A Combination of Modernity and Tradition

Tour details

Origin City: Muscat

description

In this journey, you will visit a combination of tradition and modernity. The modern mosques, royal operas, … are the fabulous signs of modernity in the larger cities, especially Muscat. On the other hand, traditional markets, abounded areas, ruins and forts take you to the past.

Day 1

Arrival in Muscat

You will be met on arrival at MCT Airport and transferred to the hotel.

Day 3

Muscat-Ad Dimaniyat Islands-Muscat

Today, you explore Muscat Coast by boat or dhow then head for inhabited Ad Dimaniyat Islands, which are good habitats for seabirds. You will also enjoy underwater sports such as snorkeling. In the afternoon, you go back to Muscat and stay overnight there.

Day 5

Wadi Ash Shab-Sur : 70 km

In the morning, continue your exploration in Wadi Ash Shab and visit the beach, villages around and Falaj Irrigation System. Then depart for Sur. En route, stop in the ancient city of Qalhat, registered in UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit Bibi Maryam Mausoleum. Afterward, you go sightseeing in Sur including Bilad Sur Fort, Sunaysilah Fort, built to defend the city about 300 years ago, Dhow Factory where you can take the opportunity to look into the process of building wooden boat, and Al Ayjah Lighthouse, built by the Portuguese as a defending structure.
At the end, you go for a delightful stroll along Turtle Beach in Ras al Hadd. You will stay overnight in Sur.

Day 7

Wahiba Sands-Ibra-Nizwa : 260 km

Depart Wahiba for Nizwa, the birthplace of Islam in Oman. En route, visit Traditional Local Market (if possible) and Ibra Historical District known as the gateway to Oman’s Sharqiya region. Then you head for Sinaw and visit its abounded district. Before reaching Nizwa, explore Birkat Al Mouz Village and visit its both ruins and Falaj Irrigation System. Stay overnight in Nizwa.

Day 9

Misfat Al Abriyeen-Bilad Sayt-Muscat : 245 km

Wake up early in the morning and watch Sunrise in Misfat Al Abriyeen. After a local breakfast you depart for Muscat. En route, explore Jebel Akhdar Mountain (literally means green mountain), known for its labyrinth of wadis and terraced orchards. Your next exploration is in Bilad Sayt Mountainous Village and Wadi Bani Awf which covers cool attractions such as Snake Canyon. Then you stop in Nakhl and visit Nakhl fort and proceed to Barka where you can explore Barka souq and Barka fort. At the end, drive along seaside to Muscat.

Day 2

Muscat

Start your city tour by visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This fantastic mosque which was built which was built with an inspiration from Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, features a large Persian carpet and big chandeliers holding 24 carat gold plating. Then proceed to Royal Opera House, considered as a reflection of the unique contemporary architecture of Oman. Afterwards, stroll in Mutrah Souq, the oldest Bazaar in Oman. After visiting National Museum, the showcase of the nation’s heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula, you proceed for a photo stop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace as the formal residence of Omani Kings, and Jalali and Mirani Portuguese forts. At the end, some grilled fish is served for dinner.

Day 4

Muscat-Wadi Ash Shab : 184 km

Start the day by visiting Bait al Zubair Museum in which the most exceptional collections are displayed by a private entity. Then leave Muscat for Wadi Ash Shab. On the way, make a stop in Quriyat and visit its fort and fish Souk. After strolling in Fins Beach, you go on an excursion by 4*4 to Wadi Ash Shab. Stay overnight in Wadi Ash Shab Resort.

Day 6

Sur-Wahiba Sands : 115 km

Depart Sur for Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands, and enjoy amber-colored sands and towering sand dunes, which gives you the opportunity to have an exquisite trekking. In addition, This desert offers you recreational activities such as camel riding and safari. At the end, the dinner is served in a local house. Spend overnight in the camp.

Day 8

Nizwa-Misfat Al Abriyeen : 177 km

In the morning, start your sightseeing in Nizwa. First, you visit Nizwa Fort featuring a unique large round shape used as a defending structure in the past. Then head for Nizwa Souq where Silverware, silver-plated daggers, potteries and jewelry are marketed. Next, you go on an excursion to Bahla and visit Bahla Fort, registered in UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pottery Bazaar and Jabreen Castle dating back to 1670. Afterwards, go for a stroll in Al Hamra Mud Village and visit Bait al Safah Museum where you get familiar with traditional lifestyle of Omanis. Then drive up to Jebel Shams Mountain (literally means sun mountain), considered as the highest mountain of the Hajar Range and take a trek in Misfat Al Abriyeen Village offering beautiful gardens and open terraces. You will stay overnight in Misfat Al Abriyeen.

Day 10

Departure Muscat

Transfer to MCT Airport for your flight home.