Horizon Travel & Tourism

Scenic Oman

Quriyat - Ras Bentout - Jebel Shams - Jebel Akdhar

Duration

9 Days 8 Nights

Theme

Nature & Landscapes

Transfer Type

Private

Country

Oman

Overview

This 8-day tour package in Oman promises an unforgettable experience. The journey begins with an arrival in Muscat and a transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. The next day, the tour starts with a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Quriyat, the 400-year-old fort, and the fish souk. The tour then continues to the stunning Wadi Arbayeen, Bimah, and Fins Beach, followed by the breathtaking Wadi Shab, where you can take an easy walk through the wadi, swim in the crystal-clear water, and surf in a magnificent cave with an inspiring waterfall. After spending the night at Tiwi Beach, the tour continues to the mausoleum of Bibi Miriam, the town of Sur, the blue rock pools of Wadi Bani Khalid, and the rolling sand dunes of the Wahiba desert, where you will experience 4WDriving and visit a Bedouin community. The journey then crosses the Wahiba Sands, visits the village of Qihayd, the town of Nizwa, and the Jabel Shaams mountain range before returning to Muscat. This tour offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable journey.

PLACES TO VISIT IN THE ITINERARY:

· Quriyat - Wadi Arbayeen – Wadi Shab – Wadi Tiwi

· Qalhat - Sur - Wadi Bani Khalid - Wahiba Sands

· Crossing - Qihayd – Mahawat –Falam – Khloof

· Ras Bentout - Shannah - Sinaw -Nizwa

· Nizwa Fort - Misfah - Jebel Shams

· Nizwa - Birkat Al Mouz - Jebel Akhdar

· Half Day Muscat City Tour

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Muscat International airport. Private Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2

Breakfast. 0800 hrs Depart by 4wd vehicles to the spectacular Wadi Arbayeen. We 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 for the Fish souk where a variety of fish is 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. Drive via Muzaara, we then start on an adventurous route cutting through the mountains. At the end of the route Wadi Arbayeen awaits with its deep pools of water set among the date palms. Little after Wadi Arbayeen, the gravel road begins and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Gulf of Oman, as it now runs parallel to the coast all the way to Sur. Our stop is at Bimah where you will see a natural crater in the limestone created due to the collapsing of a cave roof. At the bottom of this sinkhole is clear green brackish water, in which you can also swim & snorkel. Another lovely opportunity to swim out in the open is a little further at the Fins Beach, Next, you will continue travelling through the villages of Dibab and Finns and arrive at Wadi Shab – wadi meaning ‘gorge between cliffs’. Your guide will take you for a visually breathtaking, easy walk through the wadi. Your walk will take you past the green grass, banana and mango trees. The narrow winding, old rock paths will bring you to a series of streams and pools. You will have the opportunity to swim through a pond of crystal clear water and swim through a narrow keyhole, surfacing inside a magnificent cave, which contains an inspiring waterfall. After you are refreshed you will travel to the white sands of Tiwi Beach where we will set our camp for the night.

Day 3

After breakfast we will drive along the coast arriving at the mausoleum of Bibi Miriam at Qalhat, where you can view Bibi Miriam’s tomb and the ruins of the ancient town of Qalhat. Driving past the huge plant of Oman LNG, you will arrive in Sur. Sur is where the traditional wooden Omani dhows are made. It also features many fine old homes with carved doors and arabesques windows. It offers great photo opportunities. Lunch at the local restaurant. We proceed to visit Wadi Bani Khalid through the Eastern Hajar mountains. At Wadi Bani Khalid, we will take an easy walk to the brilliant blue rock pools and there will be time for a refreshing swim in the Wadi before continuing on to Wahiba Sands.
The Wahiba’s are desert in a romantic sense of the word rolling sand dunes, varying from deep red to a rich honey color, stretching as far as the eye can see. This is the traditional home of the nomadic Bedouin.
At Wahiba you will experience 4W Driving on the sand dunes as well as a
visit to a Bedouin community. Experiencing the sunset at the top of the dunes. We will spend the night in the permanent camp at desert.

Day 4

In the morning begins the journey, which will take you across the magnificent Wahiba Sands. It's a wonderful crossing of the Wahiba sands.The track is often easy to follow but the wind brings sometimes sand that covers it. We head first to the south and then south-east. The northern part of this desert is made of almost paralell high dunes. On our way we will visit badwien houses were will have Omani coffee and dates reach the village of Qihayd, located on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Drive ahead to.Mahawat where we can buy some food and get some ice for our next camp site, Lunch at Mahawat local restaurant. We proceed to Watch Flamingo Birds in Film More adventure awaits you today as we head As we travel through Film, Al Khaluf. We set up our camp on the Ras Bentout.

Day 5

After breakfast leave for Nizwa from Shannah drive Nizwa via Mahoot and Sinaw. Visit the Sinaw Souq en route. Lunch at local restaurant. Arrive Nizwa and check in at the Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel

Day 6

Morning tour of the Oasis city of Nizwa, the capital of Julanda Dynasty in the 6th and 7th Century AD. Today it remains as an important tourist attraction with its historical buildings and imposing fort. Visit the impressive 17th century fort with its enormous round tower built by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’aruba to defend the route to the interior. The fort dominates the entire area, with the town having grown up around it. From here proceed to Nizwa souq which is renowned for its intricately hand-carved “Khanjar” and ornately designed silver jewellery. On Friday, a unique goat and cattle auction is held and the atmosphere here is electric. Continue to Misfah (approximately 45 minutes from Nizwa) a village in the mountains, where the houses cling to the rocks, and although they look precarious have been here for centuries. After a short walk through the village return to your vehicle and continue the journey to Jabel Shams (45 minutes drive) the highest peak in Oman at over 3,000 meters). Jabel Shams, know in ancient times as Jabel Al Qanah, means “Mountain of the Sun” and the area is home to weavers of heavy woollen rugs in distinctive colours. Lunch will be at the local restaurant. After spending some more time at Jabel Shams, drive back to Nizwa. Overnight at the Hotel in Nizwa.

DAY 7

After breakfast we will visit the village of Barkat al Mouz and villages Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) & Al Ain do the landscape. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks , gorges and wadis. The roses of Jabal Al Akhdar fill the air with fragrance when in full bloom (March / April). Rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers. (It is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes). Lunch at the local restaurant. After lunch we will make the return trip to Muscat. You will take with you a complete experience of Al Hajar Mountains and the unique mountain village life.

DAY 8

The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Royal Opera House, Fish Market, Natural History Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq , where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items. Overnight at the hotel or departure transfer to Airport