About the Experience

Programme details:

A 7-day, 8-night programme, introducing you to the Bedouin of Oman and the history and nature of this ancient region.

Day 1 - Sat - Arrival at Muscat International Airport

Welcome and assistance. You will be taken to your hotel where you may relax after your long flight. Depending on the arrival time of your flight, you have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at the 4* Park Inn Hotel or equivalent (5* Shangri-La Al Waha option at additional cost)

Day 2 - Sun - Muscat

The first stop on the Muscat City Tour is the Grand Mosque, the most beautiful architectural piece of work. The Mosque was built over a period of 6 years from 1995 to 2001. The main chandelier is made of pure Swarovski crystal and the carpet adorning the large prayer hall was woven by experts, made out of pure Persian silk. The Mosque exterior is constructed with quality Rajasthani Sandstone and the main halls as well as the smaller prayer rooms are adorned with the finest Italian Marble. The Mosque is surrounded by 5 minarets', each of which symbolizes the holy five vows taken by every devout Muslim to reinforce his faith in the Almighty. Definitely a "must see!"From the Mosque, proceed through the Embassy road (please note that it is forbidden to take photographs) to the old part of Muscat city: The Muttrah souk - a traditional Omani market. The souk offers a wide range of goods, especially typical Omani souvenirs like Frankincense, the Omani Dagger or Khanjar and beautiful silver handicrafts and "Pashmina shawls". The guide will escort you on the stroll through the souk and assist wherever needed to obtain the best deal (bargaining is part of the daily trade here!).

The next stop is the Bait Al Zubair Museum. The museum is a small town house that has been converted to display the old archeological findings and Omani traditions such as national dress and jewelry. The Museum also has an interesting display of old pictures of Muscat before the renaissance that started with his Majesty the Sultan Qaboos's reign in 1970.From here we shall proceed to see the Sultan's Palace (video filming is prohibited) surrounded by the 2 Forts of Mirani and Jalali built by the Portuguese in the 16th century during their rule of the coastal cities of Oman. Finally return to the Hotel on the Al Bustan Road (named after the famous Al Bustan Palace hotel).

Overnight at the 4*Park Inn Hotel or equivalent (5* Shangri-La Al Waha option at additional cost)

Alternative option for Day 2 - Muscat City tour and Visit Local Family

Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial center existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbour, Muscat means "Anchorage" and lies in a natural volcanic bowl. Our tour of the Grand Mosque (not open Thursdays/Fridays), the Natural History Museums (which houses flora and fauna and a giant fossil) and Bait Al Zubair Museum (not open Fridays) is a brief introduction that traces Oman's history and development. Drive along the waterfront Corniche visiting the Fish Market and the colourful Muttrah Souq. We proceed for a photo stop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. (Ladies fully covered with a scarf and men in trousers).

Proceed to visit local family. While inside the house, all men will be accommodated at the Majlis (receiving area) while Women will be at the kitchen with some Omani housewives doing some cooking lesson. This is an opportunity to sit with them to learn their ways and values.

Lunch all together with a local interpreter.

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at the 4*Park Inn Hotel or equivalent (5* Shangri-La Al Waha option at additional cost)

Day 3 - Mon - Nakhl, Al Thowara, Wadi Bani Auf to Nizwa

After breakfast at hotel, we drive to Nakhl.

In Nakhl which has the highest fort in Oman, standing proudly on top of a hilltop, photo stop. Proceed to the Al Thowara Oasis where one can witness the source of the natural springs. Between Nakhl and Rustaq a hidden road leads up a 2000m high part of the Hajar Mountain range. Stop at Wadi Bani Auf where the main attraction is the old houses nestled on the slopes of the mountain and this Wadi is also well known as the "snake gorge" because of the wide variety of desert snakes that live here. Proceed to Bilad Sayt a village that is famous for its clay houses and the Oasis in which the village population lives. There is also an old family that breeds bees and produces natural honey (one can also buy a bottle of the precious nectar from this small family production). After this visit, enjoy a picnic lunch at the peak of the Hajar Mountain. After lunch we proceed to the villages of Al Hamra and Misfah also known as Misfat Al Abreen. The village of Al Hamra which boasts a set of ancient ruins and provides the viewers a beautiful panoramic photo stop from the top where the village is situated on a hillock. Misfah is a typical Omani village that gives guests an insight of how the locals used to live centuries ago. The houses are made of clay and mud in order to keep the interior cool even during the summer months. Misfah has a falaj system and green terraces which provides the population of Oasis dwellers abundant bounty in terms of fruits (mango, papaya, banana and dates) and vegetables in spite of the dry vegetation elsewhere.

OPTIONAL: The next stop is Al Hoota caves - The Hoota Caves is one of the most accessible caves in Oman and there are many such caves. It is situated close to Al Hamra. The Hoota caves system was formed by the dissolution of limestone by acidic water. The caves appear in the cretaceous "Natih" formation. It is a breathtaking sight to see the stalagmite and stalactites in the caves - a desert "grotto" experience!

