Oman- A Country Brimming with Traditions

Day 1: Arrival in Muscat

At Muscat International Airport, welcome by your guide and departure for a walk along the seafront corniche to visit the vibrant Mutrah Souk, one of the oldest souks (markets) linked to the port of Muscat. Continue to the National Museum showcasing the nation's heritage from the first human settlement in the Omani peninsula to the present day. Then walk outside the palace and the twin Portuguese forts.

Day 2: Crossing Al Hamra Mountain

Visit to the Great Mosque, one of the most extravagant modern mosques which presents a mixture of Islamic, Middle Eastern and Omani architectural styles. Continuation to Wadi Bani Awf (Wadi Bani Aouf), with a village widely regarded as one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Sultanate nestled in the Hajar Mountains where the villagers still practice the tradition of terrace farming. After a stop at Bilad Sayt, a traditional village, we head to Al Hamra, with some of the oldest preserved houses in Oman: two stories, ceilings made of palm beams topped with mud and straw.

Day 3: Visit the Grand Canyon of Oman

Visit to the Bait Al Safah Museum. En route to Jebel Shams, ("Mountain of the Sun"), the highest peak in Oman. The mountain is located in the heart of the Western Hajar Mountain with its specific climate.

Day 4: Walk on the balcony of the canyon and drive to Nizwa

Walk on the balcony to see the deep canyons and enjoy the breathtaking views. En route to Bahla, one of the oldest inhabited areas in Oman, (3rd century BC), a strategic stop on the ancient trade route connecting Muscat to other parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Stop at a pottery factory and fort and then at Jabreen Castle (1670), a magnificent palace for the Imam and his family, a stronghold in times of war and also an educational center.

Day 5: Exploration of Jabal Akhdar and visit of villages in the area

Departure for the souk of Nizwa, a city famous for its handicrafts and agricultural products, with its vast souk bustling with sellers of meat, fish, fruit and for its silver jewelry, considered the best in the country, especially the Khanjar (curved dagger), known for its distinctive style and patterns. Next stop is Nizwa Fort, built by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Y`aribi in the mid-17th century, who expelled the Portuguese from Oman. Next is Birkat Al Mouz, a small, lush area nestled among the mountains with its earthen fortifications and a falaj (underground irrigation) running along the foot of Jebel Akhdar. Also nearby, Falaj Khatmyn which is in the UNESCO world heritage list. En route to Jebel Akdar (or Jabal Akhdar), the green mountain, known for its Mediterranean climate allowing the production of many fruits: apricots, plums, figs, grapes, apples, pears, etc.

Day 6: Safari in the desert

Visit of the famous Friday livestock market of Nizwa with its traditional trade of goats, sheep and cows. Continuation to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most famous wadis (wadi) in Oman; the river maintains a constant flow throughout the year with large pools among the rocks. Arrival at the Sharqiyah sands which cover an area of about 10,000 km2 and offer landscapes that range from red to brown as far as the eye can see. It is the land of origin of the Bedouins. Meeting with the Bedouins and camel ride. Sunset at the top of the dunes and return to camp.

Day 7 : Night at the turtle sanctuary

After a moment in the desert, departure to Jaalan Bani Bu Ali. A short stop at the Al Hamoda mosque with 52 domes. Continue to Ras Al Khabbah, then to Ras Al Hadd, a beach, which has known human activity since the third millennium BC, and serves as a refuge for ships in storms. The road continues to Ras Al Jinz. Turtle watching in the evening at the scheduled time.

Day 8: Coastal excursion to Wadi Al Arbeeien

Departure to the city of Sour (or Sur), a charming coastal city, considered one of the oldest cities in Oman, a meeting point between the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, playing a vital role in the formation of a commercial bridge between the Arabian Peninsula, India, Southeast Asia and the African continent with more than one hundred and fifty sailboats per day during the 18th and 19th centuries. Then on to Wadi Tiwi, a wadi (valley) in the Al Sharqiyah region, adjacent to the very popular Wadi Shab, but unique in its kind, with many farms and plantations dotting the wadi, and a stunning pool at the back of the village of Mibam. Wadi Tiwi, with lush plantations. Arrival at Wadi Al Arbeeien.

Day 9: Return to Muscat

After your breakfast, walk in the village towards the wadi. Then departure to Bimmah Sinkhole, one of the most beautiful natural pools in Oman also known as Hawiyat Najm Park, a water filled abyss. Continuation to Qurrayat to discover the making of Omani halwa, a sweet gelatinous mixture flavored with saffron, cardamom, ghee, nuts and rose water. Continue to the Marina for a sunset cruise (4:00-6:00pm). Afterwards, visit the Sidab Women's Association for dinner and then the hotel for your scheduled departure.

Suggested hotels as follows:

Day 1: Crowne Plaza Muscat (Qurum)

Day 2: The View Hotel

Day 3: Sama Heights Resort

Day 4: Golden Tulip Nizwa

Day 5: Golden Tulip Nizwa

Day 6: Thousand Nights Camp

Day 7: Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Day 8: Wadi Al Arbeeien Resort

Day 10: Crowne Plaza Muscat (Qurum)