Oman Adventure

Day 1 : Muscat hotel => Muscat city tour

Then, you will discover the Al Alam Palace, Palace of the Sultan, where the latter receives official visitors. Overlooking the seafront, the Palace is flanked by 2 Forts dating from the Portuguese period [16th C.], when the latter were established in the current Omani capital, to create a trading post on the "Road to India".

The 2 Forts Al Jalali and Al Mirani are representative of the military architecture of the country. Perched on the rocks, these forts overlook the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Sea. [NB: the visit of the Palace and the Forts is not open to the public - Photo stop only - films prohibited].

Back to your hotel and dinner. Night 1 at Muscat

At approximately 8:30 AM, we will take you through the gorgeous city of Muscat where we will first visit the grand mosque, the city's most famous attraction which can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers and take a look inside this grand Islamic archaeological edifice unique, a true architectural marvel. The masterpieces in the leader's room are astonishing, the chandelier and the gigantic one-piece hand-woven carpet. You will feel the sanctity of the place corroborated by the kindness of the Omanis.

(Good to know: - Women must wear clothes covering the ankles and wrists as well as a head scarf and men should also wear trousers and a shirt or T-shirt with tongue sleeves.
-( Visits are not possible on Fridays ).

Then you will continue to the fish market, located in the heart of Muttrah, on the largest port in Oman. The new fish market is a tribute to Oman's past and future. The town of Muttrah is known for its long history of trade, its characteristic port and its long tradition of fishing

You will continue your way towards the picturesque cornice of the old town Muttrah to go to the souk.
Muttrah Souq is one of the most popular and oldest souks in the Middle East, dating back around 200 years, full of charm and authentic flavors. The scents of incense, sandalwood and spices make it a unique place. Textiles, jewellery, perfumes, carpets, antiques…
Lunch at a local restaurant

Afterwards, you will discover the Bait al Zubair museum, which today houses one of the largest permanent heritage and artistic collections in the country and is a real window on the rich heritage and culture of Oman. This private museum is known for its fine collection of traditional costumes, antique jewelry and weapons.

Day 2 : Muscat hotel => Bahla Fort => Jabreen Castle =>Nizwa Fort => Nizwa Souk

A castle is attached to the tower, in which there is a medersa, an ammunition depot, water reserves as well as many stores including that of dates.

Nizwa is the former capital of the Sultanate of Oman, until its replacement by Muscat. Its role in Omani history is preponderant and the region surrounding it is full of exceptional sites. Located 1h30 by road from Muscat, Nizwa is one of the most touristic and popular cities of the Sultanate.

Lunch at a local restaurant

You will end your day with a walk in the different sections of the Souk, present in the city for hundreds of years: spices, fruits, crafts, silverware... the animation is real there: they sell fish at the auction, they bargain for spices. Further on, there are craft stalls where pottery, clothing and sil verware are sold. The opportunity to discover unique models of Khanjars [traditional dagger which is the pride of the Omanis]! The charm works because the alleys of the old town give a glimpse of small houses with their doors with typical Omani decoration.

Back to your hotel and dinner. Night 1 at Nizwa

Breakfast at the hotel
Your morning will begin with the discovery of Bahla. Nationally recognized for its pottery, the city of Bahla is surrounded by a 12 km wall and is dominated by the largest fort in the country. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Register, this Pre-Islamic fort is currently being renovated and is therefore closed to visitors [photo stop only].

You will take the direction of Jabreen Castle. Built both as a defensive bastion and the residence of the Imam, Jabreen Castle is certainly one of the most beautiful and picturesque Forts in the Sultanate of Oman.

Built in the 17th century, it is a magnificent witness to the country's history, made up of elegant rooms with elaborate and sumptuous Islamic decoration. A traditional irrigation system winds through the castle. The view from the top is just as fascinating!

You will continue your visit to the Nizwa Fort, one of the main attractions of the city of Nizwa built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Arabi. This fort has many aisles and compartments and is distinguished by a vast tower that dominates the souk. You can admire a superb view of the oasis.

Day 3: Nizwa hotel =>Al Hamra Old village=>Bait Al Safa Museum => Misfah Al Abreen =>Nizwa

Lunch at a local restaurant
You will then leave towards the Misfah Al Abreen Village. Located at an altitude of 900 m, Misfah Al Abreen is a village encrusted in the mountains where the constructions seize by their architecture with the Yemeni influence. Although precarious in appearance, these buildings have existed for several centuries.
During a short walk, you will discover this picturesque village, the diversity of its cultures and observe more closely the functioning of the "Falaj". You will undoubtedly be charmed by the gentle surroundings.
 Back to your hotel and dinner. Night 2 at Nizwa

Breakfast at the hotel

Direction to Al Hamra old village, one of the best preserved old towns in the country and discovery of this old abandoned village and its verdant palm grove. You will take the time to stroll through the narrow streets of this ghost town and its imposing old adobe properties: an exceptional heritage.

Then you will discover the living Bait Al Safa museum. Stroll between old buildings and mud houses. Enter the museum where a few people from the village, dressed in their traditional finery, strive to reproduce the gestures and trades of yesteryear.

Day 4 : Nizwa hotel => Birkat Al Mauz =>Wahiba Sands

Your experienced driver will then introduce you to the joys of “Dune Bashing”, a national sport which consists of going up and down the Dunes in a 4x4. The dunes of the famous Wahiba are ideal for practicing this eventful and spectacular activity!

You will finally stop at the top of one of these dunes, to watch the sunset and let yourself go to dream in front of a unique spectacle.

