After breakfast we depart for a photo tour of the city of Muscat. We begin with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture, a gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of reign. Next we’ll visit the Opera House — Oman’s premier venue for musical arts & culture. Then a drive along the picturesque Corniche and to Al Alam Palace, the Royal residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali.

In the afternoon we will visit the “Ladies of Sidab”, an exclusive social entrepreneurship movement aimed at creating a positive social change. It’s been so successful that it has now begun to take root throughout the rest of the Arabian Gulf. Based in Sidab, a fishing village near Muscat, it consists of a group of 100 women, and has become Oman’s most successful cottage industry. Using the traditional ‘wizar’ art of Oman, the woman create products like calico shopping bags, mobile phone cases, cushion covers, tissue boxes, etc.  (B)

After an early breakfast, we checkout and depart by 4WD to the village of Sur, via the scenic and rugged coastal route. This ride offers us breathtaking views of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman, offset by its pristine white beaches. After a stop at the fishing village of Quriyat, we’ll drive on to Fins Beach, one of the most beautiful white sand beaches. Next we’ll come to Wadi Tiwi. The sight is remarkable with its lush green plantations where water flows all year around. We’ll wrap up the drive with an Arabic lunch at a local Omani house.

Once we arrive in Sur, we’ll check-in and take a short break. After we’ll visit a Dhow Building Yard and learn about ship building. We’ll do a low-light walking tour of Sur to photograph the architecture and the local people. (B, L)

Today we depart from the coast and head to the desert. Along the way we’ll stop at the old Castle Museum in Al Kamil. Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. In the distance, the high sand dunes of Al Sharqiyah will appear.

When we reach the desert, our off-road vehicles will turn turbo as they make their way through the desert – a guaranteed adventure. Our destination is Wahiba – the great Arabian Desert. Here we’ll visit a Bedouin house and family, take a camel ride, and a sand dune drive. We’ll arrive in time for a sunset photography session among the dunes. Once we check-in to our Safari Dunes Camp, we’ll enjoy a wonderful BBQ Dinner under the stars. (B, L, D)

We are up before sunrise to capture the sun rising over the dunes. After breakfast be begin our drive to Jabal Akhdar. Along the way we’ll stop at the desert town of Ibra where they experience a unique women-only market for Bedouins from the surrounding Sharqiya Sands. The Ladies Market in Ibra is a fairly recent innovation which opened in 1990 and is only open on Wednesday mornings. It is the only souk in Oman which lends itself totally to the needs of women. Lotions, cosmetics, powders, textiles, perfumes and henna are amongst some of the items available.

Our drive continues to the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz, where we’ll enjoy a walk through the lush green date plantations. We proceed on to Wadi Al Madeen. From here a stretch of winding road leads us to Jabel Akhdar (6560 ft / 2000 m above sea level). Jebel Al Akhdar is famed for its terraced fruit orchards, planted along the slopes of mountains. Finally we come to the villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (a very old village) & Al Ain. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at the luxurious Alila Hotel, with stunning mountain views. (B)

After breakfast we’ll drive to the village of Al Hamra. This wonderful village is located at the foot of the mountains, with its date plantations, ruined houses and inviting scenery. We’ll make a brief stop at Wadi Ghul, and then continue on to Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun), the tallest peak in Oman at a height of 9875 ft (3010 m). Jebel shams offers us spectacular views of the surroundings countryside and perfect for a panorama. It’s home to weavers of heavy woollen rugs, created in distinctive black, red and brown geometric designs. Along the way we’ll discover small villages hidden in the mountain ranges. And for those interested, we’ll enjoy an optional cliff walk to the abandoned village on the Jabal Shams Plateau. The tour allows for spectacular views of Wadi an Nakhar and Al Hamra.