Overnight at 3* Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel or equivalent

Day 4 - Tues - Nizwa, Bahla, Wadu Ghul and Misfah

Nizwa, capital of the country's interior, boasts of the famous Round Tower Fort built in the 17th century, and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved "Khanjars" (daggers) & ornamental silver jewellery.

We proceed by to Bahla fort (photo stop), the oldest and first Omani fort to be built in the Islamic style. Then continue to Jabreen castle (45 km from Nizwa), the finest of Oman's castles built during the late 17th century, which became a seat for Omani education and learning. The castle displays beautiful ceiling paintings and intricate wood carvings.

Visit the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul, well-known as the home of some of the best traditional weavers in Oman. The traditional patterns are geometric, made from red, black and brown vegetable and chemical dyes. Stop at the medieval village of Al Hamra, a wide date plantation in between the rough mountain terrain. Here we have also the opportunity to visit a local family, where you can experience the delicious local cuisine and learn more about the day to day life in this traditional village.

En route back to Nizwa we will stop at Misfah, a pretty mountain village based into the mountainside.

Overnight at 3* Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel or equivalent

Day 5 - Wed - Wahiba Sands Desert Camp

After breakfast and check out visit the Wadi of Maedeen. This Wadi is located at the foot of the Jabals and has a beautiful natural spring water source. From this wadi we head in the direction of Birkat Al Mauz or "village of clay". There is a full settlement of clay ruins (ancient houses) that are still partially inhabited and was once very famous for the banana plantations, now more so for the date plantations. One can also see how the traditional irrigation system that was used centuries ago and till date functions as the village uses it to nourish the Oasis. Enjoy a meal of local Omani cuisine (meat or grilled fish with rice) and fresh salads.

The Bedouin camp that you visit is the only one of its kind at the Wahiba Sands and is a traditional camp. The setting in the bare wilderness of the desert emphasises the beauty of the virgin golden sand dunes surrounding the camp. The camp's serene environment and simplicity is a wonderful experience.

Sleep sheltered in traditional Bedouin accommodation under a roof of starry skies and enjoy a genuine Bedouin experience, with your guides ready to tell you about the ways and beliefs of the Bedouin people. Enjoy a traditional Arabic meal, Omani coffee and dates.

Overnight at the Desert Camp

Day 6 - Thu - Wahiba to Wadi Bani Khalid

Breakfast in camp

Today, you will spend time with your Bedouin hosts. The sands are the traditional homes of the nomads and the Bedouins, so it is common to see them moving through the desert with their camels. In the middle of the desert, you will stop and be welcomed into a Bedouin "home". A camel ride is optional but the bedouin will be keen to show teach you how to handle the camels. You will spend time and sit with Bedouin, learn their ways and values while enjoying traditional Omani coffee and dates. You are then welcomed to take lunch with the local Bedouin people and support them by buying the hand made products which they produce and are on sale in the camp. In the evening, you will spend time with your Bedouin hosts around a bonfire, while listening to their stories and traditional OUDH music.

Overnight at the Desert Camp

Day 7 - Fri - Wahiba to Sur

Breakfast in camp

Wahiba Sands is a vast mass of undulating red and white sand dunes rising up to 200 meters and stretching as far as the eye can see. It is also a host to a large variety of flora and fauna and ever-changing patterns of dunes which are a photographer's delight! Enjoy an exhilarating round of "dune bashing" in 4 WDS.

Drive to visit Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful Wadi indeed. The wadi has clear deep blue waters, where the shade of the palm trees is inviting for a relaxing siesta! Catch a glimpse of the pretty villages scattered all over Wadi Bani Khalid as they cling precariously to the slopes of the rugged mountain-side (Please bring along your swim-wear, the clear waters of the Wadi are very inviting! Also please note that light clothing and walking shoes may be more suitable on this trip). After a refreshing shower and dinner assemble in the main lobby of the Carapace research centre around 21:00 hrs where the rangers will divide you into groups of 10-15 people. Proceed on a 15 min walk to the place where the green turtles nest on the calm beaches of Ras Al Jinz. The turtles can be seen late at night (21hrs to 23hrs) and then again early in the morning (about 04 am). Enjoy this natural phenomenon - an experience that is guaranteed to stay in your memory for a long time.

Overnight at 3* Turtle Beach Resort or equivalent

Day 8 - Sat - Sur to Muscat

On the way to Muscat, you will visit Sur, the fishermen's harbour and witness the fishermen in action. Proceed on to the Dhow building site. Dhows are traditional Omani wooden fishing boats that are even today, built by hand. You will visit the local fishermen's village and spend time to meet them, take lunch with them, learn their ways and gain an understanding of their culture. Our guides will help you to discuss things with the local people to whatever extent you wish.

Drive on to Wadi Shab (Tiwi). Visit the mausoleum of Bibi Miriam at the village of Qalhat. Visit the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater that had been created many years ago by a collapsing mountain. The hole is filled with blue-green sea water. Finally on to the small quaint fishing village of Quriyat before entering Muscat.

Overnight at 4* Park Inn Hotel or equivalent (5* Shangri-La Al Waha option at additional cost)

Day 9 - Sun - Muscat

Transfer to Muscat International Airport for your flight home.