Tour Overview
A land of mystery, hidden treasures and magnificent beaches backed by spellbinding mountain ranges and fertile plains. Oman is one of the oldest civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula and a country full of dramatic scenic contrasts. Perfect for those seeking an exotic and unique destination, and still relatively untouched by tourism. Oman is blessed with over 1700 kilometers of coastline, which runs from the Straits of Hormuz to the border of South Yemen. Along this coastline is a fascinating blend of nature's finest workmanship, from endless stretches of sandy beaches lapped by tranquil waters, to rocky headlands and coves. Behind this coastal land is a striking terrain of vast deserts, majestic mountains tumbling into deep gorges, and wadis-rivers of flowing water flanked by the emerald green seas.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Muscat, OmanFly to Muscat, Oman where you will be met at Muscat International Airport and driven to your hotel for check-in and overnight. Located in the heart of the city's commercial and diplomatic area the Radisson SAS Hotel Muscat is the perfect place to begin the adventure that is Oman. Muscat, the charming capital of the Sultanate of Oman, is a city inextricably linked with the sea, with a colorful history that dates back to 2500 BC. Invasions, occupations and different ruling tribes have contributed to Oman's legacy, a land of contrasts, where Bedouins still live in the Wahiba Sands Desert and dolphins, turtles and myriad of marine life swim offshore. One of the most exciting countries in the world, Oman, or Magan as it was originally called, has links with the sea that go back as far as time itself. Whilst the Egyptians built their pyramids and the Incas developed a civilization in the Andes, the craftsmen of Mutrah, Sur and Sohar built hundreds of beautiful seafaring vessels. Still an active port, Muscat is inhabited by hospitable and sociable people who make visitors feel at home instantly.
Radisson SAS Hotel- Run of House Room Day 02: Muscat
The morning is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own. This afternoon begin our discovery of mystical Muscat. Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial center existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbor, Muscat means “anchorage” and lies in a natural volcanic bowl. Drive through the elegant residential Shatti Al Qurum Area visiting the colorful Muttrah Souq. Then proceed for a photo stop at the magnificent Al Alam Palace, residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. The Palace is flanked by the 16th century Portugese forts Mirani & Jalali.
Also visit the Bait Al Baranda, a new interactive museum; to call it a museum would be unfair – museums tend to be ends in themselves, while this is a ‘visitor’s center,’ the starting point of the Muttrah corniche and your exploration of the city.
Breakfast
Radisson SAS Hotel- Run of House Room Day 03: Muscat
Begin today’s discovery with a visit to the Grand Mosque (except Thursdays or Fridays) Note: women must be fully covered with a scarf and men in trousers. Next, proceed to the Seeb Fish Souq located by the seaside and continue to Rustaq Fort. Then drive through date palm fields stopping at Nakhl Sparkling Springs and Nakhl Fort. Surrounded by exotic fruit trees, enhanced by ample lawns, covered with swaying and flowering trees and fringed with exotic palms and plants, Al Nahda Resort and Spa is in every sense of the phrase, sheer paradise. A day or two at the resort is a great way to cozy up to nature and make best use of the wellness treatments on offer.
Breakfast
Al Nahda Resort- Run of House Room Day 04: Muscat-Nizwa
After breakfast this morning you have time to enjoy the facilities of the resort before departing for Nizwa.
Nizwa is an important area, with outstanding Islamic architecture, located in the interior of Oman. A well developed city, it has a long history of education and learning, housing many institutions for higher education. Nizwa is the gateway to the Sultanate’s mysterious interior region. The dramatic Jabal Akhdar Mountain range, tiny mountain villages and impressive fortresses offer endless scope for adventures and culture-vultures alike. Nizwa itself has some surprises for those who take the time.
Stop and visit Birkat Al Mauz before arriving at the hotel. Falaj Daris Hotel is ideally located just about 4Kms away from Nizwa town. A perfect base to explore the interior and after a tiring day to relax!
Breakfast
Falaj Daris Hotel- Run of House Room Day 05: Nizwa- Muscat
Stop at the village of Tanuf for a brief visit before proceeding for a photo stop at Bahla Fort, a World Heritage Site. Next, visit Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s castles built in the late 17th century and became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the grandest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings. Finally we explore Al Hoota caves. Al Hoota cave is one of nature’s most spectacular highlights in the Sultanate of Oman. You can now relax through a dreamy tour in the heart of the underground where stalactites meet stalagmites. The Cave has an extraordinary dimension featuring an electrical train that starts from the visitor center reaching the mouth of the tunnel arriving to the cave’s main entrance. To enhance the visitor’s experience, a walkway is also been carved alongside, hugging the wall of the cave, with the pathway well lit by a system that throws light on the natural formations curving the walls of the cave, making the entire experience quite surreal and unforgettable. Continue back to Muscat and check in to your hotel.
Breakfast
Radisson SAS Hotel- Run of House Room Day 06: Muscat
Depart on a 4x4 excursion to the spectacular Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 meters and is also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographers delight. Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 meters are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographers delight. We proceed towards the town of Quriyat through the stark mountain terrain. Stop and visit the 400-year-old Quriyat Fort before heading for the fish souk where a variety of fish is traded for local consumption as well as export. Drive along the picturesque waterfront where there is a good chance of spotting flamingoes and eagles We then start on an adventurous route cutting through the mountains. At the end of the route Wadi Arabyeen awaits with its deep pools of water set among the date palms. Here at this beautiful oasis enjoy a picnic lunch.
Breakfast, Lunch
Radisson SAS Hotel- Run of House Room Day 07: Muscat- Depart
Transfer to Muscat International Airport for your departure.
Breakfast
