[{"title":"Day 1 – Arrival Muscat","name":"Muscat","description":"<p>Welcome to Muscat! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.</p><br/><p><strong>Bait Al Zubair Museum</strong><br /><br/>Begin your day with a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, a privately owned museum nestled in the old town of Muscat. Renowned for its exquisite collection of traditional costumes, antique jewellery, weapons, and other treasures, this museum offers a fascinating insight into Oman’s rich cultural heritage.</p><br/><p><strong>Ministry Area and Al Alam Palace</strong><br /><br/>Pass through the Ministry area and take the opportunity to capture photos at Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of the Sultan, known for its striking architecture and historical significance.</p><br/><p><strong>Mirani and Jalali Forts</strong><br /><br/>Next, admire the exterior of the Mirani and Jalali forts, two of Muscat’s most iconic landmarks, guarding the harbour and standing as testaments to Oman’s storied past.</p><br/><p><strong>Muttrah Souq</strong><br /><br/>Conclude your tour with a visit to Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back around two hundred years. The souq’s history, antiquities, and vibrant atmosphere add to its unique charm and allure, making it a must-see for any traveller.</p><br/><p><strong>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Lunch</p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>2 nights Shangri-La Al Bandar or similar</p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Airport transfers<br /><br/>Meet & Assist at the airport after luggage collection<br /><br/>Muscat Half-Day Tour</p><br/><p><strong>Travel time and distance<br /><br/></strong>Muscat Airport to Bait Al Zubair Museum: Approx. 34 km/ 30 mins drive<br /><br/>Bait Al Zubair Museum to Ministry Area and Al Alam Palace: Approx. 3 km/ 10 mins drive<br /><br/>Ministry Area and Al Alam Palace to Mirani and Jalali Forts: Approx. 1 km/ 5 mins drive<br /><br/>Mirani and Jalali Forts to Muttrah Souq: Approx. 4 km/ 10 mins. Drive</p><br/>","lat":"23.588031","lng":"58.382872"},{"title":"Day 2 - Muscat","name":"Muscat","description":"<p>Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural exploration.</p><br/><p><strong>Cooking Classes at Sidab Village<br /><br/></strong>At midday, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Oman with a cooking class at Sidab Village. Engage with the Sidab women, learning to prepare authentic Omani dishes while gaining insight into their unique culture and traditions. After the class, savour the flavours of your creations in the company of the women who guided you through the experience.</p><br/><p><strong>Free Time at Leisure<br /><br/></strong>Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace or relax and unwind, taking in the serene surroundings.</p><br/><p><strong><br /><br/>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast, Lunch at cooking class</p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>Shangri-La Al Bandar or similar</p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Private vehicle with English-speaking guide-driver<br /><br/>Cooking class at Sidab</p><br/><p><strong>Travel time and distance</strong><br /><br/>Shangri-La Al Bandar to Sidab Village: Approx. 13.6 Km/ 16 mins drive</p><br/>","lat":"23.588031","lng":"58.382872"},{"title":"Day 3 - Muscat to Jebel Shams","name":"Jebel Shams","description":"<p>Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.</p><br/><p><strong>Visit to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque</strong><br /><br/>Explore the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, built with sandstone and marble. The mosque features a stunning Swarovski chandelier and a massive handmade Persian carpet in the main prayer hall. Note that the mosque’s construction took six years following an architectural competition. Please adhere to the dress code: women must fully cover their hair, arms, and legs; men must wear long trousers and a shirt. Visits are not permitted on Fridays.</p><br/><p><strong>Photo Stop at Birkat Al Mouz</strong><br /><br/>Capture the beauty of Birkat Al Mouz, a renowned village in ruins surrounded by a large banana plantation. The site also features the old falaj irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a charming glimpse into the past.</p><br/><p><strong>Visit to Al Hamra Village to Ghul Village</strong><br /><br/>Discover the well-preserved old town of Al Hamra and visit the Bait Al Safa living museum. Wander through the old abandoned buildings and mud houses, and learn about Omani traditions as local men and women demonstrate ancient practices. Visit the old village of Ghul to view the abandoned Persian ruins.