A tea accompanied by dates will be offered to you by the Bedouins.

 Overnight in the middle of the desert Night 1 at Arabian oryx camp or Desert Night

Breakfast at the hotel

 You will discover the village of Birkat Al Mauz, one of the most famous ruined villages of the Sultanate of Oman with a huge plantation of banana trees and a picturesque environment. You admire the Falaj there. This little stopover will take you back in time
Lunch at a local restaurant
You will explore the desert of Wahiba Sands or Al Sharquia sands, a huge expanse of sand that covers a vast area of 12,500km². This ocean of ocher dunes will delight you with its exceptional beauty. It has been the natural habitat of Bedouins for 7000 years A few Bedouins. Along the way, you will discover small typical villages, some of whic h will give you the impression that time has stopped. Let yourself be immersed in the beauty and magic of the desert.

Day 5 : Wahiba Sands => Wadi Bani Khaled => Sur

Then, you will continue towards the town of Sur, a fishing port and a major trading port with East Africa until the beginning of the 20th century, a time which is not without evoking arms trafficking and of slaves.

The city of Sur, built on the shores of the Arabian Sea, along a magnificent lagoon, is renowned for its properties and their imposing carved wooden or wrought iron doors. It is also here that the famous "Dhows" are still built, traditional dhows that you can discover during the visit of the artisanal shipyard, still in operation

 Back to Sur hotel and dinner. Night 1 at Sur

Breakfast at the camp

Discovery of an amazing place, in the middle of the desert, Wadi Bani Khaled, a natural basin located in a narrow valley at an altitude of 600 meters! In the middle of immense canyons hides an Oasis with green plantations, irrigated by the "Falaj" system. You will enjoy the places, the basins of incredibly green, warm and transparent water, and an invigorating swim.
N-B: Provide a bathing suit, which must be covering [T-shirt and leggings for example]

Picnic Lunch

Day 6 : Sur - Wadi Twi - Wadi Shab - Bimmah Sinkhole - Qurayat -Muscat

Night 2 at Muscat
Breakfast at the hotel
You will take the road towards the village of Tiwi, framed by two of the most beautiful Wadi in the country
Wadi Tiwi: Inside the Wadi, you will discover small villages nestled in palm groves of various cultures: plantations irrigated, even today, by the thousand-year-old system of "Falaj"

Wadi Shab: One of the most dazzling natural pools in the Sultanate, where you can relax in crystal clear turquoise blue water. After a short boat ride, you are on the other side of the arm of the river, ready to begin a walk of about 45 minutes through a huge canyon gorge lined with palm trees, steep paths. A striking view will allow you to experience the awesome power of nature that has forged the rock formations of this striking canyon. This walk is necessary to reach the emerald water pools, an ideal place for a well-deserved swim. The key is the wonder of a hidden cave in which a waterfall flows. Simply magical!

Lunch at Wadi Shab Resort

Continuation to Muscat, taking the asphalt road along the coast. You will stop at Bimah Sinkhole, a sort of abyss, a collapse with a circumference of 100 meters in the crest of a crater and filled by the sea. Possibility of accessing this natural pool, by a staircase.

Continuation with the discovery of Quriyat, a fishing town located 88 km from Muscat. The city was famous, in its day, for exporting horses throughout the peninsula. Nowadays, the city retains an important activity of fishing and basketry [production of baskets]. Its Port, still guarded by a Watchtower, is a stone's throw from a lagoon where you may be lucky enough to see flamingos. Back to Muscat hotel and dinner.

Day 7 : Muscat => Nakhal Fort & Hot Springs => Al Hazm Fort=> Royal Opera => Muscat

Breakfast at the hotel

You will leave the capital, in the direction of Nakhal Fort, It is one of the largest forts in the Sultanate and certainly one of the most beautiful in the country!

The architecture of this Fort, built in the 17th century, does not follow any particular model, as it was designed around an irregular rocky promontory, with which it is one. The surrounding landscapes are magnificent, offering a superb view of a Palm Grove as well as the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, an important mountain range in the Arabian Peninsula. (Under renovation: exterior visit)

Then, you will head to the hot spring of Nakhal, at the back of the f ort, in the heart of the palm grove, surrounded by verdant plantations of date palms, irrigated by the “Aflaj ” [plural of “Falaj” ], traditional irrigation canals. The place is ideal to relax and refresh.

After you will visit Al Hazm Fort. Beyond the grandiose landscapes, the Sultanate of Oman is also known for its many Castles, Forts or Watchtowers. Al Hazm Castle, a huge military fort built in 1708 in Al-Hazm town, is located on the western bank of the far Wadi about 19km. It was built by Imam Sultan bin Seif when he founded the city of Al Hazm as the capital of Oman. It sits on the edge of a small palm garden in the arid gravel plain that separates the mountains from the Batinah coast. It is a large two-storey rectangular building, with a narrow inner courtyard and two round towers at the south and east corners.

Lunch at a local restaurant
You will end with the discovery of the Royal Opera House, the jewel of the Gulf in its kind. This work was conceived on the royal orders of Sultan Qabos, the music lover. This lavish venue reflects an elegant blend of traditional and contemporary Arab-Islamic design, the exterior form is inspired by the style of Omani castles. It is a very complex musical environment and a marvel for the eyes too. The beauty and secrets of the Royal Opera will be revealed to you during a guided tour during which you will discover breathtaking decorations as well as a collection of rare instruments. Many regional shows are offered there from September to May (Saturday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).

Back to Muscat hotel and dinner. Night 3 at Muscat