21/03/2027 Australia – Dubai
Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Dubai.
22/03/2027 Dubai – Salalah (D)
On arrival in Dubai connect with the flight to Salalah.
Depart Dubai Emirates EK 2026, 12.10
Arrive Salalah 14.00
On arrival in Salalah we transfer to our hotel.
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Salalah
23/03/2027 Salalah (BLD)
Salalah is the second largest city in Oman and is the capital of the southern province of Dhofar. Known as the ‘perfume capital of Arabia’, Salalah has many attractions, both natural and man-made. Outside of the city herds of cattle graze on lush green pastures that are lined with magnificent frankincense trees from which the aromatic resin is used in the production of oils and incense. Today we explore the Heritage Souk, where we find different types of Omani crafts and incense burners, while the New Souk is a great example of a modern Arabian market. Passing typical Dhofari houses with caravan windows and doors, we reach the Old Souk which has a vast array of Frankincense, Dhofari traditional clothes and cosmetics.
24/03/2027 Salalah – Mirbat – Salalah (BLD)
Today we drive east of Salalah to the sardine-producing village of Taqa, renowned for its 19th century castle, and not far from the ruined palace of the Queen of Sheba. We take the coastal road to Mirbat, formerly an important breeding centre for Arabian horses, and centre of the slave trade. Here, at the foot of the Qara Mountains, the streets are lined with old merchant houses, notable for their classic Yemeni style architecture of carved doors and windows. This is the home of the Jebali people who own the huge camel and cattle herds that now surround us. Late afternoon we return to Salalah.
25/03/2027 Salalah – Muscat – Nizwa (BLD)
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the flight to Muscat.
Depart Salalah Oman Air WY 904, 11.30
Arrive Muscat 13.10
On arrival in Muscat we board our coach for the 90 minute drive to Nizwa. The capital of Oman from 751 to 1154 AD, Nizwa is still regarded as its cultural capital, and this afternoon we enjoy a walking tour including the 17th century fort and the souk.
Golden Tulip Hotel
Nizwa
26/03/2027 Nizwa – Jebel Akhdar – Nizwa (BLD)
Today we drive to around 3,000 metres to the Jebal Akhdar. Meaning ‘Green Mountain’ and part of the mighty Al Hajar mountain range, Jebel Akhdar area encompasses the Saiq Plateau. The area has been designated a nature reserve to protect its biodiversity and although a stark and dry landscape, it is also home to flourishing orchards growing apricots, pomegranates and walnuts, as well as other fruits.
27/03/2027 Nizwa – Jebel Shams – Nizwa (BLD)
After breakfast we head north through the mountains to the Al Hamra mountain range and the highest peak in Oman, Jebel Shams (3,000m). Along the track to the summit of Jebel Shams we encounter an astonishing view down a sheer drop of 1000m to the bottom of the ‘Grand Canyon’, Oman’s own and equally spectacular version of its American counterpart. Late afternoon we return to Nizwa.
28/03/2027Nizwa – Wahiba (BLD)
Leaving Nizwa, we drive south east and soon begin to cross the incredibly barren sands that are actually home to a phenomenal amount of life and an exotic diversity of fauna including dragonflies, wolf, two species of Ruppell’s fox, wild cats, and white-tailed mongooses. Some 115 species of birds have also been recorded here including the elusive Arabian and Sand Gazelles. Like a great ocean of sand, the endless dunes are an alluring landscape of changing contours and colours. Red at the base and honey coloured on the top, the dunes can rise to 200 metres in height and are home to the Bedu nomadic tribesmen who roam the land with goats and camels. An exhilarating drive across the dunes brings us to our desert camp in the Wahiba Sands where we enjoy a spectacular sunset as we prepare for a night under the desert sky.
Desert Nights Camp
Wahiba
29/03/2027 Wahiba Sands – Ras Al Hadd (BLD)
Early this morning as the last of the desert mists begin to fade, we leave the shifting sands of Wahiba behind us and begin our drive to the coast and Ras Al Hadd. This is one of the few nesting places of the giant green sea turtle, and this evening we head down to the beach to watch these majestic creatures come ashore to lay their eggs under the light of the stars.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Resort
Ras Al Hadd
30/03/2027 Ras Al Hadd – Sur – Muscat (BLD)
This morning we leave the resort for the short walk to the turtle nesting ground. This gives us the opportunity to see the turtles in daylight as they make their way back to the ocean. We then begin our drive north to the port of Sur. Once a major trading port with East Africa, Sur embodies the seafaring origins of Oman. We visit the shipbuilding yard where traditional dhow boats, used throughout the 19th century, are still built today. We continue our journey north along the rugged coastline before turning inland and arriving into Muscat late afternoon.
