Oman Orient

Our representative will meet you upon your arrival at Muscat International Airport and take you to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. At 08:30 hrs meet the English-speaking guide and depart to visit the Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the world, accommodating up to 20,000 worshippers. Its interior is adorned with intricate artwork, magnificent chandeliers and a single carpet that covers the entire prayer hall. (Dress code applies: modest, non-transparent clothing covering arms and legs, with ladies required to cover their hair with a scarf. Open to tourists Saturday–Thursday, 08:00–11:00 hrs.) Continue to Muttrah Souq, one of Oman’s oldest marketplaces. Narrow alleyways filled with the fragrance of sandalwood and frankincense create a traditional atmosphere. This is an ideal place to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs, and to observe daily local life. Drive along the scenic Corniche and visit Bait Al Zubair Museum, which houses a private collection of Omani heritage including weapons, jewellery, costumes and domestic artefacts. The final stop is Old Muscat to view Al Alam Palace, official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. Photo stops only, as entry is not permitted. Return to the hotel by around 13:00 hrs. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Muscat.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. At 08:30 hrs meet the English-speaking driver-guide and depart in a private 4WD. Stop at Birkat Al Mauz, an oasis village surrounded by date plantations. Walk through the old village ruins and learn about Oman’s ancient falaj irrigation system, recognised by UNESCO. Ascend the winding road into the Jebel Akhdar mountains. Known as the “Green Mountain”, Jebel Akhdar rises to over 2,000 metres above sea level and supports terrace cultivation of pomegranates, apricots, walnuts and roses. Explore the Saiq Plateau with its spectacular terraces, abandoned villages and panoramic views. Descend from the mountains and continue to Nizwa for check-in. Overnight in Nizwa.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by 4WD to explore the region. Visit Jabrin Castle, one of Oman’s most beautiful forts, built in the late 17th century. Known for its painted ceilings and ornate woodcarvings, it later became a centre of learning. Continue to Bahla, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Make a brief photo stop at Bahla Fort and, time permitting, visit a traditional pottery centre. Proceed to Wadi Ghul before ascending to Jebel Shams, “Mountain of the Sun” and the highest peak in Oman. Enjoy spectacular views of the Grand Canyon of Arabia and take a short walk along the rim. On the return journey, visit Al Hamra, one of Oman’s oldest villages, with traditional mudbrick houses dating back centuries. Nearby Misfat Al Abriyeen is a striking village of stone dwellings clinging to the mountainside. Return to Nizwa. Overnight in Nizwa.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. Visit Nizwa Souq, a vibrant traditional market. Separate sections are dedicated to meat, produce, spices and handicrafts. On Fridays, the atmosphere is heightened by the bustling livestock market, where cattle, goats and sheep are auctioned. Walk to Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’ruba. Its enormous circular tower dominates the town and once controlled access to the interior routes. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the city and surrounding date plantations. Depart for Wahiba Sands, a spectacular desert of undulating dunes rising up to 100 metres high. Experienced drivers navigate the shifting sands for an exhilarating dune-bashing experience. Visit a Bedouin family to gain insight into desert life and traditions, with Omani coffee and dates served as part of their renowned hospitality. Later, watch the sun set across the golden dunes. Dinner and overnight in Wahiba Sands.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. At 09:00 hrs depart by 4WD for Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis. The contrast with the desert is striking: turquoise pools, lush palms and dramatic rock formations create a serene oasis. Guests may enjoy a short walk or swim (towels not provided). Continue to Sur, a coastal town historically famed for its dhow-building industry. Afternoon at leisure. After an early dinner (not included in tour cost), depart at 20:00 hrs to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Green turtles migrate vast distances to nest on Oman’s shores. Guided by local naturalists, small groups observe the turtles’ nesting rituals. (Sightings cannot be guaranteed as this is a natural environment.) Return to Sur. Overnight in Sur.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. Begin with an orientation drive of Sur, passing the local souq, fish market and traditional dhow-building yard. Continue to Wadi Tiwi, a fertile valley with plantations of bananas, papayas and lush greenery. Take a short walk before proceeding to Fins Beach, also known as White Beach, for a brief stop. Next, visit the Bimah Sinkhole, a limestone depression with crystal-clear turquoise water. Continue off-road through Wadi Arbyin, one of the most scenic wadis in the region, where water often flows year-round. Drive onwards to Quriyat, a large fishing village between the lagoon and the sea. Stop to observe the harbour and watchtower before continuing to Muscat. Arrive in the afternoon around 16:00 hrs. Drop-off at Muscat hotel or Muscat Airport.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner