Spectacular Oman

Day 1 : Muscat

On arrival in Muscat meet your driver and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 : Muscat

Visit the modern and elegant Grand Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Qaboos. Its beautiful Persian carpets and chandeliers are famous. Visit the reception room to enjoy Omani coffee and dates and chat to the local women working there. Later continue to old Muscat and stop in Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest and most traditional souqs of the Arabian peninsula. Sense the lingering aroma of frankincense as you browse handicrafts including silverware, Pashminas, traditional cloth, halwa and spices. Next stop is Bait al Zubair Museum, a beautifully restored house displaying fascinating Omani artifacts. Further on stop near Al Alam Palace with its unique architecture, and take a quick photo-stop at two historic Portuguese forts.

Day 3 : Muscat > Nizwa

Today travel to Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman, and once a center of trade, religion, education and art. Visit Nizwa Souq, walking through markets selling dates, fruit and vegetables, the spice market and the souvenir market – a great place to buy local crafts, jewellery and Khanjars made of Omani silver. Walk to the 17th century Nizwa Fort for a panoramic glimpse of Nizwa Old Town and a showcase of traditional Omani dance and music. The local women demonstrate how to make Omani bread and henna tattoos.

Next visit the village of Birkat al Mouz to see ancient mud-brick architecture with colorful doors, set amongst banana and date palm trees. On to Jabal Akhdar where a Mediterranean climate produces a variety of fruits, such as apricots, plums, figs, grapes, apples and pears, as well as almonds, walnuts and saffron.

Day 4 : Nizwa > Wadi Bani Khalid > Wahiba Sands

The first stop today will be at Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful oasis in the middle of arid mountains with clear deep blue water pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Then head east to Wahiba Sands, an ocean of dunes that seems to stretch out endlessly. Enjoy the sunset from the nearby dunes. Arrive at your desert camp and check-in.

Day 5 : Wahiba Sands > Bar al Hikman

Travel today to Bar al Hikman via an adventurous desert crossing. You may come across Bedouin families with their goats and camels, local mosques, flora and fauna. Reaching the sea, Bar al Hikman offers a white sand beach and the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy a swim and watch the resident flamingos or simply relax with a book.

Day 6 : Bar al Hikman > Ras al Jinz

Your first stop today will be Al Ashkhara, a beautiful fishing town popular with visitors drawn by its its cool weather and scenic beauty. Continue to Ras al Ruwais, one of the most beautiful parts of the southern A’Sharqiyah Sands. Arrive in Ras al Jinz and check into your hotel. After dinner, drive to Ras Al Jinz Turtle reserve for a guided Turtle Watch tour. Oman is home to some of the most important turtle nesting grounds in the world with thousands of turtles migrating annually from the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf (and beyond) to lay their eggs on the Sultanate’s shores. Ras al-Jinz is famous for its Green Turtles, the Loggerhead and the Hawksbill.

Day 7 : Ras al Jinz > Sur > Muscat

After breakfast drive to Sur, an important trading port of the 18th and 19th centuries, forming a commercial bridge between the Arabian Peninsula, India, South East Asia, and Africa. Visit a dhow factory where artisans still handcraft these traditional boats using centuries-old techniques. Spend some time walking around the Ayjah area where you can see old light houses of the Portuguese era. Continue to Bimmah Sinkhole with its turquoise mix of fresh and salt water. Its depths, colors and surroundings create a unique experience. On to Wadi al Arbaeen, one of the most spectacular wadis where you can take a dip in fresh water pools before continuing on to Muscat.

Day 8 : Muscat

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and transfer to Muscat International Airport for your onward journey.