Qatar to Oman: desert, mountain, city & coast

This morning, you’ll be met by your driver and guide and begin your exploration of Doha. You’ll visit some of the city's highlights, such as Souq Waqif, The Pearl, and Katara Cultural Village, which will give you an insight into the old and new sides of the city.

You’ll have this morning at leisure to either relax and enjoy your hotel or visit some of the city’s excellent museums, such as the National Museum of Qatar or The Museum of Islamic Art. Late afternoon you’ll be collected from your hotel and journey to the desert where you’ll transfer to a 4x4 vehicle and learn about Bedouin traditions before returning to Doha.

Today, you’ll meet your driver and be driven to the airport to board your onward flight to Muscat. On arrival there, you’ll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

This morning, your driver will pick you up at your hotel so you can explore Muscat's sights, including the impressive Grand Mosque. You'll also visit Muscat’s Royal Opera House, built by the previous king, Sultan Qaboos. Continue to Muttrah, where you’ll find the older areas of Muscat and the traditional souqs.

The Gulf of Oman boasts a rich array of marine life and beautiful coral reefs. Today, you head out on a motorboat and try and spot the local dolphin population. You also have the opportunity to go snorkelling among the beautiful coral reefs and might be lucky enough to see sea turtles.

Today’s drive will take you from the calm city of Muscat into the interior of Oman, through the Sumail Gap, once the only route between the interior and the coast. The scenery is stunning, with mountains on either side and a valley floor filled with palm plantations. En route, stop at the historic fort town of Nizwa. For about 200 years, Nizwa was the capital of Oman due to its strategic position, and there are plenty of interesting historic buildings, as well as its traditional souq, to explore. After your visit, you'll head upwards, into the mountains, until reaching your hotel in the Jebel Akhdar mountain range.

Head out with your local guide on one of the prettiest hikes in Oman, from Al Aqur to Saiq. This is a relatively short downhill walk and boasts some of the best views in Jebel Akhdar. As you walk through rural villages, you'll see beautiful landscapes, including vivid flowers, rose gardens, and farms, particularly if you visit during spring.

Your driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Muscat, where you can spend your last day at the Mandarin Oriental, where you can relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, or enjoy a stroll along the corniche.

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Muscat International Airport in time for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.