Arabian Quest - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Today we enjoy a city tour of Muscat starting with a visit of the Grand Mosque –a superb example of modern Omani architecture - as well as the Bait Zubair Museum, the Jalani Fort (built during the time of the Portuguese presence in 1558), the hilltop Mirani Fort facing out to sea and the Al Alam Palace. In the evening visit the colourful Muttrah souq (the oldest in Oman) and enjoy the ambiance of the cornice. (B)

Time to board our jeeps for an exciting off-road journey along the coast to Sur. This is an extremely scenic route which not only follows the coast but also heads inland winding through the breathtaking views of gorges, jebel (range of hills) oasis villages and surprisingly fertile wadis (river valleys – usually dry).  We stop at the dramatic limestone Bimmah Sinkhole, the stunning white sands of Fins Beach (perfect for a dip in the calm waters) and Wadi Tiwi en route.  After dinner at Sur, we head to the famous turtle beaches on the Ras al Hadd Peninsula to watch the green turtles on their solitary journey up the sands to lay their eggs.  (BLD)

Visit the Bilad Sur and Sunysilah Castles and the fascinating Dhow Yards. Later we continue to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the many beautiful oases in the middle of this barren mountain wilderness for lunch. Continue to our magical desert campsite at Wahiba Sands from where we can enjoy a camel ride and watch a spectacular sunset from the top of dunes. At night we enjoy a BBQ dinner beneath the stars. (BLD)

Spend the morning exploring the stark wilderness of the desert on a roller coaster 4WD. A Bedouin guide will be joining us for this tour who will share his experience of life in Wahiba. Visit a Bedouin house to enjoy the hospitality of the local Bedouin family. Drive deeper into the desert in search of an oasis to enjoy your picnic lunch. Then proceed into the Hajar Mountains and the heights of Jebel Akhdar at 2000m – surprisingly lush amidst the barren scenery surrounding them. Overnight at Jebel Akhdar.(BLD)

Today we enjoy a short trek (3-4 hours) to Wadi Habib where you can see the intricate terrace plantations clinging seemingly impossibly to the hillside.  Wadi Habib is a traditional old mountain village replete with mud houses (which are still occupied), fertile fruit plantations bearing apricots, peaches, figs, pears, plums, walnuts, almonds, pomegranates and grapes and a rose garden where exotic rose water is extracted as a cottage industry.  Overnight at Jebel Akhdar.( BLD)

Drive to the oasis town of Nizwa high in the mountains for a visit of the ancient  round tower, fort & souq. In the afternoon visit Bahla Village, once known as a mystical village famous for its Arabian potteries, black magic and ‘jins’ (evil spirits). Continue to Oman’s finest castle, Jabrin Castle, built in the late 17th Century.  This was once the location of the capital city and became a seat of Omani learning. Return to Nizwa for the night. (B)

This morning we will visit the second largest natural caves in the world at Al Hoota – a phenomenally scenic encounter. Continue to Al Hamra where you will experience ancient Omani daily life including the making of perfumes and frankincense - a real once in a life-time experience.  Continue to Muscat through the dramatic Al Hajar mountains. The meandering road offers breathtaking views at every corner and there is the opportunity to walk through one of the villages to get to know the local lifestyle. Our goal is the famous Snake Gorge at Wadi Bani Awf, an awe-inspiring canyon and one of the most spectacular in the country. We will take a short trek through the wadi and have a picnic lunch then continue to Nakal Fort and Ain-Towarah hot springs before returning for one last night in Muscat. (BLD)

Tour ends. (B)