CLASSICAL OMAN (MUSCAT & SALALAH)

DAY 01: ARRIVE MUSCAT Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to hotel DAY 02: MUSCAT The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Bait Zubair Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s Cultural history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district of Old Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items. After noon at leisure. Overnight at hotel. Meals : Breakfast DAY 03: MUSCAT – RAS AL JINZ We board the 4WDs in the morning and drive through beautiful countryside along the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Short before Quriyat we turn off to the new highway along the coast. We pass by white sandy beaches and rocky coves, stopping at Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater, Fins Beach with its beautiful white sand, Wadi Shab, fed by fresh water that flows from mountain springs. By passing through Tiwi, a picturesque fishing village, we reach Qalhat, an ancient port and trading city. At the turn of the century Qalhat became Oman’s export port for Liquefied Natural Gas. Our today’s destination is the fishing town of Sur, the eastern most town on the Arabian Peninsula, where until recently the famous Omani Dhows were built. Dhow building in Sur dates back centuries and is closely linked with the maritime heritage of Oman. From Sur too, in the old days, the Omanis were sailing the seas, mainly to India. Later drive down to Ras Al Jinz and check in at your hotel. We will set out for a tour around town and later in the evening to see the endangered green sea turtles come to nest on the beach {2100 hrs – 23 00 hrs}. Overnight at hotel Meals: Breakfast DAY 04: RAS AL JINZ – SHARQIYA SANDS – NIZWA After breakfast leave Sur. Not too far away is Wadi Bani Khalid one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis. The wadi has clear deep blue water and counts among the few wadis of Oman that hold water all year round. From the mountain springs, the water is led to the oases where it sustains the typical date palms. The pretty villages of Wadi Bani Khalid cling precariously to the rugged mountainside. But now the nature of the landscape will change dramatically – we reach the Sharqiya Sands, a vast mass of undulating dunes rising up to 200 meters and stretching as far as the eye can see. It is also host to a variety of flora and fauna and one of the largest areas of pure sand desert in the world and the traditional home of the nomadic Bedouin. Camels are a common sight moving through the sands. Later proceed to Nizwa- the cultural capital of Oman. On arrival check into hotel Overnight at hotel. Meals : Breakfast DAY 05: NIZWA- JABREEN- BAHLA- JEBEL SHAMS This morning we depart on a full day trip to the historical & heritage capital of Oman -Visit the round tower fort of Nizwa, probably the best fort architecture in Oman and Nizwa souq where potteries, gold & silver wares are sold. Thereafter proceed to visit Jabrin castle built in 17th century, with magnificent plasterwork, wooden carvings; painted ceiling makes this castle amazingly different. Later drive onwards to visit Bahla, the mystical village, known for Arabian potteries. Visit one of the pottery making units {Closed on public holidays and Fridays}. You also visit the majestic Bahla Fort, recently opened to public after a long restoration. By mid-noon drive up to Jebel Shams. Arrive and check in at hotel Dinner at hotel Overnight at Jebel Shams hotel Meals: Breakfast and Dinner After breakfast visit Al Hamra village, one of the oldest villages & up to 400 years old mud houses is still occupied. Also visit the Al Hamra Falaj system. Later drive to Muscat crossing the off-road track of Wadi Bani Awf. We have photo stops at the villages of Bilad Sayt and Hatt en route. Drop off to Seeb Airport to connect the evening flight to Salalah. Meet & assist on arrival and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Overnight stay at hotel Meals: Breakfast DAY 07: SALALAH Breakfast at hotel. The excursion begins in the morning with a visit to the old fishing village of 'Taqah', famous for the manufacture of 'Dried Sardines' & its traditional & old ‘Dhofari Houses'. Visit the century old 'Taqah Castle', the former official residence of the 'Wali' (Governor) of the region & obtain a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Continue onto the ancient ruins of the once famous city of Sumharam (Khor Rohri). The city was the easternmost outpost of the Hadramawt Kingdom on the ancient incense route between the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf and India. Khor Rori was an important port on the coast of Dhofar, and one of the major trading cities with frankincense, believed to have been the hub & harbor for the shipping of Frankincense (UNESCO World Heritage site). Thereafter we proceed to 'Qara' mountains to explore the western part of Salalah. On a road steadily winding up a steep incline, herds of Camels & Cattle are a common sight which gives a scenic view of a traditional Dhofari rural beauty. Visit the ancient tomb of 'Prophet Job' situated in the scenic green mountains of the Salalah Plains. Experience the legendary story of Prophet Job and his devoutness. Proceed to the beach of Mughsail where the white sand touches the deep blue of the ocean & at high tide, where waves burst through the natural titanic 'Blow Holes', at the far end of the 'Rocky beach' with a cave-like entrance. We thereafter continue along the 'Hair-pin-bend' road towards Western Border of Oman, with its breathtaking cliffs on either side, to see the historical 'Frankincense trees' growing in their natural habitat, deep down in the valleys, dotting the dry & craggy countryside. We take a short walk into the valleys to smell the 'Holy Incense' amidst the scenic view of the region. On our return journey we make a photo stop at the lagoon at Mughsail where migratory birds – occasionally flamingos – are a common sight. Return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel Meals: Breakfast DAY 08: SALALAH – MUSCAT This morning proceed to visit “The Museum of the Frankincense Land”. Opened in July 2007 at Al Balid Archaeological Park, a UNESCO heritage site located in Salalah, the Frankincense Land Museum is the latest addition to Oman's heritage and cultural scene. It houses two main halls, namely the History Hall, depicting the geography, history of the ancient Frankincense trail and the historical background of the Sultanate through a number of archaeological findings, and The Marine Hall, featuring displays about the development of Oman's rich marine history. A complete history of the Maritime trade & ship building industry of Oman could be experienced here, with meticulously carved replicas of the ancient boats & ships of the Omani Maritime trade. Drive through lush green plantations of vegetables & fruits. Make a brief stop to taste a fresh coconut water drink at fruit stalls (at own cost) lining the streets within the periphery of the old Salalah town (Haffa). Make a Photo stop at the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque. View the Official Palace of His Majesty the Sultan (Al Husn Palace) & stroll through the old Haffa Souk, famous for the sale of high-quality Frankincense & numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs. The smell of frankincense fills the Souk. Haffa Souk is very attractive with its small shops lined up with straight piles of incense boxes, clay incense burners colorfully decorated with traditional patterns and bags of incense crystals. This gives us an ample opportunity for shopping, before we return to the hotel. Evening transfer to Airport to connect the flight back home.