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Beyond Muscat

Holidays in Muscat Oman

Beyond Muscat Excursions

Nizwa, Bahla & Jabreen

Visit the Nizwa fort which has been strategically bulit atop a hill over-looking the ancient village with its colorful domes and busting market below. From here, proceed on to the Jabreen castle (45 km from Nizwa) , The finest of Oman's castles built during the late 17th century, wich became a seat for Omani education and learning. The castle displays beautiful ceiling paintings and intricate wood carvings. On the way back to Nizwa, halt at the Bahla fort, the oldest and first Omani fort to be built in the slamic style. Then proceed on to the Oasis of Tanuf springs (where the mineral water "Tanuf" is also bottled). Return to Nizwa for lunch at a traditional local restaurant where one can choose to either be served at the table or on the floor like the Omanis prefer. Return to Muscat after lunch.

Optional: Visit to Al Hoota caves - The Hoota Caves is one of the most accessible caves in Oman and there are many such caves. It is situated close to Al Hamra. The Hoota caves system was formed by the dissolution of limstone by acidic water. The caves appear in t he cretaceous "Natih" formation. Its is a breathtaking sight to see stalagmite and stalactites in the caves - a desert "grotto" experience

Nakhl & Rustaq

Drive to visit Rustaq and Nakhl. Rustaq is famous for its hot water springs. The hot springs (Ain Al Kisfa) are said to have medicinal value and in the olden days people used to travel far and wide just to take a healing dip in the water and experience the nostalgia of days gone by. Also visit the Al Hazm Fort in Rustaq.
The fort is known far and wide for its beautiful gates which are adorned with verses from the holy Koran and flower etchings. The next stop is Nakhl which also has the highest fort in Oman, standing proudly on top of hilltop.

Stop for a photo stop. Proceed to the Al Thowara Oasis where one can witness the source of the natural springs. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade of the palm trees at the Al Thowara Oasis. Return to Muscat early evening.

Adventure Excursions

Wadi Shab

On the way to Wadi Shab, pass by the fishing village of Quriyat.Proceed to visit the Bimah Sink- hole, a spectacular limestone crater that had been created many years ago by a collapsing mountain and filled with blue-green seawater.
Drive on to Wadi Shab. Here you can enjoy your pre-packed picnic lunch. Tiwi on the coast is a picturesque fishing village overlooking old dwellings and ancient houses. A small fort guards the entrance to this breathtaking wadi with fresh water that flows from the mountain springs.
Walk along banana plantations, date palms and up narrow rocky paths that are abundant in this wadi. Small fields surround pools of clear water. Return along the lovely mountainous scenery along the white beaches of Finns and to the village of Dibab.
Return to Muscat by late afternoon.
 

Wahiba Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid

Wahiba Sands is a vast mass of undulating red and white sand dunes rising up to 200 meters and stretching as far as the eye can see. It is also host to a large variety of flora and fauna and ever-changing patterns of dunes which are a photographer's delight! A picnic lunch box will be provided to enjoyed in the desert. Enjoy an exhilarating round of “dune bashing” in 4 WDS. The sands are the traditional homes of the nomads and the Bedouins, so it is common to see them moving through the desert with their camels. In the middle of the desert, stop to visit a Bedouin home.
In sharp contrast to this is Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful Wadi indeed. The Wadi has clear deep blue waters, where the shade of the palm trees are inviting for relaxing siesta! Catch a glimpse of the pretty villages scattered all over Wadi Bani Khalid as they cling precariously to the slopes of the rugged mountain-side (Please bring along your swim-wear, the clear waters of the Wadi are very inviting! Also, please note that light clothing and walking shoes may be more suitable on this trip).
Camel ride optional

Grand Canyon

Oman’s Grand Canyon is situated amidst the rocky terrain of the Jabal Shams Mountain which is over 3,000 meters is making it the highest mountain in Oman. The word Jabal Shams literally means “Sun-Mountain” in Arabic. The view from the top over the Grand Canyon is absolutely breathtaking. The trip will be with a 4WD. Here one can see the ancient rock carvings and paintings which are said to be more than 2,000 years old.
There is also a pre historic hut. The Jabal Shams is the highest peak in the 700 km long Hajar mountain range. You might even be pleasantly surprised to see a few shepherds accompanying their grazing sheep! Experience an untamed and rugged countryside, a pristine world interrupted here and there by tiny settlements. Return to Muscat via Birkat al Mauz, the deserted village of clay.
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Nature Excursions

