Jour 1: Muscat
Muscat - Afternoon City Tour
Arrival at Muscat International Airport - Upon arrival, our chauffeur or guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall with a welcome sign with your name on it. Transfer from Muscat airport to the hotel (Standard check-in time: 14:00 hours). Muscat, city, capital of Oman, located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The city is the seat of the Omani government. With a history dating back to antiquity, it mixes skyscrapers and high-end shopping malls with cliff-top monuments such as the 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Al Mirani, overlooking Muscat's harbor. 14:00 hrs.: Pick up from the hotel and proceed for the city Tour of Muscat. In the afternoon, our Muscat city tour starts at Bait Al Zubair, a private museum with a remarkable collection of Omani artifacts. We'll also make a quick photo stop at Al Alam Palace, one of Sultan Qaboos's royal residences, Mirani and Jalali fort. Following that, we'll explore the historic Muttrah area, where you can visit the traditional Muttrah Souq, a market steeped in history, dating back about two centuries. In the evening, we'll head back to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation. Overnight at a hotel in Muscat.
Note:
- When visiting the mosque, please dress modestly, covering your head with a scarf if you're a woman. Avoid shorts, beachwear, or sleeveless outfits for both men and women. Slip-on shoes are recommended as they must be removed to enter.
- Turtle Watching: Please note that the main nesting season is from June to August, and during other times of the year, turtle sightings may vary.
Jour 2: Sur
Muscat - Wadi Shab - Sur (2-3 hrs. drive) (Breakfast)
Breakfast in the hotel and check-out. 08:00 Hrs - Visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman, and one of the most popular places to visit in Muscat. Accommodating up to a stupendous 20,000 worshippers at a time, the structure features a blend of various architectural styles. (FRIDAY CLOSED). After mosque visit, proceed towards Sur and we will make our first stop at Bimmah Sinkhole, a captivating natural formation filled with water about 200 meters inland. Proceed to Wadi Shab, where you can relish a scenic walk leading to the pool. The round-trip hike inside Wadi Shab takes approximately 3 hours. As we continue our drive, we'll reach Sur, a town nestled within a natural bay, where the harbor district retains its traditional architectural charm. While in Sur, we'll visit the fish jetty and a dhow factory. Afternoon check-in at the hotel in Sur and rest. 20:00 hrs.: Visit the Ras Al Jinz Scientific Center with an ecologist to witness a captivating event - female turtles returning to the beach to lay their eggs. Oman is home to important nesting sites for four turtle species: the Green Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, and Hawksbill Turtle. This is a popular eco-tourism activity in the country. 22:30 hrs.: Return to your hotel in Sur or Ras Al Hadd. Overnight at hotel in Sur or Ras Al Hadd.
Jour 3: Wahiba Sands
Sur - Wadi Bani Khalid - Wahiba Sands (2.5 hrs. drive) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel & check-out. Proceed to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most stunning and well-known wadis in Oman. Nestled in the Al Sharqiyah region, this wadi is famous for its crystal-clear, aqua-blue pools that flow year-round, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush date palms. Caves and small waterfalls add to its natural charm as it winds through nearby villages. Next, continue your journey to Wahiba Sands.
Note: Change vehicle from Large Coach to 4x4 (max 4 pax/vehicle) before entering the desert.
Continue the journey to the Sharqiyah Sands (Wahiba Sands) a vast sea of rolling red and white sand dunes, some rising as high as 200 meters. This striking desert landscape is home to diverse flora and fauna, and its ever-shifting dunes are a paradise for photographers. Visit a traditional Bedouin home, where you'll have the opportunity to meet local residents and learn about their customs and nomadic way of life. Arrive at your desert camp and check in. As evening falls, take in the majesty of the desert during a tranquil sunset over the dunes, an unforgettable experience. Dinner and overnight stay at Wahiba Sands.
Jour 4: Nizwa
Wahiba Sands - Nizwa (3 hrs. drive) (Breakfast)
Enjoy breakfast in the desert and then set off toward Nizwa.
Note: Change vehicle from 4x4 to Large Coach to 4x4 (max 4 pax/vehicle) from the main highway.
If it happens to be a Wednesday or Thursday, your journey may include a visit to the local markets in Ibra or Sinaw. We continue our journey to the oasis village of Bahla, the center of pottery art in northern Oman. The village is surrounded by a 12 km mud wall that protects the palms and the fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site - photo stop from outside). Afterward, we visit the village of Al Hamra, a historic settlement situated at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, the town of Al Hamra has survived for more than four hundred years and is one of the oldest villages in Oman. It attracts visitors due to its well-preserved row of two and three-story mud-brick houses built by using traditional methods dating back centuries. Visit Bait Al Safah, a traditional house turned into a living history museum that offers an insight into the lives of the people who settled and continue to live in the area. In the late afternoon, check in to your hotel in Nizwa. Overnight at hotel in Nizwa.
N The Nizwa cattle market operates only on Friday mornings; guests should arrive at the market before 8:00 AM.
Jour 5: Muscat
Nizwa - Birkat al Mauz - Muscat (Breakfast) (2.5 hrs. drive)
Breakfast at the hotel and start your day with a visit to Nizwa fort and souq. If it’s a Friday, you will be visiting the traditional cattle market in Nizwa. First visit Nizwa Fort, an ancient fortress with some parts dating back to the 9th century, showcasing remarkable Omani historical architecture. Nizwa Fort not only boasts the tallest tower in Oman but also stands out as the only fort in the region with a cylindrical main tower. Afterward, we will explore Nizwa Souk, one of Oman's oldest markets, bustling with activity. Enclosed by walls, souk offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with locals, experience Omani life, and purchase delightful souvenirs. Proceed to visit the castle of Jabrin Built in 1675, the Jabreen fort is one of the best-preserved forts in Oman. It has served historically as an important centre of learning and remains famous for its battlements. This three-story tall castle features two towers, and numerous halls and rooms. We’ll continue our drive to Muscat via Birkat al Mouj. We’ll walk through its oasis and date plantations before continuing to Muscat. With the 2 sets of ruins, a large banana plantation and scenic surroundings, the site is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system listed as UNESCO World heritage. Arrive Muscat and check-in. Overnight at hotel in Muscat (Beach property).
Jour 6: Muscat
In Muscat (Free day) (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel. Day free at the leisure to enjoy your beach stay. Overnight at hotel in Muscat (Beach property).
Jour 7: Muscat
In Muscat (Free day) (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel. Day free at the leisure to enjoy your beach stay. Overnight at hotel in Muscat (Beach property).
Jour 8:
Muscat (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel & check-out (standard check-out time - 12:00 hrs.). Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, savoring the last moments of your journey. Afterward, we'll transfer you to Muscat airport for your onward flight. We bid you farewell and hope you carry cherished memories of your time in Oman with you.
