09 Nights/10 Days Oman

Day 1: Arrive Muscat
Arrival into Muscat international Airport. Meet & greet at Airport and transfer to the hotel of your choice in Muscat. Overnight at hotel of your choice in Muscat.

Day 2: City tour of Muscat
Today after breakfast, Proceed on a morning tour of the city. Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial centre existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbour, Muscat means “Anchorage” & lies in a natural volcanic bowl. Our tour of the Grand Mosque (except Friday) & Bait Al Zubair Museum (except Friday) is a brief introduction that traces Oman’s history and development. Drive along the waterfront Corniche visiting the Fish Market & the colourful Muttrah Souq. We proceed for a photostop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos flanked by the 16th century Portugese forts Mirani & Jalali. (Dress code : Ladies fully covered and to carry a head scarf , men in trousers). Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel of your choice in Muscat

Day 3: Onto Nizwa
Today breakfast check out of the hotel. This morning we embark on an exciting 4wd journey through the mountains. Our first stop is the hot springs at Nakhl . We then drive through the spectacular Wadi Bani Auf . This stretch of graded road is very adventurous & for the physically fit only as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads. Stop at the quaint mountain village of Bilad Sayt framed by the dramatic mountains. The route winds through mountains all the way unto the village of Al Hamra characterized by its mud houses and date plantations, Proceed to visit the Jabrin Palace where the visitor is able to capture the medieval atmosphere and view the beautiful handpainted ceilings and carved door frames. Overnight stay at the Golden Tulip Nizwa hotel.

Day 4: Onto Wahiba Sands
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we visit the imposing Roundtower Fort . The neighbouring Souk is an interesting shopping venue with its intricately handcrafted silver jewellery and khanjars. From here we proceed towards Izki and Sinaw. Take a turn off the main road to the scenic Wadi Bani Khalid with its deep blue pools of water fringed by the date palms which is an ideal spot to relax or enjoy a refreshing swim. We then drive to the Wahiba sands which consists of undulating sand dunes of different hues.. Enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting over the dunes. Dinner and Overnight stay in Bedouin tents at the 1000 nts camp.

Day 4: Onto Muscat.
Today breakfast at the camp site. Proceed this morning to Sur , a seafaring town . Visit the dhow factory and the Sineslah fort before taking the highway for Muscat. A Photostop at Bibi Miriam’s tomb and the Bimah Sinkhole. Explore the beautiful Wadi Arbayeen which can only be accessed after an exciting drive through the mountains. Proceed to Muscat via Quriyat and check into the hotel of your choice. Overnight at hotel of your choice in Muscat.

Day 5: Onto Khasab
Today after breakfast, Check out of the hotel and transfer to the Muscat Airport for your flight to Khasab . Arrive in Khasab. Depart for a city tour to view the Khasab Fort and the prehistorical rock paintings at Wadi Tawi. In the afternoon proceed on a half day mountain safari in a 4WD. Drive to Jebel Harim which is the highest mountain in Musandam (2087M). Enroute stop at ‘Sayh’ village, located at 1100 M above sea level. From the Khawr Al Najid view the splendid coastline spread with turquoise blue waters lapping the shores. Proceed to visit Birkhat Khalidiya Park with it’s acacia trees, which remain green throughout the year. Overnight at Golden Tulip Khasab Hotel.

Day 6: Full day Dhow Cruise to Musandam Fjords
After Breakfast – Transfer to Khasab Port for a full day dhow cruise to the spectacular fjords of Musandam exploring small fishing villages and the famous telegraphic island with a possibility to view dolphins.( Lunch served on board ) . Swimming and snorkeling possible on this cruise. Cruise back to Khasab Return to the Golden Tulip Khasab hotel. Overnight at Golden Tulip Khasab Hotel

Day 8: Onto Salalah
After breakfast, Transfer to Khasab Airport to board the flight to MCT. Arrive in Muscat and in transit until the flight to Salalah. Arrive in Salalah and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Overnight at hotel of your choice in Salalah.

Day 9: City tour of Salalah.
After breakfast, proceed on sightseeing tour of Salalah. 0900 Hrs Visit the fishing village of Taqa, an old town with an interesting castle surrounded by watchtowers and Taqa stone houses. Proceed onward to Khor Rori creek, the site of the ruined city of Samhuram and capital of ancient Arabia’s frankincense trade. Excavations have produced evidence of an ancient city with trade links by sea to Far Eastern destinations and with even distant Greece. Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar, was an important town as early as the 9th century for it’s trade in frankincense, horses and slaves. See some of the old houses famous for its woodcarvings. If lucky see boatloads of fish arriving into the harbor. One of Dhofar’s best-known historic sites is Bin Ali’s Tomb. The twin domed structure; tomb of Mohamed bin Ali who died in 1135 AD is a fine example of medieval architecture. 1430 Hrs Visit the Biblical “Nabi Ayoub” Prophet Job’s Tomb, perched high up in the “Jebels” (mountains). Enroute are spectacular views of the plains, mountain landscape and emerald green pastureland. Proceed to Mughsail Beach where “Blow-holes”- (perforations in the limestone rock) through which sea water gushes during high tide. Experience the Hairpin Bend Roads for approximately 15/20 kms, which will take you to a wadi. The views are breathtaking due to heights involved. This is the road that takes you to the Yemen border. At the nearby bird sanctuary, one may see seasonal birds. Enroute, the stark shape of leafless Frankincense Trees dot the landscape. Once traded as a commodity more precious than gold, frankincense harvested in Dhofar is rated the best in the world. Overnight at hotel of your choice in Salalah.

Day 10: Depart
Departure transfer to Salalah Airport for your flight to Muscat. Arrive in Muscat and in transit until your international flight