Oman: The historic forts, wadis, oases and vast sandy beaches of Oman

Oman: The historic forts, wadis, oases and vast sandy beaches of Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is a country with a rich history and not so long ago it opened it’s borders to foreign visitors. The traditional hospitality is still high in the priorities which is evident in the extremely friendly people living here. The capital Muscat is the residence of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who reigns this country from his 1001 Arabian-nights palace. In Muscat you will find beautiful palaces, mosques, souks and museums to visit. On beautiful sandy beach shores there are five star luxury hotels such as The Chedi or Al Bustan Palace.
During this tour with 4WD and driver you will be introduced you to another side of Oman: authentic mountain villages, idyllic oases and an immense desert. With overnights at special locations such as a cabana on turtle beach, a tented camp in the Wahibi Sands desert and a mountain lodge on top of Jebal Shams at an altitude of 3000m.

The best time to visit Oman is from 1 november t / m 30 april.

Private roundtrip by 4wd with driver/guide in Oman

Program
Day 1. Muscat
Flight by KLM to Muscat, the smallest capital in the world, and transfer to Hotel Crowne Plaza ****, with a beautiful seaside location, not far from Muscat. A swimming pool and private beach are available for guests.

Day 2. Muscat
After breakfast, private city tour including visit to the great mosque, museum, the famous souk and the palace of Sultan Qaboos. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 3. Muscat – Sur – Ras al Jinz (ca. 330 km)
Drive along the coast with beautiful beaches and fishing villages to a beautiful Wadi, for a picnic in an oasis. Then on to Sur, located on a lagoon close to the sea, which is famous for it’s traditional shipyards for dhow boats. After a boat trip along the coast continue on to Ras al Jinz. Here is an interesting archaeological museum and a visitors centre with the main theme: sea turtles. With a bit of luck you will be able to spot large turtles, which come ashore to lay eggs during the night. Overnight in the adjacent Carapace Lodge

Day 4. Ras al Jinz – Wahibi Sands
Today the journey will take you back inland and the first stopped will be at Wadi Bani Khalid. This hidden oasis paradise consists of turquoise lagoons and beautiful rocks. Towards the end of the day you will reach the sand dunes of Wahibi Sands, where the overnight stay will be in one of the simple cabanas in the beautifully situated Nomadic Camp. This authentic camp is situated on the edge of enormous sand dunes and has its own camels.

Day 5. Wahibi Sands – Jebel Shams
On the way to the top of the Haggar mountains you will make a stop in the mountain village Misfah, where it seems that time stood still. The village lies in an oasis with fruit trees and historic waterways, ancient houses and picturesque streets. This will be followed by a spectacular mountain hike along unspoilt villages and an impressive canyon, that after The Grand Canyon, is counted one of the most spectacular canyons in the world. Overnight on top of the “Sun Mountain” in a cottage where guests can make their own campfire.

Day 6. Jebel Shams – Nizwa
Today you will visit the town of Al Hamra, and a museum that is run by local women. The mud fort Bathla has 15 gates and 132 watchtowers and is listed by UNESCO as a heritage site. The beautifully restored 17th century fort of Jabrin located close to Al Hamra is considered one of the most beautiful forts in the country. Overnight in Nizwa at the Golden Tulip Hotel with garden and swimming pool.

Day 7. Nizwa
The former walled capital of Oman has a beautiful old town centre with historical buildings including the impressive fortress. The small souk is one of the nicest to be found in Oman where you will find herbs alongside gold and silver. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 8. Nizwa- Muscat
Return to Muscat via the impressive Haggar Mountains. During the mountain tour you will travel over dirt roads with breathtaking views. On the other side of the mountain is the ancient fort of Nakhl, which dates from before the Islamic period and here you will find hot pools. Continue on to Muscat and drop off at the Chedi Hotel *****, located at the seaside.

Dag 9. Muscat
A wonderful stay at The Chedi, a luxury design hotel built in Omani low-rise style with extensive gardens and a private sandy beach on the Gulf of Oman. There are 2 different pools and also available for guests are tennis courts and an extensive Spa. The beach restaurant is a hotspot and during the evenings lit with candles. The centre of Muscat is located approximately at 15 minutes.

Day 10. Departure Muscat
At your own disposal transfer to the airport (10km) for the flight from Muscat to Amsterdam.

Dag 11 Amsterdam
Arrival at Schiphol.

 

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