MUSCAT IMPRESSIONS
Quick facts about this tour
You will visit Grand Mosque
You will visit the old town of Muscat, shop at Traditional Souq, visit Bait Al Zubair Museum and photo stop at Al Alam Palace
Itinerary
You will be met by our guide at the hotel for a half day tour of Muscat City. The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Bait Zubair Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s Cultural history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district of Old Muscat. You will have photo stops at the palace of his Majesty Sultan Haitham, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items.
HISTORY & NATURE TRAIL – NAKHAL & WAKAN VILLAGE
Quick facts about this tour
You will visit Barkha Fish Market
You will visit Nakhal Springs and Nakhal Fort
Itinerary
Start from Muscat and drive to Nakhl, en route visit Barka fish market and reach Nakhal which has a 350 years old magnificent fort and is dramatically located at the top of rocky mountain cliff. The area is surrounded with date plantations. The narrow road through the town winds up to the Hot Springs of Ayn Al Thuwarah, which is a popular picnic spot. After spending some time at Nakhl we will drive to the remote village of Wakan, set inside Wadi Mistal. A mild off-road drive will take us to the entrance of the village from where one can explore the various terrace plantations and farms of the village. Explore the beauty of the village life and drive back to Muscat.
HERITAGE & HISTORY WHIRL – NIZWA, BAHLA & JABRIN
Quick facts about this tour
You will visit ancient Nizwa Souq
You will visit Nizwa Fort and Jabreen Fort, photostop at Bahla
Itinerary
Drive to the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. You visit the beautiful Nizwa Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, making it one of the most impressive forts in Oman and walk through the traditional Nizwa Souq. Then you proceed to Jabrin castle, built in 17th century and one of the finest of its kind. Its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceilings makes this castle amazingly different. Thereafter continue to Bahla, one of the oldest small towns of Oman and in the 12th century the capital of the tribe living in the region. The monumental fort is open for public after a long restoration activity. Bahla is also famous for its pottery and you will visit a potter’s workshop (not possible on Fridays and Public Holidays)
MAGICAL AL HOOTA CAVES
Quick facts about this tour
You will visit ancient Nizwa Souq
You will visit Al Hoota Cave
Itinerary
Drive to the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. You visit the beautiful Nizwa Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, making it one of the most impressive forts in Oman and walk through the traditional Nizwa Souq. Then you proceed to the famous Al Hoota Cave which is recently open after a long renovation. Estimated to be over 2 million years old, Al Hoota Cave is located at the foot of Jabal Shams, Oman’s epic mountain. It is the first and only show cave in the Arabian Peninsula with a total length of around 4.5 kilometres, of which just 500 metres is accessible to the general public. Al Hoota Cave contains a rich ecosystem that includes four lakes. It is here that one can see the rare blind fish – Garra Barreimiae or more commonly known to us as Bu Naseh. And there are many other animal species living in the cave including bats (Rhinopoma Muscatellum), arthropods, mollusks, spiders, snails and water beetles. After visits, drive back to Muscat.
DESERT EXPERIENCE – WAHIBA SANDS & WADI BANI KHALID
Quick facts about this tour
You will visit Bedouin house and enjoy Dune bashing in the desert.
Itinerary
Drive to Wahiba sands, via traditional Old Omani village of Ibra & Mudayrib. You will stop at each place for photo sessions. 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. 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. By evening, drive back to Muscat and drop off to hotel.
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Whether you're planning a relaxing retreat or a thrilling desert adventure, Marbella Bungalows Desert in Bidiyah is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Book your stay with us today and experience the beauty of the desert like never before.
