The cultural diversity of present day Oman reflects the historical influences of Persia, Portugal, Arabia, India, Africa and France, resulting in a fascinating blend. Vast deserts, wild coastlines and rugged mountains dotted with forts add to the blend, making every day a wonderful surprise. On this adventure we walk in wadis (river valleys), wander traditional market places, stay in a Bedouin settlement, enjoy endless dunes in the desert, watch greenback turtles, discover the secrets inside ancient forts and abandoned villages, and walk the dramatic canyons of Jebal Shams. This is a brilliant mix in a compact itinerary.
Arrive in Muscat International Airport.
Our Airport representative will be holding a signage with the logo of our DMC and the name of the guest; to welcome the guest and escort them to their transfer.
The first stop on the Muscat City Tour is the Grand Mosque the most beautiful architectural piece of work.
From the Mosque, proceed to the old part of Muscat city: The Muttrah souq – a traditional Omani market.
The next stop is the National Museum where you will be able to learn about the 7000-years history of Oman.
From here we shall proceed to see the Al Alam Palace (video filming is prohibited) surrounded by the 2 Forts of Mirani and Jalali built by the Portuguese in the 16th century during their rule of the coastal cities of Oman.
Finishing with the photo stop at the first Opera House built in the Middle East region: the perfect architectural combination of traditional Omani style and Classic Opera.
(Mosque Specific Dress Code: long sleeves till; wrists, long trousers/skirts till ankles, covered neck, covered head for the ladies).
Along the picturesque coastline you will reach one of the most beautiful Wadi in Oman – Wadi Shab. Its main attraction is the incredible waterfall inside one of the caves. A short boat ride across a small ravine leads to the wadi, a lush paradise with an astounding gorge situated between the cliffs. A one-hour hike along an undulated mountainous terrain and a bit of swimming in natural emerald pools are required to reach the caves. There are several caves to swim in and explore, including the one with the fantastic waterfall.
After the wadi escapade, you’ll be driven straight to Sur, where you will be seeing some fishermen in action as they go through their lives at the harbor. Visit the Dhow-building factory where traditional wooden boats are made by hand.
On the way to the desert camp, you will experience unforgettable Dunes’ bashing and lose yourself in the beauty of the ever-changing slopes of sand. The rest of the day will be dedicated to your rest at the camp with Sunset watching at the top of the Dune to create unforgettable memories.
Camel riding and other desert activities will be available at the camp for the extra charge upon your request.
On the way to Jabal Akhdar you will visit the cultural capital of Oman – Nizwa with its unique cattle market (on Fridays). Livestock owners, both women and men from nearby areas, bring their animals – mainly sheep, goats, cattle and at times even camels – to the market where they are registered.
Visit the Nizwa Fort which has been strategically built atop a hill overlooking the ancient city with its colorful domes and bustling market below. Spend some time in this traditional city and visit the interesting fort with the round tower and the museum and stroll through the Nizwa Souq where you will be able to try National Oman sweet –freshly cooked Halwa, try different sorts of Omani dates and buy some western species and oils.
Jabal Akhdar Mountains is rife with adventures of every kind—from short walks and long hikes to military routes and trips to fruit, rose, and nut plantations. Along the Village Walk & Saiq Plateau journey you will be able to see how local people adapted to live in the mountains, the houses they leave in and the crop they cultivate.
You will be driven to Wadi Bani Habib with 5-minute walk till the photo stop point with a breathtaking view to the Canyon.
Starting a new day with Jibreen Castle, the finest of Oman’s castles built during the late 17th century.
We proceed on to the small town of BAHLA which is famous for its gigantic Fort listed as UNESCO Heritage site and its distinctive earthenware pottery – it also has a certain reputation as the favoured haunt of mischievous jinn’s and other supernatural phenomena – a kind of Omani Glastonbury.
After we shall visit Al Hoota Cave. Located at the foot of Oman’s highest mountain, Al Hoota is a 2-million-year-old cave that extends 5 kilometres underground, ending at Cave Lake. Inside its chambers, you’ll see stalactites, formed millions of years.
Then you will brace for another leg of the adventure—right in the Misfat Al Abriyeen which is located in the mountain foothills in Al Hamra. A village that features incredible agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys, and old mud houses with palm frond roofs built on solid rock foundation. Here you will be able to observe UNESCO Heritage site 4000-years Falaj irrigation system which works till nowadays.
Jebel Shams (Mountain of Sun), the country’s highest mountain is a tranquil land that features extraordinary views and options for comfortable accommodations or living on the land.
You will start the morning from one of the beautiful hiking rout – W6 Balcony walk Hike. Cliff walk to the abandoned village: from the Jabal Shams Plateau. An exciting easy walk along the steep canyon walls to an old village, bringing you back in time hundreds of years.
Walking time is app. 1 hr 15 min one way. Then we will be taking you around the charming sights of old neighborhoods and clay houses, including those at Wadi Bani Auf, Bilad Sayat. The wadi covers a large area with several villages and lots of cool attractions worth visiting, including the well-known Snake Canyon Wadi Bani Auf offers some of the best off-road driving you experience in Oman – with beautiful scenery and stunning cliffs and canyons throughout. The route connects several villages, including the scenic Balad Sayat village, and extends across the Hajar Mountains portion separating Al Batinah from Al Dakhiliyah region.Then we shall proceed to Nakhl Fort (photo stop), he country’s highest fort that has been standing proudly on a hilltop for 350 years now.
Today you are going to enjoy the sea adventures watching dolphins and discovering underwater world of Oman.
By the lunch time you will be back to the hotel to enjoy your leisure time and take a breath after your adventure week in magnificent Oman.
After the unforgettable moments spent in Oman, being introduced to different stories from different cities of this lovely piece on the planet, it is the time to say “See you” and fly back home carrying all a lot of pictures and stories to tell.
Oman never says “Goodbye” taking a special place in your heart which will definitely trigger you to find an opportunity to come back and explore more of it. This lovely piece on the planet, it is the time to say goodbye and fly back to home carrying all a lot of pictures and stories to tell.