Coastal Trek - Wadi Daiquah

Drive southeast towards the eastern Hajar mountain range and the countryside. After driving through a few hairpin bends, you arrive at the fishing village of Quriyat with its 18th century Omani fort. Drive on the off road (4 WD) dirt track and wind your way across the mountainous ravines until you reach Wadi Arbeen. Proceed to the village of Suwayh, an idyllic spot with its waterfalls and clear blue pools – a place to enjoy nature at its best. A picnic lunch (provided) can be enjoyed here. On to our destination, to the beautiful Wadi Daiquah. The wadi offers an ideal opportunity to take a refreshing dip, so don’t forget to bring along your swimming gear (1/2 hr. stop). Return to Muscat.

Desert Sunrise

This trip is most definitely an experience like none before. Even the nocturnally inclined will agree that the early wake up was well worth the trouble!
First we will head out to the Wahiba Sands, onto the undulating masses of red and white dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Here we will strategically position ourselves in order to get the best view of the morning sunrise as it slowly spreads its magic across the desert. One actually gets the impression of being on an alien planet watching an astronomical spectacle enfold before one’s very eyes. The stop will be approximately for ½ hr. during which time you will be served coffee and breakfast.
After breakfast we will enjoy a round of exhilarating “dune bashing” (4 WD) and then head on to see a Bedouin home and enjoy a picnic lunch enroute back to Muscat

Dolphin Watch

Dolphins in Oman are familiar sights; they entice your attention through intelligent techniques. Watching dolphins is one of the major sea sports. Oman is home to a variety of dolphins and whale species: the spinner and bottle nose dolphin being the most common.
Almost all year round, dolphins can be found within close proximity of the coast. Of course since these are wild creatures in their natural habitat, It may sometimes be the case that no sightings can be made. However, The trip onto the untamed ocean is a treat in itself
Dolphin watch + snorkeling (upon request) combination trip also possible - same duration (3.5 hrs including transfers). Double the pleasure of dolphin watching by combining it with a snorkeling trip. Coral beds provide homes to an exotic variety of fish that are a pleasure to behold. Catch the timeless magic of tropical fish in their own habitat

Fascinating Coastal Scenery and Giant Turtle

The trip starts in the fishing village in Quriyat. The harbor is absolutely spectacular and yet completely rural! Here a short photo stop will be made. From Quriyat proceed by the part off road dirt track and part tarmac roads to see the Biham Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater that had been created many years ago by a collapsing mountain. The hole is large and filled with blue-green sea water. Then drive on to the white beaches of Finns for a photo -stop and/or a swim (1/2 hour). Drive on to Wadi Tiwi. A short halt will be made here in order to enjoy the pre-packe picnic lunch (provided) which can be enjoyed in the serene surroundings of the beautiful Oasis. Visit the of Bibi Miriam at the village of Qalhat. Finally drive on to Sur. In Sur visit the fishermen's harbor and witness the fishermen in action. Proceed on to the Dhow building yard. Dhows are traditional Omani wooden fisher boats that are even today, built by hand
Check-in to the Ras Al Had hotel. After a refreshing shower and dinner you will be picked up at around 21:00 hrs. to see the giant green turtles nesting on the calm beaches of Ras Al Had.
One of the most amazing experiences you will have is being able to help the baby turtles in their long journey towards the open sea where they are relatively safe from the preying birds. The small wincey creatures actually lift their little heads and stare up at you as if in gratitude!
IF you fancy waking up early, you may help collect the little turtles in a basket before dawn and transfer them to the turtle reserve. A natural phenomenon - an experience that is guaranteed to stay in your memory for a long time.

Fishing

Omani waters are very rich in marine life and a day out to sea with a fishing line is the ideal option to relax and take in nature in its purest form!
fishing trips can be organized on private basis as well as normal fishing tours with a boat full of ardent sea fans; the fish that are very prevalent in Oman are the Barracuda, Marlin, Sailfish and monster Tuna provide exciting drama as they fight your line on the high seas.

Island Hoping

A fascinating boat trip from one small alcove of beach to another along the coastline of Muscat until you find the perfect "Robinson Crusoe" hideaway that appeals to you best! The possibility of snorkeling is also available (equipment provided).
Drop off in morning and pick up again early evening. Enjoy making your own rules on your chosen very own secluded Island.

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