Hidden Treasures of Oman
Hidden Treasures of Oman
Hidden Treasures of Oman
Hidden Treasures of Oman

Hidden Treasures of Oman

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Private Holiday
3 Days ex Muscat

Oman is the kind of destination which memories are made in. Slightly off the regular tourist path, this amazing country features desert oasis, sparkling coast, and dramatic mountains, combined with the hospitality of the people, including the Bedouin nomads, and the stunning and surprising wildlife make this an unforgettable tour.

Highlights

  • Spend a night in Bedouin tents under the magical desert stars.
  • Zig zag through the spectacular Hajar Mountains en route to beautiful wadi watering holes.
  • Drive through picturesque fishing villages along the stunning Gulf of Oman.

 

Day 1: Muscat - Jabrin - Hamra (B D)

Depart Muscat this morning (around 8.00 a.m.) towards Nizwa the former capital of Oman. En route to Nizwa visit the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz with its unique Aflaj irrigation systems. From the classical Arabic word meaning “split apart” irrigation systems in this style first appeared 5000 years ago.

Continue to Jabrin the finest of Oman’s castles. Built in the late 17th century it later became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed wood carvings.

Your next stop takes you to Wadi Nakher located in the depth of Oman’s deepest canyon. While heading for Jebel Shams stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul with its stone dwellings. In the Jebel Akhdar range Jebel Shams (the highest peak) offers a spectacular view with a vertical drop of 1000 meters to the wadi far below.Then explore Nizwa. The city is dominated by the Round Tower Fort completed in the 17th Century. The nearby traditional souk sells clay pottery silver jewellery and local produce.

Dinner and overnight stay at your Hotel.

Day 2: Nizwa - Wahiba Sands (B D)

Depart from Nizwa for Wahiba Sands. On the way visit Wadi Bani Khalid one of the largest and most beautiful wadis in Oman. The approach road which climbs high into the Eastern Hajar Mountains zigzags through some spectacularly colourful rock formations green with copper oxide and rust-red with iron ore. Wadi Bani Khalid comprises a long series of plantations and villages that lie in or close to the wadi floor. All year round water flows from a natural spring in the upper reaches of the wadi supporting the abundant vegetation that makes it such a beautiful spot.

Later visit a Bedouin family in their traditional and simple habitat and continue for the Wahiba Sands a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 metres which are host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. Dinner and overnight stay in Bedouin tents.

Day 3: Wahiba Sands - Sur - Muscat

Breakfast departure towards Muscat. The drive to Muscat is definitely a postcard moment so don’t forget to have your camera handy. Sitting in the back of your air conditioned vehicle you will have time to take in all that you see as you pass through a number of small towns on the way to Muscat. Most of the towns along the route make their livelihood from fishing and allow for picturesque settings of small fishing villages perched on the land that rises out of the ocean. Arrive in Sur a large town with an ancient harbour that still houses some of the original Dows that are still used today to catch the pride of the Omani oceans and Tiwi being a small fishing village.

Continue to the beautiful Fins beach for a swim. The next stop is the Bimah Sinkhole a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom.
Proceed to Wadi Arbayeen with its refreshing deep pools of water set among the date palms. Arrive in Muscat late this afternoon.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Transportation by private A/C luxury 4WD car with driver
  • Accommodation in listed hotels/camps (or similar) with private facilities
  • Meals as indicated
  • Sightseeing and entrance fee
  • Local private English speaking driver/guide
  • Oman Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • Oman Visa
  • International airfares
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Porterage
  • Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Departure taxes
  • Local Tourism Dirham tax (for Dubai only)
  • Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
  • Visas (unless specified)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Hamra:

Al Sahab Hotel

Wahiba Sands:

The 1000 Nights Desert Camp or similar

VISAS
Effective June 2018 Oman introduced a new E-visa system.


RAMADAN ( 05 May - 06 Jun 2019)
Please find below some rules and important information for tourists during Ramadan:

During the month of Ramadan Muslims will not eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset. Although Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, they have to obey the laws regarding eating, drinking and smoking in public and should respect the local culture. It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during Ramadan. Cafes and restaurants are closed during the day, and hotel beaches and pools also instate the no eating, drinking, and smoking rule.

Some hotels have screened-off areas for Non-Muslim guests where food and beverages are served during the day. Room service will also be available in most hotels. In case there are lunches included in tours and round trips, they will be mainly in form of picnic lunch boxes and guests have to eat in the vehicle. If travelling with an Omani driver/guide, please avoid drinking or eating in their presence. (Breakfast and dinner at the hotels will take place normally).

Alcohol will only be available in 5* hotels and only in selected outlets (if any). Otherwise alcohol will not be available (guests can take from home/duty free shop and consume in the privacy of their hotel room).

Public life/services in hotels and elsewhere can be very slow and often patience is required even for getting simple service. All members of society are expected to dress modestly, women making special efforts to limit the amount of make-up worn and cover arms, legs and shoulders.

Working hours are reduced as a rule during this time period. The normal workday of 8am to 5pm changes to 8pm to 2pm in most companies. Retail shops are usually only open in the morning hours and after 4pm, if at all. Supermarkets remain open from around 10h00 – midnight and some stores will deliver also (mainly Muscat area).

No music or dancing is allowed during Ramadan. Please turn your car stereo down and be mindful about playing music loudly even in the comfort of your room.
Hotels sometimes use the quieter month of Ramadan to carry out minor repairs or maintenance work which can cause inconvenience for the guests.
 

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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