Extensive Oman

Buffet breakfast at the hotels restaurant This morning we are off to a wonderful tour of Muscat. We will start our tour with a visit to Grand Mosque the most exquisite Mosque in Oman. The developed part of the site, Grand Mosque Including the fully consolidated areas and landscaping, covers 416,000 square metres. The Mosque complex (covering 40,000 square metres) is constructed on a raised podium in keeping with the tradition of Omani mosques that were built elevated from street level. On arrival at the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, board on the speed boat and depart for dolphin cruise, head out to sea towards the favourite feeding grounds of the dolphins - between Fahal Island (opposite to the Petroleum refinery) and Bandar Khairan - a beautiful area of islands and pristine beaches. Oman’s waters are blessed with an abundance of sea life including an estimated 20 of the 80 known species of whales and dolphins. We provide the opportunity of enjoying the sight of the fabulous dolphins off the coast of Oman. Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start the day and if you are lucky you may even come across one of the many species of whales that can be found just a few kilometres from Muscat‟s rugged coast (Please note that chances to see dolphin is 75%. Dolphin watching depends on the sea and weather condition.) Return to Marina Bandar and break for lunch at local restaurant on own.

Breakfast at hotel Following your pick up from the hotel you will proceed for a day to Jabel Akdhar. Your first stop is at Nizwa souq explore the souq The impressive New Souq complex has been sensitively designed using Omani fort architecture and elegant Islamic arches. The air-conditioned halls of this souq are full of fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, huge stacks of dates and freshly caught fish. This is still the best place to buy traditional silver “Khanjars” (hand- carved Omani daggers) and Bedouin jewellery, where silver is still sold by weight. Then you visit Nizwa Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, making it one of the most impressive forts in Oman Built on a solid base of rock, the huge tower was designed to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons. From the top, a superb panoramic view gives visitors a bird’s eye view all around Nizwa and the surrounding plains – a sure delight for all avid photographers! Break for lunch at local restaurant on own After lunch drive to Jebel Akhder. In Arabic Jabel Akdhar means green mountains. Jabel Akdher is famous for gardens, farms and terrace plantations. En route you will make a short stop at Birkat Al Mouz, an old village that is famous for its ruins, large banana plantation and is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system. Leaving Birkat Al Mouz behind you, you will begin the climb up Jabal Akhdar Mountain. At the top you will visit Wadi Bani Habib to see one of the remote villages and plantations. At first glance the village looks in pretty good shape for an abandoned village, however as you get closer you will notice that nobody is home, rooves have collapsed, walls crumbled and doors completely missing. The village is empty and just waiting to be explored. Follow your guide as they take you through the terrace gardens to view this intriguing location. Appreciate the cool climate and scenic surroundings before checking in at your selected hotel. Overnight at selected hotel.

Breakfast at hotel 0830Hrs: Drive to Wahiba sands, via traditional Old Omani village of Ibra. Your first destination today is Wadi Bani Khalid– an oasis in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. It is one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman and its pools with clear deep blue water give you an opportunity to take a refreshing dip. Lunch at local restaurant on own Then proceed to Wahiba sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. After some exciting sand dune driving which offers excellent thrills and chills for all, you will arrive at the home of a Bedouin Family in the desert, maybe you even feel like going on a short camel ride. Later check in at your selected Camp Sunset on the dunes Dinner at Camp Overnight at selected Camp.

Breakfast at leisure at Camp Morning at leisure. Later check out from the Camp (Standard Check out time 1200 hrs) and depart to Muscat International Airport to board your flight back home ( Aprx time from Camp to Muscat International Airport is 2 hrs 30 minutes)