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General information
| Duration | Destination | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 11 days and 10 nights | Oman (Muscat, Jebel Shams, Al Hamra, Nizwa, Jabal Akhḍar, Wahiba Sands, Masirah Island, Ras Al Hadd) | Oman (Muscat) |
Description
Private departures (minimum 2 passengers)Program
Day 1:
Muscat
Arrival at Muscat International Airport - Upon arrival, our chauffer or guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall with a welcome sign with your name on it. Transfer from Muscat airport to the hotel (Standard check-in time: 14:00 hours.). Muscat, city, capital of Oman, located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The city is the seat of the Omani government. With a history dating back to antiquity, it mixes skyscrapers and high-end shopping malls with cliff-top monuments such as the 16th century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Al Mirani, overlooking Muscat's harbor. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Muscat.
Note:
- When visiting the mosque, please dress modestly, covering your head with a scarf if you're a woman. Avoid shorts, beachwear, or sleeveless outfits for both men and women. Slip-on shoes are recommended as they must be removed to enter.
- Royal Opera House and Bait al Zubair museum remains closed on Friday.
Day 2:
Muscat City Tour (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel. Pick up from the hotel and visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman, and one of the most popular places to visit in Muscat. Accommodating up to a stupendous 20,000 worshippers at a time, the structure features a blend of various architectural styles. (FRIDAY CLOSED). Then we will proceed to visit the The Royal Opera House which is Oman's premier destination for music, arts, and culture. Following that, we'll explore the historic Muttrah area, where you can visit the traditional Muttrah Souq, a market steeped in history, dating back about two centuries. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, our Muscat city tour starts at Bait Al Zubair, a private museum with a remarkable collection of Omani artifacts. We'll also make a quick photo stop at Al Alam Palace, one of Sultan Qaboos's royal residences, Mirani and Jalali fort. Later in the afternoon, we'll head back to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation. Overnight at hotel in Muscat.
Day 3:
Muscat - Wadi Bani Awf - Jabal Shams (4WD) (5-6 hrs. drive) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out around 8:30 am. Our first stop will be at the Amouage Perfume Visitor Centre, where you’ll discover how Oman’s unique and iconic fragrances are crafted—from sourcing ingredients to the final product. After the visit, we’ll head to the Seeb Spice Market, known for its vibrant colors and aromatic spices. Explore a variety of exotic flavors and traditional ingredients. We then begin our journey toward Al Hamra, with a stop at the historic Nakhal Fort, followed by a visit to the nearby Nakhal hot springs, where you can enjoy a gentle dip in the natural runoff water. Continuing on, we pass through the vast Wadi Bani Awf, one of the largest wadis in the Al Rustaq region. This area features charming mountain villages and includes the dramatic Snake Canyon, offering a scenic and adventurous off-road crossing of the Hajar Mountains. Next, we visit Bilad Sayt, a picturesque village that looks like something out of an Arabian fairy tale—its beauty is truly breathtaking. Finally, we continue our drive to Jabal Shams, where you’ll check in at your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Jabal Shams.
Note: Amouage Perfume Visitor Centre is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and remains closed on Fridays.
Day 4:
Jabal Shams - Al Hamra - Nizwa (4WD) (1.5 hrs. drive) (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel. Proceed towards the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Oman, situated in Ghul village. Often likened to the 'Omani Grand Canyon' or the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia,' this natural wonder boasts depths of up to 1 kilometer at certain points. Next, we will proceed to the picturesque Al Hamra village, where you'll have the opportunity to visit Bait Al Safah museum. After the museum exploration, we'll continue to Misfat Al Abrayeen village, allowing you to take a leisurely walk and immerse yourself in the village's charm. Our adventure continues with a visit to Jabrin Castle, constructed in 1675. This well-preserved fort is one of Oman's finest, and it holds historical significance as a center of learning. The castle's three stories encompass two towers, numerous halls, and rooms. Continue to Nizwa and upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Nizwa.
Note: The Nizwa cattle market operates only on Friday mornings; guests should arrive at the market before 8:00 AM.
