Mysteries of Oman

After breakfast , pick-up from the hotel to start the city tour.Visit of the "Sultan Qaboos's" Grand Mosque ,considered as one of the biggest & most beautiful mosques of all the gulf region .Then we will move to the old city of Muscat and catch a glimpse of the old town through the eyes of the bygone locals 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 famous Sultan's palace called “Qasr Al Alam” flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts of "Jalali & Mirani".

later , in the afternoon, we will visit the largest indoor shopping market of Oman "Muttrah Souq". Built in traditional style, where you will find exquisite silver jewellery, intricately hand made "Khanjars" (traditonal daggers) ,fine natural insences and other handicrafts. After a free time in the market ,transfer back to the hotel.

(night 02 in "Muscat").

We start the day with a visit to "Nizwa", the ancient capital of Oman, our first stop there will be its famous "Souq". It is one of the largest popular markets of its kind in all Oman. A big number of vendors offering their different products on the streets of this “souq” from early morning until noon. Here you can find fish, meat, vegetables, ceramics, jewelry, crafts and souvenirs sold in authentic ancient markets that few places can boast of.

Next to the Souq is ‘’Nizwa Fortress’’ dating from the 17th century . Today, this very famous fort is a museum that displays the history of the building and surrounding area. Walking through the fortress we’ll get to see amazing views of the ancient town and the nearby mountains. This impressive fortress was a base used by the militaries to hold off the hardest attacks and seiges.
Continuation, later, towards “Birkat al Mooz”, an authentic Omani village camouflaged within the very tall and green palm groves.A panoramic visit ,before returning to the hotel , of the old neighborhood with a walk through the oasis to discover its “Falaj” (a very ancestral irrigation system and network of ancient canalizations that continues to function to this day!) .
 

(night 03 in "Nizwa").

Visit ,in the morning, of "Jabreen Castle" built in the 17th century and one of the best preserved of its kind. Its magnificent plasterwork, carved doors and painted wooden ceiling beams make this castle a totally different piece of architecture.

Next, we will visit the historic city of "Bahla", one of the smallest and oldest cities of Oman, which was in the 12th century the capital of the tribes that lived in that region. A panoramic tour of the city with a visit of its very famous and magnificent fortress, the oldest ever of all Oman with more than 3000 years old.

After the visit of the great “Bahla Fortress” we will go to the authentic village of “Misfat Al Abriyeen”, a unique mountain village located about 1,000 m above sea level and built between the gorges of the mountains.The village has incredible agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys and old houses built on the solid rocks. The combination of these elements gives the visitor to this wonderful place a dazzling view of the oasis and the multiple terraces that are located a few steps from the town entrance.

Then we will visit the imposing "Jabal Shams", the “Mountain of the Sun”, where we will contemplate an unusual landscape and appreciate the impressive Canyon, the deepest one of all Oman and one of the wonders of nature. Walking around, we will be surprised by the infinite  beautiful views. Return to the hotel.

(night 04 in "Nizwa")

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and rouad to "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.There, we can cool down in the green natural pools or walk up the wadi and see more pools with waterfalls. Thereafter we will continue to the desert to enjoy the most beautiful sunset light on the sand dunes.

We will be transferred back and forth the desert camp by 04WD vehicles. During the transfers, drivers will engage us in some dune bashing which consists of going up and down the dunes like a roller coaster with the 04WD vehicles before enjoying the tranquillity of the Sahara under the stary sky.

(night 05 in desert camp).

Breakfast and departure from the camp, heading to the coastal city of "Sur", known in the past for its old shipyards that manufactured the "Dhow", the famous traditional Omani boat considered in its time as the most robust one in the entire gulf region. Visit of a craft boat factory and departure to the hotel. Lunch and free afternoon.

After an early dinner, Departure ,again,  for a night visit of "Ras Al Jinz" , the turtle sanctuary, where green turtles arrive at night on dry land to lay their eggs after a long journey of thousands of miles .Observation ,in situ,  of this natural phenomenon and then return to the hotel.

(night 06 in "Sur").

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel. Drive along the coast to Muscat.first visit will be "Fins" and its famous “Bimmah Sinkhole” an amazing turquoise water-filled depression that seems like an extraordinary crater engraved in the limestone.

Then we'll continue to "Wadi Shab",a spectacular oasis spot in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. It is one of the most beautiful wadis or canyons known by its pools with clear deep blue water that excites every visitor to take a refreshing dip.continuation to Muscat, check-in to the Hotel.

(night 07 in "Muscat").

Breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to Muscat International Airport (as per the flight schedule) for flight.

#END OF THE TOUR & SERVICES#