. Hiring a boat from local fishermen, you can access them. Great for snorkelling, diving or just exploring.

Overnight at the Al Sawadi Forum Resort.

Day 07: Al Sawadi - Nakhl - Rustaq - Al Sawadi.(Day 08)

Breakfast.

Depart for Nakhl, a pretty village at the foot of the Jebel Nakhl Mountains.

		Nakl Hot Springs.
	Nakhl Fort is set on a rocky outcrop surrounded by palm trees. The origin of this fort is pre-Islamic, with major contributions by the Ya'ruba and Al Bu Said dynasties.

	At Nakhl Hot Springs, water gushes from the rocks and forms a pleasant pool. The spring is also the gathering place for the villagers. The area is shaded and green and the falaj carries the water to the date plantations.

Picnic lunch will be served en-route.

The route leads to the town of Rustaq, which has a long history of conflict. Rustaq Fort has seen many occupants, including the Persian invaders, and was constantly redesigned and refurbished. It is magnificent and encompasses an area of over one square kilometre.

The old Souq is where you can find antiquities, artifacts and other collectible items. A fine place for a causal stroll amidst tantalizing Arabian settings.

The deep aquamarine hot water springs at a constant 42 degrees C are reputed to have medicinal qualities.

Return to Al Sawadi Forum Resort.

Overnight.

Day 08: Al Sawadi - Seeb International Airport.

Breakfast.

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