We arrive at Muscat international airport. DanaTrips host is available to assist you at Muscat airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to make you own discoveries, or try one of the recommended restaurants for a local dinner. Welcome to Muscat.
Overnight stay: Muscat
Meals included: —
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. You then proceed to the old part of Muscat city where you’ll see the two 16th century Portuguese forts, Jalali and Mirani, guarding the entrance to the city. Drive down to the busy fishing harbour at Muttrah, with its quaint wooden dhows and fishing boats, stop at the bazaar (souq) where you can mingle with the locals and browse the silver and spice shops. Enjoy a free afternoon in Muscat. If you’d like to, you can be dropped at the old town of Muscat to visit National Museum or Royal Opera House on your own or book a sunset cruise for the evening.
Overnight stay: Muscat
Meals included: Breakfast
Today we drive through the spectacular rugged landscapes to Hawiyat Najim Park the location of the Bimmah Sinkhole a picture-perfect sink hole formed due to limestone erosion. The turquoise waters make an excellent stop to paddle the feet. We spend a couple of minutes here before continuing to Wadi Tiwi. Wadi Tiwi is known as the wadi of nine villages, emerald pools and thick date plantations. Visit the local plantations while your leader explains the different types of dates are grown in this area. We continue Ras al Jinz for the evening.
This evening we make the short journey to Ras All Jinz Turtle Reserve. The easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, is an important turtle-nesting site for the endangered green turtle. Over 20,000 females return annually to the beach where they hatched in order to lay eggs. Our excursion this evening is conducted in conjunction with the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and Research Centre by their experienced guides the area is under government protection and the only way to see the turtles is to join this tour. Upon arrival at the centre we will be advised if the activity will commence or not, this is a reserve and the turtles are not captive so it is up to mother nature if there will be turtles for viewing or not. Most nights there are at least one or two turtles with many more present between July and September. We don’t like to disappoint but there is a small possibility that the tour will not commence in which case your tour Leader will inform our office and an alternative activity will be arranged during your tour.
Overnight stay: Sur
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we make a stop in Sur, an important city of Oman’s maritime past. Sur has long been known for its tradition of dhow building. These mighty vessels formed an important part of Omani culture and trade over the years, although these days there is less demand. Sur is now relatively quiet town and you can walk through traditional markets surrounded by Omanis in their typical national dress. Visit One of the Dhow Factory to see how these huge dhows are built and a local worker will join you and explain the making of the dhow, the materials used and the time taken to build the vessel. Then continue to the palm-line Wadi Bani Khalid. The drive to Wadi Bani Khalid is through the Eastern Hajar Mountains, which offers a panoramic view of landscape below. May be have an optional lunch after visiting the wadi, and then continue to your final destination for today – Wahiba Sands.
The Wahiba Sands are characterised by enormous rolling dunes, some as high as 150 metres, stretching as far as the eye can see – a quintessential desert landscape that is as beautiful as it is austere. Named after the Wahiba tribe, the region is home to Bedouins who manage to eke out an existence around the few oases. Enjoy a fun dune drive as you head across the sands to your desert camp. Enroute visit Bedouin family and learn about their nomadic life and traditions while sipping some Omani Coffee. A sunset over the dunes at the desert is not to be missed. Tonight enjoy an evening of traditional music as you eat dinner around an open fire under the stars.
Overnight stay: Wahiba desert
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the camp. Then hop back on your vehicle and continue to Nizwa. Stop at Birkat Ul Mauz on the way to check out its falaj system – an ancient system devised for irrigation. Then its over to Jabrin Castle, which is considered one of the finest and most picturesque Castles in the whole country. Often referred to as Jabrin Fort, it is indeed a castle as it was designed as a residence, with beautiful carved wooden doors and ornate lattice work. Continue to Nizwa after the visit. Your accommodation tonight is a heritage stay inside the old town of Nizwa. We are helping preserving these typical ancient Omani buildings by staying here, which is part of the local government’s initiative of preserving Omani culture. Then enjoy some free time in Nizwa. Nizwa fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, making it one of the most impressive forts in Oman, is well worth a visit. Built on a solid base of rock, the huge tower was designed to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons. From the top, a superb view over Nizwa and the surrounding plains – a sure delight for all avid photographers!
Overnight stay: Nizwa
Meals included: Breakfast
Check out the Nizwa Souk this morning. Spend some free time in the souk before travelling to Misfat Al Abyreen, a unique mountainous village located 1,000 m above sea level on the mountain foothills and is enlisted as the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO based on its community effort in preserving Omani cultural heritage. A walk through the village takes you back in time and you’ll witness the culture which is alive and followed in these modern times. Explore the agriculture, irrigation and the water distribution system in the village where you’ll also come in contact with the locals who wouldn’t mind giving you an interesting insight into their traditional daily life. You will also visit the local bee farms where different types of organic honey are produced. Perhaps enjoy an Omani lunch at traditional house in the village before continuing to Jebel Shams, which literally means ‘Mountain of the Sun’. It is Oman’s highest peak at 10,000 feet and also known as the Grand Canyon of Oman. Even on the hottest days, it’s nice and cool up there. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a stunning sunset at an altitude of 3000 meters.
Overnight stay: Jebel Shams
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 | Muscat
After breakfast, check out Jebel Shams, the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’, with a short soft trek along what is referred to as the balcony walk which circumferences the “Grand Canyon of Oman” then it’s back in the vehicles as we make our way to Wadi Bani Awf, the end point of the canyon and what is called the ‘snake gorge’ in the middle of the steep mountain cliffs. This is a stunning part of Oman, with fantastic views of the surrounding scenery. The 36 km scenic drive is over gravel road with twists and turns and offers off road adventure but at a relaxed and soft pace. On the way, stop at Bilad Sait, a remote fortress village in the heart of the mountain range. Take a walk and explore the village with your leader and get to know the tribes and their village life style. Continue your journey back to Muscat.
Overnight stay: Muscat
Meals included: Breakfast
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12 noon and you will be free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Muscat.
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