Arabian Adventure

Arriving in Muscat, Oman’s thriving capital, you’ll have three days to explore the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort, a luxurious retreat hidden away on a private sandy bay in the Gulf of Oman, and engulfed by spectacular rugged mountains. Tucked away within its 124 acres are 21 restaurants and bars, a spa, kids’ club, numerous swimming pools and children’s pools, and even a charming cultural centre where children can get up close and personal with Oman’s most famous resident – the camel. Be sure to visit the Grand Mosque and the bustling souks of Muscat, or come face to face with fantastic marine life on a snorkelling trip or dolphin excursion.

After three days of unwinding, the adventure really begins…After an early start, you’ll be taken to the Sharqiya Sands region, visiting the ancient domed mosque at Jalan Bani Bu Ali on the way to Wadi Bani Khalid. The wadi is one of Oman’s most spectacular and here, a million miles from anywhere, you can swim in the crystal clear waters of desert’s natural pools. To reach your home for the night, the luxurious Desert Nights Camp in the remote heart of the desert, you’ll venture further and further into the Sands, leaving the outside world well and truly behind.

The following morning you’ll visit a fascinating traditional Bedouin house hidden away in the expanse of the Wahiba Sands, before bidding farewell to the desert and beginning a journey into Omani history, exploring the ruins at Sinew and Tanuf, and the ancient forts of Nizwa, Jabrin and Bahla. You’ll then be taken into the Al Hotta Caves and, after plunging down into deepest, darkest corners of Oman, you’ll head up to its dizziest heights, taking in the staggering views from its highest peak, Green Mountain. Hidden high up on the mountain, the Sahab Hotel offers up some magnificent panoramas, and this will be where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Waking to the blissful silence of the great outdoors, the following day will be spent exploring the very best of Oman’s mountain treasures. On foot or in a vehicle, you’ll pass through the vast canyons that are widely considered to be among the country’s most stunning natural wonders, and up to the abandoned village of As Sab, which perches at the very peak of the Green Mountain. After a day of exploring Oman’s wonderful wilderness, you’ll return to the Sahab Hotel for a second night on Green Mountain.

You’ll descend Green Mountain in the morning, heading down into the old capital of Oman, Nizwa, where you’ll pay a visit to the famous camel market. It’s a truly unique experience to find yourself among the hustle and bustle of a buzzing Omani town, where locals busily trade their wares and barter for the best bargains. Get involved too, and enjoy the thrill of trading Omani style, or step back and simply watch daily-life unfold. Leaving Nizwa, your journey into Oman will end where it began, with two nights at Muscat’s beautiful Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort.