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DAY 1: ARRIVE MUSCAT
Upon arrival in Muscat, you will be greeted by our representative and escorted to The Chedi (Serai Room) for three nights. En route, visit the Grand Mosque, the most elaborate house of worship in the country and a testament to Oman's strong Islamic religious tradition.* The remainder of the day is at leisure, an opportunity for you to enjoy the good weather and the pool at your hotel. The Chedi is Muscat's newest hotel, a boutique property with a superb beachfront location. Two pools, an excellent restaurant, and a cozy bar make The Chedi a perfect place to spend your time in Muscat.*Women should bring a scarf, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants or skirt for the visit; men should wear trousers.
DAY 2: MUSCAT This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to a pier for a dolphin-watching excursion. Wild dolphins are often spotted frolicking in the waters, and a lucky few may even catch a glimpse of a whale. Though we cannot guarantee that you will see a dolphin, it is always enjoyable to spend some time on the waters of the Gulf of Oman. In the afternoon, take a half-day tour of Muscat, the capital of Oman. Spread out along the edge of the Gulf of Oman, Muscat is located in a natural volcanic bowl, with a dramatic backdrop of craggy mountains framing the charming seaside city. First visit the waterfront area, where the fish market and the colorful souq attracts neighborhood shoppers, and Muscat residents frequently take leisurely strolls along the promenade. Next, stop outside the Al Alam Palace, the official residence of Sultan Qaboos, for a photograph, and then admire the imposing Mirani and Jilali forts that once protected the city. Conclude the tour with a visit to the Bait Al Zubair museum, which houses an informative collection of photographs and relics that tell the story of Oman's history. Part of the museum is a traditional home that has been restored and decorated to show how the Omanis once lived, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. (B,L) DAY 3: NIZWA DAY EXCURSION Today, depart in the morning on a full day excursion to Nizwa, a town about 170 kilometers outside of Muscat. For centuries, Nizwa served as the religious and political capital of the country and was widely considered one of Oman's most traditional cities. Now, however, it has become popular to travelers and visitors because of its carefully restored circular fort. After driving to Nizwa, take a tour of this imposing structure and then visit the thriving vegetable market and stroll the handicraft area, where the elaborately carved Omani khanjar daggers are bought and sold. Drive next to Jabrin, one of the finest of Oman's old castles, for a short tour and a chance to explore the building - the ceiling paintings and elaborate woodwork showcase the craftsmanship of Omani artisans. On the way back to Muscat, stop at the village of Birkat Al Mauz, at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountains). This oasis town is shaded by date plantations, and offers a pleasant glimpse into village life in Oman. Return to Muscat in the late afternoon. (B) DAY 4: MUSCAT - WAHIBA SANDS This morning, you will be picked up and driven along the rugged coast to the Wahiba Sands. There will be plenty of opportunity to photograph the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Oman and its white sand beaches. Drive past the small fishing village of Quriyat and stop at the Bimah Sinkhole, an imposing limestone crater with blue-green water at the bottom. Next, drive to Wadi Tiwi; a wadi is a naturally-occurring gorge fed by a stream. In contrast to the surrounding desert, the wadi is a lush oasis ringed by trees, and many Omanis visit the wadi to enjoy the water and shade. Wadi Tiwi is widely considered one of Oman's most beautiful wadis. Next, continue to the Mausoleum of Bibi Miriam at Qalhat. After lunch, continue to Wahiba Sands, a vast desert of sand dunes that rise as high as 200 meters. Photographers are always pleased at the changing colors and the shifting patterns of the Wahiba Sands. Drive over the dunes in the 4WD vehicle for a quick thrill. After spending some time at Wahiba Sands, continue to the 1000 Nights Tented Camp for dinner and an overnight stay. Spending the night allows you to observe the vast canopy of stars that hang above the desert and have a taste of what it feels like to live in the dunes like the Bedouins. (B,L,D) DAY 5: WAHIBA SANDS - MUSCAT Rise early and have breakfast at the camp. The traditional Bedouins have been making their home in the Wahiba Sands for centuries, and their knowledge of its quirks and patterns is legendary. Visit with a Bedouin family in their simple home to learn about how they have managed to survive and thrive in such harsh and unforgiving environment. After visiting with the Bedouins, continue to Wadi Bani Khalid. Set among a series of small, picturesque villages, the deep, clear blue water of the wadi offers a welcome change from the Wahiba Sands, and showcases the range of environments in Oman. After spending some time at the wadi and having lunch at a nearby hotel, proceed back to Muscat for one night at Al Bustan Palace (Seaview Room). (B,L) DAY 6: DEPART MUSCAT Transfer to the airport for your international departure flight. (B) |