Highlights of Oman

Welcome to Oman! Your guide will meet you at Muscat International airport and start your half day Muscat Tour before checking in at the hotel.  You will experience the influence of Persians, Portuguese and Ottomans on Muscat.

 

We visit the 5^th largest mosque in the world, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, replete with huge Swarovski chandeliers and a gigantic one piece carpet covering the whole mens’ prayer hall.

 

Pass by the diplomatic quarter and enjoy a guided tour through the beautiful Royal Opera House (inside tour available if there is no rehearsal on stage). Visit the Bait Al Baranda Museum. Let’s drive along the cornice (near the main Mina Al Sultan Qaboos port of Oman) to the oldest and largest market in the country, Muttrah souq (bazaar). This is an opportunity to shop for your Omani souvenirs. Walk through its narrow alleys where the air is filled with the aroma of frankincense and sandalwood. Don’t forget to bargain!

 

Next is a photo stop at the Al Alam Palace where the Sultan receives his official guests. The palace is flanked by two Portuguese Forts, Al Jalali (1578) to the right and Al Mirani (1581) to the left. At the museum, you will witness traditional artifacts and traces of the history and pre-history of Muscat.

 

Dress code for the mosque: Women require a long sleeve top with a scarf to cover the hair and long trousers or a full length skirt.  For men, long trousers and a top with sleeves.  Sleeveless tops are not acceptable.

 

Photographers: In Oman, do not take photos of local Omanese women. If you want to photograph Omanese men, ask for permission first before taking photos of them.

 

Breakfast

After breakfast and hotel check out.

 

You will leave the capital to explore the interior region and one of the oldest settlements in this area, Nakhl with the impressive Nakhal Fort, built on a 60 meter high rock. Your guide will show you around the different areas of the fort and you will have a glimpse of how the Omanis used to live. Drive through the old part of Nakhl, where mud houses are surrounded by gardens and reach Ain Thowarah, the hot springs system of Nahkl.

 

Enjoy the adventure of crossing the mountains via Wadi Bani Awf. On the way you will have the possibility to enjoy a walk in the mountain village Bilad Said.

 

After passing the mountains you reach to the old mud city Al Hamra. It is a traditional, small village where locals opened its former houses as a museum for visitors to experience the lifestyle of an Omani.

 

Breakfast

After breakfast and hotel check out.

 

In the morning you will discover the old capital of Oman, Nizwa. On Friday, farmers bring their cattle, goats and other animals to be auctioned at the weekly livestock market.  Watch the farmers and traders from as far as Salalah (the other end of Oman) barter and trade at one of the finest traditional markets.  Another Instagram worthy moment!

 

Nizwa is famous for traditional Omani handicraft. The traditional Nizwa souq (bazaar) is divided into different sections for vegetables, dates, leather goods, pottery and woven palm tree leaf baskets. The silversmiths work in their small shops making the famous silver jewelry and hand crafted khanjars (daggers).

 

Proceed to the Nizwa Fort of the old capital and learn more about its interesting history.

 

Continue to another beautiful wadi, Wadi Bani Khalid, where water flows all year round. This most loved wadi (a gorge between cliffs) of the country featuring large pools of turquoise and emerald water, lined with lush green palm trees inviting you to jump in to refresh.  You could have a swim or to take a walk in the evergreen.

 

You will traverse the elevations of the vast Sharqiya  Sands on your 4-wheel drive vehicle, to be excited with the sand dune bashing (a bumpy and thrilling ride ) over the beautiful dunes and sparse desert landscape .

 

Trek the sand dunes on a camel (if time allowed) and stay at an authentic Bedouin desert camp with local cuisine and cultural performance. This is a unique experience everyone will enjoy.

 

Swimming dress code: One piece swimsuit for females, no Bikinis.

 

Breakfast     Dinner

After breakfast and hotel check out.

 

Please provide details of your flight home so we can schedule your itinerary and airport transfer.

 

If your flight departs late enough in the day then additional sightseeing is possible.

 

The additional sightseeing is in Sur on the coast.  In former times one of the most important trading cities in the Arabian Sea, Sur is now a more silent but still beautiful city. You visit the dhow factory, where traditional wooden ships are made and the open air dhow museum.

 

After leaving Sur you will drive alongside the coastline to Muscat. You also have the opportunity to walk through Wadi Shab or to explore Wadi Tiwi (Wadi of Nine villages) by car. Just in time to return to Muscat International Airport (MCT) for your flight.

 

The tour comes to an end.

 

Breakfast