Oman Classic Tour

When you arrive at Muscat International Airport, your guide will welcome you and lead you to our vehicle. Continue with the City Tour to view the highlights of Muscat. Our first trip is the breathtaking Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is a magnificent architectural marvel. One of the most spectacular and extravagant modern mosques, blending Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural traditions (open Saturday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM). Then we visit Mutrah Souq, one of Oman's oldest souqs (traditional markets), which has narrow twisting passageways. For centuries, it was used as a trading post for goods going through Muscat harbor. Continue to Old Muscat and make an exterior photo stop at Al Alam Palace, His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq Al Said's ceremonial palace, as well as the Twin Portuguese Forts Mirani and Jalali. Lunch at your favorite restaurant (your own expense). Finally, visit the Royal Opera House. Then we'll drop you back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Muscat (BB)

*When visiting the Mosque, please wear conservative clothing. Must wear full length clothes covering the arms and legs. Ladies should bring headscarf to cover the hair.

Pick-up time is 8:00 a.m.
Take a 35-minute boat ride to the breathtaking Daymaniyat Islands, a designated "Nature Reserve". The islands provide a safe habitat for birds and turtles to lay eggs. Almost everyone who comes here wants to dive. There are nine low, rocky islets here, arranged in a line from east to west and clustered into three slightly separated groups, all surrounded by coral reefs. Since 1996, the islands have been designated as a wildlife reserve. They provide nesting habitat for hawksbill and green turtles, as well as a variety of migratory species, including the uncommon sooty falcon, which nests and breeds in the area. The excursion will be from 8:30 a.m. until 13:30 p.m.

Overnight at the hotel in Muscat (BB)

*Please note that annually, it is not permitted to walk on the islands during the Turtles’ nesting season from 1 May- 31 Oct. But boat trips are still allowed for snorkeling.

*Please bring a towel for your trip to Dimaniyat and when swimming in the Wadi (Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole)

For today's excursion, we travel through Qurrayat to Bimmah Sinkhole, an enormous crater in the ground. There is a green water pool here where the underground water meets the sea. The next stop will be Wadi Shab, a tiny canyon with crystal pure blue water pools and a secret waterfall inside a cave. To get to this wadi, we'll take a boat to the other side, which is where the trail begins. Take a 40-45-minute trek towards the Wadi. It is a return path, so expect another 40-45 minutes to return. Continue to Wadi Tiwi for a brief halt before heading to Sur City, an ideal position in the northeast province of Sharqiya that serves as a seafaring town, fishing hamlet, and trading harbor all in one. The town's main attraction is the dhow builder's yard on the shore immediately beyond it. Sur began trading with the African coast as early as the 16th century A.D. A trip through its convoluted alleyways exposes many excellent old houses with collapsed entrances, arabesque windows, and other exquisite decorations. Drive to Ras Al Hadd, home of the huge green turtle. Dinner at the resort.

Overnight in Ras Al Hadd (HB)

*Optional turtle watching for 12 OMR/ 33 USD per person.

The trip begins by traveling towards Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, with a quick halt at Al Hamoda Mosque. Then we head to Wadi Bani Khalid for an easy walk down the riverbed, with plenty of time to cool off in the crystal clear waters of the rock pools. It is the best-known wadi in the Sharqiyah region. Its stream mountains have a consistent flow of water throughout the year. Large pools of water and stones are interspersed along the wadi's flow. Finally, we drive to Sharqiyah Sands, formerly known as "Wahiba Sands". Where the dunes are 60-80 meters high and have existed for thousands of years. The Bedouins are adept at adjusting to this harsh environment, and they are great weavers. They are also well-known for their generous hospitality.

Overnight at a Desert Camp (HB)

You will be picked up from the campsite and taken to Nizwa. It is one of Oman's oldest cities, having served as the country's capital from the sixth to seventh centuries AD. Center of commerce, religion, education, and the arts. Visit the Nizwa Fort, which was established in 1668 AD by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi and is now Nizwa's primary attraction. Next to it lies Nizwa's local souq, which is well-known for its hand-carved "Khanjars" (daggers), tasty dates, pottery, and ornate silver jewelry. As you explore the souk's twisting alleys and many stalls, you will undoubtedly find much to tempt you. Continue to Birkat Al Mouz for a little rest before heading towards Jebel Akhdar. We will do a small local walk tour.

Overnight at a hotel in Jebel Akhdar (HB)

The tour begins with a drive to Jabreen Castle, which was erected in the late 17th century by the local Imam. Otherwise, a pleasant and tranquil period. The emphasis was on astrology, medicine, and Islamic law. The castle features wooden balconies, ceiling murals, and various hidden rooms. One of them is for the Sultan's preferred horse. Then we get to Bahla. Bahla is home to a World Heritage-listed fortress. We continue to explore the oases and little clay-built dwellings in Al Hamra. These have a peculiar appearance, yet they are really comfortable. This is Oman's oldest house and building, dating back more than 400 years. The dwellings frequently have two levels, where the roof is fashioned from palm tree beams and coated with clay and straw. Finally, we arrive in Misfah, a highland community at the foot of the Al Hajar mountain range. We then went for a short walk through the village. Finally, we drive to Jebel Shams, the tallest mountain in Oman's Hajar range.

Overnight in Jebel Shams (HB)

The tour begins with a journey via Wadi Bani Awf to Bilad Sayt, where you will discover the true essence of Arabia — so mystic and inconceivable — as your four-wheel drive leaves the bustling towns and drives into the interior regions. This community is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful mountain villages in the Sultanate, located in the Hajar Mountains. Villagers continue to conduct traditional terrace farming, which has benefited the community for ages. Then we'll make a brief halt in Nakhal, passing through Thawarah Waterspring and stopping simply to take pictures outside of Nakhal Fort.

Overnight at the hotel in Muscat (BB)

Breakfast in the hotel.
Standard Check-out time is 12:00 noon.
You will be picked up from your hotel and transported to the airport to catch your trip home.