21 December - 05 January - price on application
Compulsory Christmas and New Years Eve Gala dinner charges apply - price on application
Private Holiday
8 Days ex Muscat
8 Days ex Muscat
Departs: Daily
Note:
- Accommodation at Turtle Reserve and Wahiba Sands may be lower standard than other hotel accommodations
Muscat (2) | Sur (1) | Wahiba Sands (1) | Nizwa (1) |Muscat (2)
This 8-day itinerary takes in many of the most unforgettable parts of Oman – a country fast rising on many travellers “must see” destinations list. With landscapes including imposing deserts, sparkling coastlines, and dramatic mountains, Oman is a fascinating and varied country which makes an unforgettable addition to Middle Eastern travel.
Highlights:
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24/7 local operator support in Oman
- Experience the unforgettable sight of giant sea turtles laying their eggs, while hatchlings make their way to the sea (seasonal and subject to nature)
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Explore the mesmerizing Nizwa Souk marketplace in search of a bargain
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Discover the magnificent Al Alam Palace and view the historic Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali
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Uncover age-old traditions as you sit with Omani families practicing their traditional way of life
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Walk through the spectacular Wadi Shab and visit the turquoise waters of the Bimmah Sinkhole
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Discover the tranquil oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid with its clear pools and palm-lined landscapes
The Palace and view the historic Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Information
Day 1: Muscat
Welcome to Oman! On arrival at Muscat International Airport, after clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be met in the arrivals hall and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to settle in and unwind after your journey.
Note: Hotel check-in time is from 2.00pm
Day 2: Muscat (BL)
After breakfast, depart at approximately 9.30am for a full-day exploration of Muscat. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece built from sandstone and marble. Admire the stunning main prayer hall, home to an exquisite handwoven Persian carpet and a spectacular Swarovski crystal chandelier. Continue through the embassy and ministry district to the historic heart of Muscat, where you will visit the elegant Royal Opera House Muscat. A symbol of Oman's cultural renaissance, the opera house is renowned for its striking architecture, intricate decorative details and world-class performances. Next, explore Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest traditional markets in Oman. Wander through its maze of narrow laneways lined with shops selling silver jewellery, frankincense, spices, textiles and local handicrafts.
Following a light lunch at a local restaurant, visit the National Museum of Oman, the country's premier cultural institution. Its extensive galleries showcase Oman's rich history, from prehistoric times through to the modern era.
Conclude the day with a stop at Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial residence of His Majesty the Sultan, and admire the impressive Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali from the outside before returning to your hotel at approximately 4.00pm.
Day 3: Muscat – Sur (Ras Al Jinz) (BLD)
Depart Muscat this morning and travel along Oman's spectacular coastal highway towards Sur. En route, stop at the dramatic Bimmah Sinkhole, a natural limestone crater filled with clear turquoise water, before continuing to Wadi Shab, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis. Enjoy a walk through the lush valley with its crystal-clear pools and dramatic rock formations.
Continue to the coastal town of Sur and check in to your hotel.
After dinner, travel to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve for an evening turtle-watching excursion. This internationally renowned conservation area offers the opportunity to observe green turtles nesting on the beach or hatchlings making their way to the sea.
Note: As the turtles are in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Visitors are required to remain quiet, flashlights are prohibited, and photography is not permitted to avoid disturbing the animals.
Continue to the coastal town of Sur and check in to your hotel.
After dinner, travel to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve for an evening turtle-watching excursion. This internationally renowned conservation area offers the opportunity to observe green turtles nesting on the beach or hatchlings making their way to the sea.
Note: As the turtles are in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Visitors are required to remain quiet, flashlights are prohibited, and photography is not permitted to avoid disturbing the animals.
Day 4: Sur – Wahiba Sands (BLD)
Following breakfast and check-out, depart for the Sharqiyah Region and travel to the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman's most picturesque oases. Pass through villages surrounded by extensive date plantations before arriving at the wadi, where crystal-clear pools, lush palm groves and dramatic rocky scenery create a tranquil setting. There is time to relax or take a refreshing swim in the clear waters.
After lunch, continue to the magnificent Wahiba Sands, an immense sea of golden dunes stretching approximately 200 kilometres in length and 100 kilometres in width, from the Eastern Hajar Mountains to the Arabian Sea. Transfer to a 4WD vehicle and venture deep into the desert, where you can climb the towering dunes and witness the unforgettable colours of the desert at sunset.
Check in to your desert camp before dinner and an overnight stay beneath the stars in the heart of the Arabian Desert.
Day 5: Wahiba Sands – Jebel Akhdar - Nizwa (BLD)
Depart the desert and travel towards the Nizwa region. Stop at Birkat Al Mouz, a picturesque oasis village surrounded by date plantations and home to one of Oman's ancient falaj irrigation systems. Here you will change to a 4WD vehicle before ascending to Jebel Akhdar, the spectacular "Green Mountain."
Located over 2,000 metres above sea level in the Western Hajar Mountains, Jebel Akhdar is renowned for its cool climate, terraced farms and fruit orchards. Explore the mountain villages and admire the dramatic scenery before descending to Nizwa for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Nizwa – Al Hamra – Bait Al Safah – Muscat (BL)
Begin the day at the bustling Nizwa Souq, famous for its silverwork, pottery, spices and traditional handicrafts, before visiting the imposing Nizwa Fort, one of Oman's most iconic historic landmarks.
Continue to Al Hamra and visit Bait Al Safah, a beautifully restored mudbrick house where local families demonstrate traditional Omani customs and crafts. Afterwards, travel to the picturesque mountain village of Misfah Al Abriyeen, renowned for its stone houses, terraced gardens and ancient falaj irrigation channels.
A traditional lunch prepared by local village women provides an authentic taste of Omani hospitality before returning to Muscat for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Muscat - Barka - Al Hazm Fort - Muscat (BL)
Today's excursion focuses on Oman's rich cultural and scientific heritage. Visit the Oman Across Ages Museum (formerly the History of Science Centre), an engaging museum highlighting the country's scientific achievements, innovation and development through interactive exhibits.
Continue to the lively Barka Fish Market, where local fishermen sell the day's fresh catch in a vibrant traditional setting.
Later, visit Al Hazm Fort, one of Oman's finest forts, admired for its impressive architecture, massive walls and ingenious engineering. Continue to nearby Rustaq Fort for a photo stop. Dating back to pre-Islamic times, this impressive fortress has played a significant role in Oman's history and offers wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Return to Muscat for your final overnight stay.
Day 8: Muscat (B)
After breakfast, transfer by private vehicle to Muscat International Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Oman
- Private airport transfers with English-speaking driver
- 7 nights’ hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- 6 local lunches
- 3 dinners
- Transportation in A/C vehicle and 4WD (where necessary)
- Sightseeing and entrance fees
- English speaking driver/guide for sightseeing tours
- Drinking water during excursions
- Oman Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
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International airfares
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Optional tours and excursions
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Porterage
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Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
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Personal Expenses
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
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Visas (unless specified)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
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Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below (or similar):
Accommodation at Turtle Reserve and Wahiba Sands may be lower standard than other hotel accommodations
Muscat
First Class: Grand Millennium
Sur
First Class: Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (best available)
Wahiba Sands
First Class: Desert Nights Camp
Nizwa
First Class: Golden Tulip
Muscat
First Class: Grand Millennium
Ramadan: In 2027, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Sunday 7th February and conclude at sunset on Monday 8th March, with Eid al-Fitr celebrated on sighting of the full moon. During Eid Al Fitr most public and private institutions close for at least three days.
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.
Turtle Viewing
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.
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. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be 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 available in some destinations 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.
