Oman - Persian Steps to Ancient Pasts

Day 1. Outbound

Depart from the UK and arrive Muscat late evening. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 2. Western Hajar Mountains

Visit the imposing Grand Mosque then head off in your 4WD through picturesque Wadi Bani Awf lined with date farms and sparkling pools. Ascend to 2000 metres for your first panoramic views of the Western Hajar range. This afternoon's walk through wild olive and juniper trees offers wide-sweeping vistas of the whole Jebel Akhdar area. Settle down for a night under the stars.

Day 3. Jebel Shams

Head up to the highest point in Oman, Jebel Shams (3000 metres). Follow the balcony trail to a deserted hanging, hidden village situated on the very edge of the cliff offering the most spectacular views in Oman, way beyond into the interior of the South and overlooking an immense gorge known as the 'Grand Canyon'. Descend past old falaj water systems and farmed terracing for a dramatic perspective of the gorge from the valley floor ??? a journey through more than half a billion years of geological time.

Days 4 and 5. Jebel Akhdar

Trek up Oman's beautiful 'green mountain' Jebel Akhdar, a steep ascent to 2200 metres along a classic Persian Step route. The views as you gain height over first villages then waves of rocky promontories, gullies and ridges change a subtle shade of purple, grey or amber in the sun. Reach your remote, atmospheric camp on the Sayq Plateau in time for sunset. Descend on a steep path offering further fantastic aerial views and transfer to your beautifully located hotel near Nizwa, sandwiched between chocolate coloured hills to the rear and jagged white peaks to the front.

Days 6 and 7. Nizwa and Turtles

Enjoy a day in the historic former capital of Nizwa. Nizwa is noted for its 17th century fort and bustling souk full of silversmiths' art where local men still wear the sharp- bladed Khunjar in their waistbands. Drive to the protected beach at Ras al Jinz, for an extraordinarily memorable evening spent watching the turtles struggle up the sand to lay their eggs. Fall asleep to the ebbing waters of the Arabian Sea. A truly magical spot to spend the night.

Days 8 and 9. Muscat and Homeward

Enjoy the early morning sight of more turtles heading off to sea before returning to Muscat via the stunning waterfall at Wadi Shab, replete with apricots, grapevines and sweet bananas providing a stunning contrast to the arid scenery beyond. Take a morning dolphin and snorkelling cruise around the dramatic coast of the Capital Area. Enjoy the rest of the day in this fascinating city - Muscat is a place where tradition meets the modern in a magnificent natural harbour and you can wander the souks at leisure or take a farewell dhow cruise before kicking the sand out of your shoes, freshening up and boarding your overnight flight home.