Highlights of Oman

After arrival, transfer by private vehicle to your hotel in the city for check-in and overnight.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. At 08:30 hrs, meet the English-speaking driver-guide and embark in a private 4WD. Depart Muscat with a half-day city tour before continuing to Jebel Akhdar. The first stop is the Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. It features exquisite artwork, chandeliers and a single vast carpet covering the prayer hall. (Modest dress is required: no revealing or transparent clothing, arms and legs must be covered, and ladies must cover their heads with a scarf). Continue with a photo stop at the Royal Opera House before driving to Muttrah Souq. This is one of the oldest markets in Oman, with narrow lanes filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Drive via the Corniche to Bait Al Zubair Museum, which houses a concise collection showcasing Omani heritage. Proceed to Old Muscat, where the Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, is flanked by the Portuguese forts Jalali and Mirani. (Outside photo stop only). En route to Jebel Akhdar, visit Birkat Al Mauz, a village surrounded by date plantations. The falaj irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage feature, will be explained. Overnight in Jebel Akhdar.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. At 09:00 hrs, depart by 4WD towards Wahiba Sands, with a stop at Nizwa en route. On arrival in Nizwa, visit the Souq, a traditional marketplace with separate sections for produce, spices, meat and handicrafts. On Fridays, the atmosphere is particularly vibrant with the traditional cattle market. Walk towards Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’ruba. The immense circular tower dominates the town and once defended routes to the interior. The top, accessed via narrow staircases, offers panoramic views of Nizwa. Continue towards Wahiba Sands, a striking desert of vast orange dunes reaching up to 100 metres high. Visit a Bedouin home to learn about local traditions and hospitality, often with coffee and dates offered. Experienced drivers then guide the vehicles across the dunes for an exhilarating ride, followed by sunset viewing. Dinner and overnight in Wahiba Desert Camp.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. At 09:00 hrs, depart by 4WD to Wadi Bani Khalid, a natural oasis contrasting with the sands of Wahiba. The crystal-clear pools invite a swim (modest swimwear required; towels not provided). Continue to Sur for an orientation tour, including a visit to a dhow-building yard. Check-in and afternoon at leisure. After an early dinner, depart at 20:00 hrs to Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve. Green turtles migrate hundreds of kilometres annually to nest here. Guided tours led by local naturalists provide the opportunity to observe turtles in their natural habitat. (Sightings cannot be guaranteed as it is a natural reserve). Overnight in Sur.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. At 09:30 hrs, depart Sur by 4WD along the coastal route back to Muscat. First stop is Wadi Tiwi, a lush valley with banana and papaya plantations. Continue to Fins Beach (known as White Beach) for swimming (towels not provided). Proceed to Bimmah Sinkhole, a striking limestone crater with turquoise water. Later, drive through Wadi Arbyn, one of the region’s most scenic off-road routes. Continue to Quriyat, a large fishing village nestled between the lagoon and the sea. Observe fishermen at work and stop for photos at the port, which is still guarded by a traditional watchtower. Arrive in Muscat by approximately 15:30 hrs. Drop-off at Muscat hotel or Muscat Airport, services end here.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner