Fixed date group round trip

Fixed Date Group Round Trip

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 locals 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 rosewater 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 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 Omani driver awaits you and we will travel together to the hotel. Some of you will be arriving from a long flight and might be tired. The rest of this day is for you to relax, get a walk exploring the area around, and then have a nice comfortable sleep to be ready for the start of the exciting tour tomorrow.

Hotel: Ibis Muscat or similar (Half Board)

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 missed 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 Haitham, 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 jewelry.

(Today includes breakfast and dinner.)

Hotel: Ibis Muscat or similar (Half Board)

DAY 3 ON THE WAY TO RAS AL JINZ

Wadi Shab

After breakfast, we will head to the beautiful 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 Wadi Shab. Our first stop is the incredible Bimah Sinkhole, a huge crater close to the sea with a small lake at its base. It is believed to have been created when a meteor hit the Earth. Then we will continue towards the white Beach of Fins, which offers up another great opportunity for photos.
We will drive then towards Wadi Shab which is an enormous canyon gorge lined with beautiful palm trees and spectacular natural views of the power of water coming down from the mountains. After a 45-minute hike through canyon Wadi, we’ll arrive at a series of crystal-clear water pools. You are welcome to swim in the warm waters of these connected pools, which will lead you into an opening among the enormous rocks through which you can swim into a crevice cave with its own small waterfall. Marvel at how the sunlight filters in from the outside and turns the water a stunning turquoise blue, while one side of the cave has water tumbling down from the wadi beyond.

The way to Ras al Jinz

Along the coast road we stop in the ancient village of Qalhat to get some wonderful photos. 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 dinner.)

Hotel: Sama Ras Al-Jinz Ecolodge or similar (Half Board)

DAY 4 ON THE WAY TO WAHIBA SANDS

Sur

In the morning before the drive into the desert we will head to the city of Sur, where the main attractions include old fortresses and the famous Dhow factory where you can watch traditional wooden Dhows being built. Sur is a coastal town where we might be lucky to meet local fishermen together with our tour guide.

The green oasis Wadi Bani Khalid

On the way to Wadi Bani Khalid we will stop to meet our comfortable 4×4 cars which we will all use to get 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, with our 4×4 cars 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.)

Hotel: Sama Al Wasil Camp or similar (Half Board)

DAY 5 QURAN SCHOOL AND VISIT AN OMANI FAMILY

Ibra and the women market

After breakfast we drive along the sand dunes to the town of Ibra. There is a lively and colorful market (souq) here which you can explore before we move onto the delights of the old ancient village area. This market takes place every Wednesday of the week in Wilayt (town) Ibra and is dedicated to women only. Every week, women head to this market to buy all they need. It is open from six in the morning until one in the afternoon.

Our next stop is the old city of Ibra were we will walk between the ruins of Al Minzfah. Al Minzfah used to be the center of Ibra built in the 17^th century.

Wadi Nam

After visiting the ancient city of Ibra, we drive 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

With the sunset we will arrive our hotel in Nizwa.

(Today includes breakfast and Lunch)

Hotel: Al Diyar Hotel or similar (Half Board)

DAY 6 NIZWA AND TRIP TO JEBEL AKHDAR

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

In our 4×4 cars 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).

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 Omani family that makes rose water in the old traditional way.

(Today includes breakfast and Dinner)

Hotel: Al Diyar Hotel or similar (Half Board)

Day 7 Nizwa cattle market and Fortress

City tour of Nizwa

Another day, another spectacular market, this time the Nizwa Souq, one of the largest in Oman. We’ll get here early, as that’s the best time to get the pick of the deals as the vendors sell their goods from 5am to 10am daily. Choose from fresh fish, meat and vegetables to delightful and unique pottery, jewelry, handicrafts and souvenirs, all sold in authentic market halls the like of which you won’t see in many other places in the world. The Friday cattle market is not to be missed, as it’s a chance to see the locals in their element, selling goats, cattle, sheep and chickens in a circus-style open marketplace.

Next to the souq is the Nizwa Fortress, now a museum and a great place to take in the views of this spectacular ancient town and its surrounding mountain range. You’ll be able to explore the fortress, a military stronghold designed to repel the fiercest of enemies in its day. It features towers, rooms, and passages, along which many traps were laid to deter intruders who may have penetrated its defenses. What a great example of architecture from the early Yaruba dynasty this is, a dynasty that was responsible for a range of economic and military achievements during the mid-17th Century.

Next we will proceed to Muscat and check into the hotel for your last evening of the tour.

(Today includes breakfast and Dinner)

Hotel: Ibis Muscat or similar (Half Board)

Day 8 Goodbye Muscat

After our last breakfast together and a transfer from the hotel to the airport, it will be time to say our goodbyes and for you to make your way home, taking with you, we hope, wonderful memories of Oman and your time on Sindbad Majan tour.

THIS TOUR FEATURES

Maximum number of tour participants is 22 people (minimum age is 3 years old).
Accommodation for every night in the mentioned hotels/camps or similar.
Breakfast / dinner provided (as detailed in the tour).
Tour guide speaking the language specified in the booking page (e.g. English, German or Italian etc.).
Air-conditioned bus and 4×4 cars where required in the desert/mountain.
Drinking water during the drive.
All entrance fees to attractions included.
Airport/Hotel transfer as detailed above.
Flights from/to Muscat are NOT included.