Fascinating Oman

Itinerary :

Day 1/ Muscat: Arrive at Muscat airport, meet and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Muscat.

Day 2/ Muscat: After breakfast, proceed for your Muscat city tour. Your visit would start with a tour of the Grand Mosque, which is an architectural marvel and is perhaps the new landmark of the city. Continue your drive through the ministries area where you can see a number of modern buildings with touches of Islamic architecture. You would then visit the fish market and the Muttrah souq with its narrow covered alleys where the exotic smells of mounds of spices, coffees, ancient remedies and enticing perfumes fill the air. You would visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum (or another prominent museum), which has a fine exhibit of Omani history and culture. Have a photo stop at the magnificent Al Aalam Palace (the official residence of Sultan Qaboos) flanked by the twin Portuguese forts of Mirani & Jalali. Later return back to hotel. Overnight in Muscat. (B)

Day 3/ Muscat – Batinah – Muscat: Enjoy your breakfast and visit the fertile Batinah coast, dotted with beautiful beaches, forts, fishing villages and places famous for camel racing & bull fighting. You would have a short stop at the Seeb Fish market before continuing to the Nakhl Fort and the hot water springs, followed by the majestic fort of Rustaq, which is one of the oldest forts in Oman and is surrounded by watch towers. Return to Muscat by late afternoon. Overnight in Muscat. (B)

Day 4/ Muscat – Green Mountain – Muscat: After breakfast, proceed for your Green Mountain tour. On the way you will explore the little village of Birkat Al Mauz at the foot of the mountains. Explore the many plantations (dates, banana) and also the famous Falaj water system. You will take the winding road to Jebel al Akhdar (2000m), the green jewel of the Al Hajar mountain ranges. Enjoy the cool climate up in the mountains and see Jebel al Akhdar which is famed for fruit orchards laid out in terraces along the mountain slopes and irrigated by falaj, traditional water systems. Tiny villages, including picturesque Saiq, Al Ain, and abandoned Wadi Bani Habib, the landscape and overlook a spectacular vista of peaks, gorges and wadis. The roses of Jebel al Akhdar fill the air with fragrance from March to April, when they are in full bloom, and rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers. Explore the many walking paths and enjoy the cool weather here. Later drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Muscat. (B)

Day 5/ Muscat – Nizwa – Muscat: Enjoy your breakfast our visit today would include a few of the forts, which are more remarkable & striking in their architecture & style. The ancient capital of Oman, Nizwa was a seat of learning and the birthplace of Islam in Oman. The 17th century round fort and the souq famous for silver jewelry are the major attractions of Nizwa, not to mention the popular & interesting cattle auction, which takes place on every Friday. Built on a solid base of rock, the huge tower was designed to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons. We move on to Bahla famous for its handmade pottery. Bahla is listed in UNESCOS world heritage sites; however the fort here is now under renovation and is not open to public. Built as a defensive stronghold, the Jabreen is perhaps the finest of Omani castles. The castle has dungeons, passages, rooms and ceilings decorated with fine carvings & paintings. Later return back to hotel. Overnight in Muscat. (B)

Day 6/ Muscat – Wahiba Sands – Muscat: After breakfast, visit the Wahiba Sands, described a Sand sea, that stretches almost 200 kms in length and about 100 kms in width. The dunes rise above 100-150 meters in different shades of colour and shifting sands, is the perfect place for both the romantic and the adventurous. There are still Bedouin families living in this vast expanse of sands. A roller-coaster ride over the dunes would a thrilling fun especially for those who are first time visitors to the desert. The trip also includes a refreshing visit to the lush pools of Wadi Bani Khalid. Return back to hotel. Overnight in Muscat. (B)

Day 7/ Muscat: After breakfast, rest of the day free for leisure until your transfer for departure flight. (B)