Intercontinental Hotel
Muscat
31/03/2027 Muscat (BLD)
Lying on the Arabian Sea, the historic port of Muscat is the capital of Oman and the largest urban settlement in the country. Contrasting with the sleepy and sparsely inhabited deserts of Oman’s interior, it is easily the Gulf’s most attractive city. Muscat is an old walled town and is surrounded by a horseshoe ring of mountains that is a natural barrier to expansion of the city. The seaward face of Muscat is dominated by the Portuguese fortresses of Merani and Jalali which were built in 1587. This mix of ancient and modern is a constant theme of Muscat as we see houses, gates, old markets, small shops and small winding roads, side by side with modern markets, shops, buildings and streets with an eclectic mix of architecture. Oman thus preserves its historic character and at the same time enjoys a contemporary spirit. On arrival into Muscat we transfer to our hotel. After lunch we stroll along the waterfront of Mutrah, Muscat’s oldest quarter, and into the labyrinthine passageways of the Mutrah souk, which has the best fish markets on the Gulf as well as a multitude of jewellery and craft stalls.
01/04/2027 Muscat (BLD)
After breakfast we visit the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which houses the second-largest carpet in the world. This hand-made marvel contains 1.7 billion knots, weighs 21 tonnes and took 400 weavers more than four years to make. Later we explore the superb Natural History Museum and the colourful local bazaar before taking a dhow cruise on the sparkling waters of the Gulf.
02/04/2027 Muscat – Amman (BLD)
This morning is at leisure. Late morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Amman.
Depart Muscat Oman Air WY413, 14.10
Arrive Amman 16.50
On arrival in Amman we transfer to our hotel.
Rotana Amman Hotel
Amman
03/04/2027 Amman (BLD)
Amman is a city straddling seven hills where modern buildings blend with the remnants of ancient civilisations. The mass of gleaming white houses, kebab stalls and tiny cafes where rich Arabian coffee is sipped, conjure up a mood straight out of 1001 Nights. This morning we take a city tour. After lunch we embark on an excursion to the ancient city of Jerash – a close second to Petra on the list of must-see destinations in Jordan. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, it came under Roman rule and is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world.
04/04/2027 Amman – Dead Sea (BLD)
After breakfast we head south to the Dead Sea. En-route we visit Madaba and Mt Nebo for stunning views across the sea to Israel. Continuing on our journey, we arrive at the Dead Sea. Described as the ‘largest natural spa’ in the world, the Dead Sea, at 400m below sea level, is the lowest point on earth. Possessing its own micro-climate, it contains more salt and minerals than any other sea in the world.
Hilton Hotel
Dead Sea
05/04/2027 Dead Sea – Petra (BLD)
This morning we have the chance to float in the Dead Sea and experience the healing and rejuvenating properties of its famous black mud. After lunch we board our coach for the three hour journey south to Petra.
Old Village Petra Hotel
Petra
06/04/2027 Petra (BLD)
Hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, the 2,000-year-old rock-carved city of Petra is full of mystery. The approach through the cool gloom of the Siq, a long narrow chasm, provides a dramatic contrast to the magic that follows. Suddenly the gorge opens into a natural square dominated by Petra’s most famous monument, the Khasneh, with its unmistakable intricate facade. British explorer, Rose Macaulay, wrote in 1953: ‘If ever a dead city held romance it is Petra … hewn out of ruddy rock in the midst of a mountain wilderness … this lost caravan city staggers even the most experienced traveller.’
07/04/2027 Petra – Wadi Rum (BLD)
After breakfast we drive south to the spectacular valley of Wadi Rum. This is a magnificent desert with uniquely shaped mountains rising out of the rose-red sand. We enjoy a camel ride before sharing lunch with the desert-dwelling Bedouins. Our home for the night is a luxury tented camp nestled amongst the red rocks and sands of the desert.
Sun City Bedouin Camp
Wadi Rum
08/04/2027 Wadi Rum – Aqaba (BLD)
This morning we experience the thrill of waking up in the tranquillity of the desert, before heading out on a three hour jeep safari through the red sands of Wadi Rum. Later we drive to Aqaba and transfer to our hotel. After lunch we enjoy an afternoon city tour of Aqaba.
Hyatt Regency Aqaba Hotel
Aqaba
09/04/2027 Aqaba – Pharoah Island – Aqaba (BLD
The Red Sea has some of the most beautiful coral in the world and today we have a chance to experience this amazing part of the world as we take a relaxing boat ride to Pharaoh Island. The blueness and clarity of the Red Sea is dazzling: it is truly one of the planet’s most exotic and fascinating natural seascape environments. We have the opportunity to go snorkelling in the clear waters, which is a truly remarkable experience.
10/04/2027 Aqaba – Amman – Dubai – Australia (BL)
After breakfast we drive north to Amman and transfer to the airport for our homeward flight.
Depart Amman Emirates, EK 904, 18.10
Arrive Dubai 22.05
11/04/2027 Dubai – Australia
On arrival in Dubai connect with the flight to your chosen Australian capital city.