<strong> </strong></p><br/><p><strong>Arrival at Jebel Shams</strong><br /><br/>Arrive at Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak at 3,009 metres. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the “Grand Canyon,” a sight that is spectacular at any time of the day.</p><br/><p><strong>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the hotel</p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>2 nights at Jebel Shams Resort or similar</p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-Speaking driver-guide<br /><br/>Sightseeing: Grand Mosque – Birkat Al Mouz village – Al Hamra & Bait Al Safa museum – Wadi Ghul – Jebel Shams Grand Canyon</p><br/><p><strong>Travel time and distance<br /><br/></strong>Grand Mosque (Muscat) to Birkat Al Mouz village: Approx. 120 km/ 1.5 hrs drive<br /><br/>Birkat Al Mouz village to Al Hamra & Bait Al Safa museum: Approx. 22 km/ 25 mins drive<br /><br/>Al Hamra & Bait Al Safa museum to Wadi Ghul: Approx. 40 km/ 45 mins<br /><br/>Wadi Ghul to Jebel Shams Grand Canyon: Approx. 22 km/ 40 minutes (due to mountainous terrain)</p><br/>","lat":"23.237559","lng":"57.264884"},{"title":"Day 4 - Jebel Shams","name":"Jebel Shams","description":"<p>Arrive at Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest point at 3,009 metres. This stunning location offers an incredible view of the “Grand Canyon,” providing a majestic sight at any time of day.</p><br/><p><strong>Scenic Canyon Walk<br /><br/></strong>Embark on a captivating easy walk along the steep canyon walls to an ancient village, transporting you back hundreds of years. Starting from Al Khatim village, the dramatic scenery includes a vast natural amphitheatre, the tiny village of Nakhar nestled in the shadowy depths of the canyon, and the impressive Egyptian vulture with its striking black-and-white-striped wings.<br /><br/><strong> </strong></p><br/><p><strong>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the hotel</p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>Jebel Shams Resort or similar<strong> </strong></p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-Speaking driver-guide<br /><br/>Sightseeing: Jebel Shams Grand Canyon – Jebel Shams trekking Balcony Walk</p><br/><p><strong>Travel time and distance<br /><br/></strong>Jebel Shams Hotel to Jebel Shams Grand Canyon: Approx. 30 km/ 45 mins drive<br /><br/>Jebel Shams Grand Canyon to Jebel Shams Trekking Balcony Walk: Approx. 10 km/ 20 mins drive<br /><br/>Jebel Shams Trekking Balcony Walk to Jebel Shams Hotel: Approx. 20 km/ 30 mins drive</p><br/>","lat":"23.237559","lng":"57.264884"},{"title":"Day 5 – Nizwa and Wahiba Sands","name":"Nizwa","description":"<p>Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.</p><br/><p><strong>Photo Stop at Wadi Nakhar<br /><br/></strong>Capture the stunning beauty of Wadi Nakhar, renowned as one of Oman’s most picturesque valleys. This deep valley, with its several branches, offers excellent opportunities for mountaineering and hiking.</p><br/><p><strong>Visit to Nizwa<br /><br/></strong>Explore the historic city of Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. Visit the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the oasis from its grand tower. Wander through the bustling souq nearby, where you’ll find a variety of local products including Omani daggers (khanjar), copper and silver jewellery, livestock, fish, vegetables, and handicrafts.</p><br/><p><strong>Wahiba Sands<br /><br/></strong>Arrive at the entrance of Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands. Stretching 200 km long and 100 km wide, these longitudinal dunes have been home to the Bedouin for 7,000 years. Climb the high dunes to witness an unforgettable desert sunset before a gentle drive through the dunes to reach your camp.</p><br/><p>Enjoy a night under the stars at the Wahiba Desert Camp, immersing yourself in the serene desert environment.</p><br/><p><strong>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant, Dinner at Camp</p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>Arabian Oryx Camp or similar</p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-Speaking guide-driver<br /><br/>Sightseeing: Wadi Nakhar – Nizwa visit – Wahiba desert</p><br/><p><strong>Travel time and distance<br /><br/></strong>Jebel Shams Resort to Wadi Nakhar: Approx. 63 km/ About 1.5 hrs drive<br /><br/>Wadi Nakhar to Nizwa: Approx. 90 km/ 1.5 hrs drive<br /><br/>Nizwa to Wahiba Desert: Approx. 