Oman Impressions

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

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. At 08:30 hrs, meet the English-speaking driver-guide and depart for a city tour. The first stop is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world, accommodating up to 20,000 worshippers. Its exquisite architecture features vast chandeliers and the world’s second-largest handwoven carpet. (Note: modest dress is required; women must cover their hair with a scarf. Open Saturday–Thursday, 08:00–11:00 hrs). Continue with a photo stop at the Royal Opera House, a masterpiece of contemporary Omani architecture. Proceed to the Muttrah Fish Market, where fishermen present their daily catch, and the adjacent stalls display fresh local produce. Walk through Muttrah Souq, a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with the scent of sandalwood, where gold, silver, frankincense and handicrafts are sold. Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum, housing collections of weapons, jewellery, costumes, and cultural artefacts. Continue to Old Muscat for a photo stop at Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts Jalali and Mirani. Optional: Evening dhow cruise along Muscat’s coastline (shared basis). Soft drinks, tea, coffee and dates are served on board. Overnight in Muscat.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. Depart Muscat by 4WD along the coastal route, framed by the Eastern Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea. Stop at the Wadi Dayqah Dam, the largest in Oman, before continuing off-road into Wadi Arbayeen, renowned for deep pools and lush date palms. Proceed to Bimmah Sinkhole, a dramatic limestone depression filled with turquoise water. Drive onward to Wadi Shab. A short boat ride across the wadi leads to a scenic hike (approx. 45 minutes, requires sturdy footwear). Natural pools and waterfalls reward those who continue along the trail, with swimming possible in appropriate modest attire. En route to Sur, pass the village of Wadi Tiwi before an orientation tour of Sur. Visit the traditional dhow-building yard, where craftsmen construct wooden boats using age-old techniques. In the evening, visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, one of the world’s most important nesting sites for green turtles. Guided tours offer the chance to observe turtles laying eggs (sightings cannot be guaranteed). Overnight in Sur.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. Drive inland towards the Sharqiya region, home to Bedouin tribes. Visit Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis of turquoise pools fringed with date palms, contrasting dramatically with the surrounding desert. Modest, full-body swimwear is required for those wishing to swim. Continue into the Wahiba Sands, a vast expanse of rolling orange dunes stretching 200 km to the coast. Visit a Bedouin home to experience traditional hospitality before embarking on a thrilling dune drive with experienced drivers. Conclude with sunset views from the crest of the dunes. Overnight in Wahiba Desert Camp.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast at camp and check-out. Depart the desert by 4WD towards the cultural heartland of Oman. Stop at Birkat Al Mauz, a village surrounded by date and banana plantations. Explore the UNESCO-listed falaj irrigation system, still in use today, and stroll past centuries-old mud houses. Continue to Jabreen Castle, built in the late 17th century. This elegant fort was once a centre of learning and features ornately painted ceilings, decorated wooden doors, and secret passageways. Proceed to Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient defensive walls extending nearly seven miles. (Photo stop only.) Arrive in Nizwa, once the capital of Oman, for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight in Nizwa.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Breakfast and check-out. Begin with a visit to the Nizwa Souq, still vibrant with stalls of silver khanjars, pottery, spices, and dates. Enjoy a tasting of local dates, with explanations of their varieties. Explore Nizwa Fort, dating from the 17th century, with its immense circular tower that once defended the city. Exhibits inside illustrate the history and culture of the region. Continue through the Western Hajar Mountains, stopping at the traditional village of Bilad Sayt, framed by dramatic peaks. Drive through the spectacular gorge of Wadi Bani Auf, once used as a trading path between Dhakliya and Batinah. Proceed to Nakhl Fort, once occupied by Imams of the Ya’aruba dynasty. Visit the nearby Nakhl Hot Springs, a tranquil oasis fringed by date palms. Arrive in Musannah for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight in Musannah.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Spend the whole day at leisure relaxing and enjoying the hotel facilities as well as the spectacular beaches and coastline nearby.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

After breakfast it's time to check out and transfer back to Muscat International Airport.

 

Meals included:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner