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الاقتراحات holiday ideas |
Oman Basic Tour |
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Oman Basic Tour - Itinerary First drive to the Grand Mosque for a photo stop. The Mosque is beautiful by night, as it is illuminated from all sides with floor spot lights and the grandeur of its architectural genius truly comes alive! Next 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 which fringes the old Muscat town – better known as Muttrah. 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 harbour 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 forts were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. On the way back we shall pass through the old city of Muscat. Back to hotel /or dinner as follows (optional):
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 that can be chased (optionally) by a deliciously
flavored “hubly-bubly” (water pipe or shisha) to enhance the laid
back mood!
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 (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.
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. Return to Nizwa for lunch at a traditional local
restaurant or picnic lunch.
Drive to 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 on 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. Then proceed on
to the Oasis of Tanuf springs (where the mineral water “Tanuf” is
also bottled). Tanuf village has ruined houses nestled 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). Picnic lunch will be served.
Dolphins in Oman are familiar
sights; they will 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! |
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