Arrive at Muscat International Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight.
Breakfast. Pick up from hotel around 8 am to visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman accommodating up to a stupendous 20,000 worshippers at a time. A blend of various architectural styles is highlighted by its beautiful décor and the spectacular crystal chandeliers and handmade Persian rugs here, which are some of the largest in the world (FRIDAY CLOSED).
Visit the official residences of the His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the magnificent Al Alam Palace flanked by the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts. Take photos of the yard and gardens, as the palace is not open to the public. Visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum with its information and exhibits on the country’s culture, tradition, and heritage.
Drive along the waterfront cornice overlooking the Gulf of Oman to the colourful Muttrah Souq (market place) with its many traditional wares. Short stop at the bustling fish market. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel.
Overnight.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Bilad Sayt via Wadi Bani Awf. Enroute visit the Amouage Factory. Its first fragrance was created as “the most valuable perfume in the world”.
Next stop – the 9th century Nakhal Fort, a historic stronghold atop a rocky hill, with views of the Nakhal Oasis. The fort is a testament to Oman’s rich history and architectural prowess. Explore its ancient chambers. Visit the natural Nakhl warm water springs which irrigate the date plantations.
Drive through Wadi Bani Awf, one of largest wadis which covers several villages worth visiting, including the famous “Snake Canyon”, a very narrow gorge. Drive through beautiful scenery to picturesque Bilad Sayat village, crossing the Hajar Mountains. Check in at your hotel.
Overnight.
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Jabal Akhdar via Grand Canyon of Oman in the village of Ghul. The canyon lies near Jebel Shams (Mountain of Sun), the highest mountain peak in the Hajar mountain range.
Visit Al Hamra a 400-year-old town which came up around an abandoned village. The town is thriving and lively. You can visit Bait Al Safa, a small museum.
Later visit Misfat Al Abriyeen, a unique mountainous village 1,000 m above sea level. From the viewing platform see its amazing agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys and old houses built on top of solid rocks.
Overnight.
Breakfast. Day at leisure. Walk around Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) and Al Ain. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges, and wadis. During March and April the air is heavy with the scent of roses blooming.
Overnight.
Breakfast. Check out and leave for Muscat via Nizwa. Visit ancient Nizwa Fort, with sections dating back to the 9th century and the biggest tower in Oman. It is the only fort in the region to have a cylindrical main tower. It contains many exhibits and artifacts including the fort’s defence mechanisms.
Then visit bustling Nizwa Souq, Oman’s oldest Souq (market place) surrounded by a wall and clearly separated from the rest of the city. Pick up some fun souvenirs.
Continue to Muscat via Birkat al Mauz to walk through its oasis and date plantations. See the old Falaj irrigation system listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrive in Muscat and check in at your hotel.
Overnight.
Breakfast. Check out and transfer to Muscat International Airport for your flight back home.
End of Tour.