Essence of Arabia: Muscat, Nizwa & Wahiba
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,982
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Experience the delights of this Arabian country on the Arabian Gulf which in many respects has not changed over time with its outstanding forts and charming villages. Enjoy time in the interesting capital Muscat.
Oman is a forward thinking and progressive country situated on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is made up primarily of desert and mountains and offers untouched beauty in its landscapes. Unlike its neighbour, UAE, it is made up of very few high rise buildings and in turn, reflects the traditional character of the country.
On arrival in Muscat, the capital, transfer to your hotel for 2 nights’ accommodation. Muscat is essentially a port but it has much charm and history which can be seen by spending time here. The following afternoon brings a tour through the upscale residential Shatti Al Qurum neighbourhood. Then visit the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the residence of the Sultan Qaboos with its blue and gold mushroom-shaped pillars. Next visit the 16th Century Portuguese forts, the Al Mirani and the Al Jalali and the new interactive museum, Bait Al Baranda. Later, spend time at the colourful Muttrah Bazaar.
The next day, travel to the village of Nakhi. En route, call in at the Grand Mosque then continue to the Seeb Fish Bazaar situated by the sea. Drive through date palm groves and stop at the Nakhi Springs for a stroll through the village and a visit to the Nakhi Fort located on a rocky promontory. Stay overnight in Mussanah on the coast.
The next morning, drive to the Amouage Perfumery which is responsible for a number of the most expensive perfumes in the world for both men and women. Eventually arrive at the village of Nizwa to visit the 17th Century Round Tower Fort. There is time to explore the village and the local Bazaar. Overnight in Nizwa.
The following day, you return to Muscat for a further 2 nights. En route, stop at the Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also stop at the 17th Century Jabrin, the premier castle in Oman which displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings. Continue to the charming village of Al Hamraat the foot of the mountains. Here visit the Bait Safah Museum and the ruins of a village at Tanuf.
On your final day in Muscat, depart by 4WD vehicles to the Wahiba Sands, a vast landmass of undulating red and white sand and dunes rising to a height of up to 200 metres/ 650 feet. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight. Then visit a Bedouin house in this wilderness. Later, head to Wadi Bani Khalid, a small group of attractive villages tucked into the mountains. The Wadi has clear deep blue water. Enjoy a picnic lunch here before heading back to Muscat.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,982
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Muscat
Upon arrival at Muscat International Airport you will be met and transferred to the Crowne Plaza Muscat for your overnight stay.
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Crowne Plaza Muscat |
| Location | View map |
-
Crowne Plaza Muscat
Check into the elegant Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel with its own private beach and easy access to local businesses. The dazzling white Crowne Plaza Muscat is located in an exclusive cliff-top residential area overlooking the Gulf of Oman, with terrace and pool and its own …
Check into the elegant Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel with its own private beach and easy access to local businesses. The dazzling white Crowne Plaza Muscat is located in an exclusive cliff-top residential area overlooking the Gulf of Oman, with terrace and pool and its own private beach. You'll be greeted by a doorman in traditional Omani dress and across the marble Lobby floor; friendly Front Desk staff are ready to check you in. Have a drink and bite to eat in the English-style atmosphere of Dukes Bar, or enjoy authentic Italian and Iranian cuisine in our restaurants.
Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Bar
- Business Centre
- Front Desk Services
- Lobby
- Meeting and Event Facilities
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Muscat
Proceed on a morning tour of the city. Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial centre existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbour, Muscat means "Anchorage"; lies in a natural volcanic bowl. Our tour of the Grand Mosque (except Friday); Bait Al Zubair Museum (except Friday) is a brief introduction that traces Oman's history and development. Drive along the waterfront Corniche visiting the Fish Market; 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; Jalali. (Dress code: Ladies fully covered and to carry a head scarf, men in trousers). Evening at leisure.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Muscat to Nizwa
This morning depart Muscat by 4WD and visit the fish market and souk in Barka. The drive continues along the Batinah plain. Pass on picturesque wadis to reach the oasis of Nakhl and take the turn off to Wadi Bani Auf. This is a very unique drive through the sedimentary mountains. If you would like there is a wonderful canyon to explore on foot. The route through the mountains is dramatic. Bilad Sayt is one of Oman's most quaint villages with an old world appeal. Explore this tranquil village on foot with its patchwork of terrace farming and traditional houses laid out against the rocky slopes. The route winds through mountains all the way unto the village of Al Hamra characterized by its mud houses and date plantations.
