Situated on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman a land of peace and
tranquillity, has a long and proud history that extends back
to the earliest of civilizations.
Because of its location on the Indian Ocean with a coastline
that stretches for over 1700 kilometres, Oman has left its
mark on history as a nation of traders and explorers.
Because of its history as a trading society, the Omani
people are an intriguing mix of races, mostly Arabic with
Asian and African undertones, making it one of the most
mixed cultures in the Gulf or Arabian Peninsula.
Here is a country that combines luxurious comfort amidst
rugged mountains, panoramic beaches and striking
desertscapes, while conjuring up tales of its legends, such
as “Sinbad the Sailor” and the “Queen of Sheba”. This is an
ideal destination to combine with a visit to Egypt, Jordan
or as a stayover enroute to Europe.
Exotic Oman
8 Days 7 Nights
Day 1 On arrival you will be met
and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Al Falaj Hotel. (D)
Day 2 Muscat City Tour
After breakfast, you will be driven to Azaiba, where you
will
find the Grand Mosque, standing in stately grandeur.
From
here you will be taken into the heart of a world that
has not
changed in generations and capture the spirit of a
bygone
era. The Old Souq of Muttrah awaits you with sights,
sounds
and aroma. See the old city of Muscat and catch a
glimpse of
the old quarter. Make a stop at the Sultan’s Palace
flanked
by the 16th Century Portuguese forts of Jalali and
Mirani.
Overnight: Al Falaj Hotel. (BLD)
Day 3 Nizwa
Today visit the palaces of yesteryear. Travel by road
via
Fanjah, passing through the Sumail Gap and arrive into
Nizwa, the old capital of Oman. Visit the fort of the
Yaruba
dynasty and stroll down town, which is still a bustling
centre
for crafts and the silver souq is the best in Oman. This
afternoon visit the ruins of Tanuf, famous for its
mineral
water springs. Travel on to Bahla, the oldest recorded
region of civilization in Oman, and UNESCO World
Heritage
listed. From here it is a short distance to the mighty
bastion
of Jabrin Castle, another famous historic landmark and
the
crown seat of the Yaruba Dynasty. Return to Nizwa with
an
optional trip to Al-Hoota Cave
Overnight: Falaj Dariz Hotel. (BLD)
Day 4 Wahiba Sands & Sur
After breakfast, drive towards the Golden Sands of
Wahiba with a stop at Al Mansfah in Ibra to see the
ruins of a once prosperous village which knew its
heydays hundreds of years ago. As you reach Wahiba,
indulge in dune bashing before driving inside the
mountains to reach the most beautiful Wadi of Oman,
Wadi Bani Khalid, where the pools are crystal clear.
After lunch at a local restaurant proceed to Sur. On
arrival in Sur, visit the Dhow yards where traditional
fishing vessels are still being made by hand today
Overnight: Sur Plaza / Sur Beach. (BLD)
Day5 Coastal Journey
Drive towards the coast. First stop is at Qalhat, where
you will find the Tomb of Bibi Miriam. From here it is a
short hop to Wadi Shab/ Wadi Tiwi, for some sightseeing
in a beautiful wadi system, and on to the white sands of
Fins Beach for a picnic lunch. After lunch visit the
Bimah
sinkhole, a geological formation of the karst topography
and a scenic wonder, before passing through some
spectacular mountain scenery up the coast on the journey
back to Muscat.
Overnight: Al Falaj Hotel. (BD)
Day 6 Salalah
Transfer to the airport for flight to Salalah. On
arrival
met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Hilton Salalah. (BD)
Day 7 East & West Salalah
After breakfast, cross the Qara mountains and enjoy the
beauty of Dhofar mountains. Visit Job’s Tomb, where the
remains of the Islamic prophet can be found. After
lunch,
the tour continues to Mughsayl, where the bird
sanctuaries
attract a rich collection of bird life. Continuing east,
pass
the Royal Far, Mamura Palace and Al Balid and on to Taqa
and the ruins of the legendary Palace of the Queen of
Sheba. After a stop at the 14th century Bin Ali Mosque,
visit Mirbat Castle and old merchant houses before
returning to Salalah.
Overnight: Hilton Salalah. (BLD)
Day 8 Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Muscat and
end
of the tour (B)
Key to Inclusions:
(B) Breakfast
(L) Lunch
(D) Dinner
(B&B) Bed & Breakfast
(FB) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8 Days/7 Night Package
Cost Per Person
Twin
Single
Jan - May
$2690
$3195
Jun - 15 Jul
$2820
$3580
16 Jul - Aug
$3025
$3945
Sep - Oct
$2915
$3750
Inclusions:
Airport transfers. Accommodation including
breakfast & dinner. English Speaking
driver/guide. Touring & transfers in
air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary.
Lunches as indicated in the itinerary. Entrance
fees to forts & museums. Domestic flight ticket
- Muscat - Salalah - Muscat
Notes:
Costs based on a minimum of 2 passengers -
reduction applies for minimum of 4
Day Trips Available - We have a number of
additional half or full day optional excursions
available to extend your stay. Please contact us for
details.
Also have you considered combining an Egypt and/or
Jordan stay with your Oman trip?
Please confirm prices with Bench International prior
to booking your trip.
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