Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival day, transfer to the Shangris Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Muscat where you will spend the first three nights of your tour. The resort consists of three hotels: The family hotel Al Waha, Al Bandar in the centre of the resort and the luxury Al Husn being designed as a castle on a typical rock of this area. You can choose your hotel for the overnights you will spend in Muscat.
Day 2: Today you will be able to arrive mentally in the Sultanate of Oman. You might explore the beautiful resort or spend the whole day at the beach before having a sunset cruise with a traditional dhow to get a first impression about the Sultanate in an anodyne atmosphere while enjoying some Arabic Coffee and dates. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Today we will explore the capital of the Sultanate. After we will pick you up from your hotel we are going to start our Muscat City Tour with a visit of the Grand Mosque. Followed by that we will go to have a look at the fish market and the Corniche including the Sultans Palace in Muttrah. After visiting a museum (if it is only opened in the morning) we will have a nice lunch (optionally) before walking through the famous Muttrah Souq which will be the end of an informative and visual appealing day in Muscat.
In the Morning pick up from the hotel (08:30 am), Grand Mosque (full length trousers for men, women: fully covered incl. headscarf), Fish Market, Corniche and Al Alam Palace (Sultans Palace). Lunch (optionally)in one of the restaurants (directly paid by the guest) of Muscat we will have our lunch – the opportunities are manifold. In the afternoon optional: Photos in traditional Omani clothes (20 or for three high quality photos), visit of a museum, Muttrah Souq.
Day 4: After breakfast we will drive into the hinterland, one of the most rugged landscapes to be found in the northern region. The town of Barka is very famous for its weaving and more so because of the bullfights that take place here. After continuing onwards we will reach the oasis of Nakhal. Its most outstanding archaeological feature is its pre-Islamic fort which is located on a craggy hill about 200ft high. Another feature of this town is the “Ain Thura” springs, warm running water coming from the Jebel Salad.
Wadi Bani is stunning and renowned as one of the most fantastic tourist locations in the nearby area surrounding Muscat. It is by far the most diverse and challenging wadi with its famous Balad Sayt, a terraced village in the heart of the mountains. A trekking path begins here, with steep but spectacular vistas. Later trough the mountain we will drive to Jabal Shams being called the mountain of the sun, with good reason: as the road bends and loops endlessly towards the summit, the Jabal seems to lose all touch with the terrestrial. The most spectacular part of Jabal Shams is not the mountain, but the view back down again. Overnight we will stay at the Jabal Shams Resort. Includes: (FB).
Day 5: In the morning our heritage tour begins as we drive to the picturesque mountain village of Misfah Al Abreen perched against steep cliffs halfway up the mountain. Later we will head on to Bahla which is a delightful town having retained its traditional characteristics and being surrounded by a 12km long protective wall, much of which still stands. You visit the famous Pottery Centre and Bahla Fort, one of the oldest in Oman, built in the late 17th century (UNESCO Heritage Site) on much earlier Persian foundations. Jabrin Castle, designed as a residence, was built during that time as well. It displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings.
You will visit Nizwa, a major centre in the interior region. Nizwa clusters around its historical buildings, traditional Souq and the imposing circular-towered fort built during the mid 17th century. The town is a lush palm oasis stretching foe 8km along two wadis. Water canals run through all parts of Nizwa area. The most important one is Falaj Daris which is formed by two streams irrigating a large part of the town. At the Souq, built in traditional style, you will find exquisite silver jewellery, intricately hand-made "Khanjars" daggers), copper, weaving and other handicrafts. We will spend the night at Falaj Daris Hotel in Nizwa. Includes: (FB).
Day 6: After breakfast we will go to Ibra - gateway to the Sharqiya Region. Many watchtowers on the surrounding hills pay silent tribute to its past strategic importance. Remains of grand fortified houses and forts abound. A testimony to its past close trading links with East Africa are the falaj system, financed by influential merchants residing in Zanzibar, and their fine houses built on returning to their hometown. Not far away is Al Mudayrib where the surrounding hills are dotted with watchtowers. Fine old buildings with beautifully carved doors, painted ceilings and arches show the influence of contact with Africa.
Into the Wahibah Sands - a desert with rolling dunes and shifting sands - magnificent with changing colours. This is the traditional home of the Bedouin; hardy, spirited people who know how to survive in these harsh desert conditions. A visit to a Bedouin family will give you an intimate insight into their traditional lifestyle. An optional camel ride with a Bedouin guide is a thrilling experience, just comparable with some dune-bashing. Now we are going to head on towards Ras Al Jinz. At the Scientific and Visitors Center we will enjoy our dinner before watching turtles at the so-called Turtle Beach under guidance. At this spot we will spend the night in carapace lodges of Ras Al Jinz. Includes: (FB).
Day 7: After having our breakfast we will head on back to Muscat. But not without stopping at three more occasions worth to be seen. First of all we will drive through Wadi Tiwi where we can have our lunch. Which we will need before trekking to the pools of Wadi Shab. At one of the pools there is a large cave with a waterfall inside – just amazing. We will have a look at the Bait Al Afreet – the house of the demon – next to Dibab as well before going back to Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. Includes: (B), (L).
Days 8-10: Free leisure days at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. However, dolphin watching trips, water sport activities and other daily tours can be organized optionally. In the evening of the last day we will have to say good bye to you at the Airport – and upon your flight you will have plenty of time to dream about the past days. Includes: (B).
Note: All prices are not including the meals. However, of course we will stop at restaurants and these expenses will be paid by the guest directly.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Airport transfers
- Meals and tours according to the itinerary
- Toyota Land Cruisers including high quality accessories
- Overnight stays (double occupancy) in hotels:
* Muscat: 6 overnight at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort either Al Waha, Al Bandar or Al Husn
* Jabal Shams: 1 overnight at the Jabal Shams Resort or similar
* Nizwa: 1 overnight in the Falaj Daris Hotel or similar
* Ras Al Junaiz: 1 overnight in the Ras Al Jinz Scient. Center
other hotels can be booked on request as well
- Drivers / Guides according to the number of guests.
Price Excludes:
- Flight tickets
- Visa fees at the airport (tourist visa from 6 RO onwards per person)
- Travel insurances
- Personal expenses like souvenirs, tips etc.
- Personal items like own torches, medicine, hygiene items.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Oman
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Crafts Tours
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