Continue on to Nizwa, boasting its Round Tower Fort, built in the 17th century and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction (only on Fridays) intricately hand-carved "khanjars" (daggers); ornamental silver jewellery (time permitting, alternatively the visit may be moved to day 4 or 5).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
The View |
| Location | View map |
-
The View
Oman's first-of-its-kind Eco Luxe retreat, complete with 30 Pod styled accommodation, nestled in the lap of nature across a wide stretch of valley located near Al Hamra. It's your getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday routine, a place where you can unwind and …
Oman's first-of-its-kind Eco Luxe retreat, complete with 30 Pod styled accommodation, nestled in the lap of nature across a wide stretch of valley located near Al Hamra.
It's your getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday routine, a place where you can unwind and rejuvenate yourself, totally stress free..
The View is located at 1,400 meters above sea level, driving through 8 kms of winding road from Al Hamra to Hail Al Shas. It is just 2 and a half hrs drive from Muscat, 45 minutes from Nizwa and 15 minutes from Al Hamra, it is a perfect getaway with 30 exclusive rooms for a truly relaxed and comfortable stay. It isn't just an 'Eco Luxe' retreat, but an experience where nature holds pride of place. Where service and hospitality is at its finest. It's an ideal port of call for visitors wanting to start adventurous trekking expeditions and excursions towards the peak of Jabal Shams Mountains.Facilities
- Restaurant
- Restaurant
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Nizwa & Jebel Shams
Drive past the village of Bahla onto Jabrin. Jabrin, the finest of Oman's castles built in the late 17th century, became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting; beautifully executed wood carvings. While heading for Jebel Shams stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul. Our next stop takes us to Wadi Nakher located in the depth of our deepest canyon. In the Jebel Akhdar range Jebel Shams the highest peak offers a spectacular view.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Nizwa To Wahiba
Proceed to the scenic Wadi Bani Khalid with its deep blue pools of water fringed by the date palms which is an ideal spot to relax or enjoy a refreshing swim. Head for Wahiba Sands, White Sea of sand which are host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
1000 Nights Camp |
| Location | View map |
-
1000 Nights Camp
1000 Nights Camp is the only one of its kind at Wahiba Sands. Guest will enjoy not only a spiritual and cultural, but a luxury experience of staying in-style in the heart of Wahiba Sands. The settling among the Cineraria trees emphasizes the beauty of …
1000 Nights Camp is the only one of its kind at Wahiba Sands. Guest will enjoy not only a spiritual and cultural, but a luxury experience of staying in-style in the heart of Wahiba Sands. The settling among the Cineraria trees emphasizes the beauty of the virgin golden sand dunes surrounding the camp. In certain mornings you can even see how the fog disappears gradually as the sun rises. The Arabian Nights Restaurant is located in the heart of the camp and next to the swimming pool. There are three different dining areas. One is the main restaurant which can accommodate up to a hundred guests. The second one is the Arabic style dining area where one can enjoy dining. The third one is semi-Arabic dining style. All three dining areas serve international and Arabic buffet.
Facilities
- Dining facilities
- Event Space
- Tour Desk
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Wahiba to Muscat
Visit the fish jetty and dhow factory. Visit the Sanseela Fort. Drive via coastal road to Muscat. Stop at Fins beach for a swim. Our next stop is the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. At Dibab take an adventurous offroad track to visit the Wadi Arbayeen, characterized by date palms and deep pools of water. Proceed to Mazara before returning to Muscat.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Crowne Plaza Muscat |
| Location | View map |
-
Crowne Plaza Muscat
Check into the elegant Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel with its own private beach and easy access to local businesses. The dazzling white Crowne Plaza Muscat is located in an exclusive cliff-top residential area overlooking the Gulf of Oman, with terrace and pool and its own …
Check into the elegant Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel with its own private beach and easy access to local businesses. The dazzling white Crowne Plaza Muscat is located in an exclusive cliff-top residential area overlooking the Gulf of Oman, with terrace and pool and its own private beach. You'll be greeted by a doorman in traditional Omani dress and across the marble Lobby floor; friendly Front Desk staff are ready to check you in. Have a drink and bite to eat in the English-style atmosphere of Dukes Bar, or enjoy authentic Italian and Iranian cuisine in our restaurants.
Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Bar
- Business Centre
- Front Desk Services
- Lobby
- Meeting and Event Facilities
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Depart Muscat
After breakfast transfer to Muscat International Airport for your onward journey.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers in Muscat
- 3 nights in first-class accommodation in Muscat
- 2 nights in first-class accommodation in Nizwa
- 1 night in first-class accommodation in Wahiba
- Private transportation in a Saloon Car and 4x4 vehicle
- Services of an English-speaking driver/guide throughout
- Private Muscat city tour
- Private tour of Barka Muscat
- Private tour of Jabrin Castle
- Private tour of Nizwa Round Tower Fort
- Private tour of Wadi Bani Khalid fish jetty & dhow factory (factory is closed on Fridays)
- Private tour of Sanseela Fort
- All entrance fees, service charges, and taxes
- 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals & beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees, if applicable
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
17 Aug 2023
