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Quintessential Oman
Discover Oman on this quintessential journey on a sojourn that starts from Muscat and along the Gulf of Oman to the gorgeous and stunning Wahiba Sands dunes and finally Nizwa and the Canyonlands with outstanding gorges and remote villages.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in the best hotels in on this journey
Visit some of the most spectacular ancient UNESCO sites in Oman
Savour unique local cuisines in Oman
Experience an insiders experience of touring Oman
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE MUSCAT
Arrive at Muscat Intl Airport and transfer to historical center where we drive through the Capital area passing through the beautiful embassy and ministries area in Shatti Al Qurm with its Arabic-styled buildings, along the coastal road in Qurm and the Ruwi High Street to Muttrah. Take a stroll around the traditional Old Souk witnessing traditional spices, daily goods on parade. From Muttrah, we continue along the Corniche and Ryam Road to Al Alam Palace where we admire the Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. Then transfer to your hotel for a deserved rest tonight.
Overnight: The Chedi, Muscat
Meals: Lunch
DAY 2: MUSCAT / WAHIBA SANDS
Begin the early morning with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (open to Non-Muslims from 0800hrs-1100hrs daily except Fridays) with its impressive architecture and fine artwork. Thereafter, we make our way through Wadi Mayh before joining the coastal road that runs between Muscat and Sur and then up the northern face of the eastern Hajar Mountains. We soon arrive at the peak of the impressive Selmah Plateau over 2000m above sea level where we are treated to views of the Arabian Sea and the Wahiba Desert. This track passes ancient villages that were once accessibly only by foot or donkeys. This long, west-facing ridge is spectacularly lined with numerous beehive tombs built by the Umm Naa people in around 2500BC and we will stop here for a delicious and freshly-prepared picnic lunch.
By mid afternoon, we leave the mountains behind and head through Wadi Tayeen passing the 18th Century fort at Mudayrib before entering into the desert realm on sandy tracks reaching our camp, set up with the russet red dunes, deep within the Wahiba Desert.
Overnight: Hud Hud Luxury Private Camp, Wahiba Sands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 3: WAHIBA SANDS (EXCURSION TO WADI BANI KHALID)
The desert provides a great place to not only learn more about the Bedouin people but also a great base to explore the surrounding areas. After breakfast, we drive out of the desert to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the greatest, most dramatic wadis in Oman, a green oasis spectacularly set against a mountain back drop. The village still farms in a traditional manner growing dates, bananas, mangos and papaya. A walk through this remote and less-visited community provides an insight into the lives of Omanis. The wadi flows out of the village and into a dramatic and steep sided canyon, which winds up from its entrance, occasioned by rock pools ideal for a quick dip. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in a unique setting here. On our way back to camp, you could try your hand at a little off road driving in the sands where we put you behind the wheels of a 4x4 under the expert tutelage of your seasoned Omani driver.
Overnight: Hud Hud Luxury Private Camp, Wahiba Sands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 4: WAHIBA SANDS / IBRA / BIRKAT AL MOUZ / NIZWA
Watch the sun rise over the imposing Wahiba sand dunes from camp and then enjoy a relaxed breakfast served in the majlis and following this, there is an opportunity to visit a local Bedouin family for traditional Omani khawa (coffee) and dates. This brief meeting provides a means of better understanding how the people work and live, in what can be perceived as an extremely harsh environment. Thereafter, we leave the desert behind and set off north to Ibra, one of the oldest cities in Oman. Make a brief visit of the weekly Wednesday Women's Market where women parade wares from clothing and accessories to everyday items, kitchen wares, textiles and jewelries. (A section of the Women's Market is forbidden to men and that includes tourists and men must wait outside. Photography is strictly forbidden.)
Our journey then continues to the old village of Manah and the ruins of Birkat al Mouz for walk through of the abandoned town that is stunning for photography. We then continue our final stretch to arrive at the gorgeous Alila Jabal Akhdar, perched 2000m above sea level overlooking the canyonlands of the Hajar Mountains.
Overnight: Alila Jabal Akhdar, Nizwa
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 5: NIZWA
This morning after breakfast, we drive to the city of Nizwa and visit the atmospheric Nizwa Souq where on Fridays, you can experience the liveliness of the Goat Market where local farmers gather to trade livestocks. Visit the Nizwa Fort, the largest and one of the oldest forts in Oman distinguished by its unique round shape. Explore its maze of halls and rooms connected by narrow staircases and corridors and enjoy panoramic views from the top of the tower.
Next, we continue to the village of Al Hamra, a 400 year-old town, home to some of the oldest preserved houses that can be found in Oman. Winding up the rocky hillside, is the small ancient village of Misfat al Abriyyin with its picturesque collection of ochre-coloured stone buildings, giving it a somewhat medieval feel. A walk through this pretty village of twisting lanes and covered passages brings you to the falaj (irrigation system), which runs below the village, surrounded by lush bougainvillea, banana palms and other greenery.
Overnight: Alila Jabal Akhdar, Nizwa
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6: NIZWA
Today, we say farewell to a short but great adventure and make our way to Muscat Intl Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Where the majestic Al Hajar Mountains meet their luminous reflection in the serene waters of the Gulf of Oman, The Chedi Muscat rises amidst an elegantly-landscaped twenty-one acre garden oasis with 158 Omani-influenced guestrooms and villas. This sublime yet central location suits travellers with its world class facilties and comfort.
An exquisite and intimate private desert safari experience where guests come to Oman to experience the wilderness and remoteness of Oman's dramatic landscapes. Hud Hud Luxury Private Camp offers guests the bespoke experience of a private camp and an authentic experience with locals and the environments.
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 2000m above sea level, Alila Jabal Akhdar overlooks a dramatic gorge, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Al Hajar Mountains. This Oman resort is the perfect base for exploring the region's magnificent landscape of rugged, untouched beauty while experiencing the height of sumptuous comfort.
