Oman, One Thousand and One Nights

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Muscat

  

  Arrival in Muscat. Welcome and transfer to the Royal Tulip Hotel 4*.

• day 2

  Muscat

  

  In the morning, departure for a guided tour of the city: Muscat and its natural harbor, which stretches along a volcanic coastline. It is an astonishing site and a striking landscape, alternating between the azure blue of the ocean, the small white houses of old Muscat, and the austere volcanic rock of the surrounding mountains. Visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: a masterpiece of Muslim architecture. All styles are present: from Andalusia to Syria, from Morocco to Central Asia, from Pakistan to Iran... A beautiful collection of mosaics, ceramics, calligraphy, tapestries, chandeliers... A delight for visitors. For non-Muslims, visits are allowed from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, Saturday to Wednesday. Please note: proper and decent attire is required (women must be dressed from ankles to wrists, with head covered). Continue to visit the Sultan Qaboos Opera House. Then, drive to Muttrah, its colorful souks and souvenir shops, a display of fabrics, spices, and incense... all in a very pleasant "oriental" atmosphere. The fish market is picturesque and very lively to visit early in the morning. Continue to Al Alam Palace for some photos from the outside. Return to your hotel. In the afternoon, free time at your hotel.

• day 3

  Muscat - Wadi Shab - Ras Al Hadd

  

  In the morning, departure by 4x4 for the Gulf of Sur, with a stop at the "SinkHole". Many fishing villages all along the road and pretty coves. Swimming. In the early afternoon, stop at Wadi Shab (in Arabic: river between the rocks; shade and clear green waters), walk along the Wadi. Continue towards Sur, with stops at Wadi Tiwi. Continue towards Ras Al Hadd where the giant turtles are the main attraction (from May to October). These are magnificent creatures that emerge from the sea to lay more than 200 eggs on the sand, between sunset and dawn. Dinner and overnight at Turtle Beach Resort, 3* hotel.

• day 4

  Wadi Bani Khalid - Wahiba Sands

  

  In the morning, visit the city of Sur, visit a boat factory and the fish market. Then, departure for Wadi Bani Khalid, a region surrounded by palm trees with tropical fruit plantations, in whose shade you can relax and unwind, near crystal-clear lakes. Possibility to swim before heading towards the magical sands of Wahiba. First Bedouin tribes, who will welcome you. Visit a Bedouin village to discover their way of life and possibility to buy handicraft products. We will then go by 4x4 to tackle the sand dunes and the desert. You will stop at the top of one of them to admire the sunset and enjoy these dreamlike moments. Dinner and overnight at 1000 Night Camp.

• day 5

  Wahiba Sands - Nizwa - Bahla - Jabreen

  

  In the morning, after breakfast, a one-hour hike. We will then go by 4x4 to tackle the sand dunes and the desert. Stop at Birkat Al Muz. Departure towards Nizwa, the main tourist hub of the Sultanate and the first Omani capital around the 6th and 7th centuries. Nizwa has managed to keep its charm over the years, with its fort and watchtower protecting the city from invaders. It is the land of the imams Ibn Al Julanda, the first imam democratically appointed around the 7th century. Visit of the fort surrounded by palm groves. This fort was built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’Aruba. Departure to discover the Bahla fort, which has been protected by UNESCO since 1987. The Bahla oasis owes its prosperity to the Banu Nabhan, who dominated other communities between the 12th century and the end of the 15th. Their power is attested by the ruins of the immense fort, with its mudbrick walls and towers, as well as its stone foundations. After visiting the fort, a walk through the remains of old houses and a stop at a traditional pottery workshop, with a demonstration of this age-old technique. Continue to Jabrin, one of the most beautiful forts in Oman, also dating from the 17th century. Return to Nizwa for the night at the Intercity 3* hotel.

• day 6

  Al Hamra - Misfah - Jebel Shams

  

  In the morning, after breakfast, visit the traditional village of Misfah. Then, visit the Bait Safah museum. Continue to Wadi Ghul, a spectacular canyon located in the middle of the mountain range where Jabel Shams (the mountain of the sun) is found, the highest point in Oman at over 3000 meters altitude. The viewpoints there are breathtaking and the stony road gives this excursion a touch of adventure. Jabel Shams is renowned for its weavers' villages where thick wool blankets decorated with red, black, and brown geometric patterns are made. The climate is cool all year round and offers a refreshing stop as well as the opportunity for a traditional meal, served in the camp at the top of Jabel Shams. Dinner and overnight at Jabel Shams Heights Resort.

• day 7

  Nizwa - Nakhal - Muscat

  

  Departure to Nakhal via Al Hamra and Bilad Sayet. A road that, from the top of the mountain, turns into a track. More than 1,000 meters of elevation difference in vast plains bordering deep canyons. Spectacular and grandiose landscapes. Our 4X4s will fully demonstrate their air-conditioned comfort. Upon leaving the valley, a regional hospital, in the middle of nature, without road or access; if the track is cut off, everything is brought in by helicopter… Continuation to Nakhl, a famous thermal resort in Antiquity. Possible swim in a natural hot water pool. Visit of the prestigious site of Nakhl Fort. Continuation to Muscat. Night at the Mysk Al Mouj 4* hotel.

• day 8

  Departure

  

  Transfer to the airport for your departure.