|
Holidays in Muscat Oman |
Highlights of Oman 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:
AM at leisure.
Pick up 16:30 for Muscat by nite (optional dinner – see below)
Overnight @ (4* City hotel, Haffa House / Park Inn or similar on
BB).
Am at leisure. Pick up at 17:00 for a Muscat by night city tour.
First you will drive to the Grand Mosque for a photo stop. The
Mosque is beautiful by night, as it is illuminated from all sides
with floor spotlights and the grandeur of its architectural genius
truly comes alive. Next you will drive through the Embassy road,
which is likewise a lovely sight with the tress flanking the
pavements on both sides and forming dancing shadows on the lovely
Embassy buildings built like typical Arabic villas. From here you
will drive to the Corniche via the beach road.
The Corniche is near the main Mina Al Sultan Qaboos port of Oman and
the Muttrah souk. A short halt will allow you to visit the souk and
stock up on all the typical Oman souvenirs that are sold in almost
every shop! At night all the ships in the harbor are also
illuminated, especially His Majesty the Sultan’s personal yacht. The
next stop is the Bait Al Zubair Museum. It is one of the most
informative museums in Oman and focuses mainly on the traditional
culture and lifestyle of the people of the Sultanate. From here we
proceed on to see the Sultan’s Palace and the 2 forts Jalali and
Mirani, which guard it. The Portuguese built the forts in the 16th
century. On the way back we shall pass through the old city of
Muscat and halt at the Al- Bustan Palace Hotel for a short
photo-stop or a coffee/refreshment break (optional). Back to 4* MCT
hotel /or dinner as follows:
Dinner at a typical Arabic restaurant, situated in the heart of the
“new” Muscat. Dinner will include a set menu consisting of a variety
of delectable Arabic specialties; optionally followed by a
deliciously flavored “hubly-bubly” (water pipe or shisha) to enhance
the laid back mood! USD 35 pp
Day 3:
Breakfast. Tour to Nakhl / Rustaq
Overnight @ (Al Sawadi on BB)
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 waters and experience the nostalgia of
days gone by. Also visit the Al Hazm Fort (only photo stop). 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 a hillock. Proceed to the Al Thowara
Oasis where one can witness the source of the natural springs. Enjoy
a picnic lunch en-route.
Day 4:
Breakfast.
Nizwa / Bahla / Jabreen tour. Check in OVN @ (Golden Tulip or
similar on BB)
Pick up after breakfast. 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 woodcarvings. 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. 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). Return to Nizwa for lunch at a traditional
local restaurant or picnic lunch.
Day 5:
Breakfast.
Trip to Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid. Dune bashing / dinner at
the camp.
Overnight at the Desert camp on HB basis. **OPTIONAL LUXURY CAMP AT
$130 per person surcharge**
Pick up after breakfast. Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid. The beautiful
clear pools of the wadi oasis are a serene and rewarding sight in
the otherwise barren environment. Wahiba Sands offers an
exhilarating round of “dune bashing” in 4 WDS. In the middle of the
desert, stop for a camel ride (optional). The camp is the only one
of its kind at the Wahiba Sands. The setting among the Cineraria
trees emphasizes the beauty of the virgin golden sand dunes
surrounding the camp. Genuine hand made Bedouin tents are scattered
through the camp furnished with plush Arabic carpets. Sleep under a
roof of starry skies and enjoy the once in a lifetime experience!
Enjoy a traditional Arabic meal, Omani coffee and dates.
Day 6:
Breakfast.
Return off road back to Muscat via Quriyat.
Breakfast at the camp the next morning. Drive back to Muscat via the
off-road route. Before we reach Muscat, you will also see the Bimah
Sinkhole, a natural hole in the ground created by a collapsing
mountain. The hole is filled with blue-green seawater. Finally we
pass through the village of Quriyat, guarded by its 18th century
fort.
Check in and overnight (4* Muscat city hotel Haffa House) BB basis.
Day 7:
Breakfast / day at leisure.
Departure Transfer to Muscat International Airpot
INCLUSIONS & SPECIAL REMARKS:
• English speaking guide
• Bus/ Coach or salon/4WD vehicle (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 the tour
• 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!**
|
