Taste of Oman Tour

Pickup from the hotel and proceed to visit the Grand Mosque (not possible on Friday & other public holidays), highlight of the Muscat city. Completed in 2001, Grand Mosque is a beautiful building which looks modern but shows that modern craftsmen have retained the skills necessary to create this wonderful traditional environment. It is impossible not to take more and more pictures. The handmade carpets, the chandeliers, the ceiling of the great dome in the main prayer room are absolute ‘must sees’. Kindly note, ladies to be fully covered and to carry a head scarf and men should wear trousers. Drive along the waterfront Corniche visiting the colourful Muttrah Souq. We proceed for a photo stop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani & Jalali. Proceed to visit Bait Al Zubair Museum to have a glimpse of Oman’s history. Proceed back to the Hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Muscat. (B)

Transfer from the Muscat hotel to the Marina to embark on a boat as we search the seas for Dolphins and Whales. Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start the day and the lucky may even come across one of the many species of whales that can be found just a few kilometres from Muscat’s rugged coast. Not every trip guarantees a sighting, but you are sure to enjoy a trip out to sea and enhance your knowledge of nature’s most fascinating marine mammals. Return to the Marina and proceed back to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure on your own to explore the city or enjoy hotel facilities. Overnight at the hotel in Muscat. (B)

Proceed to Nizwa, capital of the interior, is the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Nizwa boasts of the famous Round Tower Fort (photo stop), built in the 17th century, and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved “Khanjars” (daggers) & ornamental silver jewellery. We proceed to Wadi Al Madeen where there is a check post. From here a 36 km stretch of winding road takes one to Jebel Akhdar (2000 mts above sea level) the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain ranges, a truly unique spot in the Arabian Peninsula. Enjoy the cool climate up in the mountains. Overnight at Sama Jabal Akhdar Hotel. (B)

Al Jebel Al Akhdar is famed for its fruit orchards typically laid out terrace style along the slopes of mountains, which are endowed with natural springs and aflaj. The villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) visit to village roose & Al Ain dot 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). Drop off at Muscat International Airport. (B)