WONDERFUL OMAN

Arrive at Muscat International Airport. After Immigration clearance, baggage collection & customs proceed to the arrival hall to meet the chauffeur and proceed to the Hotel. Overnight stay at Muscat Hotel of choice.

0830 Hrs. Pickup from the hotel and proceed to visit the Grand Mosque (not possible on Friday & other public holidays), highlight of the Muscat city. Completed in 2001, Grand Mosque is a beautiful building which looks modern but shows that modern craftsmen have retained the skills necessary to create this wonderful traditional environment. It is impossible not to take more and more pictures. The handmade carpets, the chandeliers, the ceiling of the great dome in the main prayer room are absolute 'must sees'. Kindly note, ladies to be fully covered and to carry a head scarf and men should wear trousers.

Drive along the waterfront Corniche visiting the colourful Muttrah Souq. We proceed for a photo stop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani & Jalali. Proceed to visit Bait Al Zubair Museum to have a glimpse of Oman’s history. 1200 Hrs. Proceed back to the Hotel. Overnight stay at Muscat Hotel of choice.

0900 Hrs: Transfer from the Muscat hotel to the Marina to embark on a boat as we search the seas for Dolphins and Whales. Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start the day and the lucky may even come across one of the many species of whales that can be found just a few kilometres from Muscat’s rugged coast. Not every trip guarantees a sighting, but you are sure to enjoy a trip out to sea and enhance your knowledge of nature’s most fascinating marine mammals.

1200 Hrs: Return to the Marina and proceed back to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure on your own to explore the city or enjoy hotel facilities. Overnight stay at Muscat Hotel of choice.

0800 Hrs. We depart by 4WD vehicles to Wahiba Sands via the scenic and rugged coastal route. This tour offers breath-taking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine white beaches. We drive past the fishing village of Quriyat . There is a good chance of spotting Flamingos and Eagles at an inland stream. Visit the picturesque Wadi Arabayeen with its deep pools of water set among the date palms. We then proceed to the Bimah sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. On clear sunny days while driving along the coast one might chance to see sharks in the deep blue waters or fleet footed Gazelles sprint across the landscape. Arrive Sur and visit the traditional dhow factory, as we continue from here the road winds through mountain terrain offering breath-taking glimpses of the ocean. We continue our drive on to the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and White Sea of sand and dunes rising upto 200 meters, which are, also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. Experience a roller coaster like feeling over the dunes. Dinner & Overnight at Arabian Oryx Camp.

0900 Hrs: Enjoy Breakfast at the camp. Wahiba Sands is also home to the traditional Bedouin tribe who are known for their hospitality and their knowledge of the Sands. We will visit a Bedouin family in their traditional and simple habitat.

In stark contrast to this is Wadi Bani Khalid. It comprises of small pretty villages embedded in the mountains. The Wadi has clear deep blue water. It is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Proceed to Al Jebel Al Akhdar is famed for its fruit orchards typically laid out terrace style along the slopes of mountains, which are endowed with natural springs and aflaj. The villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) visit to village roose & Al Ain dot the landscape. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. The roses of Jabal Al Akhdar fill the air with fragrance when in full bloom (March / April). Rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers. (It is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes). Overnight at Sama Jabal Akhdar Hotel.

1230 Hrs. Proceed to Nizwa, capital of the interior, is the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Nizwa boasts of the famous Round Tower Fort (photo stop), built in the 17th century, and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved “Khanjars” (daggers) & ornamental silver jewellery.1800 Hrs. Drop at Muscat International Airport