Four Days Program to the Sultanate of Oman

Day 1:
Muscat City Tour (9 – 10 hours)

09:00: The tour starts with a visit to the Grand Mosque (open daily except Fridays between 08:00–11:00 hrs). (Dress code – Women should wear attire covering their arms and legs and should cover their head with a scarf. Men should wear normal shirts and trousers.) Then we will drive you to the bustling fish and vegetable souq, where you can see the latest catch of fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits.

Not far away, we will see the (Old/Modernized) city of Muscat and catch a glimpse of the old town through the eyes of bygone travelers who left their marks and images collected and on display at the fine galleries and museums (Bait Al Zubair) in the heart of the Old Quarter. We will take a photo stop and have a look at the outside view of the Sultan’s Palace, flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani.
(Visit fee for Bait Al Zubair museum is 3 OMR for adults and 1 OMR for children 10-15 years.)

Lunch at the famous Omani Restaurant Al Rozna (Roznaoman.com).
After lunch, we drive to The Royal Opera House, Oman’s premier venue for musical arts and culture. The visit fee is 3.5 OMR. Then drive to Muttrah and visit the Muttrah Souq, where you will find a mix of old and new. Sights, sounds, and fragrances are in abundance. (Coffee shops are available for sandwiches, coffee, and juices). End of the Muscat tour and back to the hotel.

Day 2:
Muscat – Sinkhole – Wadi Shab – Sur – Ras Al Jinz

09:00: Depart Muscat for Sur via the scenic route through the eastern Hajar mountains and rugged coastal route. Part of this route offers breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine white beaches. We then proceed to the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue-green water at the bottom. It is a geological formation of the karst topography and a scenic wonder.

Then, a visit to Wadi Shab for some sightseeing in a beautiful wadi system. Take a hike up one of Oman’s scenic wadis. At the end of Wadi Shab, there is a swim through the famous keyhole into the secluded world, thrilling with fantasy. After a swim at Wadi Shab, walk back. (Important to know: walking at Wadi Shab requires good stone water shoes. The total distance of hiking is about two hours, which may not be easy for families with children under 7 years and older people).

Proceed to the old seafaring port of Sur. Sightseeing in Sur. After lunch, a visit to the Maritime Museum (Fee 3 OMR for adults and 300 baisa for children), then Dhow Builders’ Yard, and Sur lighthouse facing the Gulf of Oman. Drive about half an hour to reach Ras Al Hadd and towards Turtle Beach at Ras Al Junaiz. Time to settle in and dinner. At night – an excursion to the beach to find the green turtles nesting along the shore. (Watching turtle fee 5 OMR for adults and 3 OMR for children 10-15 years).

Dinner and overnight in a hotel or Sama Al Naseem resort.

Day 3:
Ras Al Junaiz – Wadi Bani Khalid – Al Mudhayrib – Al Sharqiyah Sands

09:00: Depart Ras Al Jinz for Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the largest wadis in Oman. Nestled deep into the mountains, it is a true oasis. Water cascades down the gorge, forming cool blue-green pools fed by underground streams flowing within the surrounding limestone hills. Perennial flowing streams of spring water carried in falaj (man-made channels) cling precariously to the rugged terrain and support villages in the area. Enjoy a swim.

After lunch, visit Al Mudhayrib, showing strong evidence of past history. Surrounding hills with watchtowers, fine old buildings with beautiful carved doors and arches remain. Proceed to Wahibah Sands (Al Sharqiyah Sands) – a typical example of a “sand sea.” This desert is magnificent with its rolling dunes, shifting sands, and changing colors. This used to be the home of traditional Bedouins, but you can still find some of them and definitely pass by their homes and look at their camels. A stop on the top of sand dunes to enjoy the sunset before our departure to the desert camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 4:

09:00 Depart the desert for Nizwa, a major center in the Interior Region. Nizwa clusters around its historical buildings, traditional souq, and the imposing circular-towered Nizwa Fort built during the mid-17th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Yar’ubi. (Adults’ fee is 5 OMR and children 10 – 15 years 3 OMR.)

The town is a lush palm oasis stretching for 8 km along two wadis. Water canals run through all parts of the Nizwa area. The most important one is Falaj Daris (UNESCO Heritage Site), formed by two streams which irrigate a large part of the town. At the souq, built in traditional style, you will find exquisite silver jewelry, intricately hand-made “khanjars” (daggers), copper weaving, and other handicrafts. You will visit the Nizwa Fort, the souq, and Falaj Daris.

After lunch, from here it is a short distance to the mighty bastion of Jabreen and the crown seat of the Yaruba Dynasty. Then we will stop at Misfat Al Abreen, a picturesque village strapped to the side of a mountain. As you walk around this beautiful village, where time has come to a standstill, you will be moved by the simplicity and friendliness of the people. End of the tour and return to Muscat.