Oman, A Thousand and One Nights

Arrival in Muscat. Welcome and transfer to Royal Tuilip hotel 4*.

In the morning departure for a guided tour of the city: Muscat and its natural harbor that stretches along a volcanic coastline, an amazing site and a striking landscape alternating the azure blue of the ocean, the small white houses of the old Muscat, and the austere volcanic rock of the surrounding mountain. Visit the great Mosque of Sultan Qaboos: 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 treat for the visitor. For non-Muslims: visits are allowed from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, from Saturday to Wednesday. Attention: a correct and decent dress is required (women must be dressed from ankles to wrists, head covered. Continue to visit the Opera House of Sultan Qaboos. Then on to Matrah, its colorful souks, and souvenir stores, a display of fabrics, spices and incense .... all in a very nice "oriental" atmosphere. The fish market is picturesque and very lively to visit early in the morning. Continue to Al Alam Palace for some pictures of the outside. Return to your hotel. Afternoon free in your hotel.

In the morning, departure by 4x4 for Sour Gulf, with a stop at the "SinkHole". Many fishing villages all along the road and pretty creeks. Swimming. In the early afternoon, stop at Wadi Shab (in Arabic: river between the rocks; shade and clear waters of green color) walk along the Wadi. Continuation towards Sour, with stops at Wadi Tiwi. Continuation to Ras Al Hadd where the giant turtles are the major attraction (from May to October). 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 Hotel 3*.

In the morning visit the city of Sour, 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 the shade of which you can relax and unwind, near crystal clear lakes. Possibility to swim before leaving for 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 handicrafts, we will then go by 4x4 to the assault of the sand dunes and the desert. You will stop at the top of one of them to admire the sunset and enjoy these few moments of dream. Dinner and night at 1000 Night Camp.

In the morning after breakfast, we will hike for an hour, then we will go by 4x4 to the assault of the sand dunes and the desert. Stop at Birkat Al Muz. Departure to Nizwa, the main tourist pole of the Sultanate and the first Omani capital in the 6th and 7th centuries. Nizwa has kept its charm over the years, with its fort and its watchtower that protects the city against invaders. It is the land of Imam Ibn Al Julanda, the first democratically appointed Imam 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 for the discovery of the fort of BAHLA that is protected by Unesco in 1987. The oasis of Bahla owes its prosperity to the Banu Nabhan, who imposed themselves on other communities between the 12th century and the end of the 15th century. Their power is evidenced by the ruins of the huge fort with walls and towers of mud brick and stone base. After the visit of the fort, walk through the remains of the old houses and stop at a pottery factory with a demonstration of this secular technique. Continuation to Jabrin, one of the most beautiful forts in Oman, also dating from the 17th century. Return to Nizwa for the night at Intercity hotel 3*. 

In the morning after breakfast visit the traditional village of Misfah. Then visit the museum of Bait Safah. Continue to Wadi Ghul, a spectacular canyon located in the middle of the mountain range where Jabel Shams (the mountain of the sun), the highest point of Oman at more than 3000 meters above sea level, is located. The views are breathtaking and the rocky road gives this trip a taste of adventure. Jabel Shams is famous for its weaving villages where thick woolen blankets are made with red, black and brown geometric patterns. The climate is cool throughout the year and offers a refreshing stopover and the opportunity for a traditional meal, served in the camp at the top of Jabel Shams. Dinner and overnight at Jabel Shams Heighst spring. 

Departure to Nakhal via Al Hamra and Bilad Sayet. A road which, from the top of the mountain, becomes a track. More than 1,000 meters of difference in altitude in vast plains that border steep canyons. Spectacular landscapes. Our 4X4 will give the full measure of their air-conditioned comfort. At the end of the valley, a regional hospital, in the middle of nature, without any road or access; in case of cut track, everything is brought by helicopter... Continuation towards Nakhl, famous thermal station in the antiquity. Possible bathing in a natural pool of hot water. Visit of the prestigious site of Nakhl fort. Continuation to Muscat. Night at Mysk Al Mouj hotel 4*.

Transfer to the airport for your departure.