ESSENCE OF OMAN
Quick Facts about this Tour
- Meet & greet by our airport representative.
- Private arrival transfer using quality vehicles.
- Licensed English speaking walking guide (Omani National).
- Experience round tour of Oman in quality 4WD cars.
- Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum, Muttrah Souq.
- Mountain Crossing from Wadi Bani Awf
- Visit the heritage village trail in Misfat Al Abrayeen
- Visit Jabal Shams, the highest mountain in the GCC
- Stay in the historical town of Nizwa and visit the famous Nizwa Fort
- Stay in the cool Jabal Akhdar and visit some of the old mountain villages
- Visit Wadi Bani Khalid and stay in Wahaiba Sands
- Guided turtle watching tour at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.
- Visit Wadi Tiwi, Bimmah Sink Hole and Fins Beach.
- Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum, Muttrah Souq.
Trip Duration
9 Nights / 10 Days
DAY 01: ARRIVAL MUSCAT.
On arrival Meet & Greet by our representative outside the airport, Transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at Muscat
DAY 02: FULL DAY MUSCAT CITY TOUR
Morning, you will be met at the hotel for a full day City Tour. The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Later you drive to visit Seeb fish Market. Thereafter drive to the Natural History Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor.
Afternoon, drive to Qantab, One of the pristine beaches in Muscat. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district Muscat. Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Haitham, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. Evening you will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items.
DAY 03: MUSCAT – NIZWA
Today you will have full day visit of the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. You proceed to Jabrin castle built in 17th century is one of the finest of its kind. Its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceilings makes this castle amazingly different. Thereafter continue to Bahla, one of the oldest small towns of Oman and in the 12th century the capital of the tribe living in the region. The monumental fort is recently opened for public after a long restoration. Bahla is also famous for its pottery and you will visit a potter’s workshop (not possible on Fridays and Public Holidays). Return to the hotel.
DAY 04: NIZWA – JABEL SHAMS – NIZWA
Morning visit the powerful Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, one of the most impressive forts in Oman and the traditional Souq. Drive to Al Hamra and Misfah to see one of the oldest villages of this region. The traditional mud houses dated back from 400 years are still occupied. The Falaj system used in this village is one of the oldest of this kind (UNESCO site). Thereafter drive to visit Wadi Gul & Wadi Nakhar the remote villages exactly at the drop point of great canyon. Then proceed to Jabel Shams, one of the highest peak of Hajr mountain range and is popularly known as the Great canyon of Oman. Picnic lunch will be served at suitable place. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 05: NIZWA – WAHIBA
Morning drive to Wahiba sands, via Birkat A Mauz and Ibra. Wahiba sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. After some exciting sand dune driving which offers excellent thrills and chills for all. Evening watch spectacular sunset from top of the dunes. BBQ dinner and overnight at desert camp.
DAY 06: WAHIBA – WADI BANI KHALID – SUR
Your first destination is Wadi Bani Khalid – an oasis spot in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. It is one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman and its pools with clear deep blue water give you an opportunity to take a refreshing dip. Enjoy the ambiance of the Wadi. Then drive to you visit Sur, renowned for its dhow shipyard in former times. After an early dinner you will visit the turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz, where at night the Green Turtles, after a journey of thousands of kilometres will come ashore to lay their eggs. You then return to Hotel for the overnight.
DAY 07: SUR – MUSCAT – SALALAH
You start your fascinating coastal trip to Muscat. The road leads through scenic countryside and rugged mountains to the small fishing towns. On the coastal road you stop at Bibi Miriam Mausoleum (only photo stop as monument is closed for renovation) in Qalhat. Later you visit Wadi Tiwi, an oasis well known for its lemon and date plantations and then proceed to Fins beach. Picnic lunch will be served en route. Later drive to Muscat en route Stop at limestone Sinkhole in Bimah and Wadi Arbaeen. Evening drop at airport to connect the flight to Salalah, the tropical paradise of Middle East.
DAY 08: SALALAH CITY
Morning you will visit the “The Museum of the Frankincense Land” at Al Balid. The museum is situated within the ancient harbour of Al Balid, houses many excellent works of art about the rich cultural history of the Dhofar Region. Later drive to make photo stops at the impressive Shanfari Mosque and later at Al Husn Palace (Palace of the Sultan). Stroll through the old Haffah Souq, famous for the sale of high quality frankincense and numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs. Visit the new Souq with ample opportunity for shopping, for example gold and silver before you return to the hotel.
