Coach Tour6 Days ex MuscatDeparts on Mondays
Guaranteed departure (min 2 pax) coach tour
Oman is a land of beautiful contrasts from the sparkling azure coast to the burnt ochre desert to the lush green wadi and from ancient archaeological sites to modern opulence. This diversity plus the hospitable people and surprising nature including giant sea turtles make this often overlooked destination a fascinating land of discovery. This 6 day itinerary including 4WD excursions takes in all the very best that Oman has to offer.
Highlights
- Watch the serene majesty of giant sea turtles returning to their nesting colony.
- Explore the “Grand Canyon” of Oman on a 4WD excursion.
- Experience an unforgettable night under the desert stars at Wahiba Sands.
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Itinerary
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Accommodation
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Important Information
Day 1: Muscat
Arrival at Muscat International Airport. After proceeding through immigration and collecting your luggage you will be met by your driver in the arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Overnight at your city hotel. (Please note: check-in time is from 14:00 hrs)
Day 2: Muscat (BL)
After breakfast depart at 09:30 hrs for a Muscat city tour beginning with a visit to the magnificent Grand Mosque built with sandstone and marble. A beautiful Swarovski chandelier and a huge handmade Persian carpet adorn the main prayer hall. Then continue to the Muttrah Souk a traditional oriental market. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and the aromas of frankincense and spices.
After a light lunch at one of the restaurants near the souk visit Bait Al Zubair Museum. This privately owned museum located in the old town of Muscat is known for its fine collection of traditional costumes antique jewellery and weapons. Later photo stop at Al Alam Palace the palace of the Sultan before embarking on a 2 hour boat ride along the coast of Muscat. The sparkling azure sea contrasting with the stark desert coastline makes this a beautiful trip. On the way back to the hotel stop at the Royal Opera House and drive through the ministries and embassies area. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 3: Muscat - Jebel Shams - Nizwa (350km) (BL)
After breakfast leave Muscat and depart towards the interior of Oman. Your first stop is the village of Birkat Al Mauz with its many gardens. Continue to the small town of Al Hamra were many of the traditional mud houses are still intact. From there go up to the village of Misfat which literally clings to the side of the mountain. Take a walk through the village and see the traditional irrigation channels (Falaj). You will then switch to 4x4 vehicles and go further up to Jebel Shams the ‘mountain of the sun”.
Take in the spectacular view from the ‘Grand Canyon’. Later proceed to Nizwa for overnight.
Day 4: Nizwa - Jabrin - Nizwa - Mudayrib - Wahiba (220km) (BD)
After breakfast visit Nizwa former capital of Oman. Visit the Nizwa Souq lying in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of years home to a number of local industries such as daggers copper spinning livestock sale fish vegetables and handicrafts. Later visit Jabrin Castle Oman’s most beautiful Castle with its winding hallways hidden staircases and beautifully decorated interior. Then continue the journey towards the desert on the way visit a 18th century village of “Al Mudayrib” still inhabited as it always was it has managed to keep its atmosphere and character despite the new buildings which are emerging around the old settlement. Later arrive in Wahiba Sands. 4x4 vehicles will take you to the camp where you will have dinner and stay overnight.
Day 5: Wahiba - Wadi Bani Khaled - Sur (210km) (BD)
After a desert sunrise and breakfast you will have some free time to enjoy the desert atmosphere. Then the 4x4 vehicles will take you back to the bus. Visit Wadi Bani Khaled which stands in strong contrast to the desert with its natural pools and greenery – the epitome of a desert oasis. After lunch we will continue to the coastal town of Sur for dinner and overnight.
Turtle Beach tour: Tonight excursion to Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve where you can have chance to see giant sea turtles nesting. The beach is one of the largest turtle reserves in the world.
Day 6: Sur - Wadi Tiwi - Muscat (250km) (BL)
After breakfast depart for a short city tour of Sur and a visit to the dhow (traditional boat) building yards. Then journey back to Muscat along the sparkling coast stopping at the beautiful traditional fishing village of Wadi Tiwi and having lunch at the Wadi Shab Resort.
Arrive in Muscat at around 17:00 and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Transportation in A/C coach and 4WD (where necessary)
- Accommodation in listed hotels (or similar) with private facilities:
- Meals as indicated
- Sightseeing and entrance fee
- English speaking tour guide
- Drinking water during excursions
- Oman Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
NOTES ABOUT TURTLES IN RAS AL HADD:
Turtles are in their natural habitat therefore sightings are not always possible. Visitors are required to keep silent and not to use flashlights. Photography is not permitted in order to not disturb the animals.
Accommodation based on the following or similar:
Muscat
Tourist Class - Muscat Holiday Hotel - Standard Room (2 nights)
First Class - Grand Hyatt - Grand room (2 nights)
Nizwa
Tourist Class - Al Diyar - Standard Room (1 night)
First Class - Golden Tulip Nizwa - Standard room (1 night)
Wahiba Sands
Tourist Class - Sama Al Wasil by Desert Palm - Chalet Room (1 night)
First Class - Desert Night Camp - Deluxe tent (1 night)
Sur
Tourist Class - Resort Sur Beach Holiday (1 night)
First Class - Sur Plaza (1 night)
VISAS Effective June 2018 Oman introduced a new E-visa system. If you are travelling on the passport of any of the countries in Country List 1 - in the link below you must apply for an E - Visa as visas will not be available on arrival. http://www.rop.gov.om/old/english/countrylist1.asp
RAMADAN ( 05 May - 06 Jun 2019) Please find below some rules and important information for tourists during Ramadan: During the month of Ramadan Muslims will not eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset. Although Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, they have to obey the laws regarding eating, drinking and smoking in public and should respect the local culture.
- It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during Ramadan.
- Cafes and restaurants are closed during the day, and hotel beaches and pools also instate the no eating, drinking, and smoking rule.
- Some hotels have screened-off areas for Non-Muslim guests where food and beverages are served during the day. Room service will also be available in most hotels.
- In case there are lunches included in tours and round trips, they will be mainly in form of picnic lunch boxes and guests have to eat in the vehicle.
- If travelling with an Omani driver/guide, please avoid drinking or eating in their presence. (Breakfast and dinner at the hotels will take place normally).
- Alcohol will only be available in 5* hotels and only in selected outlets (if any). Otherwise alcohol will not be available (guests can take from home/duty free shop and consume in the privacy of their hotel room).
- Public life/services in hotels and elsewhere can be very slow and often patience is required even for getting simple service
- All members of society are expected to dress modestly, women making special efforts to limit the amount of make-up worn and cover arms, legs and shoulders.
- Working hours are reduced as a rule during this time period. The normal workday of 8am to 5pm changes to 8pm to 2pm in most companies.
- Retail shops are usually only open in the morning hours and after 4pm, if at all.
- Supermarkets remain open from around 10h00 – midnight and some stores will deliver also (mainly Muscat area).
- No music or dancing is allowed during Ramadan. Please turn your car stereo down and be mindful about playing music loudly even in the comfort of your room.
- Hotels sometimes use the quieter month of Ramadan to carry out minor repairs or maintenance work which can cause inconvenience for the guests.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
