Day 1
Arrival at Muscat International Airport
TBA – Meet and Assist upon arrival at the meeting point with our English Speaking Airport Representative. Then guests will be transferred to the chosen hotel.
Day 2
Option 1: Muscat City Tour
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 AM – Guest will start their Muscat City Tour by visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Masjid), one of the most beautiful architectural piece of work. The mosque was built over a period of 6 years from 1995 to 2001. The main chandelier is made of pure Swarovski crystal and the carpet adorning the large prayer hall was woven by experts, made out of pure Persian silk. The mosque (Masjid) exterior is constructed with quality Rajasthani sandstone andthe main halls as well as the small prayer rooms are adorned with the finest Italian Marble. The Mosque (Masjid) is surrounded by 5 minarets, each of which symbolizes the holy five vows taken by every devout Muslim to reinforce his faith in the Almighty. We will proceed to Old Muscat. We then drive via the waterfront cornice and visit the Muttrah Souq, one of the most popular souqs in the Middle East. Take a walk in its labyrinthine alleyways beckoning with a myriad of merchandise, from imported fabrics to exotic Oriental spices, perfumes and richly handcrafted Artifacts. A visit to this frenetic, pulsating hub of Muscat’s old quarter makes for a delightful experience. Next, guest will be taken for a visit to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said the ruler of Oman. The palace is an architectural marvel for both its design and it’s location between the twin Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali (A brief photograph stop from outside only). Any one of the Muscat Museum, after the trip, we will drive back to Hotel.
Overnight stay at the chosen hotel.
Day 3
Option 2: Desert Trip
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 AM Guests will be picked up then we will start the trip by visiting Ibra; it is one of the oldest cities in Oman and was once a centre of trade, religion, education and art. The city acquired its importance as an important meeting point at the base of the Ash Sharqiya. Ibra is home of the huge Al-Harthy tribe, one of the biggest and most powerful tribes in Oman. Then we will continue our trip to Wahiba Sands; A’Sharqiyah Sands are considered among the most beautiful camping areas in the Sultanate and extend over an area of up to about 10 thousand square kilometres. The Sand colours range from red to brown as far as the eye can see. It is the original homeland of the Bedouins. This area attracts many desert adventure fans, and is preferred by visitors owing to its ease of accessibility and availability of nearby services, which make it a first class tourist attraction. Then our last stop will be in Wadi Bani Khalid; Located 203 kilometers (126 miles) from Muscat. Take the Bidbid – Sur Road in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, which forks into a side road leading to Wilayat Bani Khalid , then weaves up across the eastern Al Hajar Mountains to Bida village deep in the mountains. There you can enjoy the spectacular views of the fertile valley with its spreading trees and abundant water that tumbles down as waterfalls in some areas to form natural pools of water. The road then cuts through the valley to reach Muqal town, well known for its cave. To exp lore this cave, you’ll have to exercise great caution as you may need to crawl or even scramble in some places. Here the gushing waters creates a loud rushing sound and collects in pools, only to dissipate and gather – once again – in small lakes which the villagers have used to fill three irrigation canals. After the trip then we will drive back to Muscat and drop off at the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel of your choice.
