Turtle, Desert, and Mountains of Oman

Depart at 0800 hrs from the Muscat hotel, proceed to visit the Barka Fish Market, and proceed to the quaint 17th-century fort of Bait al Naaman. Later visit Nakhl, where a pre-Islamic fort perched up on a hillock offers a splendid view of the surrounding planes. Not very far away from the fort are the famous hot water springs of Nakhl. From here, drive up into the mountains crossing the Ghubra Bowl to visit the Wakan village, famous due to its terrace-garden plantations of pomegranates, apricots, oranges, grapes & figs. Drive through the spectacular Wadi Bani Auf. This stretch of graded road is very adventurous & for the physically fit only as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads. Visit the charming mountain village of Bilad Sayt Then we will travel on to AL Hamra and then continue up the mountains to the peak of Jebel Shams – the Mountain of the Sun. Here we will stay overnight at the Jebel Shams' traditional Omani tents / private camping.

After breakfast, we will have time to enjoy the fantastic views of the canyon which is considered some of the best in Oman. This canyon is known as the Oman Grand Canyon. From there we will continue the tour and travel to Wadi Ghul. We drive onward to another pretty mountain village ‘Misfah’, where you can see the various types of fruits & vegetables cultivated in the terrace farms on the mountain slopes. Drive a little further to Jabreen to visit Oman’s most famous castle built in the 17th century, which boasts some of the finest examples of Omani achievement in wood carvings & ceiling paintings. While heading for the Sun Mountains of Oman, Driving away from Jabreen, you arrive at Bahla, another very famous city in the interiors. Here, do a brief photo stop for the old massive fort at the town center. So very special are this old fort and the city wall surrounding it that they both feature in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Bahla is also famous for its very pretty pottery, which is still produced in its old-fashioned workshops using traditional methods. Overnight stay in Hotel at Nizwa.

After breakfast, we will visit the traditional Nizwa Souq where there will be an opportunity to purchase and see many traditional Omani things. After this, you will take a tour of the famous Round Fort – one of the finest forts in Oman. Next, we will travel to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis. The wadi has clear deep blue water and counts among the few wadis of Oman that holds water all year round. From the mountain springs, the water is led to the oasis where it sustains the date palms. The pretty villages of Wadi Bani Khalid cling precariously to the rugged mountainside. You will experience dune bashing on the golden sand dunes and visit the local bedouin house for Omani Coffee, camel rides will be available. Then proceed to the golden Wahiba Sands desert arriving in the afternoon in time to watch the sunset across the dunes. We will stay overnight at the permanent camp.

The following day we will cross the Wahiba Sands. There will be many opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of this landscape. Once we arrive on the coast we will continue along the coast to Ras Al Ruwais where we will set our camp.

After breakfast, we will travel on to Ras Al Hadd and to Turtle Beach where we will spend the night at the resort and enjoy the hospitality of the Omani people. Ras Al Jinz is one of the few nesting places of the giant green sea turtle and at night you will have the chance to see these majestic creatures come ashore and lay their eggs by the light of the stars.

After breakfast we head off again to the seafaring town of Sur for a visit, after lunch, we will drive on to Qalhat and the famous village of Tiwi. At Tiwi, we will visit Wadi Shab which is considered one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman. You will have ample time to hike through this wadi and enjoy exploring and swimming. Again the scenery is spectacular and certainly, an experience you will remember forever. After walking and swimming in the Wadi we will drive to the spectacular Bimmah Sinkhole. This Sink Hole is the best in Oman. The water is crystal clear and the setting is outstanding. After enjoying some time there where you will have the chance to swim we will travel to the township of Quriyat and then through the mountains back to Muscat.