Oman- 07 Nights Deluxe package

Day 01: Arrival at Muscat, Ahlan wa sahlan!

Arrival at Muscat by flight, you will be met by our driver at the arrival area and will assist to board the
vehicle for the private transfer to the hotel.
This short drive to your hotel would provide you the first impressions of a clean and green capital. During this time guide would enlighten you with some basic facts about the Muscat and Oman in general. Arrive and check-in at the hotel. – 1400 hrs
Meet our representative at hotel lobby to proceed your day
Drive to the Amouage shop in Sabco commercial centre Al Qurum, learn about the most valuable perfume in the world, the gift of Kings.

Proceed to old Muscat area. Have stop at for Muttrah Souq. Many people come to Mutrah Corniche just to visit the souq, which retains the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market albeit housed under modern timber roofing. Shops selling Omani and Indian artefacts together with a few antiques jostle among more traditional textile, hardware and jewellery stores. The Souq is best enjoyed when you can take your time to take in all the sights and sounds. It is least crowded in the mornings and late afternoon and busiest in the evening hours after 6 pm. Even if you don’t buy anything, the souq is well worth a visit to see the lifestyle of a bygone time. Then leave for Bait Zubair Museum passing by the Diplomatic area. Bait Zubair Museum was initially founded as a house by a rich merchant, who had a hobby of collecting antiques and doing photography (visit hours between 0930 hrs – 1800 hrs). Later, he converted his house to a Museum in 1998 showcasing the culture and artefacts of Oman. Later drive towards Sidab enroute photo stop at the official Palace of late His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos. This Palace is flanked by two Portuguese fort Jalali and Mirani. This will be a photo stop only as visit to Palace and Fort is not possible due to security areas.
Overnight stay at – Grand Millennium Muscat Hotel/Classic room

Day 02: Muscat – Nakhl – Rustaq – Bahla – Jibreen – Nizwa
Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart from your hotel for the Oasis City of Nizwa, the largest in the Interior province. First for a visit of the Grand Mosque (open for visitors from Sat to Thur 8-11 AM only, except the holidays & EID closed). Drive to Nakhal, Nakhl is a traditional town dominated by the Hajar Mountains and one of Oman’s most dramatic forts. The fort was well-placed to protect the large date plantations here that flourish thanks to the presence of abundant spring water.

Nizwa is one of the most impressive of Oman’s numerous fort cities. It sits on a plain in the Hajar Mountains which was once a strategic point on the caravan route and, like Rustaq, served time as Oman’s capital. Its fort, with its warren of high-walled chambers dominated by a huge central tower, dates to 1668. Long before that, Nizwa was renowned as a centre of Islamic teaching, and it consequently boasts some of the best of Oman’s early mosques. Meanwhile, secular life is centered on the busy souks; sample dates and other fruits which grow here in oasis-like conditions. Vendors are refreshingly laid-back so you can cast your eyes and fingers over the city’s trademark silver jewelry and other handcrafts in peace. Visit Bahla (photo stop only) famous for its pottery making, UNESCO has now placed Bahla in its World’s Heritage list. Proceed to the Jabrin Fort, the finest of Oman’s castle built in the late 17 th Century, which became a seat of Omani learning. Overnight at the hotel – Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel/Standard

Day 03: Nizwa – Wadi Bani Awf – Bald Sayt – Misfah Al Abryeen – Al Hamra – Jebel Shams
Breakfast at Hotel.

