Oman – Taste of Oman Tailor-made
Day 1 : To Muscat
Depart from London Heathrow onboard Oman Airways direct flight WY102 at 20:05 to Muscat, Oman.
Day 2 : Muscat
Arrive Muscat at 07:15
Met on arrival, transfer to Hotel Crowne Plaza. Day at leisure to catch up on some rest and enjoy the hotel facilities while giving your body time to acclimatise.
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Day 3 : 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 Natural History Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later visit Mutrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat, complete with traditional souks, famous for its gold, frankincense and sandalwood.
From Mutrah the drive continues to Muscat Old Town where the tour continues on foot, walking past Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali.
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Day 4 : To Ras al Jinz
Visit Sur en-route, once an important hub for trade with India and China. The typical Omani dhows are still built in Sur and can be seen in the port. A restored 8th-century dhow, the Fatah Al Khair, is on display in the open-air museum. From here proceed to Ras Al Jinz, check-in at Ras Al Jinz Scientific Centre, after an early dinner around 2030hrs you will be guided to the beach to observe turtle nesting habits. Overnight in a Luxury Eco Tent at Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, (Carapace Room). B, D
Day 5 : To Wahiba Sands
The drive to Wadi Bani Khalid is through the Eastern Hajar Mountains, which offers a panoramic view of landscape below. We pass many pretty villages embedded in the mountains. Here the road winds down to the wadi alongside a large, shallow pool fringed with vegetation and ends at a village. We park our vehicles at this point and continue on a short trek to the deep blue pools of the wadi. Enjoy a swim in this glorious grace of nature. After spending some time in the Wadi, we drive to Wahiba Sands. B, D
Day 6 : To Jebel Akdher
Late monrning depart for Jebel Akdher - meaning Green mountains in Arabic- is famous for gardens, farms and terrace plantations. En route you will make a short stop at Birkat Al Mouz - to see one of the remote ruined vilages, large banana plantation and is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system. The roses of Jebel Akhdar fill the air with fragrance when in full bloom during March and April (Rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers). B, D
Day 7 : Jebel Akdher
Day at leisure to rest and relax or enjoy a leisurely walk in the surroundings. B, D
Day 8 : To Jabel Shams
Take in the expanses of mountain scenery mark your way to Jabreen Castle, designed to imitate the most beautiful grand European palaces of the 1600s. On the visit you’ll be enchanted by the stunning decorative inscriptions, frescoes and magnificent carvings – truly an authentic expression of Omani craftsmanship. In the Sun and Moon Room, reserved for important visitors, admire the majestic Islamic calligraphy, colorful eye drawings and rows of decorative windows. Afterwards, on to Bahla, best known for its gigantic ancient fort with towers of unbaked bricks, a remarkable example of this type of fortification that sits adjacent to the Friday Mosque with its decoratively sculpted prayer niche dominating the surrounding mud brick settlement and palm grove.
Later drive to Jebel Shams, the highest mountain peak in GCC with an altitude of 3000 meters.
Check in at Sama Heights (Chalet) for overnight stay.
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Day 9 : To Salalah via Muscat
Morning balcony walk within this environment is what is commonly called Oman ‘Grand Canyon’, a majestic semi-circular canyon, mid-way around the rim of which is the ‘Balcony Walk. Although generally classified as ‘moderate’ in intensity, the drops can be sheer so walkers should be comfortable with heights.
Check out from the hotel and depart for Muscat. Visit the old village of Al Hamra, restored by the government to show how Omanis lived in previous centuries.
From here we drive to Muscat via Bilad sayt and Wadi bani Auf. Bilad Sayt is one of the small villages that has preserved its traditional charm and sense of rural seclusion, situated in the protective mountains of Rustaq. The quaint old earthen houses arranged on terraces around the foot of the mountain are typical examples of medieval Omani dwellings. Abundant palm trees and a patchwork of terraced fields are characteristic of the beauty of this region. Fresh springs supply crystal clear drinking water to the village and the aflaj canals distribute the rare commodity wherever it is needed. The wealth ends in the adjacent Wadi, winding into the mountain range for approximately 7km. Wadi Bani Awf lies in a deep canyon, the luscious date palms a vivid contrast to the rugged, barren mountains. While inhospitable, the mountains provide protection against the blazing sun. Arrive at Muscat International Airport to board your domestic flight to Salalah departing in the evening.
Arrive at Salalah Airport and transfer to Crowne Plaza Salalah (Garden View Room) or Albaleed by Anantara for 3 nights stay.
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Day 10 : Salalah
After breakfast set out for a half day private guided excursion by luxury 4-wheel drive jeep to East Salalah. The excursion begins 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 to get 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 & harbour for the shipping of Frankincense (UNESCO World Heritage site).
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Day 11 : Salalah
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. Drive through lush green plantations of vegetables & fruits. Sample fresh coconut water drink at fruit stalls (at own cost) lining the streets within the periphery of the old Salalah town (Haffah). 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 Haffah souk, famous for the sale of high-quality Frankincense & numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs providing ample opportunity for shopping, before continuing to West Salalah.
After breakfast set out for a half day private guided excursion by luxury 4-wheel drive jeep to West Salalah. Driving across the northern part of the impressive Qara Mountains where you can see the real beauty of Dhofar. At Jobs tomb, the remains of the old testament prophet are alleged to be buried. Prophet Job is also mentioned in the Quran up to four times. From here you can see a unique panoramic view of the Al Garbib Plain. The tour continues towards Mughasyl passing Frankincense trees. Stop and smell the aroma of the holy incense before heading to the magnificent sandy beach outlined by sculptured cliffs and blowholes where plumes of water can reach a height of 30m or more. The view up the coast where the mountains drop to the sea is magnificent.
On our return journey take a photo stop at the lagoon at Mughsail where migratory birds – occasionally flamingos – are a common sight. Return to the hotel for the night.
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Day 12 : To London
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Later check out and transfer to Salalah Airport for your onward flight to London via Muscat. We will depart from Muscat onboard Oman Airways flight WY101 at 14:10, arrive arrive Heathrow Airport at 18:25. B
Itinerary map
Prices
| Price per person
(Double/Twin share) |
Single room supplement |
|---|---|
| £3,168.00 | £1,420.00 |
- International flights in economy class inclusive all taxes.
- Accommodation with private facilities as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Meal Plan: Half Board meals (breakfast only in Muscat and Salalah).
- All transfers and sightseeing arrangements by private coach/vehicles as per itinerary.
- Entry fee to museums and places of interest.
- Services of a local English speaking guide.
- Full ATOL and ABTA bonding.
- Tourist Visa for Oman.
- Camera/video entrance fees if applicable.
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel Insurance*
Sightseeing arrangements may vary according to local circumstances at each place on a day to day basis. Your local guides may decide to alter the programme where they feel it is necessary.
*Travel Insurance
It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.
• Make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover.
• Make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year).
• Make sure it covers you for all activities.
• Disclose pre-existing medical conditions.
• Take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency contact numbers with you.
If you have any doubts about your cover, check with your insurer. Please note Covid-19 cover is now available.
For a competitive quotation please visit https://www.indusexperiences.co.uk/insurance/
What our clients say
Brenda Frances and Valerie - India HolidayPlease pass on to Indus Travel heartfelt thanks for the holiday of a lifetime. My sisters and I could not have been better looked after from start to finish. Everywhere we visited we felt completely safe and secure with the knowledge that we were being taken care of.
