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Holidays in Muscat Oman |
Highlights of Dhakliya and Sharkiya Regions Tour -
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival at Muscat International Airport.
Meet and assist.
Transfer to hotel
Check-in & Overnight @ (4* City hotel, Haffa House / Park Inn or
similar on BB).
Day 2:
Breakfast and pick up from Muscat Hotel
Pick up and drive to Nakhl
Visit the Nakhl fort and springs and drive up the Hajar mountains to
Wadi Bani Auf
Proceed to the village of Bilad Sayt
Picnic lunch at the peak of the Hajar Mountain approximately 1800
mtr above sea level – in winter some warm clothing is recommended
Visit the villages of Al Hamra and Misfat Al Abreen
Check in to Golden Tulip or Falaj Daris / BB basis.
In Nakhl which also has the highest fort in Oman, standing proudly
on top of a hillock. Proceed to the Al Thowara Oasis where one can
witness the source of the natural springs. Between Nakhl and Rustaq
a hidden road leads up a 2000 mtr part of the Hajar Mountain range.
Stop at Wadi Bani Auf where the main attraction is the old houses
nestled on the slopes of the mountain and this Wadi is also well
known as the “snake gorge” because of the wide variety of desert
snakes that live here. Proceed to Bilad Sayt a village that is
famous for its clay houses and the Oasis in which the village
population lives. There is also an old family that breeds bees and
produces natural honey (one can also buy a bottle of the precious
nectar from this small family production). After this visit, enjoy a
picnic lunch at the peak of the Hajar Mountain.
After lunch we proceed to the villages of Al Hamra and Misfah also
known as Misfat Al Abreen. The village of Al Hamra which boasts a
set of ancient ruins and provides the viewers a beautiful panoramic
photo stop from the top where the village is situated on a hillock.
Misfah is a typical Omani village that gives guests an insight of
how the locals used to live centuries ago. The houses are made of
clay and mud in order to keep the interior cool even during the
summer months. Misfah has a falaj system and green terraces which
provides the population of Oasis dwellers abundant bounty in terms
of fruits (mango, papaya, banana and dates) and vegetables in spite
of the dry vegetation elsewhere.
Day 3:
Depart after breakfast @ 08:00
Visit Nizwa fort and souk
Drive to Tanuf Springs
Photo stop at Bahla
Visit Jabreen Castle
Drive up the Jabal Akhdar Mountain and picnic lunch at Diana’s point
Rose factory and rose water factory and terrace farming
Drive to Wadi Bani Habib and the old castle of the Imam
Visit Saiq and take in the beautiful views of the canyons around
Return to Hotel
Overnight at Golden Tulip or Falaj Daris on BB basis.
Visit the Nizwa fort which has been strategically built atop a hill
overlooking the ancient village with its colorful domes and bustling
market below. Then proceed on to the Oasis of Tanuf springs (where
the mineral water “Tanuf” is also bottled). Tanuf village has ruined
houses nesteled in the mountain side and these houses were destroyed
during the War of Al Jabal in 1953 (between Muscat and Oman – which
were considered two separate states). 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. 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. Proceed to drive up to the
Jabal Akhdar, or Green Mountain in Arabic (2800 M above sea level).
The trip is a 4 WD ride up the precarious mountain side. A picnic
lunch will be provided at the famous “Diana’s Point” named after
Princess Diana’s visit to the mountain. On the peak of the Jabal,
also experience the rose water making art and the beautiful terrace
farming fields. Then drive to Wadi Bani Habib. A most beautiful
dried up river bed which stretches about 20-30km. The wadi boasts a
rich heritage of Islamic culture and one can visit the Old castle of
the once all powerful “Imam”. From here visit the point of Saiq from
where any photographer would be proud to capture the breathtaking
views of the ancient mountain range that forms large and small
canyons.
Day 4:
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 Desert Camp (supplement luxury camp $130pp)
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 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 and
simplicity is a wonderful experience after our daily urban lives in
the city. Sleep sheltered by Bedouin style accommodation under a
roof of starry skies and enjoy the once in a lifetime experience!
Enjoy a traditional Arabic meal, Omani coffee and dates.
Day 5:
Depart after breakfast (08:30)
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 Hotel or similar
After dinner – see turtles
Oovernight @ 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 6:
Depart from Sur at 08:00
Visit the tomb of Bibi Miriam in the village of Qualhat
Drive to Wadi Tiwi
Visit Finns Beach
Drive to Bimah Sinkhole
Proceed to fishing village of Quriyat
Return to Haffa House / Park Inn or similar 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. Finally we
pass through the village of Quriyat, guarded by its 18th century
fort. Return to Muscat.
Day 7:
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 Hotels/Camp during RT
• Accommodation at hotels in Muscat 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 transfers included
**Fridays and Public Holidays – Grand Mosque and Museum closed!** |
