“Beauty has an address...” Oman 16 - 23 October' 2023

“Beauty has an address…” welcome to Oman.

As any tourist can attest, the blend of the old and the new in this part of the world is incredibly seamless.

Oman places great value on politeness, unity, understanding, and acceptance.

Omani people are immensely proud of their ancient, frankincense-trading past as well as their unique traditions and culture. They have a strong sense of identity and love for their country. While they preserve their heritage, they also embrace modern ways and new thinking. The capital Muscat, for instance, is home to big shopping malls frequented by many citizens and residents alike.

Also situated in Muscat is one of Oman’s most loved treasures, the must-visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, created using the finest craftsmanship and materials. Within the Main Prayer Hall, the pulpit overlooks space for a congregation of 7,000 people. They sit on what is considered to be one of the world’s finest Persian carpets in an area illuminated by Swarovski crystal chandeliers, reflecting the appearance of the mosque’s minarets. These minarets act as a reminder of the five key elements of Islam: reciting the Muslim profession of faith; praying five times a day; giving to charity; fasting during the month of Ramadan; and, if possible, undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Located on the other side of Muscat, Mutrah Corniche offers strollers the stunning view of the lovely seafront. The famed Rocky Mountains are the perfect backdrop for the corniche’s white buildings, mosques, and forts. Nearby is one of Oman’s oldest markets, the Mutrah Souq, where stalls sell frankincense and myrrh, incense burners, silver jewellery, turbans, and traditional lamps.

ITINERARY

DAY 01 – 16 October 2023 –

ARRIVAL IN MUSCAT – GRAND MOSQUE

You will arrive at the Muscat International Airport. Upon arrival at the general arrival lounge, you will be met by our friendly & efficient International Happy Travels & Tourism chauffeur who will assist you to the comforts of our vehicle to drive you to your hotel.

Pick up

The city tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This is one of the largest mosques in the Middle East, and the only mosque open to non-Muslims and expatriates in Muscat, Oman. Later we drive along the picturesque Muttrah Corniche and visit Muttrah Souq which retains the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market albeit housed under modern timber roofing. You will stroll through the Souq, where you will have the chance to buy Omani specialties like Frankincense, Omani daggers. You can also try your hand at bargaining for beautiful silver handicrafts and scarves. Your guide will be on hand to help you reach the best price.

The Amouage perfume visit, here you can see the complete process of the perfume making.

The last stop will be Opera House. The Royal Opera House is the first of its kind in the Gulf States with over 1,000 seats in its main hall, occupying an area of 80,000 square metres and set among swathes of beautiful landscaped gardens – it opened in October 2011. The design combines modern and traditional Omani styles, boasting impressive decorative lighting and breath-taking sculptures. Musical, operatic and dance performances from local and international artists are staged here, establishing Oman as the classical music epicentre of the Gulf States.

Welcome dinner will be at Bait al Luban Restaurant tonight.

Transfer to your hotel

Overnight at The Crowne Plaza – https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/muscat/mschc/hoteldetail

The Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel looks across the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman from a lush clifftop in Qurum Heights. With a panoramic terrace, infinity pool and private beach, the hotel is just a 20-minute drive from Muscat International Airport and steps from Qurum Beach with its café-lined promenade.

DAY 02 – 17 October – 2023

MUSCAT – BIMMA SINKHOLE – WADI SHAB – MUSCAT

Pick up 9.00 a.m. You will depart from Muscat to travel south towards the Quriyat Region. After travelling just a few kilometers you will find yourselves absorbed in an almost lunar world where unreal mountains dominate the view. You will continue to the mountainous landscape arriving at the dramatic Bimmah Sinkhole. Once you are refreshed you will continue travelling and arrive at the pools Wadi Shab (Wadi meaning valley between cliffs). Upon arrival at Wadi Shab you will transfer to a small fishing boat to be taken across the wadi to enable you to start your journey.

The word breathtaking hardly does it justice. You will walk through the amazing canyon, until you arrive at the pools. Here you can relax; take a dip in the crystal clear water. You will have the opportunity to swim through a range of pools till you arrive at the narrow keyhole, dive through and enter a magnificent cave, complete with an incredible waterfall.

The storied Bimmah Sinkhole is another must-visit place, especially for adventurers. Legend has it that the cavernous Bimmah Sinkhole was formed by a meteorite called Hawaiyat Najm, or ‘The Falling Star’. When the limestone rock collapsed in on itself, a 131-foot-wide and 65-feet-deep crater in the coastal desert of Northern Oman with an aquamarine pool at the bottom was revealed.

Once you are refreshed you will head back to your hotel.

Overnight at The Crowne Plaza

DAY 03 – 18 October – WADI BANI KHALID – WAHIBA DESERT

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart on an exciting 4wd journey through the mountains. Your first stop will be 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 hold water all year round. From the mountain springs, the water is led to the oasis where it sustains the typical date palms. Post lunch you will travel to Wahiba Sands which is famous for its multicolored sand which varies from black to honey-golden and even to white. In the heart of the golden sands of Sharqiyah Desert nestled amongst stunning and ever changing patterns of dunes. The location of the camp in the wilderness of the desert, emphasizes the beauty of the golden sand dunes surrounding it. You will be made to feel welcome with warmth and kindness of the Omani Hospitality. Whilst you sit around a camp fire under the starry sky, you will be able to look back over your day and appreciate the once in a life time experience.

Overnight at Desert Night Camp https://www.omanhotels.com/desertnightscamp/

DAY 04 – 19 October

WAHIBA SANDS– BEDOUIN HOUSE VISIT – BIRKAT AL MOUZ – JEBEL AKHDAR

After an early breakfast at the desert camp, you will depart on an exciting 4wd journey through the desert and visit the local bedouin house and have Omani Coffee. You will enjoy their traditional ways of hospitality.

Next you will depart for Jebel Akhdar also known as Green Mountain. On the way, we will stop by at Birkat Al Mouz and have an opportunity to walk in the middle of palm plantations at the foot of Green mountain. Then we will start our ascending journey to Jebel Akhdar Mountains. This mountain offers discovery and adventure. We will experience and witness nature’s primordial beauty seen in the soaring peeks and plunging canyon along with the rise of terraces on extremely steep mountain slopes.

Overnight at Anantara Jebel Akhdar. https://www.anantara.com/en/jabal-akhdar

DAY 05 –20 October’ 2023

JEBEL AKHDAR – NIZWA ANIMAL MARKET – NIZWA FORT – NIZWA SOUQ – JEBEL AKHDAR

After early morning breakfast, your drive on 4wd towards Nizwa for Friday Animal Market

Next stop will be at the spectacular Nizwa Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, one of the most impressive forts in Oman. You will also visit the Nizwa traditional Souq. The Souq is a lively place and an ideal location to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs. Transfer back to Hotel

Overnight at Alila Jebel Akhdar. https://www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar

DAY 06 –21 October’ 2023

JEBEL AKHDAR .

After an early breakfast, travel by 4×4 to farmland in tiered valleys, where you will meet the village elder, Abdullah. Admire his spectacular rose garden, then visit his distillery to see the tarnished silver bowls and clay oven that are used to make rose water the traditional way. Discover how Abdullah’s family rose water recipe is recognised by the Oman Heritage foundation. Learn about its many healing properties for the skin, hair and digestion. Guests can also take home a fragrant reminder, with the famous ‘Rose Potion’ available for sale. One of Oman’s most legendary attractions. Even though it’s not rose harvest season, the roses will be growing and flowering.

Transfer back to Hotel – Overnight at Alila Jebel Akhdar. https://www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar

DAY 07- 22 October’ 2023

JEBEL AKHDAR – MUSCAT.

After the breakfast at the hotel, you will depart on an exciting 4wd journey through the mountains towards Muscat.

Rest day will be for your leisure. Check into The Chedi https://www.ghmhotels.com/en/muscat/

Sparkling waters, vibrant gardens, majestic sea and dramatic mountains as seen through the grand windows in all 158 tasteful, well-appointed guestrooms and suites heighten the calming effect of the natural and timeless environment at The Chedi Muscat.

Beyond their generous dimensions, in-room luxury comforts and panoramic views of the gardens or the Gulf, all Deluxe Club Rooms, Deluxe Club Terrace Rooms and Chedi Club Suites confer privileged access to The Club Lounge. Benefits here begin with airport transfers by private air-conditioned limousine and continue daily, from complimentary breakfast to cocktails and canapés.

DAY 08 –23 October’ 2023

MUSCAT – DAYMANIYAT ISLANDS – REST DAY TO RELAX AT HOTEL

After morning breakfast, you will start at 8:00 am from the meeting point, head to Daymaniyat Islands, Snorkel at two different locations and have a BBQ Lunch in between. We will be back in the marina around 3:00 pm.

After this Amazing Island, you will return to your splendid hotel, rest day will be for your leisure.

Overnight at The Chedi – Muscat – Farewell dinner tonight.

DAY 9 –24 October’ 2023

DEPARTURE

After an amazing tour, it’s time for departure. Our guide will drop you at Muscat International Airport for connecting flights or onward journey.

There are many reasons to visit Oman. Exploring the Sultanate always leaves an imprint on visitors, who, after their unforgettable tour of the country and memorable experience, always come back for more.