Nizwa Oman “One of the Oman Tourist attractions” – the ancient Capital of Oman. Nizwa is one of the oldest cities of the Sultanate and being the trade capital it is commonly known as the ‘Pearl of Islam’. Nizwa Fort, which was completed in the 1650s, is among Oman’s largest and oldest forts as well as one of the most visited national monuments. This historical edifice is hailed as a stunning example of ingenuity of Omani architecture and it is also a powerful reminder of the town’s invincibility through turbulent periods in Oman’s history. It took 12 years to build this magnificent military bastion and its sole purpose was to prevent marauders from looting Nizwa’s abundant natural wealth, as well as to protect its strategic location on the crossroads of vital caravan routes. The fort is characterized by its height, solid fortification and unique location in the middle of Nizwa town. Also not to be missed is Nizwa souq with its distinct Omani character, selling a wonderful array of silver jewellery, antiques, leather goods and household utensils. Proceed to Wadi Bani Awf. Then proceed to Bilad Sayt, which is a mountain village tucked between the Western Hajar mountains bordering the Dakhiliyah and Batinah regions of Oman, Bald Sayat is a stunning village in picturesque surroundings that should be part of anyone’s check-list of places to visit when coming to Oman. The walk to the ruined watchtower of the village is a must, as you have a fantastic view of the entire village with its traditional houses, plantations and of course the dense palm grooves with their vibrant colors in perfect contrast to the surrounding mountains.

Proceed to Misfat al Abryeen, The village derives its name from the Al Abri tribe, who originally come from Misfat Al Abriyeen and Al Hamra. The village boasts amazing agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys, and old houses built on top of solid rocks. The combination of these elements gives a visitor to Misfat Al Abriyeen a dramatic image from the viewing platform, Many villagers of Misfat Al Abriyeen rely on the agricultural terraces for their livelihood, where bananas, pomegranates, papayas, mangoes, citrus trees and of course palm trees are grown. Now you proceed to Al Hamra, This venerable village at the foot of the Hajar Mountains is one of the oldest in Oman, and is interesting for its wonderfully well-preserved row of two- and three-storey mudbrick houses built in the Yemeni style. There are many abandoned houses in the upper parts of the village which make for an atmospheric stroll.
Dinner & overnight at the hotel – Sama Heights resort / Sultan Tent

Day 04: Jebel Shams – Tanuf – Birkat Al Mauz – Jabal Akhdar
Breakfast at the hotel, today you will explore little bit of the Mountain area and the nearby villages. First stop to Tanuf, is a village in Nizwa province, placed almost half-way between two of the largest cities in Al Dakhiliyah region of Oman: Nizwa and Bahla. It is probably most famous for the Tanuf drinking water brand, bottled in a factory nearby from the fresh water at Wadi Tanuf, but it is also famous for the historical ruins of the village, Tanuf Ruins. Then drive to Birkat Al-Mawz, also a village in the Ad Dakhiliyah Region of Oman. It is located at the entrance of Wadi al-Muaydin on the southern rim of Jebel Akhdar and home to a restored fort called Bait al Redidah.
The spectacular mountain landscape and cool climate makes for the perfect getaway, Wadi Bani Habib is one of several interesting villages located on the massive plateau of Jebel Akhdar, some 130km southwest of Muscat. It is neither green nor a single mountain, but a large grey-brown massif covering more than 1,800 square km with several peaks, rising to nearly 3050 metres.

Jebel al Akhdar is also famous for fruit orchards typically laid out in terraces along the mountain slopes and irrigated by ‘falaj’, traditional water systems. A wide variety of fruits including peaches, pomegranates, apricots, figs, grapes, apples, plums and pears are cultivated here from July to September. And almonds and walnuts are also included in the crop. The villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (a village of old houses) and Al Ain dot the landscape and overlook a spectacular landscape of peaks, gorges and wadis. The roses of Jebel al Akhdar fill the air with fragrance from March to April when they are in full bloom and rose water is distilled in the homes of the
villagers.Overnight at the hotel – Sama Hotel Jabal Akhdar / Deluxe room

Day 05: Jabal Akhdar – Sinaw – Ibra – Wahiba Sands
Breakfast at the hotel, check out at 0800 hrs and proceed to Al Hamra, This venerable village at the foot of the Hajar Mountains is one of the oldest in Oman, and is interesting for its wonderfully well-preserved row of two- and three-storey mudbrick houses built in the Yemeni style. There are many abandoned houses in the upper parts of the village which make for an atmospheric stroll. From here, you continue to visit the Sinaw Souq which is amongst one of the oldest preserved souqs in Oman and while the location of the souq is fairly new and the Sultanate has put a lot of money in renovating it, this souk has been around for a very long time. The Active souq is busiest on Thursday mornings when around 120 shops open for business. It is a real shopper’s haven because the souq sells practically everything.

