Morning city tour of Muscat including a visit to the Grand Mosque, a tour of the Bait Al Zubair museum and its collection of ancient weapons and costumes, the sultan’s palace and the twin forts of Al Jalali and Mirani down by the harbour. Afternoon at leisure to relax by the pool at the hotel. (B)

Morning drive to Jebel Akhdar (4 hours), the highest point in Oman and part of the Al Hajar mountain range. Stop en route to visit Nizwa souk, selling all manner of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish as well as handicrafts, and Nizwa fort with its immense round tower. Take a leisurely, guided afternoon walking tour through the mountains and picturesque villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib and Al Ain. Stay 2 nights at the Alila Jabal Akhdar (mountain-view room), which looks out over a dramatic gorge. (B, L)

Morning visit to Jabrin fort, considered to be one of the finest of Oman’s castles. Built in 1675, its well-preserved rooms, courtyards and fortifications make it easy to imagine what life was like here. Continue to the village of Al Hamra, where there will be an opportunity to ride Arabian horses. Afternoon at leisure to relax by the hotel’s infinity pool. (B, L)

Set off this morning for a scenic drive through the eastern Al Hajar mountains to Sharqiya Sands (6 hours), home to the bedouin people. Early evening sunset camel safari and stay overnight at Desert Nights camp (Deluxe tent). (B, L, D)

Morning dune bashing excursion in a 4x4, before driving to Sur (6 hours). Stop en route at Wadi Bani Khalid, a picturesque river valley, where a picnic lunch will be served. City tour of Sur to see how traditional wooden dhow boats are built and visit the Sanseela fort. Continue to Ras Al Jinz beach where you will make an evening visit to the green turtle nesting site. Stay overnight at the Ras Al Jinz Scientific and Visitor Centre (Standard room). (B, L)

Set off this morning for a drive to Muscat via Wadi Shab (6 hours) with its sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater containing cooling turquoise waters. Continue to Muscat and stay at the Al Waha Hotel at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa for 3 nights (Superior room). (B)

Today, you will embark on a boat cruise to spot dolphins and whales. In the late morning, the boat will moor at Bandar Al Khayran, a picturesque inlet where you can relax among sheltered bays lined by mangrove forests. After lunch, return to Muscat. (B, L)

Full day at leisure or take part in a range of activities that can be pre-booked including a visit to the National Hospitality Institute for a cooking class with local Omani students or trekking. (B)

Transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight from Muscat to your next destination. (B)