ABU DHABI MUSCAT

Arrive in Abu Dhabi at 0740 where you will transit to EY382 departing at 0920. On arrival at 1025 in Muscat you will be met before immigration and taken through to the Ahlan Lounge where you will be assisted with visa formalities. Continue through baggage reclaim and customs. You will then be met and transferred by private car to The Chedi or Al Bandar, part of the Bar Al Jissah Spa & Resort.

Muscat itself differs from other cities in the Gulf, with its intriguing mix of the old and the new. Comprising three core districts, Muscat can be divided into Muscat, Mutrah and Ruwi. Muscat or the old port area, is steeped in history and culture, and bordered by gated walls, which form an enclosure around the port, His Majesty the Sultan's Palace and the harbour. Mutrah, the main trading and residential area, has made its name as a haven for souvenir shoppers. Ruwi, the capital's thriving commercial district, boasts amenities that can be found in any modern-day city.

Muscat has earned a reputation amongst travellers as a land of natural beauty and friendly smiles. An intriguing place to visit, Muscat has something to offer to every traveller. For those who wish to learn more about the 16th century Portuguese occupation of Muscat, there are the magnificent Jalali, Miran and Mutrah Forts. For souvenir hunters, Muscat offers shopping opportunities aplenty within complexes in the Qurum Area shopping district and the Old Mutrah Souq (market), also renowned as the most interesting bazaar in Arabia.

Travellers eager for a slice of history, should visit the excellent Sultan's Armed Forces Museum, Bait Zubair and the Natural History Museum.

The rest of the day is yours to explore this fascinating ancient capital or simply relax. Lunch is not included. The afternoon briefing will be followed by drinks to meet the Land Rover Team.

One night at The Chedi (Serai Room) or Al Bandar (deluxe pool view room) on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

FULL DAY OF DRIVING TO THE WAHIBA SANDS

Depart Muscat for full day drive south crossing the Al Hajar Mountains on steep precipitous off road tracks. During the crossing, apart from the spectacular views we enjoy a visit to the biggest cave in the Middle East (130m deep - at the bottom enough space for a jumbo jet) and pass the tall, stone-built circular tombs that date back to 2500BC.

A picnic will be enjoyed en route and by mid-afternoon we arrive at the Northern Reaches of the Wahiba Sands. The Wahiba Sands is a vast sea of undulating red and white sand, and dunes, rising up to 200 metres, are host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight.

Having let air out of our tyres for better traction we enjoy our first experience of Dune Driving as we experience a short crossing of the sand ridges to arrive at the Hud Hud Tented Camp, our home for three nights.

Hud Hud Tented Camp is a private mobile camp set up in locations to ensure that each night your camp will be set beneath the stars in the most dramatic and extraordinarily beautiful settings. Large, roomy and elegant the canvas 'safari' tents have been carefully chosen for Oman's climate and environment. Stylishly furnished the tents also offer a shaded verandah where you can recline and enjoy the magic of sunset in the utter silence of the desert. A shower and wash area which are open to the skies will be shared between two tents.

Overnight at the Hud Hud Tented Camp on a Full Board basis.

DESERT DRIVING

A full day spent in the proximity of the camp perfecting Desert Driving technique to learn mapping and route finding skills with GPS. Camel rides and perhaps a visit to a local Bedouin camp may also be available.

Overnight at the Hud Hud Tented Camp on a Full Board basis.

DESERT DRIVING

Drive south down the new highway parallel to the coast. After leaving the tarmac the drive continues down the beach and through the coastal dunes to a picnic and swimming spot by the sea.

After lunch the 100 mile South/ North crossing of the Wahiba Sands begins. The route follows the grains of the dunes, allowing relatively fast driving during the first section through a vast area of the South Wahiba Desert, before encountering the high dunes of Northern Wahiba. Here the driving becomes technical as we turn west to cross the dunes and arrive back at camp in the early evening.

Overnight at the Hud Hud Tented Camp on a Full Board basis.

WAHIBA SANDS MUSCAT

Leaving Wahiba Sands in the early morning, head west driving along Wadis (wet and dry river beds). The route takes us through spectacular valleys, passing ancient villages clinging to the river bank, often surrounded by a wreath of Date Palms. After about two hours there is stop for coffee, at an old ruined riverside Fort.

Continue onto Muscat via the Jabal Abyad Mountains. This involves a technical rocky climb needing careful negotiation of a rock strewn track:

• follow tracks of the local goat herds
• drive through the Wadi's and small canyons
• some more technical passages might required the co-pilot to guide drive through them

Arrive Muscat in time for a late lunch. Check-in at your hotel.

Overnight at The Chedi (Serai Room) or Al Bandar (deluxe pool view room) on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

MUSCAT NIZWA MUSCAT

A day trip to Nizwa, with picnic lunch. Approximately 2 ½ hours drive on good roads, or a longer route can be taken off road (longer, but fascinating in terms of the landscape, it does not include technical driving).

Nizwa is the capital town of this region of Oman, and the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Nizwa is famous for its Round Tower Fort, built in the 17th century, and its Souq, renowned for the Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved "Khanjars" (daggers) and ornamental silver jewellery.

Return to Muscat and board a Dhow for an early evening sail along the coast with farewell dinner on board.

Overnight at The Chedi (Serai Room) or Al Bandar (deluxe pool view room) on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

MUSCAT HEATHROW

Transfer to Muscat airport for departure on Etihad flight EY383 which leaves Muscat at 1125 and arrives Abu Dhabi at 1220. Transfer in Abu Dhabi to EY17 departing at 1320 and arriving Heathrow at 1730.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?