DAY 09: EAST SALALAH & WEST OF SALALAH
Today’s the tour will take you to the east Dhofar Region. Your first destination is Taqa, in the East. The fort, the landmark of the small town was the Seat of the Wali, the mayor, until 1984. The impressive ruins at Sumhurum give insight into architecture and living conditions of a time more than 2000 years ago. The adjoining port of Khawr Rhori was an important trade center and the main port for the export of frankincense. Just before Mirbat you reach Bin Ali’s Tomb. Ali was revered as a wise and holy man and over his tomb the twin-domed mosque was built. Next to the mosque you will see an old cemetery. Mirbat, the old capital of Dhofar is known for its old merchant houses, built in traditional ancient Omani architecture. On the way back to Salalah you visit Ayn Razat Gardens, a quiet place at the feet of the lush Qara Mountains.
Afternoon proceed towards Mughsail. You will pass by scattered frankincense trees. Mughsail is proud of its idyllic beach and its spectacular ‘Blow Holes’, the water fountains. The last destination of the day is the Tomb of Prophet Ayub (Job) in the mountains north of Salalah. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.
DAY 10: SALALAH- DEPARTURE
Breakfast at hotel; Departure transfer to Airport to connect the flight to Muscat and then proceed to the international terminal.
You will arrive at the Muscat International Airport. Upon your arrival you proceed straight to the Immigration. Immigration & customs are quick & simple. Upon arrival at the General arrival lounge you will be met by our representative who will assist you to our vehicle to drive you the hotel. Overnight stay at Muscat Hotel
|
Destination/ Category |
Premium |
Deluxe |
Standard |
Budget |
|
Muscat |
W Muscat Wonderful Room |
Sheraton Oman Standard Deluxe Room |
Park Inn, Standard Room |
Tulip Inn Al Khuwair Standard Room |
|
Nizwa |
Golden Tulip, Standard Room |
Golden Tulip, Standard Room |
Falaj Daris, Standard Room |
Al Diyar, Standard Room |
|
Wahiba |
Desert Nights Camp Deluxe Tent * |
1000 Nights Camp, Sheikh Tent * |
Arabian Oryx Camp Standard Room * |
Sama Al Wasil Camp, Standard Chalet* |
|
Sur |
Ras Al Jinz Luxury Eco Tent |
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Standard Room |
Turtle Beach Resort, Hamoor Room |
Ras Al Hadd Beach Holiday Standard Room |
|
Salalah |
Anantara Al Baleed Salalah Garden View |
Crown Plaza, Garden View Room |
Salalah Gardens Hotel Deluxe Room |
Intercity Hotel Salalah Standard Room |
*Accommodation on HB basis
Inclusions
- Accommodation on twin/double sharing basis on bed & breakfast basis.
- Transfers & sightseeing using saloon car / large car / minivan with English-speaking driver guide.
- 04WDs with maximum 04-pax in one cat will be used from day 03 – day 07.
- Entrance fee as applicable.
Exclusions
- Air fare or visa charges.
- All meals other than mentioned.
- All expenses of personal in nature.
- Mandatory Xmas/New Year supplements as applicable.
- Anything which is not specifically mentioned in inclusions part.
GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
- The prices are indicative and all respective services are purely subjected to availability upon final confirmations with payment.
- All current applicable taxes have been included while quoting. If there is any increase in government levies, existing tax structure, accommodation rates extended by respective hotels, hike in the fuel prices or air fare, etc. will be charged extra as applicable at the time of travel.
- VAT (Value Added Tax): Rates are subjected to the implementation of any new taxes introduced by the Oman government during the course of the contractual period. The said tax will be levied (if applicable) as per the government norms on the above rates quoted and will be effective as per the guidelines provided by the concerned government authorities.
- It is recommended that you take necessary travel insurance to cover medical expenses in case of an accident/illness, loss of baggage/personal belongings, change of air tickets and cancellation of the tour.
- All arrangements made by Infinite Tours are in the capacity of an agent only. We shall not be liable for any claims or expenses arising from circumstances beyond our control such as accidents, injuries, delayed flights, etc. & all acts of force majeure.
