Oman, the lost city of the Thousand and One Nights

MUSCAT
After a direct flight from Paris, you step into the warm breath of the desert and the light breeze coming off the surrounding mountains … mixed with hints of spice and frankincense.
Muscat … the smallest capital city in the world, a true oasis in the middle of the desert … Set between sea and mountain, the Sultanate’s capital captivates with its striking setting.
With a distinctly Bedouin culture, Oman has drawn on successive influences: Persian, Portuguese, then English.
You will explore 5,000 years of rich history: the Bait Al Zubair Museum, the Grand Mosque, the Sultan’s Palace, the Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani, then head to the port of Muttrah and its corniche to discover the souk and fish market.

JEBEL SHAMS
The start of this journey is devoted to steep mountains and high plateaus.
Hikes between charming villages and plantations, a visit to Nizwa Fort, the largest fortress on the Arabian Peninsula, a walk through the villages of Nakhal, Al Hamra and Misfat, Jabreen Castle, the village of Misfa, and Bahla — renowned for its pottery and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A rich cultural and natural heritage at an altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 metres.
A charming camp offering one of the finest views over the country’s high peaks.

NIZWA
Descending from Jebel Shams, you reach Oman’s former capital, Nizwa. Nestled at the foot of a striking mountain region, it marks the last stretch of greenery before the desert regions of central Oman. Nizwa has preserved its traditional architecture, with an imposing fort standing at the centre of town — the largest fort on the entire Arabian Peninsula. The town grew up around a lush oasis, a meeting point for caravan routes arriving from the north and south. Its souk is one of the finest and richest in the country.

JEBEL AKHDAR
On the way to the Green Mountain, one of the highlights of your journey at over 2,000 metres above sea level, you will be struck by the sweeping views and the lush vegetation found here. Visit to Wadi Bani Habib and its abandoned village.
You will stay in a charming mountain hotel on the Saiq Plateau.

WADI AND WAHIBA DESERT
A refreshing, restorative stop at a wadi, where you can swim in the crystal-clear freshwater pools. Picnic in this idyllic setting, then departure for the Wahiba Sands desert.
With nothing but silence and a sea of sand on the horizon, the Omani desert carries a unique sense of adventure — an unmatched experience for those who want to be as close to nature as possible.
Sunset over the dune waves.
4×4 drives through the dunes, quad biking or a camel ride are all on the programme.
You will spend the night at a luxury camp in the middle of the desert.

RAS AL JINZ
After a stop at a Bedouin house in the middle of the desert, you will visit the charming village of Ayja, near Sur … Then you will settle in at the Ras Al Jinz turtle research and protection centre.
Night-time observation of turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs on Ras Al-Hadd beach — a year-round occurrence, though most frequent between June and November.

SUR
Road to Sur, along the coast, with breathtaking landscapes and views. The charming village of Sur offers insight into Oman’s maritime life. It was once a major centre for building dhows, the Sultanate’s traditional boats.
Stop planned at the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular crater with turquoise waters.
Overnight stay planned in Siffah.

A final day of relaxation at the Shangri-La Al Husn, followed by an international flight the next morning.