150 km/ 2.5 hrs drive</p><br/>","lat":"22.917103","lng":"57.536292"},{"title":"Day 5 – Nizwa and Wahiba Sands","name":"Wahiba Sands","description":"<p>Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.</p><br/><p><strong>Photo Stop at Wadi Nakhar<br /><br/></strong>Capture the stunning beauty of Wadi Nakhar, renowned as one of Oman’s most picturesque valleys. This deep valley, with its several branches, offers excellent opportunities for mountaineering and hiking.</p><br/><p><strong>Visit to Nizwa<br /><br/></strong>Explore the historic city of Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. Visit the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the oasis from its grand tower. Wander through the bustling souq nearby, where you’ll find a variety of local products including Omani daggers (khanjar), copper and silver jewellery, livestock, fish, vegetables, and handicrafts.</p><br/><p><strong>Wahiba Sands<br /><br/></strong>Arrive at the entrance of Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands. Stretching 200 km long and 100 km wide, these longitudinal dunes have been home to the Bedouin for 7,000 years. Climb the high dunes to witness an unforgettable desert sunset before a gentle drive through the dunes to reach your camp.</p><br/><p>Enjoy a night under the stars at the Wahiba Desert Camp, immersing yourself in the serene desert environment.</p><br/><p><strong>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant, Dinner at Camp</p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>Arabian Oryx Camp or similar</p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-Speaking guide-driver<br /><br/>Sightseeing: Wadi Nakhar – Nizwa visit – Wahiba desert</p><br/><p><strong>Travel time and distance<br /><br/></strong>Jebel Shams Resort to Wadi Nakhar: Approx. 63 km/ About 1.5 hrs drive<br /><br/>Wadi Nakhar to Nizwa: Approx. 90 km/ 1.5 hrs drive<br /><br/>Nizwa to Wahiba Desert: Approx. 150 km/ 2.5 hrs drive</p><br/>","lat":"21.437774","lng":"58.554382"},{"title":"Day 6 – Sugar Dunes","name":"Al Khaluf","description":"<p>Start your day with breakfast at the camp, fuelling up for the adventures ahead.</p><br/><p><strong>Desert Crossing of Mahout</strong><br /><br/>Embark on an exhilarating four-hour journey through the vast sand dunes of Mahout. The dramatic landscape offers an unforgettable experience as you navigate the undulating terrain.</p><br/><p><strong>Visit the Sugar Dunes</strong><br /><br/>Explore the stunning Sugar Dunes, also known as Al Khaluf Dunes, located near the fishing village of Al Khaluf, 400km south of Muscat. This hidden gem, with its pristine sand dunes and secluded beaches, is a must-see. The area’s isolation, far from the bustle of Muscat, makes it a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.</p><br/><p><strong><br /><br/>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast at camp, Picnic Lunch box, Hotel Dinner</p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>Crowne Plaza Duqm or simila</p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-speaking guide-driver</p><br/><p><strong>Travel time and distance<br /><br/></strong>Wahiba Camp to Mahout (via Desert Crossing): Approx. 200 km/ 4 hrs drive<br /><br/>Mahout to Khaluf: Approx. 110 km/ 1.45 hrs drive<br /><br/>Khaluf to Duqm: Approx. 130 km/ 2 hrs drive</p><br/>","lat":"20.471072","lng":"58.065488"},{"title":"Day 7 - Rub Al Khali","name":"Al Wusta Governorate","description":"<p>Why not rise early to take in the stunning sunrise? Following breakfast, you will have some free time if you wish to explore a little on foot.</p><br/><p>You then continue driving onwards to the desert of Rub Al Khali, known as the ‘Empty Quarter’, the home of the Bedouins in the region of Oman straddling the border with Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Here the extreme temperatures and arid conditions mean that it is mostly uninhabited, although its fringes are home to the proud, resourceful and hardy Bedu, which have survived here for centuries. This is home to the highest sand dunes in the world. The surface of the desert is covered by reddish-orange coloured sand reaching around 250m high. Your expert tour guide dunes his way manoeuvring the vehicles to reach your campsite for an unforgettable night under the stars.</p><br/><p><strong><br /><br/>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast, Picnic Lunch box, Dinner at the hotel<strong> </strong></p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>Salalah Magic Camp or similar<strong> </strong></p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-speaking guide-driver</p><br/><p><strong>Travel time and distance</strong><strong><br /><br/></strong>Duqm Hotel to Rub Al Khali Desert: Approx. 