Experience Oman 7 Days

Day01. Arrival at Muscat international airport (TBA). Upon arrival, meet and greet after the immigration formalities. Transfer to Muscat Hotel (standard check-in time – 1400 hrs.)

Muscat, town, capital of Oman, located on the Gulf of Oman coast. The city is the seat of the Omani government. With history dating back to antiquity, it mixes high-rises and upscale shopping malls with clifftop landmarks such as the 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, looming over Muscat Harbor. Its modern, marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with 50m dome and prodigious Persian carpet, can accommodate 20,000 people.

Rest of the day free at leisure

Overnight stay at Muscat Hotel

Day02. Half day city tour starting with Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Our first stop is a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman, and one of the most popular places to visit in Muscat. Accommodating up to a stupendous 20,000 worshippers at a time, the structure features a blend of various architectural styles, which 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)

Notes: Grand Mosque is open from Saturday to Thursday from 0800 – 1100 hrs. only (last entry at 10:30 hrs). Ladies visiting the mosque are required to cover their head with scarf and do not wear shorts, beachwear or sleeveless outfits as they are to be fully covered. Also need to be covered from head to toe.  Men are also to be full covered, though short sleeve shirts are allowed for men. Slip on shoes recommended as one has to remove to enter the mosque

Then we will proceed to half day Muscat city tour starting our tour with National museum.

Proceed to The National Museum which is not only the largest museum in the Sultanate; it also houses tens of thousands of artefacts in its collection that comprehensively tell the nation’s story. It is this comprehensive, all-inclusive approach that makes it a true bearer of the term ‘national’, with its many rare and stunning pieces showcasing Oman’s pre-Modern Islamic architecture and culture, its role as a major player in the region and East Africa during the colonial era and its modern-day economic resurgence since 1970. No museum in the nation does a better job of sharing the story of Oman with newcomers.The state-of-the-art building is situated right across from the Sultan’s palace in Old Muscat, where most of the city’s most atmospheric historic architecture can be found. This includes a number of landmarks that played an integral role in the Sultanate’s history, such as the Portuguese-built Jilali and Mirani forts, the old gates of Muscat and several other museums.

Later proceed to Al Alam Palace (Photo stop only – entry not allowed). Al Alam Palace, also known as Sultan’s Palace and the Sultan Qaboos Palace, is one among the six royal residences of Sultan Qaboos located in Muscat. It looks out to the Gulf of Oman. The ruling monarch’s residence was built in 1972 which holds a history of 200 years. 

We will continue to Muttrah, the older parts of town. Here you will visit a traditional souq (knowns as Muttrah souq) selling handicrafts, fabric, Omani clothes, spices, jewellery and all sorts of hardware, and is far more aimed at locals than tourists. Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years. Its antiquity has perhaps increased the extent of its beauty, magic and allure. The market starts at a gate facing the Sea of Oman and Mutrah Corniche and ends with another gate in the city’s old quarters that usually receive visitors coming from other Omani towns and villages. Overnight stay at hotel in Muscat

Day03: This morning we embark on an exciting 4wd journey through the mountains. 

Firstly, we will be visiting The Bait Al Ghasem museum is located in the Al Shal’li village in the town of Afi, near Nakhl. It is 200 years old house which is now turned into museum. Here you will get a chance to interact with the owner.

Our next stop at the Nakhl springs. The Hot Springs aren’t exactly hot, just warm. The natural spring water is channelled into the falaj system to irrigate the surrounding date plantations, and you can dip your toe or have a paddle in the run-off water. Enjoy a walk through the village with its date palms and Falaj system. At the springs one can observe the local folk.  Photo stop of Nakhl fort perched on a rocky outcrop (Closed for renovation).

