Oman: Sea, Desert and Canyons

Upon arrival into Muscat, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the hotel for the remainder of the day or explore this bustling capital city on your own.

 

Experience the influence of Persians, Portuguese and Ottomans on Muscat.

 

Today 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

Today is all about water!

 

After breakfast and hotel check out.

 

Leave the capital of Oman to explore the beauty of the country. To Wadi Dayqah, one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs in Oman. Enjoy a walk along the dam before heading to Wadi Tiwi (Wadi of Nine villages) with its string of emerald pools and thick plantations. And then proceed to Sur along the coastline.

 

Arrive at Sur and visit one of the rare traditional dhow (boat) factories, an open-air dhow museum and enjoy a walk through Al Aygah with its beautiful old wooden doors.

 

In the evening you have the possibility to visit the turtle beach (Ras Al Hadd) where turtles can be seen laying their eggs, as well as baby turtles leaving their nests (please note there is no guarantee to see any turtles when visiting during the low season).

 

Breakfast      Dinner

Our Sand & Stone day!

 

After breakfast and hotel check out, we head to the desert camp.

 

Leave the city and drive to Asyla, heading along white sandy beaches with mesmerizing views of the Indian Ocean. After a photo stop in Gaheid be ready for a unique desert experience!

 

You will traverse the elevations of the vast Sharqiya Sands on your 4-wheel drive, 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 and stay at an authentic Bedouin desert camp with local cuisine and cultural performance. This is a unique experience everyone will enjoy.

 

Breakfast      Lunch    Dinner

Enjoy a breakfast in the desert before leaving for the chance to have a swim or to take a walk in the evergreen Wadi Bani Khalid.  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.

 

Next you will head to one of the desert cities, where locals from all over come to market day on Thursday in Sinaw with its camel and fish market. In both cities, you will also see the old abandoned districts.

 

On your way to Nizwa you will have the chance to visit beehive tombs near lzki. You will soon find yourself surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Oman. Walk among the banana and date trees in Birkat al Mouz or just enjoy the view of the village.

 

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

 

Breakfast

After breakfast and hotel check out.

 

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!

 

In the old part of Nizwa you will visit the silver souk. Nizwa is famous for traditional Omani handicraft such as silverware and jewelry, leather goods, pottery and woven palm tree leaf baskets! This is followed by a visit to the most popular national monument, Nizwa Fort.

 

Leave the busy main road to a smaller one passing some of the traditional, small villages, reaching the old mud city Al Hamra. Drive up the Jebel Shamsh, also called "mountain of the sun". Its plateau gives you an impressive view of the canyon, also known as "Oman's Grand Canyon”. This afternoon you can enjoy a walk in the beautiful old village Misfat al Abryeen.

 

Breakfast      Dinner

 

After breakfast and check out.

 

In the morning you will leave the sun mountain heading for another adventurous ride through the mountains. You will cross Wadi Bani Awf, one of Oman's most memorable landscapes. A short walk through the canyon close by the mountain village Bilad Said and a picnic lunch before you leave this region.

 

On your way to the hotel you will stop at Al Hazm fort, which you shouldn't miss! It might be not the biggest or the oldest fort but the elaborate renovation makes it one of a kind! Continue to the seaside for an overnight stay.

 

Breakfast

The tour comes to an end after breakfast.  Hotel check-out and transfer to the departure airport.

 

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

Breakfast