Highlights of Oman

Fly on an overnight flight to Muscat

Arrive early in the morning in Muscat, the capital city of Oman, where upon arrival, you will be transferred to your beachfront hotel for a two-night stay. The rest of the day and evening are free for you to unwind and take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, where you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset.

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After breakfast, make sure to pack your swimwear and sun protection as you will be spending the morning aboard a dhow. Take in the beautiful sights of Muscat from a different angle, and if you're lucky, you might even spot some dolphins. You'll have the opportunity to go snorkelling and experience the rich sea life in the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman. The necessary snorkelling gear will be provided. 

After this, you'll have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. You can visit the Grand Mosque or the National Museum or simply stroll along Mutrah Corniche to watch the sunset. (B)

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Your 4WD hire car will be delivered to your hotel at around 09:00hrs. Leave the city and head towards Bimmah Sinkhole. This natural wonder was formed by the collapse of a huge cave chamber and is now a chasm of about 50m by 70m wide and 20m to 30m deep. At the bottom of the chasm is a stunning blue-green lake that is definitely worth a visit.

After that, we can continue our journey to Wadi Tiwi, also known as the "Wadi of the Nine Villages". This beautiful place offers easy access by car or on foot to visit the local waterfalls, cultivated terraces, and traditional villages. Besides, we can admire the magnificent falaj, which is a traditional irrigation system.

Finally, arrive at the ancient port city of Sur, which has played a prominent role in the country’s maritime commercial activity through its dhow-building expertise. During a visit to the old dhow factory, we can witness the extraordinary craftsmanship that goes into building these traditional boats. (B) (204km).

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Nestled in the heart of an arid landscape is Wadi Shab. To reach this beautiful oasis, you need to take a small boat across the river and then walk for about an hour through the wadi. Once you arrive, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pools and sunbathe on the rocks. For those who want to explore further, there is a small grotto with a natural waterfall to visit. 

Afterwards, you can retrace your steps and head to Ras al Jinz. This is one of the best places in the world to witness green turtles hatching. Although the hatching season is between May and September, they may appear at other times of the year as well. The shared tour starts at around 21:00hrs. (B) (150km).

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Today head for the desert, on a spectacular road through some colourful rock formations, before ending up in the beautiful oasis of Wadi Bani Khaled. Popular with the locals during the weekends the deep natural pools offer a welcoming and refreshing stop and the chance to be amongst the locals.
 
Continue to the beautiful Wahiba desert which starts at Bidiyah, the door to the desert. Deflate your tyres and enter a magical world of ochre sand and colours that keep on changing until sunset. Before nightfall, why not take a moment and appreciate the sunset for a truly unique moment. There are some optional activities you can take part in like Henna Painting, lunch with a Bedouin family, horse riding, and much more. (B,D) (210km).

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Rise early to experience the breathtaking view of the sun rising amidst the sand dunes, and then continue your road journey towards the mountains of Oman. Along the way, you will pass by the traditional village of Ibra, which is known for its horse breeding and the only women's souk in the region, open on Wednesdays only. 

You can explore this village by taking a stroll through its old town to witness the character of its ancient houses, terraced farming, and falaj (an ancient irrigation system) dotted around. Once you reach Jabal Akhdar, the 'Green Mountain,' hike up to enjoy the lush pomegranate, apricot, and rose plantations that give it its name. The altitude of the mountain makes it an ideal spot to cool down and breathe in the fresh air, and you might even experience occasional rainfall. (B) (232km).
 

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Located near Jabal Akhdar, you can find the deserted village of Wadi Bani Habib. Situated on a hillside in the centre of a canyon, the Wadi is surrounded by a bounty of vegetation, providing a cooler atmosphere. To reach Wadi Bani Habib, follow the dry riverbed and prepare to be amazed as you discover the village literally clinging to the walls of the mountain! (B) (20km).

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Today, embark on a journey to the palm oasis of Nizwa Birkat al Mawz, which is nestled between the mountains and the plain. The name of the place roughly translates to "Banana Pool" due to the abundance of banana plantations in the area. The active falaj, which dates back centuries, feeds the lush surrounding plantations. It is a must to take a walk through the palm gardens of this refreshing oasis and take a stroll through the village.

Nizwa was once the capital of Oman, and the city has managed to retain its authenticity. Don't forget to visit the city's souq with its food stalls, local handicrafts, antique items, and silver khanjar which is a traditional curved dagger. The 17th-century Nizwa fort is Oman's most visited national monument, and it's worth a visit. From its distinctive 40m-tall round tower, you can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area. (B) (70km).

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It's time for some cultural exploration. One of the most well-preserved castles in Oman is the Oman Jabreen castle, dating back to the 17th century and featuring elaborately painted ceilings and wooden inscriptions. It served as an important centre for learning astrology, medicine, and Islamic law. 

Another fort worth visiting is Bahla fort, which is an imposing ruined fort listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. It boasts an impressive 13km ancient wall and is a perfect example of the medieval Islamic period. The fortified oasis settlement is supported by a well-engineered falaj system, which carries much-needed water from faraway springs. (B) (50km).

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After breakfast, drive to the picturesque village of Misfah Al Abriyyin and go for a short exploratory walk through the narrow streets lined with traditional Yemeni mud-brick houses. These houses are perfectly blended with the surrounding rocks. We can follow the falaj to reach the village's viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountains, date palms, and lush terraces. (B,D) (35km).

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Another day, another mountain, another view. This time it’s Jabal Shams ‘Mountain of the Sun’ which at 3000m is the highest mountain in the country and a viewpoint with breathtaking views down into Wadi Ghul - the Grand Canyon of Arabia. There are numerous trails in the area, but the most famous one is the W6 path, also known as the Balcony Walk. Not great for those with a nervous disposition, as the route clings to the side of the mountain, with vertiginous drops down into a wadi on the other side. (B,D) (50km).

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Wadi Bin Awf is one of the most interesting regions to visit, with small villages surrounded by palm trees. As you reach the village of Balad Seet, take a stroll to discover its cultivated terraces. Next, head to the Col A Sharaf A Aamiyin, which offers a spectacular view of the large wadi. Be prepared to swim or jump, but excitement is guaranteed! 

Balad Sayt is considered a fine example of a traditional Omani village. It is located between the mountains of Ad Dakhiliyah and Al Batinah regions and is one of the Wadi Bani Awf villages. The magnificence of this village lies in its agricultural terraces and mountainous location. (B,D) (90km).

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Today, after enjoying the fresh mountain air, take your time to travel back to Muscat where you'll arrive in the afternoon. The hire car will be picked up from your hotel at round 18:00hrs. (B) (165km).

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The day is free day to relax and to enjoy the beach or some watersport activities. You could visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a magnificent example of modern Islamic architecture, or the Royal Opera House, the first cultural venue in the country, or the colourful souq to pick up some souvenirs.

You end the day with a sunset tour aboard a traditional Omani wooden boat (dhow) for a chance to discover the city from another perspective. Cruise along the coast and witness a beautiful ballet of warm colours. This is a shared tour that lasts around 2 hours.

The rest of the evening is free. (B). 

• Hotel Description

Fly to Muscat, the capital city of Oman, where upon arrival, you will be transferred to your beachfront hotel for a two-night stay. The rest of the day and evening are free for you to unwind and take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, where you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset. (B)