Sindbad

Overview

At the crossroads between three continents and four seas, Oman has always been a strategic country at the tip of the Arabian gulf, with a great maritime history, symbolized by the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor. An enchanting land, home to an ancient civilization, already mentioned in Mesopotamian texts of five thousand years ago. Its inhabitants lived in the desert and the sea taking advantage of the natural resources, building forts and Palaces, Castles, walls and boats agile and fast. Ruled by one of the oldest dynasties in the region, is now also one of the most peaceful countries in the Gulf with a population proud of its traditions and famous for its hospitality

Itinerary

• Day
  1

  Muscat

  Arrival to Muscat airport, meeting and transfer to the hotel, night in the hotel

• Day
  2

  Muscat

  Breakfast in the hotel, departure for the visit of Muscat (half day city tour) visiting Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, an architectural monument, and Beit Al Zubair Museum, which showcases Omani heritage with a vast collection of antiques, traditional Omani weaponry, jewellery, costumes, domestic utensils and recreated urban and rural environments. Then visit to old Muscat, surrounded by steep mountains and flanked by the twin 16th century Jalali and Mirani forts, extends to Al Alam Palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. A halt at Muttrah, the main port area, leads to explore the old souk, afternoon free, back to the hotel. Night in Muscat

• Day
  3

  Muscat / Nakhl / Wadi Bani Awf / Jebel Shams

  Breakfast in the hotel. Start your journey along the Batinah coast. You stop at Barka, a seaside town with small souks and a fort along the shoreline. You will visit the fish market. Batinah is the most fertile region of Oman. Your next stop will be in Nakhl to see a 17th century fortress that is spectacularly perched on a rocky prominence in the foothills of the Western Hajar Mountains. The fort’s origin is pre-Islamic with major contribution by the Al Yaruba and the Al Busaid dynasties. Move inland to see the mineral-laden hot springs and enjoy your Picnic Lunch relaxing in the shades of date palms. From Nakhl proceed to towards the most beautiful remote village in Oman, Billad sayt in the Western Hajars. Near Awabi we turn to a beautiful wadi, Wadi Bani Awf. After a spectacular drive we reach the beautiful village of Bilad Sayt, where your eyes are treated to an amazing view, of Palm groves and terraced gardens between the stone walls. From here, we proceed to Jabel Shams - Oman’s highest peak at a staggering 3000 metres. Feel the cooler climate change on top of the Canyon, dinner and night in Jebel Shams

• Day
  4

  Jebel Shams / Misfat Al Abrein / Jibreen / Nizwa

  Breakfast in the resort. Later we will take a short walk along rim of the canyon. The walk allows spectacular views into Wadi an Nakhr, the “Grand Canyon” and down to Al Hamra. Proceed to Misfat Al Abrein, a picturesque village strapped on to the side of a mountain. As you walk around this beautiful village where time has come to a standstill, you will be moved by the simplicity and friendliness of the people. Thereafter, visit Bahla with the huge loam fort for a photo stop. Bahla is also known as the pottery capital of Oman. Because of its cultural value, Bahla is placed in the UNESCO’s list of heritage monuments. Lunch at a local restaurant. Next, we will proceed to visit Jabrin fort, where you will find one of the most magnificent forts of Oman with its painted ceiling, dungeons, and hidden passages. You will end your day by visiting the Nizwa Souk, which showcases a wonderful array of handicrafts - coffee pots, swords, leather goods, silverware, antiques, and household utensils. Night stay in Nizwa

• Day
  5

  Nizwa / Wadi Bani Khalid / Wahiba Sands

  Breakfast at the hotel. Your first visit is the Nizwa fort, which completed in the 1650's, was the seat of power during the rule of the Al Ya'ruba dynasty and is Oman's most visited National monument. We will then proceed to the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid. Reach the magnificent Wadi, the pools are cool, deep and absolutely stunning, surrounded by palm trees and vast, orangey-red rocky outcrops and the silky water. Feel free to plunge into the relaxing water. Lunch at a local restaurant. After spending some time here, we will head to the great Wahiba sands which are longitudinal dunes 200 KM’s long and 100 KM’s wide running south from the Eastern Hajars to the Arabian Sea. This is the traditional home of the Bedouin, hardy spirited people who know how to survive in these harsh desert conditions. The drive to the camp is an exciting and an adrenaline filled experience driving through high sand dunes. After reaching your camp and completing check-in formalities, you will be driven on top of a dune to watch the magnificent sunset. Return to the Camp and enjoy a traditional BBQ style dinner under the sky. Night & dinner in desert

• Day
  6

  Wahiba Sands / Sur / Wadi Shab / Muscat

  Breakfast in the camp. We will proceed to Sur the old African port and visit dhow yards and you might see the dhow still being made by hand. After visiting the yards, we continue our journey along the coastal road and stop at Wadi Shab which translates as a gorge between the cliffs. Take a hike in to the wadi which is only accessible on foot, the path winds its ways up the wadi past caves, plantations, cliffs and deep pools with the scenery changing at every step. At the end of Wadi Shab there is a swim through the famous keyhole into the secluded world thrilling of fantasy. Lunch at a local restaurant. After spending some time there, we continue on your journey back to Muscat. We will take a photo stop at the Bimah sinkhole, a geological formation of the karst topography and a scenic wonder. There is a spectacular mountain scenery up the coast as you make your way back to Muscat and we drop you off at your hotel for overnight stay. Night stay in Muscat

• Day
  7

  Muscat – End of the Trip

  Breakfast in the hotel. check-out before midday, transfer to the airport for the return flight to your final destination