Day 4
Option 3: Green Mountain
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 AM – Guests will be picked up from the hotel and drive to visit Nizwa, tourist site par excellence and the first capital of the Sultanate of Oman in the sixth and seventh centuries. Nizwa has managed to retain its charm through the centuries with its strong and its guard tower that protects the city against invaders. This is the land of Imam Ibn Al Julanda first democratically appointed imam in the seventh century. Visit the fort surrounded by palm trees. This fort built in the seventeenth century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’ruba. Nizwa Souq is the city, famous for its handicrafts and agricultural products, has an expansive souq with an array of products. The souq bustles with vendors selling everything from meat, fish, fruits and Nizwa is renowned for its silver jewelry which is considered to be the best in the country. Its people are masters in Khanjar making (curved dagger), recognized for its distinctive style and patterns. They also make copper ware, coffee pots, swords, leather goods and pottery. We continue our drive to visit Birkat Al Mouz. Birkat al Mouz (literally “pool of bananas”) is a small area situated about 2 kms from the base of Jebel Akdhar. This luscious area nestled among dramatic mountainous contours is dappled with bygone architecture, authentic mud fortifications and the uncanny beauty of an abandoned village with a falaj skirting along the foot of Jebel Akhdar. The village is not only the only gateway to Jebel Akhdar, but is ideally situated to explore Jebel Shams, Al Hoota Cave, Misfat Al Abryeen to name a few. Our last stop will be Jabal Akhdar, meaning “The Green Mountain” in Arabic, is part of the Al Hajar mountain range, one of Oman’s most spectacular regions. Perched here 2,000 meters above sea level, Alila Jabal Akhdar overlooks a dramatic gorge, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Al Hajar Mountains. The perfect base for exploring the region’s magnificent landscape of rugged, untouched beauty while staying in the height of sumptuous comfort. A heaven for adventure travelers, nature lovers and those seeking a retreat from the desert heat. After the trip drive back to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the chosen hotel.
DAY 5
Option 4: Mountain Crossing
Breakfast at the hotel.
8:30 AM– Guests will be picked up from hotel and we will start our road trip first by visiting Nakhal fort; is one of the most prominent historical monuments in the Sultanate. It derives its name from the Wilayat itself. The fort lies amidst palm orchards in Wilayat Nakhal in Al Batinah South Governorate. It is an entrenched building that rises above a rocky hill at the base of Mount Nakhal in the northeast of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain). The fort, also called Husn Al Heem, lies 120 kilometers from the capital Muscat and is located at the entrance of Wilayat Nakhal in Wadi Ar Raqeem. This fort’s architecture does not follow a particular pattern, as it was designed around an irregularly shaped rock. You’ll find that some rock parts become part of the building. This can be observed in some towers, particularly on the fort’s western side. The construction of the castle dates back to the pre-Islamic era. Then we will continue by visiting Thowarah Hot Springs; These are a collection of hot springs that gush forth all year round from Silud Mountain and flow from the valley for a distance of 300 metres before branching out into two tributaries: Falaj “Kabbah” and Falaj “As Sarooj”. Wilayt Nakhal depends on this spring and its tributaries to irrigate its cultivated lands. The spring is one of the most popular tourist sites in Al Batinah South Governorate. Then we continue our trip by visiting Wadi Bani Awf; It is an ancient wadi offering breathtaking vistas along its 26-kilometre trail. A little gap in the mountains, barely discernible from the main road, reveals the entrance to the wadi, which cuts a swathe deep into the mountainous terrain. Atop its craggy summit, a crumbling watchtower, picturesque in ruin, marks the entrance to the wadi. Then we will have a photo stop at Balad Sayt. Picnic lunch. Then we continue until we reach Jebel Shams; this is the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula, rising to an altitude of 3,004 metres above sea level, and has a number of versants (slopes) and summits. Every time a tourist reaches a versant, he’ll find that it leads him to another, until he reaches the mountain peak. Life on the summit is different from what most people are used to, as the weather is mild in summer and cold in winter. After the trip we will drive back to Muscat.
Overnight stay at the chosen hotel.
Day 6
Option 5: Wadi Al Arbeieen Trip
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 AM– Guests will be picked up and tour commences by driving towards Wadi Al Lahloo, Wadi Lahloo is a deserted site and there are barely any villages nearby. Most of the homes have been abandoned as the houses were built at the foothills of the mountains. The landscape was a formation of high to low mountains that looked like a set from a wildlife action movie. The rocks were of faded ochre with a glaring sheen that was the result of having been dispersed in water and dried over time. Then we will continue passing through Mazraa Allhllw, Al Habbasa and Al Shqiery Villages. We continue our drive until we reach Wadi Al Arbeieen, This is one of the most beautiful wadis in Muscat Governorate. It is situated 3 kilometers away from Wilayat Qurayat on the road leading to the villages of Fins and Bamah. The wadi cleaves a deep furrow in the flank of the A’Sharqiyah AlHajar Mountains. An abundance of water characterizes the area, where deep pools are found in the wadi. Four villages on both banks form Wadi Al A rbiyeen. These villages are famous for the cultivation of palm trees, bananas, lemon and mango trees. Guests can enjoy swimming in the refreshing water and a small waterfall in this wadi. After the trip we drive back to Muscat.
