EXCURSIONS

Leave Muscat and travel along the coast from Muscat to Quriyat and visit Bimah Sinkhole. Next drive to Finns Beach which is known as the most beautiful beach in Oman. Settle for a picnic lunch, a swim and relax a while. Head out next to Wadi Shab. Enjoy a walk through the wadi (walking shoes are strongly recommended). Going up the wadi you see many pools where you can enjoy a leisurely dip. We return to Muscat in the evening

Embark on a fiber boat for a 03 hour cruise through the Muscat waters to watch wild dolphins. Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start the day and the lucky may even come across one of the many species of whales that can be found just a few kilometers from Muscat’s rugged coast.

In the waters off Oman’s coasts one can find the most productive marine environments in the world, which offer both novice and experienced big game fishing enthusiasts a variety of excellent year-round game fishing opportunities. Species found in abundance range from Yellowfin tuna and all the smaller species of tuna to sailfish, huge giant trevally and also marlin. Racing ahead of the feeding dolphins and live-baiting for Yellowfin or Long-tail tuna is the spectacular, ‘Omani’ way to fish, turning a fishing trip into an exhilarating wildlife experience.

This trip is launched from Marina Bandar. After being treated to a glorious sunset and a fabulous view of the majestic coastline on your way to the Sultan Qaboos Port, you will pass the Yacht Club of Muscat, followed by the picturesque fishing Village of Sidab. A touch of history comes to fore, as you perceive the old graves of the British sailors. Amidst shrill cries of the seagulls, flying gracefully around the cliff at the entrance of the old historic Muscat Harbor, you will notice the legends of ships that had visited this harbour, painted on the cliffs. Further you will sail by the 16th century forts named as Jalali and Mirani standing sentinels to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. The palace was built in 1970-1974. After the dhow negotiates a detour at the glittering Corniche, it glides past the most exclusive hotel of Oman, the Ritz Carlton Al Bustan Palace hotel. Soft drinks and water will be served on board.

Morning board the 4WD and drive southwards. As we cross the Hajar Mountains, the scenery all along the way is not only beautiful but also spectacular. You reach Wadi Bani Khalid a beautiful oasis in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. The turquoise blue pools of fresh water are a stark contrast to the surrounding mountains. Later drive to Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and White sea of sand dunes which is also host to a variety of flora and fauna. On arrival, we will ride the sand dunes in our Land Cruiser, as will go deep into the sands of Wahiba. Later in the afternoon we start our journey back to Muscat.

We leave Muscat to proceed to Nakhal, to visit the 17th Century Fort. We then begin our drive towards the stunning Wadi Bani Awf, which is one of the most fantastic tourist locations in Oman. Wadi Bani Awf is by far the most diverse and challenging wadi. Settle for a picnic lunch. After lunch you will visit Bilad Sayt. Enjoy the alpine scenery of Bilad Sayt. Return to Muscat in the evening.

Proceed towards the fishing town of Quriyat through the stark mountain terrain. Drive through this fishing village visiting the 400 year old Quriyat fort before heading to the fish souk where a variety of fish are traded for local consumption as well as export. Drive along the picturesque waterfront. There is a good chance of spotting flamingos and eagles at an inland stream. From here we proceed towards the coast and visit the village of Hail Al Ghaf, which is known for its fruit plantations. We then start on an adventurous route cutting through the mountains. At the end of the drive, Wadi Arbayeen awaits with its deep pools of water set among the date palms. Enjoy a picnic lunch here and drive back to Muscat via Wadi Mazara.

After being picked up from Muscat you head north, to Barka. Then on to the old village of Abyad. After navigating your way through the narrow streets of the village the landscape opens up to reveal a small expanse of desert dunes. Here you will get to experience some dune bashing with our experienced off-road driver. After this thrilling drive, you go back through the village to Wadi Abyad. The wadi is thought to get its name from the white calcite pools that are located within it. Sometimes, after the rains, there are pools deep enough to swim in. Next proceed to have a picnic lunch after which we head back to Muscat

Morning drive to the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. Here you will visit the powerful Nizwa fort, with its massive circular cannon tower. This is one of the most impressive forts in Oman. You visit the traditional Souq next. Drive to the village of Al Hamra to see old houses and the Falaj system. The traditional mud houses dating back from 400 years are still occupied. You then stop at Wadi Ghul, the farming village in the mountains before we reach Jabal Shams, the Great Canyon of Oman. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Great Canyon.

Start early with a drive to Jabal Akdhar. We drive on to the pretty village of Birkat al Mauz and enjoy a walk through the lush green date plantations. Enjoy the cool climate up in the mountains and see Al Jebel al Akhdar which is famous for fruit orchards typically laid out in terraces along the mountain slopes and irrigated by ‘Falaj’; a traditional water systems. A wide variety of fruits including peaches, pomegranates, apricots, figs, grapes, apples, plums and pears are cultivated here from July to September. Almonds and walnuts are also included in the crop. The villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (a village of old houses) and Al Ain dot the landscape and overlook a spectacular landscape of peaks, gorges and wadis. The roses of Jebel al Akhdar fill the air with fragrance from March to April when they are in full bloom and rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers. In the afternoon, we drive to the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. We visit Nizwa Fort with its massive circular cannon tower, one of the most impressive forts in Oman and then the traditional Souq. Later we drive back to Muscat. Nizwa fort is open Saturday–Thursday: 0900 – 1600 & Friday: 0800 –1100

Morning, drive to the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. Visit the Nizwa Fort with its massive circular cannon tower, one of the most impressive forts in Oman and the traditional Souq. Then proceed to Jabrin castle built in the 17th century, which is one of the finest of its kind. Its magnificent plaster work, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceiling, makes this castle amazingly different. Thereafter continue to Bahla, one of the oldest small towns of Oman, which in the 12th century was the capital of the tribals living in the region. As the monumental fort is closed for renovation only a photo stop is planned. Bahla is also famous for its pottery. En route to Muscat, visit the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain). Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations.

Morning we drive to Nakhal. As you reach Nakhal, behold a 350 years old magnificent fort dramatically located at the top of a rocky mountain cliff. The area is surrounded with date plantations. The narrow road through the town winds up to the Ain Towarah Hot Springs, which is a popular picnic spot. After spending some time at Nakhal we travel ahead to Rustaq which was once the capital of this area and a major trading center of Oman. Later we drive back to Muscat via Al Hazam (photo stop only as it is closed for renovations).