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 artefacts. Further on stop near Al Alam Palace with its unique architecture, and take a quick photo-stop at two historic Portuguese forts. Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Day 3 : Muscat > Damaniyat Island > Muscat

After breakfast you will be transferred to Marina Bandar and embark on a speedboat for a Damaniyat Island tour. During your snorkelling day trip, you will visit one or more of the nine neighboring islands. See incredible coral reefs, a large number of sea turtiles and, if you are lucky, dolphins. The white sand beach and pristine blue water are one of
the jewels of Oman. Enjoy picnic lunch before returning to your hotel after the tour.

Day 4 : Muscat > Nizwa > Jabal Akhdar

Today travel to Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman, and once a centre 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 colourful doors, set amongst banana and date palm trees. Drive 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 5 : Jabal Akhdar > 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 6 : Wahiba Sands > 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 7 : Muscat > Nakhal > Muscat

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Next you will be driven to Barka and visit the Barka Fish Market. Next stop is Nakhal Fort, one of the most magnificent forts in Oman, believe to be more than 1,500 and built in pre-Islamic times. Continue to Nakhal hot springs, which have been valued for their ability to provide relaxation and ease pain over the centuries. Keep driving to Wakan village. A small mountain village located 2,000 meters above sea level, with beautiful terraced gardens overlooking the surrounding mountains above and Wadi Mistal below. Later, you will be driven back to Muscat.

Day 8 : Muscat

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