Day 3 Nizwa – Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba

Agent
Title
Date
: Trade Wings Voyages
: Exotic Oman / Familiarisation tour 2010
: 19 Jan 2010 – 25 Jan 2010
Hotel used:
Day 1 Arrival - Muscat
19 January 2010 (Tuesday)
Arrival at Muscat International airport. Meet and greet at the airport by Mark Tours
representative and transfer to your hotel in Muscat.
Overnight at Al Falaj Hotel – Muscat
Al Falaj Hotel
www.omanhotels.com
Vehicle utilized:
AC coach
Distance covered:
About 50 kilometres
Meals Included - None
Day 2 Nizwa - Bahla - Jabrin Fort – “Inspiring Interior”
20th January 2010 (Wednesday)
Places/activities
highlights
After Breakfast, a journey to the past through the Sumail Gap that divides the Western and
Eastern Hajars and onto the Old Capital of Oman, Nizwa, famous for its silver souq and a big
round fort. After visiting the souq and the fort, we take our lunch from a local restaurant. After
lunch, move to Bahla with the huge loam fort which is under renovation at present. 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. Next visit is Jabrin fort, where you will find one of the
most magnificent forts of Oman with its painted ceiling, dungeons, and hidden passages.
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Afterwards, we will take you 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. Return to Nizwa.
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Nizwa Fort
Nizwa souq
Bahla Fort (Photo
stop)
Jabrin fort
Misfat Al Abrein
Hotel used:
Golden Tulip Nizwa
Hotel
www.goldentulipnizwa
.com
Overnight stay at Golden Tulip - Nizwa
Vehicle utilized:
Toyota Land cruiser
(4WD)
Distance covered:
About 300 kilometres
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Nizwa – Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba
21st January 2010 (Thursday)
Places/activities
highlights
After breakfast we proceed to Wahiba. First stop is at the abandoned mercantile village of Al
Mansfah. Much of the charm and character of this old village, which had known its heydays
hundreds of years ago, has not washed away.
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Al Mansfah
Village
Wadi Bani Khalid
Wahiba Sands
Lunch at local restaurant.
We drive through interesting sights and as the Omani ambience takes hold, we will head into
the mountains looking for that long lost “Shangri-La”, Wadi Bani Khalid. The pools are cool,
deep and absolutely stunning and the silky water perfect for a long swim.
Later on, we drive onto the undulating golden sands of Wahiba. You will be overwhelmed by
the golden sands of Wahiba. Stunningly sculpted by the wind, the Wahiba red-gold sands
sprawls over 15.000 square km. These apparently lifeless sands have sustained the Bedu tribes
for over 5000 years.
Hotel used:
Desert Nights Camp
www.desertnightscam
p.com
Vehicle utilized:
Toyota Land cruiser
(4WD)
Enjoy dune bashing and the dramatic sights of the sunset while based on a high dune
Dinner and overnight at Desert Nights Camp - Wahiba
Distance covered:
About 385 kilometres
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 Wahiba – Sur – Muscat (Via Coastal road)
22nd January 2010 (Friday)
Places/activities
highlights
After breakfast, We drive to Sur, the old East Africa Port. Visit the traditional dhow yards.
Afterwards, we drive to Qalhat, an archeological site, you will find the Tomb of Bibi Miriam,
the only building left standing after the town was razed by the Portuguese in 1507. From here
it is a short trip to Wadi Shab. Take a hike in the beautiful Wadi and swim in clear water pools.
(Picnic lunch in the wadi Shab) Later we drive on to Fins Beach. We visit Bimah sinkhole, a
natural geological formation of the karst topography, before we pass through some
spectacular mountain scenery up the coast as we make our way back to Muscat.
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Overnight stay at Al Falaj Hotel - Muscat
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Sur dhow yards
Bibi Mariams
tomb
Wadi Shab
Fins Beach
Bimah Sinkhole
Hotel used:
Al Falaj Hotel
www.omanhotels.com
Vehicle utilized:
Toyota Land cruiser
(4WD)
Distance covered:
About 400 kilometres
Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch
Day 5 Muscat City tour – Al Sawadi
23rd January 2010 (Saturday)
Places/activities
highlights
After breakfast, we will take you to Azaiba, where you will find the Grand Mosque, standing in
stately grandeur. A visit to this beautiful piece of architecture is a must to all tourists (open for
tourist from 8-11 am except Fridays. Dress code – Men and women should wear attire
covering their arms and legs. Women should cover their heads with scarf).
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From here we will take you into the heart of a world that has not changed in generation.
There is the bustling fish and vegetable souq where you can see the latest catch of fish and
fresh vegetables & fruits from the farms. Capture the spirit of a bygone era. The Old Souq of
Muttrah awaits you with sights, sounds and aroma. We will see the old city of Muscat and
catch a glimpse of the old town through the eyes of bygone travellers who left their marks
and images, collected and on display at the fine galleries and museums (Bait Al Zubair) in the
heart of the Old Quarter. We take a photo stop at the Sultan’s Palace flanked by the 16th
Century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani.
Grand Mosque
Fish Market
Muttrah souq
Bait Al Zubair
museum
Vehicle utilized:
AC coach
Distance covered:
About 200 kilometres
Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, we proceed to Al Sawadi (Approximately 45 minutes
drive). Check in at Al Sawadi Beach Resort and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at Al Sawadi Beach Resort – Al Sawadi
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 Al Sawadi - Departure
24th January 2010 (Sunday)
Places/activities
highlights
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and day at leisure on the beach.
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Late check out until 1600 Hrs at the hotel. Evening transfer to airport for departure (Pick up
time 2100 Hrs)
Optional – Water
sports
Beach
Vehicle utilized:
AC coach
Distance covered:
About 100 kilometres
Meals included: Breakfast
Disclaimer: While Mark Tours promises to make every effort to carry out the services offered herein to the satisfaction of the
client, it may not be possible to provide the services fully or partially in the event of circumstances beyond our control like
unfavorable weather, natural perils and acts of God etc. It may also necessitate deviation from the original itinerary in the event
of damage to roads and wadi being inundated due to rains. Mark Tours cannot be held responsible for any financial loss or
consequential claims raised by the clients due to failure in service under these circumstances.