Learn the traditions of Arabia and the rich cultural history of Oman. Enjoy the unique nature of the country during this tour. You will visit the cultural highlights of Nizwa and Nakhal, amazing landscapes of Jebel Akhdar, coastal city of Sur, legendary desert of Sharqiya and the breath taking scenes of Wadi Bani Khalid. Explore the country’s capital Muscat and experience the charm of an oriental city.
Upon Arrival you will be transferred to the Hotel. Check-in to the hotel.
Rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight in Muscat.
Leave your hotel after breakfast and drive through the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat en route to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Visit the grand mosque, a religious landmark of Muscat and splendor of unique Islamic architecture (Islamic dress code is compulsory). This mosque of superlatives completed in 2001, refers to be the main mosque in Oman and one of the two mosques in Sultanate, which you could visit as a non-Muslim (other one is in Salalah). Witness the world’s second largest handmade carpet and huge Swarovski chandeliers in the main prayer hall.
On your way back to the city center you will go past the Opera House, the Gulf’s only concert hall, and reach the old town.
Stroll around the old city quarter and have a photo-stop at the Qasr Al Alam, the official Palace of HM Sultan Qaboos. This palace is mainly used for representative purposes of His Majesty. Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum (except Friday) with its wealth of information and exhibits on the country’s culture, tradition and heritage.
Drive to Muttrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat. Muttrah souq is one of the most beautiful oriental markets in the Gulf States. Step into the fish market, stroll along the Corniche to admire the beautiful merchant houses and experience the shopping in the busy souk. The largest and oldest bazaar of Oman is traditionally divided into zones for selling a variegated array of shops with souvenirs, antiques, frankincense, gold, textiles, leather goods, jewelry, traditional sabers and many other goods.
Start your round tour & visit Birkat Al Mauz Oman. It is one of the most famous villages in ruins in the Sultanate. With the 2 sets of ruins, a large banana plantation and the scenic surroundings, the site is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system listed as Unesco World heritage.
Drive to the green mountains of Jebel Akhdar. Visit several small traditional villages and terraced farms. Enjoy the stunning views of the valley and gardens below.
Overnight in Nizwa.
Nizwa is one of the oldest cities in Oman. Visit the traditional souq and the Fort of Nizwa. Visit Nizwa Cattle Market (Only on Friday) & experience traditional Omani culture. Then proceed to visit the centuries old village of Al Hamra.
Overnight in Nizwa.
Today we start the tour with the visit of the three-storied castle of Jabreen. Then we driver to the most famous desert Al Sharqiyah Sands. Already on your way, you will witnesses the emerging sand dunes on your left. Al Sharqiyah Sands was very famous before as Wahiba Sands. A breathtaking tour through sand dunes, where you also have the chance to visit “Bedouin” family. You will experience the true hospitality of the Bedouins and enjoy a traditional “Khawa” coffee with some fresh dates. Enjoy the sunset.
Overnight stay in Al Sharqiya Sands.
Continue your journey to one of the most visited Oasis in the region; Wadi Bani Khalid. Proceed to the East coast and drive to Sur. Sur was once famous for its dhows (Traditional ships) and east African trades. Visit a traditional Dhow factory in Sur.
Overnight in Sur
We start the tour in the morning & visit Wadi Shab to enjoy its spectacular views. Proceed to Bimmah Sinkhole at the coastal road. Overlooked by the towering escarpment of Al Hajar Ash Sharqi mountain range is the beautiful bay of the ‘White Beach’, near Fins village in Muscat Governorate, on the coastal road between Sur and Quriyat. Sand formed from ancient coral reefs are lapped by the clear turquoise water of the Gulf of Oman here, thus creating one of the area’s most relaxing locations. Our next stop is the Mausoleum of Bibi Maryam. The mausoluem was built by the wife of Baha al-Din, Maryam, and is thus call the Bibi Maryam mausoleum. It is located on the Omani coast south of Muscat near the medieval city of Qalhat. The city was described by Marco Polo and visited by Ibn Battuta in the second quarter of the fourteenth century. Continue your journey to Muscat.
Overnight in Muscat.
Enjoy a boat ride with a unique opportunity to watch dolphins in Oman waters. Spend the time touring the waters off Sidab in search of dolphins. Seen all around the year, dolphins make for exciting watching as they swim around and under fishing craft in search of tuna, mackerel and sardines. A dolphin in flight is a wonderful sight that thrills onlookers.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Afternoon Visit the lively fish market and experience the atmosphere among the typical Arab merchants in Barka. Watch locals standing around the auction floor bid for fish of all colors, shapes and sizes, while fishermen land the night’s catches on the long beach outside.Then proceed to the small oasis Nakhal located at the foot of Al Hajar Mountains. Amidst the beautiful palm groves is one of the most spectacular stone castles in the world. Built in and on this mountain, this castle is an impressive masterpiece of Arabic architecture. Nakhal fort was built to protect the trade routes between Nizwa and the coastal areas of the East.
Say good-bye to your memorable stay in Oman. Transfers are arranged to bring you to the airport for your departure flight.
Tour Code:R/M/902
Minimum participants: 01
Tour starts: Daily from Muscat
Duration: 10 Days (9 Nights)
Availability: January – April / September – December
Guided Tour? Yes
Languages: English. (German, French, Italian on request for private tours)
Transport: Saloon car/Micro van/ Mini bus/ Coach tour/transfer on day 1,2 & 8,9. 4WD Vehicle for the days 3-7. Boat tour on day 8
Sun screen Steady shoes Hat
This tour involves walking over rough and inclined ground
Taking photographs/filming inside the museum is not permitted
Grand Mosque is only opened for visitors from Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 – 11:00 am.
Dune bashing during the desert tour is an adventures activity. Guest may participate this event at their own risk.
Please note that the swimming in Wadi Bani Khalid / Wadi Shab / Bimmah Sinkhole is optional and limited to the time frame. Swimming is at guest’s own risk.
Dolphin watching tour is weather sensitive and we will offer you an alternative date in case of a cancellation due to bad weather
Please note that you are planning to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. No guarantee can be assured of the sight of wild animals. Furthermore, we do expect you to be nature friendly and well aware of ecological ethics.
Please ensure you dress respectfully. Knees and shoulders should be covered during visit of religious places. Please pay attention to the specified dress code by visiting Sultan Qaboos grand mosque from inside.
We can provide you visitors’ visa to Oman (conditions may apply)
We can help select your international and domestic flights
Extensions / Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged with supplementary charges
Airport transfers are included. We will pick up / drop off you at Salalah International airport