From here, you continue and visit Ibra Wednesday Market takes place every Wednesday of the week in Wilayt Ibra in A’Sharqiyah North Governorate and is dedicated to women only. Every week, women head to this market to buy all they need. It is open from six in the morning until one in the afternoon. Later you will proceed to Wahiba sands, Running south from the Eastern Hajjar Mountains to Arabian Sea, the Wahiba Sands, described a Sand sea, stretches almost 200 kms in length and about 100 kms in width. The dunes rise above 100- 150 meters in different shades of colour and shifting sands, is the perfect place for both the romantic and the adventurous. A roller-coaster ride over the dunes would a thrilling fun especially for those who are first time visitors to the desert. On your way, you are likely to pass by many of the Bedouin house, and encounter Bedouin people who are very hospitable and not spoilt by tourism. Be amazed at the spectacular sunset over the dunes! Dinner & Overnight at the camp – Desert Nights Camp / Deluxe tent.

Day 06: Wahiba sands – Wadi bani Khalid – Jaalan Bani Bu Ali – Al Ashkhara – Ras Al Jinz
Breakfast at the camp
Check out, visit one of the Bedu house and immediately after Al Kamil, there is an area where there are good chances of seeing camels (crossing the road!).. Continue towards one of the most striking scenarios of the sultanate: Wadi Bani Khalid. The indescribable landscape with vivid contrasts of color, arising from the harsh appearance of the rocks and the rich vegetation, which are reflected in the emerald waters. Time available for a swim in the wadi lagoons between waterfalls and natural pools. (For ladies wishing to swim in the Wadi, it is required to wear shorts below the knee and T-shirt, it is forbidden to wear the bikini / costume in areas frequented by Omani).

Proceed your drive towards northwest for Jalaan Bani Bu Ali, to visit its famous mosque Jami Al Hamoda. This aged and revered mosque is difficult but rewarding to find. The low-lying prayer hall is unique due to its profusion of 52 domes. Non-Muslims arent permitted to enter, but it’s possible to gain a vantage point across the mosque roof from the neighbouring buildings. A falaj (irrigation channel) used for ablutions runs through the courtyard and goats assemble in the shady lanes nearby. Getting to the mosque is half the fun as the road rides the fault line between settlement and sand. This town, which blends seamlessly into neighbouring Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, comprises a conglomeration of watchtowers, old fortified houses, forts and ancient plantation walls, all of which lie crumbling in various states of beloved dereliction. There has been little attempt to court the modern world and none at all to woo the visitor, making a visit to these sites all the more interesting. Look out for elaborately painted metal doors and traditional carved wooden gates sported by the town’s residences – both are a feature of the region. Al Ashkharah is a town in the Ash Sharqiyah Region of Oman and is 80km from Ras al-Hadd and 90km from Ras al-Jinz. It is part of the J’alan area and can be considered as the key city of this area in addition to Ja’lan. The city’s main economic activity is fishing and is famous for catching big fish from shore. After dinner (on own) enjoy your excursion for the observation of the turtles during the laying of the eggs on the beach, one of the most exciting shows that Oman can give you.Overnight at the hotel – Ras Al Jinz Turtle reserve/Carapace room.

