This wonderful journey will allow you to discover an authentic and still unspoilt place. A country full of contrasts: from the coastal city of Muscat to the Omani hinterland, passing through ancient and characterful villages that are still inhabited, mountains, desert and lush valleys. The tour also includes visits to the various local markets, such as the one in Nizwa.
Starts from
6 days / 5 nights - from Muscat to Muscat.
Characteristics
Group tour - see departure calendar. Please note: the tour is guaranteed for a minimum of 2 people. You are strongly advised to be at the place set for the departure of the excursion or visit at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. The long journeys between one place and another and the mainly cultural nature of the trip mean that the itinerary is recommended for adults only. In the case of children, the minimum age required is 5 years. Quotation on request.
Important notes
Standard hotels: Muscat - Radisson Panorama 4* Wahiba Sands - Arabian Oryx Camp (standard camp) Nizwa - Falaj Daris Hotel 3* Superior hotels: Muscat - Movenpick Hotel And Apartments Ghala Muscat 5* Wahiba Sands - Deserts Night Camp (deluxe camp) Nizwa - Golden Tulip Nizwa 4*
The organising company reserves the right to change the itinerary and/or the hotels set out in the programme for others of a similar or superior category, should unforeseen circumstances require it and should it be necessary for the safety and normal continuation of the tour.
Meals
Meals: 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinners.
Itinerary
Giorno 1 — Muscat
On arrival at MUSCAT international airport. After immigration procedures, you then collect your luggage. Passing through customs and collecting luggage are simple and quick formalities. You will then be met by your driver (English-speaking). Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner not included and overnight stay.
Giorno 2 — Muscat
Breakfast. Departure to discover the capital of the Sultanate, founded in the first century and a crossroads between the Arabian Peninsula, Asia and Africa. This day begins with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a true architectural masterpiece. You then continue to Al-Alam Palace, the Sultan's residence, to take photographs of the exterior only. There are three forts in Muscat, all built, in their present form, around 1580 during the Portuguese occupation of the city. Mutrah Fort stands on a hill, while those of Jalali and Mirani stand guard at the entrance to Muscat. All the forts are still used by the police and/or the military and are therefore closed to the public, but they can nevertheless be photographed. We continue to the old town and stop to visit the Bait Al Zubair museum (which houses several collections of objects representing the culture of Oman) before arriving in Mutrah, a fishing port and an important centre of local trade. Free time for the souk, which has retained all its oriental atmosphere. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel. Afternoon of relaxation at the hotel. In the afternoon, transfer (without guide) to the port for a sunset boat tour along the coast of Muscat (2-hour tour). At the end of the excursion, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay. Dinner not included.
Auto
Giorno 3 — Muscat → Wahiba Sands
Breakfast. Short tour of Muscat's embassy and ministry district, then on to the "Amouage" perfume factory, where you can discover some of the secrets of this legendary fragrance. Departure for Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis with a natural pool set in a narrow and very green valley. There is the chance to swim in warm turquoise water, with a magnificent landscape of mountains and desert. Picnic lunch. Departure through the mountains for the Wahiba Sands desert, a vast expanse of orange-coloured dunes, some of them more than 100 metres high. This has been the natural habitat of the Bedouin for more than 7,000 years. Along the way, you can discover characteristic villages, some of which will give the impression that time has stood still (photo stops). On arrival at Al Mintrib, you will find the drivers with their 4x4s, who will take you across the desert to the camp. At the camp, the Bedouin will welcome you with Omani coffee, fresh fruit and soft drinks. Dinner under the stars and overnight stay at the camp. Approximately 350 km.
Auto
Giorno 4 — Wahiba Sands → Nizwa
Early in the morning you will witness the sun rising over the dunes. Breakfast and time to relax, during which you will be able to explore the desert. Then, departure by 4x4 to reach Al Mintrib and take the minibus again to set off for Nizwa. Stop at Sinaw, where you can visit the old village and the local souk. Departure for Jabrin and visit to the castle built in 1675 by Imam Sultan bin Bil'Arab as his secondary residence. It is famous for its painted ceilings, its walls decorated with arabesques, and its door and window grilles in stucco or wood. Then a photo stop in front of the pre-Islamic fort of Balah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch at a local restaurant in Balah. On arrival in NIZWA, a stroll through the souk, famous for its crafts: khanjars (curved daggers), ceramics, baskets. Return to the hotel, dinner not included and overnight stay. Approximately 250 km.
