8 days culture, nature and Omani people
Theme: Live the culture, nature and know the people of Oman
Duration: 8 DAYS TOUR
Tour Highlights: Muscat – Sur – Ras Al Hadd–Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba Sands –Quran school – Lunch with Omanis – Ibra – Nizwa – Jebel Akhdar – Wadi Bani Auf – Muscat
check out some beautiful places of Oman!
Oman - The Land of Frankincense
In Oman – the land of frankincense there is much to explore between the mountains and the coast. This is how we get to know the culture and the breathtaking nature of the country during our 8-days adventure trip. We visit numerous old castles and merchants, stroll through oriental markets and have the opportunity to talk to Omani women at the Sidab women club about their country. On the coast we visit some fishing villages and might be lucky to meet a local fisherman. We will visit impressive mosques and drive to a live museum. We will learn a lot about one of the oldest irrigation systems on earth. In the midst of barren mountain landscapes, we explore orchards and walk through small oriental villages. We drive into one of the most beautiful sandy deserts in the world, climb sand dunes and spend the night in a desert camp. We will admire the famous frankincense trees and learn a lot about the coveted perfume. This varied tour was prepared by Oman specialists for travelers who want to get to know the country a little bit better. With a qualified Omani tour guide who knows and loves the country and the Omanis, we drive through the country and get intensive insights into a wonderful country on the Arabian Peninsula.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL AT MUSCAT
Arrived at Muscat international airport, our tour guide awaits you and we will travel together to the booked hotel.
Today’s day does not include any meal. This day (DAY 1) is only applicable for our guests who are arriving from abroad and have booked hotel transfer through us.
DAY 2 THE CITY OF MUSCAT
City tour in Muscat
We start our tour at 08:30 in the morning with a visit to the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It is one of the largest mosques in the Middle East and should not be missing in any Muscat visit. Afterwards we visit the Royal Opera House. The next stop is at the picturesque Corniche that takes us to ancient Muscat, where we visit the National Museum. Here we can see a collection that focuses on the richness of the history of Oman and teaches us the rich culture and traditions of the country and its relationships with the outside world. We make some interesting photo stops at the residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. Then we stroll through the Muttrah Souq, where we have opportunity to buy Omani handicrafts and silver jewellery. As part of the city tour, we also meet the women of Sidab, who will show us their craftsmanship and talk to us to learn more about Sidab’s local Omani women’s community.
DAY 3 ON THE WAY TO RAS AL JINZ
The Drive to the coastal town of Sur
On a scenic route, the 4×4 vehicle continues in the direction of the coastal town of Sur. This route offers some breath-taking views of the blue sea of the Gulf of Oman with its pristine white beaches. The route leads through charming landscapes and rugged mountain massifs to the oasis of Wadi Al Arbiyeen and Wadi Tiwi.
Visit the oasis Wadi Arbiyeen and Wadi Tiwi
On the way to the Wadi Arbiyeenwe see dates palm trees and enjoy the scenic land formation. Finally, we reach Wadi Arbiyeen– an oasis amidst barren and dry mountain landscape. Then it’s on to Wadi Tiwi. In Wadi Tiwi we walk through the village and see dates palm trees, lemon, papaya, banana and mango plantations.
The way to Ras al Jinz
Along the coast road we stop in the ancient village of Qalhat to enjoy an early dinner with the Imam of the village. 1500 years ago, Qalhat used to be the capital city of Oman. The ruins of the ancient city can still be seen. In Ras Al Jinz at the turtle reserve we will observe the big green turtles, which come here at night to lay their eggs.
(Today includes breakfast and another meal.)
DAY 4 ON THE WAY TO WAHIBA SANDS
A trip to Al Ashkara
In the morning before the drive into the desert we come to Al Ashkara. Al Ashkarais a small coastal village where we might be lucky to meet local fishermen together with our tour guide.
The green oasis Wadi Bani Khalid
We continue to Wadi Bani Khalid – a green oasis in the middle of the barren and dry mountain landscape. This is one of the most impressive wadis (canyon) in Oman with deep crystal-clear water. On the way, we can take a look at the small villages that nestle against the rugged mountain slopes.