Day 5:
Nizwa - Jabal Akhdar - Nizwa (4WD) (1.5 hrs. drive – both ways) (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel in Nizwa. If it’s a Friday, you will be visiting the traditional cattle market in Nizwa. Start your day with a Visit to Nizwa Fort, an ancient fortress with some parts dating back to the 9th century, showcasing remarkable Omani historical architecture. Nizwa Fort not only boasts the tallest tower in Oman but also stands out as the only fort in the region with a cylindrical main tower. Afterward, we will explore Nizwa Souk, one of Oman's oldest markets, bustling with activity. Enclosed by walls, souk offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with locals, experience Omani life, and purchase delightful souvenirs. Them proceed to Jabal Akhdar, also known as the "Green Mountain," is a mountain range in the Al Hajar Mountains of Oman. Enjoy a walk around the villages of Jabal Akhdar. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, Gorges and Wadis During the months of March and April the air is heavy with the scent of roses as they bloom across the entire place. During season, we can even watch rose water being distilled in the homes of the villagers. Afternoon free at leisure to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Later in the afternoon return to Nizwa. Overnight at hotel in Nizwa.
Day 6:
Nizwa - Wahiba Sands (4WD) (2.5 hrs. drive) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Wahiba Sands. If it’s a Friday, you will be visiting the traditional cattle market in Nizwa. Our journey continues towards Wahiba Sands. Enroute stop at Al Manzifah Village, one of the most historically significant and picturesque sites in the Ibra region, located in Al Sharqiyah Governorate. This traditional village offers a glimpse into Oman’s past with its old mud-brick houses and rich cultural heritage. Continue the journey to the Sharqiyah Sands (Wahiba Sands) a vast sea of rolling red and white sand dunes, some rising as high as 200 meters. This striking desert landscape is home to diverse flora and fauna, and its ever-shifting dunes are a paradise for photographers. Visit a traditional Bedouin home, where you'll have the opportunity to meet local residents and learn about their customs and nomadic way of life. Arrive at your desert camp and check in. As evening falls, take in the majesty of the desert during a tranquil sunset over the dunes, an unforgettable experience. Dinner and Overnight stay at Wahiba Sands.
Day 7:
Wahiba Sands - Desert Crossing - Shanna - Masirah Island (4 hrs. drive + 1.5 hrs. ferry) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Enjoy breakfast in the desert and check out of your accommodation. Today, we embark on an exciting journey to Qahid, traversing the stunning dunes of the Wahiba Sands. This exhilarating desert drive will span approximately four hours. From there, we will arrive at Qahid and continue our drive to Shannah. Upon reaching Shannah, we will board a ferry for the scenic 1.5-hour journey to Masirah Island. Reach Masirah Island and transfer to Masirah Island resort for check-in. Masirah Island, located in the Arabian Sea off Oman's southeastern coast, is a captivating destination known for its diverse landscapes, pristine beaches, and as a significant nesting ground for various species of sea turtles, including the endangered loggerhead and green turtles. Dinner and overnight at Masirah Island Resort.
Day 8:
Masirah Island (Breakfast, Dinner)
After enjoying a breakfast, explore the vast and endless beach, where you can discover the remnants of shipwrecks and the skeletal remains of whales, dolphins, camels, sea turtles, birds, and various other creatures that inhabit and meet their natural fate in this remote wilderness. In the evening, embark on a serene and wind-swept tour, immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of this secluded island. Later, return to your hotel for a delightful dinner. Spend the night at the Masirah Island Resort, surrounded by the island's natural wonders. Dinner and overnight at Masirah Island Resort.
Note:
- The ferry schedule from Masirah to Shannah is determined by the day of the week and is also subject to weather conditions
- Please note that the main turtle nesting season is from June to August, and during other times of the year, turtle sightings may vary.
