Day 1: Heathrow/Muscat Late evening arrival from Heathrow, reception, visa collection and transfer to hotel. Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat
Day 2: Morning tour of Muscat After a drive through the smart diplomatic quarter we visit Muscat's Natural History Museum to study the flora and fauna of Oman. Next stop is the Omani Museum with its wealth of exhibits on the country's cultural heritage. Then to Muttrah port to visit the fish market, stroll along the Corniche, with its beautiful merchants' houses, and to the delights of the busy souk, noted for its silverware, perfumes and spices. In Muscat itself we'll see the fascinating old town around the Sultan's Palace including the forts of Jalali and Mirani. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat
Day 3: Rustaq, Barka and Nakhl Today's route takes us along the Batinah plain, the main agricultural area of Oman, to Barka, where we visit Bait Na'am, a fortified house where Imams overnighted on journeys to the interior. Then to Rustaq, the former capital, to visit its impressive, renovated fort and on, via picturesque wadis (dry river beds), to the oasis town of Nakhl. Return to Muscat via the hot springs of Thowarah. Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat
Day 4: The coast road from Muscat to Sur (4WD) We take to landcruisers for the off-road trip following the magnificent coastline. The itinerary includes Quriyat, famous for beautiful beaches, a curious 'sinkhole', where part of a mountain collapsed and filled with seawater, and White Beach, where picnic lunch is served after a swim in the Indian Ocean. At the seaside village of Tiwi we visit picturesque Wadi Shaab and wander along the river amid its lush vegetation. Overnight: Sur Plaza Hotel
Day 5: From Sur to Wahiba Sands and Nizwa (4WD) A short tour of the ancient seafaring town of Sur and its dhowyard where wooden sailboats are still built in the traditional manner. Then to the mystical desert and rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands for an exciting drive. After a picnic lunch in the shade we briefly visit a camel camp for an encounter with local Bedouins. Finally, to Mudairib village, famous for its many watchtowers, and Nizwa. Overnight: Falaj Daris Hotel
Day 6: Nizwa to Muscat Today we visit the beautifully restored, 17th century fort of ancient Nizwa and its modern souq. Later we stop at Tanuf, a former rebel stronghold, now destroyed, and Bahla, noted for its Unesco-listed fort and potteries, before reaching Jabreen Castle, a beautiful residential fort with ornate ceiling decorations and impressive architecture. Return to Muscat. Overnight: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat
Day 7: Muscat/Heathrow Transfer to Seeb airport for return flight to the UK or...
OPTIONAL EXTENSION to Salalah and Dhofar region;
3 nights / 4 days
Day 2: Sightseeing in the Dhofar region A morning tour of the impressive Qara mountains taking in Job's Tomb, the frankincense road to Yemen and Mughsayl Beach, renowned for its seawater 'blow holes'. After lunch in Salalah we explore the eastern Dhofar and Ayn Razat, at the foot of the Qara Mountains, with its natural springs, exotic plants and flora, and meet the Jebalis and their herds of camels. In Sumhumram we'll see the ruins of Queen Sheba's port city beside its natural harbour while Mirbat is admired for its beautiful Dhofari houses. Overnight Hilton Salalah
Day 3: A full day at leisure A chance to enjoy the facilities of the Hilton Hotel and its splendid beach. If needed, taxis are available for the short ride into town. Overnight Hilton Salalah
Day 4: Return to Muscat A morning free before the return flight to Muscat and onward connection to the UK.
The package price includes:
• Return flight from London Heathrow
• Transportation by saloon car or 4WD on days 4/5
(4 pax per vehicle)
• English speaking guide throughout
• Hotel accommodation as described in double or twin rooms
with full
buffet breakfast
• Picnic lunch days 4 and 5
• Luggage transfer from Muscat to Nizwa
• All entrance fees and porterage in the hotels
• Service charges and tax
Optional Extension 4 days / 3 nights Cost includes transfer flights Muscat/Salalah/Muscat and tour as described and guides