360 km/ 4.5 hrs drive</p><br/>","lat":"19.957108","lng":"56.275685"},{"title":"Day 8 – Salalah","name":"Salalah","description":"<p>Please note: Both male and female guests are required to wear modest, long clothing during the city tour. This dress code is strictly enforced at all city highlights.</p><br/><p>Today you head further south towards Salalah. Be guided through a landscape of colossal golden and red sand dunes, vast salt flats and oases. Experience the sensation of being surrounded by deafening silence and sand. Enjoy supreme tranquillity in one of the most stunning environments on earth. Very few people have the opportunity to explore the vastness of the Empty Quarter. Be sure to make the most of it. Examine geodes, prehistoric small solid or hollow rocks lined with crystals, or perhaps meet up with and chat to Bedus taking camel trains across the desert.<strong> </strong></p><br/><p><strong>The Museum of the Frankincense Land<br /><br/></strong>Visit “The Museum of the Frankincense Land”, a UNESCO heritage site located in Salalah, the Frankincense Land Museum is the latest addition to Oman’s heritage and cultural scene. It houses two main halls, namely the History Hall and The Marine Hall.</p><br/><p>Make a brief stop to experience the locally grown fruits and vegetables at a nearby stall, offering a taste of the region’s fresh produce.</p><br/><p><strong>Sultan Qaboos Mosque<br /><br/></strong>Visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the largest mosque in Salalah. Open to non-Muslim visitors from Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., this mosque is a key landmark in the city.</p><br/><p><strong>Al Husn Palace and Haffah Souk<br /><br/></strong>View the Official Palace of His Majesty the Sultan, known as Al Husn Palace, and take a stroll through the old Haffah souk. This market is famous for its high-quality frankincense and various Dhofari traditional souvenirs.</p><br/><p><strong><br /><br/>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant<strong> </strong></p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>2 nights in Salalah Gardens Hotel or similar</p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-Speaking guide-driver<br /><br/>Sightseeing: UNESCO site, Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Palace, Souk</p><br/><p><strong>Journey Distance<br /><br/></strong>Approx 470km for the day</p><br/>","lat":"17.019384","lng":"54.11075"},{"title":"Day 9 – Salalah East Half-day City Tour","name":"Salalah","description":"<p><strong>Taqah<br /><br/></strong>Today you will visit the old fishing village of Taqah. Visit the century-old Taqah Castle, the former official residence of the “Wali‟ (Governor) of the region and have a glimpse into the rich history of the region.</p><br/><p><strong>Khori Rohri<br /><br/></strong>Continue onto the ancient ruins of the once-famous city of Sumharam (Khor Rohri). Khor Rori was an important port on the coast of Dhofar, and one of the major trading cities with frankincense, believed to have been the hub and harbour for the shipping of Frankincense (UNESCO World Heritage site).</p><br/><p><strong>Mirbat<br /><br/></strong>A picturesque drive then leads you to Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar and the beginning of the Frankincense trail. Stroll through the streets lined with old Omani houses and visit the “twin-domed Bin Ali’s Tomb‟ as a photo stop. This is a classic example of medieval architecture. On the way back, explore the natural springs of “Ayn Razat” before you return to the hotel.</p><br/><p><strong><br /><br/></strong><strong>Meals<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast, lunch at a local restaurant<strong> </strong></p><br/><p><strong>Accommodation<br /><br/></strong>Salalah Gardens Hotel or similar</p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-speaking guide-driver<br /><br/>Half-Day Salalah East Tour: Taqah, Khori Rohri, Mirbat</p><br/><p><strong>Journey Distance<br /><br/></strong>Approx 90km for the day</p><br/>","lat":"17.019384","lng":"54.11075"},{"title":"Day 10 - Departure","name":"Salalah","description":"<p>This morning your tour ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.</p><br/><p><strong><br /><br/>Meal<br /><br/></strong>Breakfast</p><br/><p><strong>Services<br /><br/></strong>Airport transfer</p><br/>","lat":"17.019384","lng":"54.11075"}]
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