Essence of Oman

On arrival Meet & Greet by our representative outside the airport, Transfer to Hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Muscat

This morning we will start our tour with visit to Grand Mosque the most exquisite Mosque in Oman. The developed part of the site, Including the fully consolidated areas and landscaping, covers 416,000 square meters. The Mosque complex (covering 40,000 square meters) is constructed on a raised podium in keeping with the tradition of Omani mosques that were built elevated from street level. It can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers and consists of a main prayer hall, ladies prayer hall, covered passageways, a meeting hall, and library which contains around 20,000 books. A major feature of the main prayer hall is the hand-made Persian carpet consisting of . 1,700 million knots, Weighing 21 tones and made in a single piece measuring 70 x 60 meters. From design stage it took 4 years to complete and 600 female weavers from province of Khurasan in Iran were involved. Note: Ladies visiting the mosque are required to cover their head with a scarf and do not wear shorts, beachwear or sleeveless outfits as they are to be fully covered. Men are required to wear long trousers. No shorts are allowed. 

Visit The National Museum is the most prominent cultural edifice in the Sultanate of Oman, which is dedicated to highlighting Oman’s cultural heritage, since the emergence of human impact in Oman to the present day. The museum display experience is distributed to (14) halls, which include more than (7000) distinctive, carefully selected finds, and (33) digital interactive display systems. It is the first museum in the Sultanate that includes a learning center, equipped according to the highest international standards, and is the first museum in the Middle East to employ the Braille system in the Arabic language. Photo stop at Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq the ruler of Oman. The palace is an architectural marvel for both its design and its location between the twin Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali (A brief photograph stop from outside only). 

We then drive towards Muttrah Souq – one of the most popular souqs in the Middle East. Take a walk in its labyrinth of alleyways beckoning with a myriad of merchandise, from imported fabrics to exotic Oriental spices, perfumes and richly handcrafted artifacts. A visit to this frenetic, pulsating hub of Muscat’s old quarter makes for a delightful experience. Here, scents of exotic Arabian perfumes and spices float through the air. Other shops specialise in famous Omani khanjars (daggers), antiques, traditional silver jewellery, and handicrafts in copper, camel bone, wood, leather and hand-made Omani costumes. Visit to the Royal Opera house Muscat, Royal Opera House Muscat is the leading arts and culture organization in the Sultanate of Oman. The vision of the Opera House is to serve as a centre of excellence in global cultural engagement and strives to enrich lives through diverse artistic, culture and educational programes. The multidisciplinary work of Royal Opera House Muscat showcases rich and diverse artistic creations from Oman, the region, and the world; provides a space for culture and socioeconomic development reflections and actions; inspires audiences and nurtures creativity with innovative programs; fosters cultural vitality and unleashes talent; promotes cultural tourism; and puts cultural diplomacy into practice by reinvigorating global and multi-disciplinary collaborations and exchanges. Return to hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Muscat  

Breakfast at hotel.

After breakfast check out from the hotel Today you will have full day visit of the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. You proceed to Jabrin castle built in 17th century is one of the finest of its kind. Its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceilings makes this castle amazingly different. Thereafter continue to Bahla, one of the oldest small towns of Oman and in the 12th century the capital of the tribe living in the region. The monumental fort is recently opened for public after a long restoration. Bahla is also famous for its pottery and you will visit a potter’s workshop (not possible on Fridays and Public Holidays). Later check in at hotel in Nizwa.

Overnight at hotel in Nizwa 

Morning visit the powerful Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, one of the most impressive forts in Oman and the traditional Souq. Drive to Al Hamra and Misfah to see one of the oldest villages of this region. The traditional mud houses dated back from 400 years are still occupied. The Falaj system used in this village is one of the oldest of this kind (UNESCO site). Thereafter drive to Jabel Shams, one of the highest peak of Hajr mountain range and is popularly known as the Great canyon of Oman. Return to hotel. 

Overnight at Hotel

Morning drive to Wahiba sands, via Birkat Al Mauz and Ibra. Wahiba sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. After some exciting sand dune driving which offers excellent thrills and chills for all. Evening watch spectacular sunset from top of the dunes. BBQ dinner at Camp.

Overnight at desert camp

Your first destination is Wadi Bani Khalid – an oasis spot in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. It is one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman and its pools with clear deep blue water give you an opportunity to take a refreshing dip. Enjoy the ambiance of the Wadi. Then drive to you visit Sur, renowned for its dhow shipyard in former times. Continue to Ras Al Hadd and check in at hotel. Early dinner at hotel. After an early dinner you will visit the turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz, where at night the Green Turtles, after a journey of thousands of kilometres will come ashore to lay their eggs. You then return to hotel for the overnight.

Overnight at hotel 

You start your fascinating coastal trip to Muscat. The road leads through scenic countryside and rugged mountains to the small fishing towns. On the coastal road you stop at Bibi Miriam Mausoleum (only photo stop as monument is closed for renovation) in Qalhat. Later you visit Wadi Tiwi, an oasis well known for its lemon and date plantations and then proceed to Fins beach. Later drive to Muscat en route Stop at limestone Sinkhole in Bimah and Wadi Arbaeen.

Evening drop at airport to connect the flight to Salalah, the tropical paradise of Middle East. Arrive at Salalah and transfer to hotel. Arrive and check in at hotel. 

Overnight at hotel in Salalah 

Morning you will visit the “The Museum of the Frankincense Land” at Al Balid. The museum is situated within the ancient harbour of Al Balid, houses many excellent works of art about the rich cultural history of the Dhofar Region. Later drive to make photo stops at the impressive Shanfari Mosque and later at Al Husn Palace (Palace of the Sultan). Stroll through the old Haffah Souq, famous for the sale of high-quality frankincense and numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs. Visit the new Souq with ample opportunity for shopping, for example gold and silver before you return to the hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Salalah 

Today’s the tour will take you to the east Dhofar Region. Your first destination is Taqa, in the East. The fort, the landmark of the small town was the Seat of the Wali, the mayor, until 1984.The impressive ruins at Sumhurum give insight into architecture and living conditions of a time more than 2000 years ago. The adjoining port of Khawr Rhori was an important trade center and the main port for the export of frankincense. Just before Mirbat you reach Bin Ali’s Tomb. Ali was revered as a wise and holy man and over his tomb the twin-domed mosque was built. Next to the mosque you will see an old cemetery. Mirbat, the old capital of Dhofar is known for its old merchant houses, built in traditional ancient Omani architecture. On the way back to Salalah you visit Ayn Razat Gardens, a quiet place at the feet of the lush Qara Mountains.

Afternoon proceed towards Mughsail. You will pass by scattered frankincense trees. Mughsail is proud of its idyllic beach and its spectacular ‘Blow Holes’, the water fountains. The last destination of the day is the Tomb of Prophet Ayub (Job) in the mountains north of Salalah. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Salalah 

Breakfast at hotel; Departure transfer to Airport to connect the flight to Muscat and then proceed to the international terminal.