Oman City Tour

Upon arrival at Muscat International Airport, you will be picked up and taken to your hotel. Following check-in, spend the rest of your day at leisure, enjoying the hotel facilities.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Grand Mosque, also known as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is aptly named, as it is one of the largest mosques in the world and is able to accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. Prepare to be spellbound by the bright and beautiful intricate artwork, chandeliers and a one-piece carpet that covers the entire sprawling prayer hall. Please ensure you are dressed conservatively for this visit: long trousers and covered shoulders for men, covered head, covered arms, and long trousers or floor-length skirts for women.

You will then proceed to the Royal Opera House Muscat, famously known as the musical arts and culture centre of Oman. This opulent venue is designed to resemble an Omani Palace and its architecture will not disappoint. Finish your day visiting the Amouage Perfume Factory, where you can discover the origins of this luxurious world-renowned fragrance. Have a cup of traditional Omani coffee and fresh locally-grown dates before returning to your hotel to enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Following breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and taken on a tour around the old town of Muscat. Your first stop will be Bait al Zubair Museum, where you’ll find a fascinating collection of traditional Omani weapons as well as traditional jewellery and costumes from various regions of Oman.

Following a photo stop outside the Al Alam Palace, the official ceremonial palace of Sultan Qaboos, continue to Muttrah Souk. Haggle with the locals as you wander the ancient alleyways of Muttrah Souk, rich with the smell of spices. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel where you are welcome to spend the rest of your day at leisure.

If you wish, you can enjoy an optional unique experience at Bait Adam Museum where you can enjoy lunch with the curator, who will share with your stories about the museum’s exquisite collection of artefacts.

You have the option of setting sail before the sun goes down along the Muscat coast in a traditional wooden dhow ship. On water is a delightfully romantic way to enjoy the wonderful sunset, as you sip on rich Omani coffee and tuck into locally-grown dates.

For dinner, why not romance in Middle Eastern style at the city’s legendary Kargeen Cafe, where you can enjoy delicious homemade shisha, Omani and international cuisine? It’s a popular venue, so we can arrange this unique dining experience in advance so that you’re not disappointed.

Explore some of the landmark attractions in and around the historic town of Nizwa. First, visit the 17th century Nizwa Fort, which is an excellent example of ancient Omani architecture. Heading up to the tower, enjoy panoramic vistas of the palm-covered town with picturesque white houses, surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Proceed to the magnificent Jabreen Castle, set at the foot of Jebel Akhdar mountains. Learn about its significance in Omani science, art, and education.

Discover at your own pace the rugged beauty of Wadi Bani Khalid and its mountainous surroundings. Set off from Wahiba Sands for a scenic drive through mountain roads. Located in the northeastern tip of the country, Wadi Bani Khalid is famed for its lush palm groves, lining turquoise-green pools that never dry up. Hike along picturesque mountain trails, dotted by large limestone boulders, to arrive at the Wadi. Catch your breath in the shade of gently swaying date palms, till you are ready to venture into the placid blue pools.

After breakfast, you drive in a 4x4 towards Sur, along the magnificent Omani coastline. On the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to admire the scenic beauty of Oman’s mountains, beaches and traditional villages. Passing through Quriyat Village, a large traditional Omani-fishing village, your journey continues to Wadi Arbaeen, a beautiful wadi (valley). Enjoy the freshwater pools, which are in abundance here, and experience the serenity of walking through a wadi that feels untouched.

Your next stop enroute to Sur is Bimmah Sinkhole, a breath-taking limestone crater filled with turquoise water. Enjoy a rest stop at this magical location before moving onto Wadi Tiwi. Wadi Tiwi is a spectacularly deep and narrow gorge carved out of the mountains, with crystal clear pools of emerald water, traditional Omani villages and lush fruit plantations. Your guide will introduce you to the ‘falaj’ system provide some interesting facts about this ancient cultivation process which the villagers still use to maintain their plantations today.

You’ll then proceed to Ras al Hadd to visit Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Ras al Jinz Beach is a famous nesting spot for the endangered green turtle and you’ll have the opportunity to view the turtles nesting in their natural habitat. Stay in the beautiful, air-conditioned, luxurious Eco-Tents, which are wind and rain proof and come with en suite facilities, a dressing table, and all the amenities you need, including complimentary internet access, an LCD TV and a mini refrigerator.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Muscat International Airport for your onward arrangements. You might wish to extend your time in Oman, and head south to Salalah, known for its delightful beaches overlooking the Arabian Sea, or spend longer high up in the wonderful mountains, which are a wonderful oasis from the desert heat.