Oman Self-drive
Private Self-Drive Holiday
8 Days ex Muscat
Departs Daily
Oman is a land that has long prospered on the trade routes which converged in Muscat. Richly endowed with UNESCO listed Forts and Castles Oman is also blessed with a stunning coastline. With 4 wheel drive GPS daily breakfasts and accommodation included this is the perfect way to marvel at the contrasts this ancient civilisation has to offer on this eight day tour.
Highlights
- Experience desert hospitality with a visit to a Bedouin house
- Wander around the picture perfect oasis scattered throughout Wadi Bani Khalid
- Soak in the charm of Bilad Sayt, a traditional agricultural village nestled amongst stunning mountains
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information Day 1: Muscat
Upon clearing customs you will be met by our local operator and transferred to your hotel. Your holiday has started so it is time to relax so take the rest of the day to gather your thoughts and get ready for what will be an experience never to be forgotten.
Overnight stay at your Muscat hotel of your choice (not included in tour price). Day 2: Muscat (B)
This morning you will receive a briefing and delivery of your 4WD vehicle. Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial centre existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbour Muscat means “anchorage" and lies in a natural volcanic bowl.
Self-guided tour of Muscat today. We suggest you visit the Grand Mosque (Ladies fully covered with scarf and shorts not allowed for men) (except Friday) & the Bait Al Zubair Museum (except Friday) as a brief introduction that traces Oman’s history and development. Drive along the waterfront Corniche visiting the Fish Market.
Stop maybe for a photo of the magnificent Al Alam Palace residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani & Jalali. Visit the colourful Muttrah Souq.
Overnight stay at your Muscat hotel of your choice (not included in tour price). Day 3: Muscat – Nakhl - Al Nahda (B)
Visit the Seeb Fish Souq by the seaside. Drive through the date palms to the sparkling springs and Fort at Nakhl. Visit the beautiful Wakan Village famous for its terraced fruit farming. Your next stop is to Wadi Abhyad which when translated means white wadi due to the large patches of white sedimentation it contains. The drive winds through the mountains with small pools of water dotting the wadi bed.
Overnight stay at Al Nahda Resort. Day 4: Al Nahda - Nizwa (B)
Depart from Al Nahda and head North towards Al Awabi. Turn towards Wadi Bani Auf. Visit the charming mountain village of Bilad Sayt and soak in the beauty of the landscape. This 70 km stretch of road continues on to the village of Al Hamra famous for its date plantations. Visit the ruined village at Tanuf before checking into your hotel. Day 5: Nizwa – Jabrin - Wadi Nakher – Nizwa (B)
Visit the famous Round Tower Fort built in the 17th century and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction intricately hand-carved “Khanjars" (daggers) & ornamental silver jewellery.
Proceed to visit Jabrin the finest of Oman’s Castles built in the late 17th century which became a seat of Omani learning. The Castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting & beautifully executed woodcarvings. Photostop at the Bahla Fort.
Visit Misfah a pretty mountain village with stone dwellings still in existence. While heading for Jebel Shams stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul. Drive to Wadi Nakher. In the Jebel Akhdar range Jebel Shams is the highest peak which offers a spectacular view. (335 km) Day 6: Nizwa – Wahiba Sands - Sur (B)
Drive in an easterly direction toward Sur via Izki Sinaw souk Mudhaybi and the Wahiba Sands a vast mass of undulating red and white this sea of sand and dunes rises up to 200 metres and is host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight.
Experience the remarkable local hospitality during a visit a Bedouin house in this wilderness before seeing the stark contrast of Wadi Bani Khalid. It comprises of small pretty villages embedded in the mountains. The Wadi has clear deep blue water – the epitome of a desert oasis.
Overnight stay at Sur Plaza hotel. Day 7: Sur – Muscat (B)
Visit the fish jetty and the dhow factory before exploring the Sanseela Fort. Drive via a beautiful coastal road to Muscat. Stop at Fins beach for a swim. Your next stop is the Bimah Sinkhole a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. At Dibab take an adventurous offroad track to visit the Wadi Arbayeen charac