Day 1: Arrival In Muscat ( / / )
Arrival at Muscat International Airport. After proceeding through immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be met by your driver in the arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel and check in.
Overnight at Muscat.
Day 2: Batinah Tour (Appr. 325km) (B/ / )
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Barka fish market, a traditional local Omani fish market situated in Barka. Here you will see many varieties of fish - tuna, prawns, king fish and many more, being sold in traditional Omani environs. Visit Ain Thawara hot spring which sits among the date farms in the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains. Visit the Al Hazm Fort, one of the most beautiful Omani forts. The fort does not contain any ceiling rafters with the roofs being are held up by columns. The width of each wall is no less than three metres. Return to Muscat and visit National Museum, Oman's flagship cultural institution, showcasing the nation’s heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula some two million years ago through to the present day.
Overnight at Muscat hotel.
Day 3: Full–Day Muscat Tour And Sunset Boat Trip (Appr. 80km) (B/L/ )
At 09:30 depart for the city tour which begins with a visit to the magnificent Grand Mosque, built with sandstone and marble. A beautiful Swarovski chandelier and a huge handmade Persian carpet adorn the main prayer hall. Then continue to Muttrah Souk, a traditional market. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and the scent of frankincense and spices. Next, visit Bait Al Zubair museum. This privately owned museum, located in the old town of Muscat, is known for its fine collection of traditional costumes, antique jewellery and weapons. Lunch is included in a local restaurant during the tour.
Afterwards we will have a photo stop at Al Alam Palace, the palace of the Sultan, followed by a 2-hour sunset boat ride along the coast of Muscat. On the way back to the hotel, photo stop at the Royal Opera House and drive through the ministry and embassy district back to the hotel.
Free time for dinner and overnight at the Muscat hotel.
Day 4: Muscat – Jabreen – Al Hamra – Jebel Shams Canyon – Nizwa (Appr. 350km) (B/L/ )
After breakfast we will leave Muscat and depart towards the interior of Oman. You will visit Jabreen Castle, Oman’s most beautiful castle with its winding hallways, hidden staircases and beautifully decorated interior.
Later, you will reach Al Hamra and visit the village. Afterwards switch to 4x4 vehicles and go further up to Jebel Shams, the ‘mountain of the sun’. Enjoy the spectacular view from the Grand Canyon. Lunch during the tour is in a local restaurant.
Afterwards, proceed to Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. Visit Nizwa Souq, which lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines through its many alleys and divisions. Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of years home to a number of local industries, such as daggers, copper, spinning, livestock, fish, vegetables and handicrafts.
Overnight at Nizwa.
Day 5: Nizwa – Sinaw Market – Al Manzifah – Wahiba Sands (Appr. 220km) (B/L/D)
After breakfast, proceed to Sinaw Thursday Market, held every Thursday. It is a very busy market due to its proximity to the Bedouin communities, who head there to buy staples and sell their livestock and handicrafts.
After the visit you proceed to a local house where you will meet the family and enjoy a homemade lunch.
After lunch, see the ruins of the old mercantile community of Al Manzifah near Ibra. Later arrive in Wahiba Sands. 4x4 vehicles will take you to the camp.
Dinner and overnight at the desert camp.
Day 6: Wahiba Sands – Wadi Bani Khalid – Sur – Ras Al Hadd (Appr. 230km) (B/L/D)
After breakfast, take the 4x4 vehicles and return to the bus. You proceed to Wadi Bani Khalid, which stands in strong contrast to the desert with its natural pools and greenery. Afterwards you will continue to the coastal town of Sur and visit the dhow factory.
Drive to Ras Al Hadd and Check in to the hotel.
After dinner, night excursion to Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve, where you can witness the nestling turtles. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight at Ras Al Hadd.
Day 7: Ras Al Hadd – Wadi Tiwi – Bimah Sinkhole – Muscat (Appr. 250km) (B/L/ )
After breakfast we will drive to Sur for a short city tour. After that we will start our journey back to Muscat along the coast. We will stop at the beautiful Wadi Tiwi and have lunch at the Wadi Shab Resort. You then head towards Bimah sinkhole, a geological formation of the karst topography and a scenic wonder.
Continue your drive to Muscat and transfer to the selected hotel (for guests who have booked an extension) or airport (without tour guide) or back to the standard hotel (or similar alternative) where you can use the gym area to freshen up before your flight. Optional dinner at the hotel (not included in price).
Airport transfer (without guide) right after tour ends in Muscat with expected arrival time at Muscat Intl. Airport between 17h00 and 17h30. Onward flight is possible from 20h00 onwards. For later departures please book private departure transfers (US$ 30 per person/min. 2 pax).
