ESSENCES OF OMAN

Arrival at Muscat International Airport. Our representative will meet you in the arrivals area. Transfer to the hotel in Muscat.

Standard check-in time is at 14:00 hrs. Free day for personal activities, where guests may choose an optional tour (optional excursions are presented in the table at the end of this program).

Accommodation at a hotel in Muscat (No meals included).

Breakfast at the hotel. At 8:00 AM, our day begins with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture, adorned with Swarovski chandeliers and hand-woven silk carpets.

(When visiting the mosque, please dress modestly; women must cover their heads with a scarf. Avoid shorts, beachwear, or sleeveless clothing for both men and women. Easy-to-remove shoes are recommended, as they must be removed before entering.)

We will continue our visit with Bait Al Zubair, a private museum funded by the Zubair family, one of the oldest families in Oman. This cultural space displays a remarkable collection of Omani artworks and objects, as well as hosting various events. The museum proudly showcases the family’s extensive collection of Omani artifacts, considered one of the finest private collections in the country.

Photo stop at Al Alam Palace (photo stop only – entrance is not permitted). Al Alam Palace, also known as the Sultan’s Palace or Sultan Qaboos Palace, is one of the six royal residences of Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. It faces the Gulf of Oman. Built in 1972, it has a history of more than 200 years.

Afterwards, we will stop in Muttrah, the old part of the city, to visit its traditional souq; Muttrah Souq, where handicrafts, fabrics, Omani clothing, spices, jewelry, and various items are sold, being a market more oriented towards locals than tourists. It is one of the oldest markets in Oman, approximately 200 years old. Its history has enhanced its beauty, magic, and charm. The market begins at a gate facing the Sea of Oman and the Muttrah Corniche and ends at another gate in the old neighborhoods of the city.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and free time for optional activities if desired. Accommodation in Muscat.

Breakfast included.

Breakfast. Departure towards Bimmah Sinkhole, an impressive natural pool 20 meters deep with crystal-clear waters. We will continue towards Wadi Shab, a picturesque canyon with freshwater pools, palm trees, and a waterfall hidden inside a cave (photo stop).

Afterwards, we will visit Wadi Tiwi, a spectacular valley filled with crystal-clear pools, green palm trees, and dramatic cliffs. This can be done as a photo stop, with the option of a short 5–10-minute walk to capture unforgettable images of the natural landscape. Lunch at a local restaurant and visit to the Sur dhow factory, where traditional wooden boats are still built using ancestral techniques.

Continuation towards Ras Al Khabbah and check-in at Al Asala Resort or in Sur. Early dinner at the hotel. At 20:30 hrs, we will visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, an important conservation site where nesting turtles can be observed at night.

Important note: The best season for observing nesting turtles at Ras Al Jinz is generally from July to September. Outside this period, sightings may be limited or cannot be guaranteed, as they depend entirely on natural and environmental conditions.

Return to the hotel. Overnight at Al Asala Resort or in Sur.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Note*: In case Al Asala Resort is unavailable, alternative accommodation in Sur will be arranged.

After breakfast, departure towards Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis with emerald-green pools, tall palm trees, and spectacular rocky canyons, where we will take a short, relaxed walk and have time to enjoy a refreshing swim.

For this visit, comfortable and lightweight clothing is recommended, with your swimsuit (bikini or bathing suit) already worn underneath your clothes. It is important to bring a towel and, depending on preference, water sandals.

Lunch at a local restaurant and change to 4x4 vehicles (maximum 4 people per vehicle) for the journey towards Wahiba Sands. This vast desert, home to Bedouin nomads, offers impressive dunes, unique cultural encounters, and fascinating night skies.

Enjoy a dune drive and a spectacular sunset in the desert. Dinner and overnight stay at Wahiba Sands.

Breakfast and dinner included.

After breakfast, check-out. The 4x4 vehicle will drop you off in Bidiya. Change from the 4x4 to a minibus or van to continue the journey towards Nizwa.

Visit to the Oman Across Ages Museum, a modern and interactive space offering an in-depth overview of Oman’s history, from prehistoric times to the present day, highlighting the country’s cultural, social, and economic development through innovative exhibitions.

Continuation towards Birkat Al Mauz, a picturesque village with date plantations and the historic Falaj irrigation system (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Lunch at a local restaurant and visit to Jabreen Castle, a well-preserved 17th-century fortress known for its rich history and impressive architecture.

Photo stop in Bahla, famous for its pottery and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed fort (photo stop from the outside).

Arrival in Nizwa and check-in at the hotel. Overnight in Nizwa.

Breakfast included.

After breakfast, visit to Nizwa Fort, known for its enormous cylindrical tower and historical exhibitions, followed by Nizwa Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman, filled with commercial activity and local souvenirs. Lunch at a local restaurant and return by road to Muscat. Transfer to Muscat Airport to take your flight to the next destination. End of our services.

Note*: The departure flight should be booked from 17:00 hrs onwards on this day.