Muscat

Seven days around northern Oman: the coast road to Sur, turtles at Ras Al Jinz, wadi pools, a night in the Wahiba Sands, the Green Mountain, Nizwa and Jabreen, and Muscat.

Half a day in Muscat: the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair, Al Alam Palace between its two forts, and Mutrah Souq.

Eight days: dolphins and old Muscat, the Grand Mosque, two nights on Jabal Akhdar, Nizwa, Bahla and Jabreen, Jabal Shams, the Wahiba Sands and the coast road.

Four hours offshore with a local captain and crew, fishing for kingfish, tuna, barracuda and more. All gear provided; beginners welcome.

Four days by 4x4: Nakhal Fort and Wadi Bani Awf, a night on Jabal Shams, Jabreen, Bahla and Nizwa, then Wadi Bani Khalid, the Wahiba Sands and the coast road back to Muscat.

Three hours at sea off Muscat looking for spinner, bottlenose and common dolphins. Shared transfers, water and light refreshments included.

Three hours: a traditional wooden dhow along the Muscat coast at sunset, past Al Alam Palace and the old forts. Shared transfers and refreshments included.

Half a day on a traditional dhow from Muscat to the quiet bays of Bandar Khayran, with a good chance of dolphins and time to snorkel.

Three days: the Bimah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab, turtle watching at Ras Al Jinz, the coast road, Wadi Bani Khalid, a night in the Wahiba Sands, then Ibra, Nizwa and Jabreen.

A day trip from Muscat: the Grand Mosque, Nizwa Fort and souq, a photo stop at Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle.