NATURAL BEAUTY OF OMAN

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• Meet & greet by our airport representative.
• Private arrival transfer using quality vehicles.
• Licensed English speaking guide (Omani National).
• Take the coastal road and visit the deep pools of Wadi Al Arbayeen
• Visit the turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz
• Visit the largest island of Oman, Masirah Island
• 4WD Desert Experience in Wahiba Sands
• Full day Muscat City with visits to the Grand Mosque and Muttrah Souq.

You will arrive at the Muscat International Airport. Upon your arrival you proceed straight to the Immigration. Immigration & customs are quick & simple. Upon arrival at the arrival area, you will be met by our representative who will assist you to our vehicle to drive you the hotel.

Overnight stay at Muscat Hotel

After breakfast, assemble at the hotel lobby and depart to Ras Al Jinz via coastal road. Our first stop will be at Quriyat. Quriyat occupies a narrow strip of coastline along the Arabian Gulf. Its name comes from qariyat meaning ‘villages’. The first settlers arrived in Quriyat before the emergence of Islam in Oman. Many of its inhabitants retain traditional customs, and pursue ancient crafts such as blacksmithing, saddle work, boat building, camel rearing and repairing firearms.

It is well known for its stocks of kingfish and tuna.  A large number of its inhabitants still earn their livelihood from fishing. There are three strongholds in the area: Quriyat Fort built around 200 years ago; Al Sahel fort on the coast; and Dagh Fort built during the Portuguese occupation. Stop at a Portugese watch tower and fish market. Here you may get a chance to see some migratory birds.

We continue our drive through the coastal road. This tour along the coastline offers breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine white beaches. Visit the picturesque Wadi Arabayeen with its deep pools of water set among the date palms.

Our next stop is the Bimah Sinkhole, a huge limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom.Later we stop at Fins beach for a short swim. As we continue from here the road winds through mountain terrain offering breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the ocean.

Arrive and check in at your hotel

Evening at leisure                                                                                                                

Evening depart to Ras Al Jinz  for a guided tour of Turtle watching (please note Turtle watching starts at 2100 hrs)

After watching Turtles return to hotel

Overnight at the selected hotel

After breakfast check out from hotel and depart to Masirah, the largest Island in Oman and enjoy cool breezes and the beauty of the surrounding nature. After lunch, take your ferry to the Island. It takes an hour and half to reach Masirah Island. Masirah (65 KMs long and between 08 to 17 KM wide), is located 15 KM off the southeast coast of Oman in the Arabian Peninsula with miles of isolated sandy beaches. The island is famous for wind surfing and known for aquatic visitors such as the turtles that come to lay their eggs on its stretch of beaches and a number of migratory birds some of exotic being the egrets, curlews and the greater flamingos.

Note: Ferry will be subject to weather condition, ebb tide/high tide. Reach Masirah before sunset Dinner and overnight at Masirah Island Resort.

Masirah Island Resort is situated on the borders of the breeding grounds of the Turtles; make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Also, for travellers with an edge for adventure with umpteen nautical sports to choose from.

After breakfast explore the stretch of the endless beach where you find scores of wrecked ships, skeletons and bones of dolphins, whales, turtles’ birds, camels and countless other creatures what live and die in this wild place. Afternoon at leisure on the beach (breakfast and lunch included)

Dinner and Overnight at the Masirah Hotel

After breakfast leave for the mainland once again by ferry. We drive to Wahiba sands driving off the beautiful dunes. On the way you will be mesmerized by the azure of Arabian sea and desert dunes. Once in the Wahiba Sands, we will visit Bedouin house. Anybody who chooses to live in the environment of Wahiba Sands must be hardy and resilient to tolerate its potentially harsh climate – and bedu are just that. There are over 3000 bedu of varying tribal origins who live here amongst the woodland on the fringes of the sands. Later we continue our drive through the Dunes and arrive at our Camp for our overnight stay.

Evening enjoy the sunset on the dunes

Dinner at Camp

Overnight at the selected camp 

After breakfast depart the camp to Muscat. Your first destination today is Wadi Bani Khalid– an oasis in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. It is one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman and its pools with clear deep blue water give you an opportunity to take a refreshing dip.

Lunch at Wadi Bani Khalid Then proceed to Muscat, via traditional Old Omani village of Ibra & Mudayrib. You will stop at each place for photo sessions.

Drive back to Muscat and drop off to hotel.

Overnight in Muscat Hotel

Breakfast at Leisure. The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Natural History Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century, Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items.

Overnight at Muscat Hotel

Breakfast at Leisure

Departure transfers to Airport to connect the flight back home.

• Meet & greet by our airport representative.
• Private arrival transfer using quality vehicles.
• Experience Oman on self drive basis in quality 4WD cars.
• Delivery at your hotel. Collection back from your hotel/Muscat International Airport.
• Assistance of GPS device, Road map & our experienced staff.
• Mountain Crossing from Wadi Bani Awf
• Visit the remote village of Misfat Al Abryeen
• Stay in Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar
• Stay in Wahaiba Sands and visit Wadi Bani Khalid
• Guided turtle watching tour at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.
• Visit Nizwa Fort, Jabrin Castle, Bahla Fort.

On arrival Meet & Greet by our representative outside the airport, Transfer to Hotel.

Over Night at Muscat

Delivery of 4WD vehicle at the hotel by 0930 hrs. Visit the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Bait Zubair Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s Cultural history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district of Old Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items.

Note: To enter Grand Mosque, dress code is applicable. Ladies should be fully covered with scarf and wear full sleeves shirt and Men are not allowed to wear shorts.

After breakfast, check-out from your hotel and begin your fascinating round tour of Oman. Drive towards the city of Nakhl and visit Nakhl Fort. The narrow road through the town winds up to the Hot Springs of Ayn Al Thuwarah, which is a popular picnic spot. Continue to enter Wadi Bani Awf, the series of winding roads through mountains which leads you to the village of Al Hamra. Visit small villages of Bilat Sayt and Hat before reaching the top point Birkat Al Sharaf. Drive down to Al Hamra and then to Jebel Shams, the Grand Canyon of Oman.

After breakfast drive to Jebel Shams and then drive back to Nizwa via Wadi Nakher – Bahla Fort – Jabrin Castle. There after drive to Al Hamra & Misfah, to see one of the oldest villages of this region. En route, you also stop at Wadi Ghul– the farming village in the mountains. The traditional mud houses at Al Hamra dated back from 400 years are still occupied. Later drive onwards to visit Bahla, the mystical village, known for Arabian potteries. Visit one of the pottery making units {Closed on public holidays and Fridays}. You also visit the majestic Bahla Fort, recently opened to public after a long restoration. There after proceed to visit Jabrin castle built in 17th century, with magnificent plasterwork, wooden carvings; painted ceiling makes this castle amazingly different. After visits, you’ll reach Nizwa- the cultural capital of Oman.

Nizwa Fort – Nizwa Souk – Birkat Al Mauz – Jebel Akhdar. Visit Wadi Bani Habib – Saiq – Diana Point.

Visit the round tower fort of Nizwa, probably the best fort architecture in Oman and Nizwa Souq where potteries, gold & silver wares are sold. Drive to Jebel Akhdar thereafter, the green mountains of Oman. Visit the terrace plantations, village of Saiq & Wadi Bani Habib.

Birkat Al Mauz – Ibra – Bidiyah Al Mintrib Shell Fuel Station. Escort vehicle from the desert camp will join from this point & guide you up to the camp.

After visits, proceed to Wahiba Sands. Now the nature of the landscape will change dramatically – reach the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating dunes rising up to 200 meters and stretching as far as the eye can see.

It is also host to a variety of flora and fauna and one of the largest areas of pure sand desert in the world and the traditional home of the nomadic Bedouin.  Camels are a common sight moving through the sands. Overnight at the desert camp.

After breakfast check out and drive back to Bidiyah to get into the Sur/Ras Al Jinz highway. Escort vehicle will accompany you till Al Mintrib Shell Fuel Station. Your first destination today is Wadi Bani Khalid– an oasis in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. It is one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman and its pools with clear deep blue water give you an opportunity to take a refreshing dip.

After that drive down to Ras Al Jinz and check in at your hotel. Later in the evening you can arrange to see the endangered green sea turtles come to nest on the beach {2100 hrs – 23 00 hrs}.

Ras Al Jinz to Muscat along the coast with the stops at Sur, Wadi Tiwi, Bimmah Sink Hole Park.

Start your fascinating coastal trip to Muscat via Sur, renowned for its dhow shipyard in former times. Unfortunately, the operation at the yard has almost been completely shut down. The road leads through scenic countryside and rugged mountains to the small fishing towns. On the coastal road you stop at Bibi Miriam Mausoleum in Qalhat (Photo Stop). You stop at Wadi Shab, an oasis well known for its clear green water and unique landscapes. You also stop at limestone Sinkhole in Bimmah before reaching Muscat.

Collection of vehicle from Airport or Muscat Hotel. 

Meals included: Breakfast

• Meet & greet by our airport representative.
• Private airport transfers using quality vehicles.
• Licensed English speaking guides (Omani National).
• Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum, Muttrah Souq.
• Experience round tour of Oman in quality 4WD cars.
• Guided turtle watching tour at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.
• Visit Wadi Bani Khalid & Wahiba Sands
• Visit Nizwa Fort, Jabrin Castle, Bahla Fort.
• Drive through the off-road track of Wadi Bani Awf.
• Visit Salalah, the tropical paradise of Middle East.

Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to hotel.

The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Bait Zubair Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s Cultural history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district of Old Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items. After noon at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

We board the 4WDs in the morning and drive through beautiful countryside along the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Short before Quriyat we turn off to the new highway along the coast. We pass by white sandy beaches and rocky coves, stopping at Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater, Fins Beach with its beautiful white sand, Wadi Shab, fed by fresh water that flows from mountain springs. By passing through Tiwi, a picturesque fishing village, we reach Qalhat, an ancient port and trading city. At the turn of the century Qalhat became Oman’s export port for Liquefied Natural Gas.

Our today’s destination is the fishing town of Sur, the eastern most town on the Arabian Peninsula, where until recently the famous Omani Dhows were built. Dhow building in Sur dates back centuries and is closely linked with the maritime heritage of Oman. From Sur too, in the old days, the Omanis were sailing the seas, mainly to India.

Later drive down to Ras Al Jinz and check in at your hotel. We will set out for a tour around town and later in the evening to see the endangered green sea turtles come to nest on the beach {2100 hrs – 23 00 hrs}.

After breakfast leave Sur. Not too far away is Wadi Bani Khalid one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis. The wadi has clear deep blue water and counts among the few wadis of Oman that hold water all year round. From the mountain springs, the water is led to the oases where it sustains the typical date palms. The pretty villages of Wadi Bani Khalid cling precariously to the rugged mountainside.

But now the nature of the landscape will change dramatically – we reach the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating dunes rising up to 200 meters and stretching as far as the eye can see. It is also host to a variety of flora and fauna and one of the largest areas of pure sand desert in the world and the traditional home of the nomadic Bedouin.  Camels are a common sight moving through the sands. Later proceed to Nizwa- the cultural capital of Oman. On arrival check into hotel for overnight stay at Hotel.

Morning we depart on a full day trip to the historical & heritage capital of Oman -Visit the round tower fort of Nizwa, probably the best fort architecture in Oman and Nizwa souq where potteries, gold & silver wares are sold. Thereafter proceed to visit Jabrin castle built in 17th century, with magnificent plasterwork, wooden carvings; painted ceiling makes this castle amazingly different. Later drive onwards to visit Bahla, the mystical village, known for Arabian potteries. Visit one of the pottery making units {Closed on public holidays and Fridays}. You also visit the majestic Bahla Fort, recently opened to public after a long restoration. By mid-noon drive up to Al Hamra and overnight stay.

After breakfast visit Al Hamra village, one of the oldest villages & up to 400 years old mud houses is still occupied. Also visit the Al Hamra Falaj system. Later drive to Muscat crossing the off-road track of Wadi Bani Awf. We have photo stops at the villages of Bilad Sayt and Hatt en route. Drop off to Seeb Airport to connect the evening flight to Salalah. Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. The excursion begins in the morning with a visit to the old fishing village of ‘Taqah’, famous for the manufacture of ‘Dried Sardines’ & its traditional & old ‘Dhofari Houses’. Visit the century old ‘Taqah Castle’, the former official residence of the ‘Wali’ (Governor) of the region & obtain a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

Continue onto the ancient ruins of the once famous city of Sumharam (Khor Rohri). The city was the easternmost outpost of the Hadramawt Kingdom on the ancient incense route between the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf and India. Khor Rori was an important port on the coast of Dhofar, and one of the major trading cities with frankincense, believed to have been the hub & harbor for the shipping of Frankincense (UNESCO World Heritage site).

Thereafter we proceed to ‘Qara’ mountains to explore the western part of Salalah. On a road steadily winding up a steep incline, herds of Camels & Cattle are a common sight which gives a scenic view of a traditional Dhofari rural beauty. Visit the ancient tomb of ‘Prophet Job’ situated in the scenic green mountains of the Salalah Plains. Experience the legendary story of Prophet Job and his devoutness. Proceed to the beach of Mughsail where the white sand touches the deep blue of the ocean & at high tide, where waves burst through the natural titanic ‘Blow Holes’, at the far end of the ‘Rocky beach’ with a cave-like entrance. We thereafter continue along the ‘Hair-pin-bend’ road towards Western Border of Oman, with its breathtaking cliffs on either side, to see the historical ‘Frankincense trees’ growing in their natural habitat, deep down in the valleys, dotting the dry & craggy countryside. We take a short walk into the valleys to smell the ‘Holy Incense’ amidst the scenic view of the region.

On our return journey we make a photo stop at the lagoon at Mughsail where migratory birds – occasionally flamingos – are a common sight.

Return to the hotel.

This morning proceed to visit “The Museum of the Frankincense Land”. Opened in July 2007 at Al Balid Archaeological Park, a UNESCO heritage site located in Salalah, the Frankincense Land Museum is the latest addition to Oman’s heritage and cultural scene. It houses two main halls, namely the History Hall, depicting the geography, history of the ancient Frankincense trail and the historical background of the Sultanate through a number of archaeological findings, and The Marine Hall, featuring displays about the development of Oman’s rich marine history. A complete history of the Maritime trade & ship building industry of Oman could be experienced here, with meticulously carved replicas of the ancient boats & ships of the Omani Maritime trade. Drive through lush green plantations of vegetables & fruits. Make a brief stop to taste a fresh coconut water drink at fruit stalls (at own cost) lining the streets within the periphery of the old Salalah town (Haffa). Make a Photo stop at the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque. View the Official Palace of His Majesty the Sultan (Al Husn Palace) & stroll through the old Haffa Souk, famous for the sale of high-quality Frankincense & numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs. The smell of frankincense fills the Souk. Haffa Souk is very attractive with its small shops lined up with straight piles of incense boxes, clay incense burners colourfully decorated with traditional patterns and bags of incense crystals. This gives us an ample opportunity for shopping, before we return to the hotel. Evening transfer to Airport to connect the flight back home.