Lunch will be at Bait Al Safah, home to the historic Palace of Jabrin, one of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in the city. It was originally built, not as a fort, but as a residential castle. Lastly, we’ll explore Bahla, a very impressive clay fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site. By late afternoon we’ll return to our hotel for dinner. (B, L)

After breakfast, we checkout and drive to the Friday Market of Nizwa, where locals sell and trade their camels, sheep, goats, donkeys, cattle, and all kinds of poultry. Nizwa was once one of the cultural, religious and economic centers of Oman, and is known for its copper and silver crafts. We’ll capture street photography and portraits at the local market, as well as the city and its impressive fortress tower. After lunch we’ll visit the powerful Nizwa Fort, and later drive to Misfah for the night. (B)

On our last full day, we are up early to catch the morning light in the alleyways of Misfat Al Abreen. After breakfast, we’ll drive to Mussanah via the famous Wadi Bani Awf, considered by many to be the most spectacular drive of any of Oman’s mountain drives. The sparkling white stones scattered about the ground are natural quartz. As we drive through this spectacular mountain range, we’ll be stopping along the way to capture photographs. A lush swathe of date palms, and a patchwork of terraced fields accentuate the scenic opportunities beyond its natural beauty. Surrounding us will be impressive mountains, all part of the Jebal Shams mountain range. From deep within these mountains emerge crystal streams of water that eventually feed the village’s two main falaj. These streams nurture the area’s lush heritage of date palm gardens and farms. The overflow ends up in the wadi that skirts the Bilad Sayt and meanders on for about 4.3 miles (7 km), cutting a deep swathe through the surrounding mountains.

Once we arrive in Mussanah, we’ll check into our hotel and take a much needed rest. In the evening we will celebrate our wonderful photo adventure with a “Farewell Dinner” fit for a Sultan. (B, D)

On our last morning, we will enjoy a lovely breakfast, and review our past week’s photos. After we trade contact information we sadly bid you farewell. We will begin our transfer to Muscat Airport. If you are traveling on to our extended Dubai Photo Adventure, we will depart together. If not, we encourage you to extend your stay in the Middle East, or elsewhere and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)

We begin our day with a sunrise shoot of Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious 7 star hotel. This iconic hotel sits on an artificial island 920 feet (280 meters) from Jumeirah beach and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The shape of this unique structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship, making it one of the most photographed buildings in Dubai. After breakfast we will take a stroll through Dubai Marina which is encircled by a magnificent collection of modern skyscrapers. Bring your wide and ultra-wide lens.

In the late afternoon we’ll visit Jumeirah Mosque. One of the most beautiful landmarks in Dubai, the Jumeirah Mosque is large enough to hold up to 1,200 worshippers. It’s grand size and fine details lend to some very impressive architectural photography. After sunset we will dine at BoxPark, a unique mall where shops and 20 cafés and restaurants are located in shipping container structures. At night these containers are colorfully lit, which makes for some wonderful night photography. The cool, hip, urban crowd can also lend to street photography opportunities. (B, D)

We begin our day very early with a sunrise pickup by Jeep, and head to the desert. Upon arrival we will meet with our Desert Falconry Expert who will be waiting for us with falcons, a hawk and owls. We will be given in-depth introductions on the ancient sport of falconry and techniques used in training and hunting with the falcons, as well as the opportunity to create great photographs. We’ll return to Dubai by the late morning.

After lunch we will visit the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home to more than 500 flamingos and 20,000 birds of 67 species. Located in Dubai Creek, this saltwater wetland is dotted with lush mangroves and surrounded by salt and mudflats. This unique wetland of unspoiled nature is a dream come true for the photographers. Situated close to the city center, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal place to spot some rare species of birds amidst the natural beauty. A visit to Ras Al Khor offers a rare glimpse of the unseen Dubai which is vastly different from the glamorous side of Dubai.

In the afternoon we will relax back at our hotel, and in the evening we will enjoy a well deserved “Farewell Dinner”. (B, D)

On our last morning, we will enjoy a lovely breakfast and review our photos. After we trade contact information we sadly bid you farewell. We encourage you to extend your stay in the Middle East, or elsewhere and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)