Highlights of Oman: Muscat, the Gulf, the Desert and Jebel Akhdar

Included in the itinerary - A chance to independently explore Muscat. Consider starting with the two most important establishments: the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (1995-2001) and the Royal Opera House Muscat (2007-2011), both emblematic of contemporary Islamic architecture. Continue on to the Bait Al-Zubair Museum, which features a valuable collection of ancient art and handicrafts. Conclude in the shopping district of Muttrah, where the souq was once one of the most active on the Arabian peninsula and participated in trade with China and India. There are no longer dry mud walls or palm roofs, but Al Dhalam (the Darkness) has retained its shady, popular and busy atmosphere. The souq is the place to find dates, mother-of-pearl handicrafts, traditional clothing, 'khanjars' (the curved-blade dagger that makes a man an Omani), 'bakhoors', which perfume the house and keep the 'jinn' (evil spirits) away.

Sur is a historic city located in the north-east of the sultanate, on the shores of the Gulf of Oman. In ancient times, this city was a port of call for sailors and pirates heading for Africa. Situated between a lagoon and the mountainous foothills of the Hajar mountains, Sur is renowned for its harbour and shipyards. Not far away is the charming village of Al-Ayga, the birthplace of the famous traditional dhows. The stretch of coastline, dotted with fishing villages and magnificent beaches, is quite spectacular. Make sure to visit the mausoleum of Bibi Maryam in the Persian village of Qahlat.

Then, drive to one of the deserts that make up the Arabian legends. Overnight stay in the middle of the sand dunes, in a tent camp in the shade of the rare ghaf trees (flowering evergreen trees). Although having an authentic experience under the canvas, there are modern conveniences to ensure you can be comfortable. The tents are reminiscent of authentic Bedouin life, with the continual presence of the desert and the gigantic scale of the heavenly dome. However, there's an excellent and most-welcome surprise in this arid environment: a swimming pool available to guests. The exotic meals extend the pleasure of the trip, even the taste buds are tantalised. Explore the camp surrounds on horse, on an Arabian camel, in an all-terrain vehicle or on foot. Discover the Bedouin way of life by enjoying sandboarding, volleyball and billiards; or visit the gazelle and oryx enclosures.

Drive to Al Hamra. Some of the sultanate's oldest buildings can be seen in Al Hamra. In the souq, those with a sweet tooth will be interested in the halva fabrication. See how this delicious oriental confection made of sesame is created. The surrounding mountains are the central part of the Hajar mountains, and the Jebel Akhdar is known as the Green Mountain with three hundred wadis. There is staunch authenticity everywhere, with spectacular reliefs, small villages, old forts, orchards and terraced crops.
Included in the itinerary - Visit Misfat Al Abriyeen, a pretty village in Hajar surrounded by a huge palm grove hanging on the side of a canyon. The village presents a fine example of 'falaj', an ingenious irrigation system based on small furrows dug into the ground, into which water flows, from groundwater or wadis, which then supplies water to homes. This stop is also an opportunity to meet the inhabitants of the village, to discover their work in terraced crops and take part in some agricultural activities.