Day 07: Ras Al Jinz – Sur – Wadi Tiwi – Bimmah Sinkhole – Wadi Al Arbeieen Muscat
Breakfast at hotel & checkout
Proceed your drive towards Sur, it has historical importance and dhows used to sail to India and other countries from Sur. Many of the rich people of Oman belong to Sur and you can see many big seaside mansions along the way. You would visit the Dhow building yard (though in recent times, unfortunately, the amount of dhows built here is very few! We are therefore unable to guarantee any activity during the visit) A few kilometers away are the ruins at of Qalhat, one of the oldest towns and seaports in Oman. However, only the remnants of the city walls remain here today. Photo stop at the ruins of the tomb of the holy lady, Bibi Miriam, which stands high up on the cliff top (currently closed for visitors). Not far away is another picturesque wadi- Wadi Tiwi. where you will take a short walk immersed in a breathtaking landscape. Also you can photograph the rugged rocks, in contrast to the lush palms of dates and bananas. The itinerary continues with a visit to Bimah Sinkhole, a crater formed as a result of the dissolution of limestone, which collects crystal clear water where you can allow a break for relaxation and bath. (For ladies wishing to swim in the Sinkhole, it is required to wear shorts below the knee and Tshirt, it is forbidden to wear the bikini / costume in areas frequented by Omani). Arrival at the Wadi Al Arbeieen oasis, inhabited by Bedouin tribes, protected by a rocky wall and characterized by clear limpid water springs, which wind sinuously among the luxuriant palm groves. Reach back Muscat late evening.
Check in & overnight at the hotel – Grand Millennium Muscat Hotel/Classic room

Day 08: Departure
Breakfast at Hotel and free time to enjoy hotel facilities. Room until 1200 hrs
Later departure transfer to airport for your flight back home

PACKAGE PRICES INCLUDE

• 07 Nights’ accommodation in Oman as per the itinerary
• 2 overnights at Grand Millennium Hotel (4 star) Classic room – Bed & Breakfast basis
• 1 overnight at Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel (4 star) Standard room – Bed & Breakfast basis
• 1 overnight at Sama Heights resort (4 star) Sultan tent – Half Board basis
• 1 overnight at Sama Al Jabal Akhdar Hotel (4 star) Deluxe room – Half Board basis
• 1 overnight at Desert Nights camp (4 star) Deluxe tent – Half Board basis
• 1 overnight at Ras Al Jinz Turtle reserve (4 star) Carapace room – Bed & Breakfast basis
• Airport return transfer in a saloon car
• 4WD vehicle rental from day 01 to day 7 for 7 days on self drive basis with max of 1400 kms free mileage
  and basic cdw insurance
• Vehicle pick up & drop off charges
• Mandatory tax and service charges

Package Exclusions

• Oman entry Visa
• Airfare
• Any additional meals
• Fuel
• Additional mileage usd 0.25 per kms
• Second driver usd 10 per day
• Any additional service apart from the inclusions
• Tips, porterage, etc
  Kindly note vehicle will be delivered with Full tank fuel and to be returned with full tank fuel.

COMPULSORY HOLIDAYS SUPPLEMENT CHARGES APPLICABLE

Christmas Eve Dinner (24 Dec 22)

Sama Height – 450 AED per person.

Desert Nights camp – 655 AED per room per night.

New Year’s Eve Dinner (31 Dec 22)

Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel – 515 AED

Sama Height – 450 AED per person.

Sama Jabal Akhdar – 500 AED

Desert Nights camp – 600 AED

IMPORTANT NOTES
– Confirmation on subject to availabilities by the time of booking
– The itinerary is subject to change based on arrivals/departures timings.
– Forts & museums are generally closed on Fri & Sat and on all National Holidays. Please check with us once exact dates of operation of tour are known.
– During the wadi walk, bring Walking shoe, rug sack or similar, sun glasses, sun cream, light clothing.
– Conservative clothing covering knees and shoulders during the monumental visits, grand mosque etc.
– Any extensions/ deviation in the tour or changes may consider as additional charges.