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Holidays in Muscat Oman |
Discover the Essence of Oman Tour - Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival at Muscat International Airport.
Meet and assist.
Transfer to hotel
Check-in & Overnight @ (5* Beach hotel, Shangri La Al Waha on BB).
Day 2:
Pick up after an early breakfast.
Visit the Grand Mosque
Proceed to Amouage Perfume Factory
Nizwa/Bahla/Jabreen forts
Hoota Caves with Lunch (Hoota Cave visit subject to seasonality and
weather)
Overnight Golden Tulip on BB basis
The first stop on the Muscat City Tour is the Grand Mosque, a most
beautiful architectural piece of work. The Mosque was built over a
period of 6 years from 1995 to 2001. The main chandelier is made of
pure Swarovski crystal and the carpet adorning the large prayer hall
was woven by experts, made out of pure Persian silk. The Mosque
exterior is constructed with quality Rajasthani Sandstone and the
main halls as well as the smaller prayer rooms are adorned with the
finest Italian Marble. The Mosque is surrounded by 5 minarets’, each
of which symbolizes the holy five vows taken by every devout Muslim
to reinforce his faith in the Almighty. Definitely a “must see!”
After the Mosque drive to the Amouage perfume factory. Here one can
witness how one of the worlds most expensive perfumes are made and
samples can also be bought. There is a whole array of products made
from this perfume including perfumed candles etc. From here proceed
to Nizwa.
Visit the Nizwa fort which has been strategically built atop a hill
overlooking the ancient village with its colorful domes and bustling
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, which 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 (photo
stop), the oldest and first Omani fort to be built in the Islamic
style. In Bahla also visit the pottery unit that makes earthen-ware
which is famous for this region of the country. Then proceed on to
the Oasis of Tanuf springs (where the mineral water “Tanuf” is also
bottled). For lunch drive 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 limestone by acidic water. The caves appear in
the cretaceous “Natih” formation. It is a breathtaking sight to see
the stalagmite and stalactites in the caves – a desert “grotto”
experience! Here there is also a nice restaurant where one can enjoy
a set menu with mineral water.
Check in to the Hotel in Nizwa.
Day 3:
Pick up after breakfast and check out
Drive to Wadi Maedeen
Visit the village of Birkat Al Mauz
Lunch in local restaurant
Depart - Drive to Wahiba Sands
Check in to the luxury camp – DESERT NIGHTS CAMP
Overnight at camp on HB basis.
After breakfast and check out visit the Wadi of Maedeen. This Wadi
is located at the foot of the Jabals and has a beautiful natural
spring water source. From this wadi we head in the direction of
Birkat Al Mauz or “village of clay”. There is a full settlement of
clay ruins (ancient houses) that are still partially inhabited and
was once very famous for the banana plantations, now more so for the
date plantations. One can also see how the traditional irrigation
system that was used centuries ago and till date functions as the
village uses it to nourish the Oasis. Enjoy a meal of local Omani
cuisine (meat or grilled fish with rice) and fresh salads. The camp
is the only one of its kind at the Wahiba Sands. The setting in the
bare wilderness of the desert emphasizes the beauty of the virgin
golden sand dunes surrounding the camp. The camp’s serene
environment is a wonderful experience after our daily urban lives in
the city.
Day 4:
Depart after breakfast
Dune Drive for 45 mins approximately
Visit the Bedouin House
Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wadi
Drive to Sur
Visit the fishermen’s harbor
Check in to CARAPACE or similar
After dinner – visit the turtles
Overnight at Hotel on BB basis.
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 a host to a large variety of flora and fauna and
ever-changing patterns of dunes which are a photographer’s delight!
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. **Camel ride
optional**
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 a 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).
In Sur visit the fishermen’s harbor and witness the fishermen in
action. Drive on to Sur. Check-in to the hotel. After a refreshing
shower and dinner, drive to Ras Al Jinz - assemble in the main lobby
of the of the scientific research resort Carapace around 21:00 hrs.
where the rangers will divide you into groups of 10-15 people.
Proceed on a 15 min walk to the place where the green turtles nest
on the calm beaches of Ras Al Jinz (people with walking problems –
such as older people will be transported by bus). The turtles can be
seen late at night (21hrs to 23hrs) and then again early in the
morning (about 04 am). Enjoy this natural phenomenon - an experience
that is guaranteed to stay in your memory for a long time.
Day 5:
Depart from Sur
Visit the tomb of Bibi Miriam in the village of Qualhat
Drive to Wadi Tiwi
Picnic lunch included
Visit Finns Beach
Drive to Bimah Sinkhole
Proceed to fishing village of Quriyat
Return to Muscat Hotel
Overnight at The Shangri La Al Waha on BB basis
The village of Qalhat where Bibi Miriam’s tomb is located. Wadi Tiwi
is the next stop. The beautiful clear pools of the wadi oasis are a
serene and rewarding sight in the otherwise barren environment.
After visiting the Wadi – proceed to the white beaches of Finns
where a picnic lunch box will be served. Also see the Bimah
Sinkhole, a natural hole in the round created by a collapsing
mountain.The hole is filled with blue-green sea water. On the way to
Quriyat take a detour to visit the Wadi Majlis – this wadi is a
little hidden from the main routing and makes it therefore all the
more interesting in it’s untouched environment. Finally we pass
through the village of Quriyat, guarded by its 18th century fort.
Return to Muscat.
Day 6:
Day at leisure / check out 12 noon
Departure Transfer to Muscat International Airport
INCLUSIONS & SPECIAL REMARKS:
• English speaking guide
• Bus, Coach or salon/4WD vehicle for the tour (depending on
passenger numbers and routing)
• Picnic lunches on all full days of the tour (or local restaurant)
• Mineral water on board vehicle
• Entrance fees if and where applicable
• Accommodation at selected HTLs/Camp during RT
• Accommodation at hotels in MCT mentioned above or similar
alternatives
• Meal Plan at hotels as mentioned above in itinerary
• Sites as mentioned on the program description – kindly note some
sites that are subject to closure due to religious festivals,
Government holidays and some due to weather conditions and
seasonality.
• Operation of package upon request and subject to availability
• All taxes and service charges included
• Standard APT transfer included
**Fridays and Public Holidays – Grand Mosque and Museum closed!** |