Overnight stay at the chosen hotel.
Day 7
Option 6: Full Day Sea Adventure
08:00 AM– Guests will be picked up and we will transfer you to the Marina.
09:00 AM– Sea adventure trip starts
Activities: Banana Boat, Kayaking, Volleyball Equipments, Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling
After the activities then guests will be picked up and we will transfer back to the hotel.
Kindly Note: This trip is subject to the weather conditions.
day 8
Option 7: Team Building Activity @ Yiti Beach
09:00 AM– Guests will be picked up and we will transfer you to Yiti Beach. Team Building Activities will be provided which will take approximately 2 Hrs.
– Rope Pulling is a sport that directly puts two or more teams against each other in a test of strength: teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, with the goal being to bring the rope a certain distance in one direction against the force of the opposing team’s pull.
– Mine game Teams must guide their blindfolded team member through the mine field using voice commands only. Effective Communications
– Bobbing apples The game is played by filling a tub or a large basin with water and putting apples in the water. Because apples are less dense than water, they will float at the surface. Players then try to catch one with their teeth. Use of arms is not allowed, and often are tied behind the back to prevent cheating- life size picture match.
– Passing ball through pipe A teambuilding activity where each participant gets one short length of half pipe, and the group must work together to deliver a marble down the pipes from start point to finish. Requires a high level of communication and teamwork.
– 3 legged race It involves two participants attempting to complete a short race with the left leg of one runner strapped to the right leg of another runner. The object is for the partners to run together without falling over, and beat the other contestants to the finish line.
– Bucket race Race to fill the bucket with sand or water
Overnight stay at the chosen hotel.
Day 9
Option 8: Coastal Trip
08:30 AM– Guests will be picked up and tour commences by visiting the town of Qurayyat, lies approximately 90km from the capital, around an hour and half drive by bus from Ruwi along a fast and relatively empty new stretch of dual carriageway which weaves between the craggy foothills of Eastern Hajar . Qurayyat had the dubious honor of being one of the first towns in Oman to experience the destructive attentions of Portuguese fleets. The town centre- a modest huddle of buildings and low-key souq lies around approximately 7km off the coastal highway. Our first stop is at the Bimmah Sinkhole or Hawiyat Najm Park the park is situated in the Dabab area of Wilayat Qurayat, Musdat Governorate, and can be reached via the road linking Qurayat to Sur. It is a deep natural depression filled with water, called Hawiyat Najm. The locals say that a meteor fell on this spot of land, resulting in the natural depression and forming a small lake. After that we then will drive to Fins Beach, which is a very ideal for camping both for locals and tourists especially in the winter. Followed to our last stop in Wadi Shab (Photo Stop) This wadi is located in Tiwi, part of Sur in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. It lies 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Muscat on the Qurayat – Sur Coastal Road. Fresh water cascading from tops of the mountains meet the briny sea water on its banks, creating an environmental diversity unique to this wadi, and making it stand on a pedestal of its own when compared with the other wadis (valleys) in the Sultanate. After the tour we will drive back to Muscat.
Overnight stay at the chosen hotel.
Marhaba Dhofar
We do offer Private tours, Luxury trip and service, Roundtrips, Water/ Sea activities, Hiking tours, Desert Adventure, Car Rentals around Dhofar Region.
Where to find us
Marhaba Dhofar
Tour Operator & Rent a Car in Salalah, Oman