A TASTE OF OMAN

Standard Package

• 3 nights in a Deluxe room at Majan Continental Hotel Muscat
• 1 night in a Standard room at Sama Ras Al Jinz Resort
• 5 meals: 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner
• Airport meet and greet service by an English speaking airport representative
• Round-trip private airport transfers with an English speaking driver
• Private sightseeing tours with an English speaking driver cum guide in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel taxes and service charges

Upgrade Package

• 3 nights in a Superior room at Shangri-La Hotel Al Waha Muscat
• 1 night in a Carapace room at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
• 5 meals: 4 breakfasts and 1 dinner
• Airport meet and greet service by an English speaking airport representative
• Round-trip private airport transfers with an English speaking driver
• Private sightseeing tours with an English speaking driver cum guide in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Hotel taxes and service charges

DAY 01

ARRIVAL IN MUSCAT

On arrival at Muscat International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 02

MUSCAT/NAKHAL/RUSTAG/MUSCAT (B)

Drive along the magnificent Batinah coastline to Barka, then heading south to reach the Oasis of Nakhal. After a photo stop at the 17th Century Nakhal Fort, we continue to Al Thowarah Hot Springs just a few miles from Nakhal Fort. Finally, visit another pre-Islamic fort in Rustaq, the former capital of Oman, during medieval times before heading back to Muscat.

DAY 03

MUSCAT/RAS AL JINZ (B/D)

After breakfast, start a coastal drive south towards the turtle nesting ground of Raz Al Jinz, passing by Bimmah Sink Hole and the popular setting of Finn Beach. A stop amongst the beautiful landscapes of Wadi Tiwi provides a chance for a walk through one of Oman’s most spectacular wadis before continuing to Raz Al Jinz later this afternoon. There will be time to freshen up before heading out this evening to search for turtles.

DAY 04

RAS AL JINZ/SUR/WADI BANI KHALID/WAHIBA SANDS/MUSCAT (B)

Leave Ras Al Jinz for Sur, a historic old port town famous for its Dhow Building Yard. We walk along the seaside and visit the Dhow Building Yard and visit the Maritime Museum. Catch a glimpse of the pretty villages scattered all over Wadi Bani Khalid as they cling precariously to the slopes of the rugged mountainside. Enjoy the clear waters of the Wadi and the sight of palm trees all around. (Please bring along your swimwear; bikinis not allowed. Also, please note that light clothing and walking shoes may be more suitable for this trip). Our journey continues into the desert, towards the rolling dunes and shifting sands of Wahiba where, after a bit of dune-bashing, visit a local Bedouin family in their home to get a close-up view of their lifestyle and share coffee and dates with the genuine Bedouins. From here, we drive straight back to Muscat for a free evening.

DAY 05

MUSCAT SIGHTSEEING AND DEPARTURE (B)

Meet your guide this morning for a Muscat city tour. We drive toward the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat en route to visit the magical Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (except on Fridays). The imposing structure is a fine example of modern Islamic architecture. The grand mosque’s five minarets symbolize the five core values of Islam. Admire the architectural beauty of its sandstone domes, minarets, courtyards, and the main prayer hall is truly stunning. Explore the excellent Bait Al Zubair Museum, followed by a photo stop at the Al Alam Palace, before taking a wander around the Muttrah Souq. After the city tour, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

* Please be aware that to enter the Grand Mosque, ladies should be fully covered (including a headscarf), and men are not allowed in wearing shorts.

Meals: B= Breakfast       L= Lunch       D= Dinner