Oman Self-drive

Visit of Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. It lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Visit the Nizwa Souq, which has remained vibrant for hundreds of years and is home to a number of local industries. Omani daggers (khanjar), copper, silver jewellery, livestocks, fish, vegetables and handicrafts can be found at the souq. Visit of Jibrin Castle, a large rectangular building consisting of five floors and containing 55 rooms. This castle is distinguished by the inscriptions and frescoes that adorn its rooms. The castle's ceilings are decorated with paintings and Islamicera style inscriptions, and its doors are beautifully carved. A Falaj runs through the middle of the castle. Photo opportunity of the massive Bahla Fort (Unesco site). It was built in the third millennium BC. The length of its south facade is about 112 kilometres, while its eastern facade is about 114 metres. Tanuf is the ruins of old town which is located at the edge of Jabal Akhdar and at the mouth of wadi Tanuf. The town was bombed and destroyed by British RAF in 1954-1955 in a battle against dissident Beni Riyam tribe. Overnight at Nizwa hotel.

Visit of the village of Al Hamra, one of the best-preserved old towns in the country and the home of the Bait Al Safah living museum. Take a stroll between the old, abandoned buildings and mud houses. Visit the museum and learn about the Omani traditions with men and women demonstrating ancient practices. Photo opportunity at Misfat Al Abreieen. The village boasts amazing agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys, and old houses built on top of solid rocks. The old houses in Misfat al Abreen are traditional mud houses with palm frond roofs and are unique in that they are built on solid rock foundations. Here you will also see traditional Omani irrigation channels (Falaj system), where water is channelled from underground sources to support agriculture and domestic use. Stop at the old village of Ghul to see the abandoned Persian ruins. Arrival at Jebel Shams, Oman's highest point at 3.009m. It is truly an amazing sight at all times of the day. Enjoy the spectacular view from/of the “Grand Canyon”. Overnight at Nizwa hotel.

Visit of the Ibra Women's Market that takes place every Wednesday. Women head to this market to buy all they need (handicrafts etc.). Visit the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid. Drive past the village with its endless date plantations to reach the magnificent wadi. The pools are cool, deep and absolutely stunning. Feel free to plunge in and experience the crystal-clear waters. At 3.00pm, arrival at the entrance of Wahiba sands. Meet the “camp representative” and take the “escort service” to the camp. The longitudinal dunes stretch 200km long and 100km wide until the Arabian Sea and have been home to the Bedouin for 7.000 years. Overnight at Wahiba desert camp.

Return to the main road to collect your rental car. Despite some interesting old architecture, including a fort and watchtowers, this small town, Al Kamil is more commonly known as an important junction with Al Ashkharah Road and the Muscat–Sur Highway, punctuated by local-style cafes. It is something of a rarity in Oman, however, for being one of the few towns in the country surrounded by trees. Arrival at the coastal city of Sur. Visit the dhow factory to see the construction of traditional wooden boats, that vary in design and size. Thereafter take a photo opportunity at Ayjah lighthouse. Proceed to the visit of the Ras AI Jinz Turtle Reserve, world renowned for the nesting of the endangered green turtle, Chelonia mydas. Probably the most important nesting concentration in the Indian Ocean. Overnight at Sur hotel.

Continue to Wadi Tiwi, a spectacularly deep and narrow gorge carved out of the mountains, running between towering cliffs right down to the sea. Famed for its old traditional villages surrounded by lush plantations of date and banana. Photo opportunity at Wadi Shab. Fresh water cascading from top of the mountains meets the briny sea water on its banks, creating an environmental diversity unique to this wadi and making it stand on a pedestal of its own when compared with the other wadis (valleys) in the Sultanate. Stop at Bimmah Sinkhole, a deep natural depression filled with water. The locals say that a meteor fell on this spot resulting in the natural depression and forming a small lake. At 6.00pm drop off your rental car at the hotel. Overnight at Muscat hotel.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in Oman
• Private return airport transfers
• 7 nights’ accommodation in listed hotels/camp
• Daily breakfasts
• 1 Dinner
• 4X4 rental (Toyota or similar 2.5L to 2.7L/auto) for 6 days from Day 2 to Day 8, including CDW/200KM per day = 1200 KM
• 6 Days GPS
• Oman Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• International Drivers Licence
• Optional tours and excursions
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Fuel
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above