We then continue our drive through the spectacular Wadi Bani Auf. This stretch of graded road is very adventurous & for the physically fit only as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads. Stop at the quaint mountain village of Bilad Sayt framed by the dramatic mountains. The route winds through mountains all the way unto the village of Al Hamra characterized by its mud houses and date plantations, then we will continue our drive further to Jabal Akhdar which is a part of Oman’s Al Hajar mountain range

Upon arrival in Jabal Akhdar check in at Anantara Jabal Akhdar

Overnight stay at hotel in Jabal Akhdar  

Day04. JABAL AKHDAR 

Breakfast at hotel and day free at leisure to enjoy resort activities and you may also enjoy the walk around the villages.

Jebel Akhdar which stands at a height of 2000m above sea level. The lush greenery and the cool climes on the drive here shows us why it is called the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain ranges. Jebel Al Akhdar is famous for its Fruit Orchards, laid out in a step farming or terrace plantation style along the slopes of mountains. These plantations are watered by the abundant natural springs and Aflaj system consisting of multiple Falaj sets. A large variety of fruit trees can be seen growing here including  Peaches, Apricots, Figs, Grapes, Apples, Pears, Plums, Almonds, and Walnuts; The region is particularly renowned for the superb quality of Pomegranate it produces.

You can visit the villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) & Al Ain on our journey. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, Gorges and Wadis. During the months of March and April the air is heavy with the scent of roses as they bloom across the entire place. During season we can even watch rose water being distilled in the homes of the villagers.

Afternoon will be at leisure to enjoy resort facilities 

Overnight stay at hotel in Jabal Akhdar 

Day05. Proceed to visit Nizwa Fort followed by Souq

Nizwa Fort was established in the 1850s by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’rubi and took around 12 years to be built because it lies over an underground stream. It is one of the most visited national attractions in Oman for the historical significance that it represents, being the main administrative seat of authority for Nizwa’s Wallis and Imams (rulers) during peace and war times. The foundations of the fort go deep into 30 meters (98 feet) under the ground. Its main part is a 30 meter (98 feet) tall tower, which has inches-thick walls to endure the barrages of mortar fire. There are two cannons at the fort’s entrance, that used to protect the city in war times. Inside the fort, there is a maze of rooms, narrow staircases and corridors, high-ceiling halls, doorways and terraces. Here you will get a chance to get familiar with local Omani culture. 

Next visit Nizwa Souq which lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions, Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of years home to several

Continue your drive to Wahiba Sands. The Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 meters are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. Experience a roller coaster like feeling. 

Enjoy stunning sunset views at the desert.

Dinner and Overnight at the desert camp

Day06 Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid is another mind-blowing wadi, located in the Al Sharqiya region in eastern Oma. This wadi is distinguished by its caves that are scattered around its corners and large pools that have a constant flow of water throughout the year. Wadi Bani Khalid lies in between several magnificent mountains and crosses through several villages.

Continue your drive to Sur a town beautifully enclosed in a natural bay, where the harbor district is still built in traditional style. Arrive Sur and visit the fish jetty and dhow factory. Continue your drive to Ras Al Jinz Turtle reserve and check-in.

We will take you to the Ras Al Jinz Scientific Centre where we are led to the beach by an ecologist to see the female Turtles return to their beach to lay eggs. (Please note that the main nesting season is Jun-Aug, at other times of the year, there may or not be turtles every night). 

This is one of the most popular eco-tourism activities in Oman is turtle viewing. Oman is home to several important nesting sites for four different species of turtle: the endangered Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle.

Overnight stay at Ras Al Jinz Turtle reserve

Day07. Drive to Muscat enroute visiting taking a brief stop at Wadi Tiwi (Photo stop). 

The drive along the coast offers tantalizing glimpses of the sea. Our first stop is at the Bimah sinkhole, a sinkhole filled of water about 200 meters inland. It contains fresh water mixed with sea water giving it a turquoise color, large concrete staircase sticks out among the natural landscape but offers a less precarious way down to the picturesque pool People can go swimming there with little fish that are known to nibble people’s toes with non-harmful way.

Upon arrival in Muscat transfer to hotel and rest of the day at leisure

Overnight stay at hotel in Muscat

Day08. Departure