Scenic Oman

Discover the magic of the Sultanate of Oman - history, desert and sea 

From high mountains and vast deserts to historic forts and dazzling mosques, Oman has it all. Situated on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, this country can offer a cultural heritage that is older than 6000 years, warm waters, where dolphins and turtles live, deep fjords to be explored by dhow and desert landscapes with tempting possibilities for trekking or camel riding.

On this amazing tour you will have the chance to enjoy the open desert landscapes of Wahiba Sands, home to isolated settlements of semi-nomadic Bedouin; to explore the lively capital Muscat, voted Arab capital 2012, with its lovely port and bustling souq, where you can buy anything from spices to shoes; to discover historic events in Nizwa; to witness the birth of a new life at Ras al Hadd, and to experience sailing on a traditional dhow. Oman’s diversity of landscapes, wildlife and heritage means that there is truly something for everyone, who comes to visit this extraordinary country.

Tour highlights:
♦ Muscat - the bustling capital of Oman with its beautiful bay
♦ Ras al Jinz - the scientific center for observation of giant turtles
♦ Oman's beautiful nature - Wahiba Sands and the wadis 
♦ Nizwa - the cultural capital of the country

Itinerary:   

Day 1, Sunday: Arrival in Muscat
Arrival at Muscat International Airport. After proceeding through immigration and collecting your luggage you will be met by your driver in the arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Overnight in Muscat.

Day 2, Monday: Batinah tour
After breakfast excursion to the Batinah, the fertile coastal area of the country. First stop is the small town of Barka, where we visit the fish market. We then continue to the village of Nakhal, surrounded by countless date palms, and known for its hot springs. Visit the beautifully restored Nakhal fort, built in 16th c. on a huge rock by an Imam of the Bani Kharous dynasty. After a picnic lunch (not included in price) at the hot springs of Ain Thowarra you will head to Al Hazm fort. Return to Muscat and overnight. B/-/-
Distance: appr. 325km

Day 3, Tuesday: Muscat citytour incl. 2-hour boat trip
At 09:30 h depart for the citytour, which begins with a visit to the magnificent Grand Mosque, built with sandstone and marble. A beautiful Swarowski chandelier and a huge handmade Persian carpet adorn the main prayer hall. Then continue to the Muttrah Souk, a traditional oriental market. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and the scent of frankincense and spices. You visit Bait Al Zubair museum. This privately owned museum, located in the old town of Muscat, is known for its fine collection of traditional costumes, antique jewellery and weapons. Afterwards we will have a photo stop at Al Alam Palace, the palace of the Sultan followed by a 2 hours boat ride along the coast of Muscat. On the way back to the hotel photo stop at the Royal Opera House and drive through the ministries- and embassies area (Lunch included in a local restaurant during the tour). Overnight in Muscat. B/L/-
Distance: appr. 80km

Day 4, Wednesday: Muscat – Jabrin – Al Hamra – Jebel Shams – Nizwa
After breakfast we will leave Muscat and depart towards the interior of Oman. You will visit Jabrin Castle - probably Oman's most beautiful castle - then proceed to the small town of Al Hamra, where many of the traditional mudhouses are still intact. We will then switch to 4x4 vehicles and go further up to Jebel Shams, the ‘mountain of the sun”. Enjoy the spectacular view from the ‘Grand Canyon’. (Lunch during the tour in a local restaurant) Proceed to Nizwa, where you will visit Nizwa Souq. Overnight in Nizwa. B/L/-
Distance: appr. 350km

Day 5, Thursday: Nizwa – Sinaw – Al Mansfah – Wahiba
After breakfast, proceed to “Sinaw Thursday Market”, held every Thursday. It is a very busy market due to its proximity to the Bedouin communities, who head there to buy staples and sell their livestock and handicrafts.
After the visit you proceed to a “local house” where you will enjoy the home made lunch and family will serve you the food. After lunch, see the ruins of the old mercantile community of Al Mansfah near Ibra. Later arrive in Wahiba Sands‘. 4x4 vehicles will take you to the camp. Dinner and overnight at the Desert. B/L/D
Distance: appr. 220km

Day 6, Friday:   Wahiba – Wadi Bani Khaled – Sur
After breakfast the 4x4 vehicles will take you back to the bus. You will then visit Wadi Bani Khaled, which stands in strong contrast to the desert with its natural pools and greenery. Afterwards you will continue to the coastal town of Sur and visit Dhow factory. Dinner in the hotel (included in price). Overnight in Sur. B/-/D
Distance: appr. 210km
Optional: night excursion to Ras Al Jinz turtle resevre, where you can see the nestling turtles (paid on spot)

Day 7, Saturday: Sur – Wadi Tiwi - Muscat
After breakfast you will have a short city tour in Sur. After that you will start the journey back to Muscat along the coast. Stop at the beautiful Wadi Tiwi and have lunch at the Wadi Shab Resort. Continue to Bimah sinkhole - a scenic wonder. Accommodation at the hotel in Muscat and free time. Overnight in Muscat. B/L/-
Distance: appr. 250km

Day 8, Sunday: Departure
Transfer to the airport and departure or extension of your tour with more overnights in Muscat
 

Visa: From 21st March 2018 onward, all the arrivals to Oman (By Air or by road) should apply for visa online prior to the arrival: https://evisa.rop.gov.om/ if eligible. Tourist visas are available upon arrival:
• 5 OMR (around 13 USD / 10 EUR) for stays up to 10 days
• 20 OMR (around 55 USD / 40 EUR) for stays up to 30 days.

Practical information: The dates of the tour are not guaranteed and we should double check availability. Visitors should ask permission before attempting to photograph people or their property. ‘No Photography' signs exist in certain places and must be observed. Women should dress modestly beyond the hotel grounds, i.e. long skirts or dresses (below the knee) with covered shoulders; men should wear trousers and shirts with sleeves. Tight-fitting clothes should be restricted to hotel restaurants to avoid giving offence although this is not strictly followed by some Westerners. Shorts should not be worn in public and beachwear is prohibited anywhere except the beach. Women should cover their head with a scarf when visiting a mosque. Collecting seashells, abalone, corals, crayfish and turtle eggs is also prohibited. Avoid tap water and dairy products, which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Recommended period of travelling: September - April

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