Oman, The Treasure of Arabia

Pick-up from the hotel to start our Muscat city tour. Visit of the "Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque" a unic piece of art and a high architectural level building inaugurated in 2002, then we proceed to the old city of Muscat and catch a glimpse of the old town through the eyes of the bygone of the Omani ancestors who left their marks & images, collected and on display at the fine museum "Bait Al Zubair" in the heart of the old quarter. Take a photo stop at the "Sultan's palace" flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts of "Jalali & Mirani".

Finally, visit of the largest indoor shopping market of Oman "Muttrah Souq". At the Souk, built in traditional style, you will find exquisite silver jewellery, intricately hand-made "Khanjars" (daggers) and other handicrafts.

Your guide will take you to the best of the old and new shopping outlets in there and help you bag a few bargains.

After the half-day tour, transfer back to the hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure.

(night 02 in "Muscat")

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and start the tour by a visit to "Bimmah Sinkhole", a spectacular limestone crater with an inviting turquoise water view, continue to "Wadi Shab" and enjoy a walk through the Wadi. You will see pools appearing before you and may enjoy a refreshing swim. Your next stop is in "Sur", famous for its trading and "Dhow" Building Yard.

After the sightseeing, your guide will take you to your hotel for check-in.

(night 03 in "Sur")

You'll start your trip to the desert. First visit of this day is "Wadi Bani Khalid", one of the largest and most picturesque Wadis in Oman where water flows all year round...Nestled deep into the mountains, it is a true oasis. You can cool down in the green pools or walk up the Wadi and see more pools with waterfalls.

Afternoon you will go directly to meet a Bedouin family, their hospitality will seduce you, share coffee and dates with them even some words if you had time during the drive to learn some Arabic words. You can assist to some dune bashing which consists in going up and down the dunes like a roller coaster with your 4WD vehicle, for some thrilling fun.

(night 04 in desert camp).

After breakfast, check-out from the camp and after a stop in "Ibra" for a closer look at the watchtowers proudly looking over villages from the top of the hills, head towards "Nizwa", which was, once, the old capital of Oman.

Go through the traditional craft "Souk" where you can buy some souvenirs before visiting the "Fort of Nizwa" with its large circular tower and imagine life inside the Fort in the 17th Century. The breath-taking view from the tower will show you how big the surrounding oasis is.

(night 05 in "Nizwa").

After your breakfast, you will continue to "Jabal Akhdar" which in Arabic means "Green Mountain" but it is also known as the "Sayq Plateau". Your guide will take you for an incredible journey. Make your way to the pretty village of "Birkat Al Mouz" , located at the foot of "Jabal Akhdar".

Wonder in the old streets of abandoned houses made of mud and straw.Back to Nizwa.

(night 06 in "Nizwa").

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and you proceed to the atmospheric ruins of "Tanuf" village, surrounded by dusty mountains, have a somber past. These traditionally constructed buildings were inhabited until the early 1950s, when they were largely destroyed during the War of Al Jabal. Today, this is the area where "Tanuf" branded water is sourced and bottled.

Next, a visit to "Bahla", famous for its impressive sandy fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site), exquisite earthenware pottery, and rumored associations with black magic.

Visit, later, of "Jabreen Castle", built in 1670, as a family home for the "Imam" as well as being a reassuring fortified defense, is one of the most impressive forts in Oman. It was ,once, associated with education and learning, and the castle contains some splendid paintings on the rooms and ceilings, as well as several intricate woodcarvings. The castle has two staggering towers and immensely thick walls well prepared for any siege.

Next visit is to "Misfat Al Abriyeen", a village of closely packed, angular houses clinging to the mountainside. This is Oman at its most traditional and picturesque aspect.

(night 07 "Misfat.A").

After breakfast, you travel to the top of Jebel Shams, "Sun Mountain", Oman's highest peak, 3009 m. Get a spectacular view of the "Grand Canyon". The stunning landscape will enchant you.

Return to "Misfat.A" (night 08)

After breakfast check-out from the resort and proceed to "Wadi Bani Awf". Here you can do a very adventurous 04WD trip, which will be a journey in the mountains and villages. The track to "Wadi Bani Awf" is an exhilarating trip over the mountains. From here, you may visit "Bilad Sayt", a tranquil mountain hamlet tucked away in the mountains.

You may continue to "Nakhal" and visit its 17th Century Fort built on the peak of a mountain surrounded by beautiful palms plantations. Visit the warm springs of "Ayn Athowarah".

Continue to Muscat and you will be dropped at your hotel.

(night 09 in "Muscat")

Check-out from the hotel and our driver will transfer you to Muscat International Airport as per your flight schedule.

#END OF THE TOUR & SERVICES#