Sunset in Wahiba Sands
Afterwards we reach Wahiba Sands, a vast white sandy desert, which is a real pleasure for photographers with its constantly changing dunes. From the highest dunes we can admire the sunset in the desert.
(Today includes breakfast and dinner.)
DAY 5 QURAN SCHOOL AND VISIT AN OMANI FAMILY
Wadi Nam
After breakfast we drive along the sand dunes to the villages of Wadi Nam where we will get to know what small kids learn in the Quran school at an early age. Here we will see the old traditional Quran school and visit the modern Quran school. Our lunch today will be original Omani as we will have lunch with an Omani family.Alternatively, for bigger groups with 15 or more people, we will have lunch with the tribal leader of the village (sheikh).
The way to Nizwa
On the way to Nizwa we will stop in the old city of Ibra and walk between the ruins of Al Minzfah. Al Minzfah used to be the center of Ibra built in the 17th century. With the sunset we will arrive our hotel in Nizwa.
(Today includes breakfast and lunch.)
DAY 6 NIZWA AND TRIP TO JEBEL AKHDAR
City tour of Nizwa
In the morning we visit the historic city of Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman. The main attractions are the lively Souq (market) and the mighty Fort with its massive round cannon tower. A must visit fort in Oman which was built in the middle of the 17th Century.
Visit of the village Birkat al Mauz
In the morning we visit the picturesque village Birkat Al Mauz. Here we take a walk through the lush green date palm plantations. Here we will also get to know the Falaj system, one of the oldest irrigation systems and in particular Falaj Alkhatmayn – one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Oman.
The way to Jabel Akhdar
We drive along a 36 km long winding road to Jabel Akhdar (2000 m above sea level). Here we enjoy the refreshing cool climate in the mountains. Jebel Al Akhdar is famous for its orchards and terraces built on the mountain slopes that are irrigated by natural springs and canals (Falaj).
Day 7 Jebel Akhdar and Al Hamra
The village of Saiq in Jabal Akhdar is impressive. Here we stop and hike through the villages on the tip of Saiq terraces, from which one has spectacular views of the mountainous landscape with dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. We will also visit an family that makes rose water in the old traditional way.
Al Hamra
Now it is time to leave Jabal Akhdar (the green mountain) and head to Al Hamra. Al Hamra is one of the oldest villages in Oman with up to 400 years old mud houses. Here we visit a traditional Omani house of a tribal leader, whose house was converted into the museum “Bait al Saffah”.
Misfat Al Abriyeen
Our next destination is Misfat Al Abriyeen where we will stay overnightin the middle of an Omani village full of live.
Day 8 BaladSeet – Nakhal - Muscat
The oasis Bilad Sayt
After breakfast we drive through fascinating mountain landscapes to the isolated oasis of Bilad Sayt and the Wadi Bani Awf, known for the narrow so-called “snake canyon”. Our tour guide will assist with the translation in case you with a bit of luck pass by on of the oasis farmers. The Wadi Bani Awf stretches across several villages that have countless attractions, including the famous Snake Canyon. This area between Al Dakhiliya and Al Batinah region offers the best off-road driving experience in the Hajar Mountains. On the way, we visit the Fort Nakhal, which was originally built before Islam. From the approximately 200-meter-high hill, the Nakhal Fort offers a fantastic view of the entire surrounding oasis. Here we visit the women’s living room, the majlis, the traditional meeting rooms, the prison, the numerous terraces and courtyards.
Hot springs in Nakhl
Before our next destination, we have lunch in an Omani restaurant, where Omani ladies cook typical Omani food. Then we visit the scenic hot springs of Nakhl which is called “Al-Thowarah”, near a lush green oasis framed by majestic mountains.
Flight back home
In the evening we drive to the airport of Muscat to fly back home.
Our tip:Extend your stay in Muscat in a hotel at the beach.
(Today includes breakfast and lunch)
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