Auto
Giorno 5 — Nizwa → Jebel Shams → Nakhl → Muscat
Breakfast. Departure to visit Nizwa, capital of the interior and cradle of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. It was the capital of many imams and enjoyed a period of prosperity during the reign of the Ya'ruba dynasty, in power in the country from 1624 to 1744. It has one of the oldest mosques in the world (cannot be visited). Visit of the fort and its watchtower. Visit of the livestock market, where you will enjoy the unique experience of taking in the lively atmosphere that reigns there. You will continue on to Al Hamra. From the walkway you can enjoy a view stretching over the region and its palm groves. Visit of the village of Bait Al Safah, where in the heart of the settlement you will discover a traditional earthen house, witness to the Oman of 300 years ago. The women will re-enact for you the gestures of the crafts of times past: making flour, powdered medicines and local fritters. During the visit you will be offered local coffee (kawa) and dates. Continuation by 4x4 towards Misfah for a photo stop at this little marvel perched on the edge of a canyon, in the heart of an arid mountain. You can stroll along its narrow streets with mud walls, lulled by the sounds of everyday village life. You continue on to Jebel Shams to see Oman's Grand Canyon. Lunch break. Change of vehicle and continuation to Muscat by coach/car. Return to Muscat. Dinner not included and overnight at the hotel. Approximately 250 km.
Giorno 6 — Muscat
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Barkha fish market, a traditional local fish market located in Barkha. Here you will see many varieties of fish (tuna, prawns and many others) and the traditional way of bargaining over sales and purchases. Visit of the Ain Thowara hot spring, set among the date plantations at the foot of the Hajar mountains. Visit of Nakhal Fort, one of the finest forts in Oman. The fort has no ceiling beams. The roofs are supported by columns, and the thickness of each wall is no less than three metres. Lunch not included. After the visit, return to Muscat. Arrival in Muscat and transfer to the airport for those travelling on a flight from 8:00 pm (without guide). Approximately 300 km.
Price includes
- Transfer to/from Muscat airport, arrival Monday / departure Saturday- 3 nights: Muscat in a Standard Double Room on a bed and breakfast basis- 1 night: Wahiba Sands in a Double Room on a half-board basis- 1 night: Nizwa in a Standard Double Room on a bed and breakfast basis- meals as per the itinerary- Tour by car/mini-bus or coach depending on the size of the group.- 4WD shuttle to/from the Desert Camp and to/from Jebel Shams- All entrance fees to the forts and museums- Mineral water on board during the tour- Italian-speaking local guide throughout the tour
Price does not include
- International flights- Oman visa if the stay exceeds 14 days, to be obtained before departure online at https://evisa.rop.gov.om/- Porterage at the airport and at the hotel- Tips (guide/driver)- Meals not mentioned in the programme and in the price includes- Anything not mentioned in the programme and in the price includes
Notes
ROOMS: The rooms are always and only for 1 or 2 beds. The terms triple, quadruple, family room refer solely to the number of occupants, who will be accommodated in the existing beds (maximum 2 beds). An additional bed (rollaway), even if requested at the time of booking, is always subject to availability and payment of a local supplement. Requests for rooms with a double bed or twin beds, connecting rooms, adjacent rooms, on higher or lower floors, etc., are always subject to availability and are never guaranteed. DISABLED: passengers with various types of disabilities can participate as long as they are self-sufficient. In fact, the means of transportation are not equipped with ramps to facilitate boarding and disembarking, and for insurance and safety reasons, neither the driver nor the conductor are authorized to assist passengers. Therefore, the presence of a travel companion who can provide all the necessary assistance is mandatory. Any wheelchairs must be of standard size, foldable, and must fit in the luggage compartment (general information subject to the rules and acceptance of the local service provider). Reservations are always upon request. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Participants must ensure before departure that they have the necessary and valid documentation for entry into the countries visited during the tour. MINIMUM AGE: 5 years old. SMOKING: smoking is not allowed on buses and in hotels. HOTEL FINAL LIST: indicated in the travel documents. HOTEL / ITINERARY, CHANGES: The organizing company reserves the right to modify the itinerary and/or the planned accommodations if required by unforeseen circumstances and if necessary for the safety and smooth continuation of the trip. HOTEL, CHECK-IN: as a rule, rooms are assigned starting from 2-3 pm; any early check-in is at the hotel's discretion. The request for a guaranteed early assignment requires booking an extra night prior to arrival. INTOLERANCES AND SPECIAL DIETARY REGIMES: food intolerances (allergies, celiac disease, etc.) and special dietary regimes (vegan, etc.) must be communicated at the time of booking. Special menus or treatments are not provided or guaranteed, but we will do our best to accommodate the needs of participants. Notifications made after arrival will not be taken into consideration. PUNCTUALITY: we recommend respecting the scheduled times. No refunds are provided for services missed due to customer delays. REFUNDS: There are no refunds for parts of the tour or excursions not carried out due to force majeure; in any case, no refund is due to the customer who decides to interrupt the trip or stay. HEALTH / VACCINATIONS: Participants must be aware of the itinerary and their own physical ability to handle it; it is recommended to always check the Viaggiare Sicuri website for the latest updates on necessary and recommended vaccinations and prophylaxis.