Day 9:
Masirah Island - Shanna - Ras Al Hadd (1.5 hrs. ferry + 4 hrs. drive) (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast at the resort, your day begins with a journey to the jetty, where you'll embark on a memorable ferry ride to Shannah port. Arrive at Shannah port and board your vehicle to proceed to Ras Al Hadd, and Enroute to Ras Al Hadd, you'll make noteworthy stops at Al Ashkara and Ras Al Ruwais. Al Ashkara is renowned for its mild climate and stunning beaches, which provide a habitat for a variety of bird and turtle species, making it a nature lover's paradise. Ras Al Ruwais serves as a captivating backdrop where the desert meets the sea, offering picturesque views that are perfect for capturing the essence of your adventure. Arrive Ras al Hadd and check-in at the hotel. 20:00 hrs.: Proceed to the Ras Al Jinz Scientific Center, accompanied by an ecologist, to witness the remarkable sight of female turtles returning to the beach to lay their eggs. Turtle viewing is one of Oman's most popular eco-tourism activities, with the country hosting crucial nesting sites for four different turtle species: the endangered Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. Overnight at Ras Al Hadd.
Day 10:
Ras Al Hadd - Wadi Shab - Wadi Al Arbayeen - Muscat (3 hrs. drive) (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. We will embark on a coastal drive to Wadi Shab, where you can relish a scenic walk leading to the pool. The round-trip hike inside Wadi Shab takes approximately 3 hours. Continuing our journey towards Muscat, we'll make a stop at Bimmah Sinkhole, a captivating natural formation filled with water about 200 meters inland. The turquoise-colored pool contains a mix of fresh and sea water, and a substantial concrete staircase provides easy access to the picturesque pool, allowing visitors to swim with friendly fish known for their non-harmful toe-nibbling habit. Our route then takes us through Wadi Al Arbaeen, one of Oman's most remarkable wadis. Wadi Al Arbaeen offers a symphony of nature's sounds, including running water, bird calls, and the gentle rustling of wind through its narrow channels. This wadi promises an enjoyable adventure, featuring rock-crawling and scenic water crossings with your vehicle. Reach Muscat and check-in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Muscat .
Day 11:
Muscat (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel & check-out (standard check-out time - 1200 hrs.). Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, savoring the last moments of your journey. Afterward, we'll transfer you to Muscat airport for your onward flight. We bid you farewell and hope you carry cherished memories of your time in Oman with you.
Price includes
- Twin sharing accommodation in specified or equivalent hotels
- AC vehicle for arrivals and departures based on guest count
- Inclusive of all sightseeing tours, excursions, and monument/fort entrances
- Dinner at Wahiba Sands
- Services of an accompanying English-speaking guide (From 5 Pax onwards)
- Services of English-speaking driver/guide from 2-4 Pax (with supplement)
- All applicable taxes and 5% VAT included
Price does not include
- Airfare
- Unmentioned items
- Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, telephone, tips)
- Oman tourist visa
- Meals not specified, and all beverages unless specified otherwise
Itinerary
| Day | Overnight | Itinerary highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Al Falaj Muscat or similarMuscat |
Muscat International Airport (MCT), Muscat Arrival Terminal |
| 2 | Al Falaj Muscat or similarMuscat | |
| 3 | Sama Heights or similarJebel Shams | |
| 4 | Bustan Inn Nizwa Hotel or similarNizwa | Al Hamra |
| 5 | Bustan Inn Nizwa Hotel or similarNizwa | |
| 6 | Al Salam Camp or similarWahiba Sands | |
| 7 | Masirah Island Resort or similarMasirah Island | |
| 8 | Masirah Island Resort or similarMasirah Island | |
| 9 | Turtle Beach Resort or similarRas Al Hadd | |
| 10 | Al Falaj Muscat or similarMuscat | |
| 11 |
Muscat International Airport (MCT), Muscat Departure Terminal |
Accommodations provided in each place
| Place | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Muscat | Al Falaj Muscat or similar | Grand Millennium Muscat Hotel or similar |
| Jebel Shams | Sama Heights or similar | The View Hotel or similar |
| Nizwa | Bustan Inn Nizwa Hotel or similar | Intercity Hotel Nizwa or similar |
| Wahiba Sands | Al Salam Camp or similar | Arabian Nights Resort or similar |
| Masirah Island | Masirah Island Resort or similar | |
| Ras Al Hadd | Turtle Beach Resort or similar | |