Follow us on an exciting journey of discovery through the mysterious Sultanate of Oman. Vast sandy deserts, the Hadjar Mountains, endless sandy beaches and the friendliness of the Omanis make this trip a multi-faceted experience. The Sultanate of Oman - the ideal introduction to the Arab world. Oman's castles, Jebel Shams, palm oasis Nizwa and Wahiba Desert From the port city of Muscat you will leave the coast and drive into the mountainous regions in the interior. Along the highest peak and the most beautiful forts of the country you will reach the oasis town of Nizwa. In picturesque mountain villages with mud houses you will get to know the sophisticated irrigation systems "Aflaj" and in Ibra you can haggle with the merchants for colorful fabrics. In contrast to the fertile green mountain world are the red-golden sand dunes of the Wahiba Desert. In the light blue waters of Wadi Bani Khalid you can rinse the desert dust from your body before you reach the sea again in Sur. Along the coast from Sur via the Wadi Sha'ab and Tiwi to Muscat Sur is the city of the Dhaus, whose production still plays a role in Oman today. Depending on the season, you can optionally visit the Ras-al-Jinz marine reserve and with a little luck observe sea turtles laying their eggs. Via the rock pools of the Wadis Sha'ab & Tiwi the way leads you back to Muscat. The beaches of Mussanah near Muscat, Salalah in the South Oman or the Musandam peninsula are ideal for a follow-up program lasting several days.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Private Guide
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visit the village of Nakhal, lined with countless date palms and famous for its hot springs
- Visit the beautifully restored 16th century fortress built on a rocky outcrop
- Visit the Bait Al-Zubair Museum in the old town of Muscat
- Travel on to the mountain oasis of Al Hamra
- Drive to Sinaw market
Day 1: Individual arrival to Muscat in Oman
Arrival at Muscat International Airport. After passport control and baggage claim, you will be greeted by your driver in the arrivals hall and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own initial explorations. Overnight stay at the Ramada Encore Hotel or at the Grand Millennium Hotel in case of superior variant.
Day 2: Batinah region - fish market in Barka - forts of Nakhal and Al Hazm 1×F
Breakfast and drive to Batinah, the fertile coastal region of the country. The first stop will be in the small town of Barka, where you will visit the fish market. Continue to the village of Nakhal, lined with countless date palms and famous for its hot springs. Visit the beautifully restored 16th century fortress built on a rocky outcrop. The founder of the complex was an imam from the Bani Kharous dynasty. At lunch time you can picnic at the hot springs in Ain Thowara (not included in the price). Then visit Al Hazm fortress and return to Muscat. Overnight stay as on the previous day. (Travel time approx. 4-5h, 325 km)
Day 3: Full day sightseeing of Muscat - Dhaufahrt at sunset 1×(B/M)
You will start the day with a city tour (around 09:30). Visit the impressive Great Mosque, built of sandstone and marble. A magnificent Swarovski chandelier and a huge hand-knotted Persian carpet adorn the main prayer hall. Continue to Muttrah Souk, a traditional oriental bazaar. Be enchanted by the lively atmosphere and the scent of incense and spices! Afterwards, visit the Bait Al-Zubair Museum in the old town of Muscat. The private museum is known for its unique collection of traditional jewelry, weapons and clothing. At the end of the city tour, a photo stop at the Sultan's Palace Al Alam awaits you. The following afternoon is at your leisure before an approx. 2- hour dhow drive in the evening. Along the coast you will get to know Muscat in the play of colors of the setting sun from a completely different side. Overnight stay as on the previous day
Day 4: Jabrin Castle - Al-Hamra Palm Oasis - Jebel Shams - Nizwa 1×(B/M)
After breakfast, leave Muscat and drive inland to visit Jabrin Castle. With its winding corridors, hidden staircases and beautifully decorated interiors, it is one of the most beautiful fortifications in Oman. Afterwards, you will travel on to the mountain oasis of Al Hamra. Four-wheel drive vehicles will take you high up to the "Mountain of the Sun" (Jebel Shams), where you can enjoy the view of the great canyon. Then you will continue to Nizwa, the former capital of the Sultanate of Oman. Not far from the fortress walls is the Nizwa Souk. Over hundreds of years, local merchants and craftsmen have set up shop here in a maze of alleyways and even today you can find traditional crafts such as copper working, dagger making, weaving and pottery. Overnight at Al Diyar Hotel or or at superior variant Golden Tulip Nizwa. (Travel time approx. 4-5h, 350 km).
Day 5: Sinaw Market - Al Mansfah - Red Dunes of the Wahiba Desert 1×(B/M/A)
After breakfast you will drive to Sinaw market. The busy Bedouin market takes place every Thursday and livestock and handicrafts are traded there. At the private home of an Omani family, you will enjoy a traditional lunch and learn about the proverbial hospitality of the country. Rested and invigorated, you will continue to the ancient ruins of Al-Mansfah community, located near lbra. In the afternoon, you will reach the edge of the Wahiba sand desert, where four-wheel drive vehicles will take you to your camp in the dunes. Overnight at Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp or for superior option Desert NIght Camp . (Driving time approx. 3-4h, 220 km).
Day 6: Wadi Bani Khalid - Sur 1×(B/A)
From the Wahiba Dunes, you will continue to the evergreen Wadi Bani Khaled. With its cool, natural pools and palm trees, the wadi forms an interesting contrast to the desert landscape. Continue to the coast to the port town of Sur, where traditional wooden boats are still made today and you will visit a "dhow shipyard". In the evening you can take an optional tour to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (not included in the price). Turtle Beach is a well-known nesting site for five species of aquatic turtles. Under the guidance of a local ranger, if you are lucky, you can observe the turtles laying their eggs. Overnight at Sur Plaza Hotel (also superior option). (Travel time approx. 3-4h, 210 km).
Day 7: Wadis Sha'ab & Tiwi - Bimah Sinkhole - Muscat 1×(B/M)
After breakfast, you will take a short city tour in Sur. Afterwards you will drive along the coast back to Muscat. On the way, you will stop at the beautiful Wadi Tiwi and have lunch at Wadi Sha'ab Resort. You will then drive to the Bimah Sinkhole, a geological karst formation and a scenic wonder. Back in Muscat, you can freshen up for your return or onward flight at the hotel and be transferred to the airport about 3 hours before departure (no tour guide). We recommend a beach extension in Muscat, Salalah or on the Musandam Peninsula. For the extension in Musandam an extra night in Muscat is required. (Travel time approx. 3-4h, 250 km).
