- A combination of relaxation and knowledge of Oman
- Muscat – guided tour of the city and its sights
- Sur – port and traditional wooden dhow boat factory
- Wahiba Sands – overnight in the desert, sand dunes, camel rides
- Mountain wadis, mountains, beautiful beaches and sea
- Introduction to the friendly Arab culture
- Nizwa – an ancient town with a fortress and a famous market
- Delicious Omani cuisine
- Date: according to your specifications November-March
Program:
Day 1 – 2: Prague – Muscat
Evening departure from Prague and morning arrival in the capital of Oman – Muscat; after arrival transfer to hotel and short rest. Afternoon tour of the Old City with an English-speaking guide.
Day 3: Bimah Sinkhole, Sur and the turtle beach of Ras al-Jinz
Drive along the coast southeast to Sur; en route, stop at the interesting natural formation of the Devil’s Hole (Bimmah Sinkhole) – a sinkhole in the limestone ceiling of an underground cave; continue to the port city of Sur – a key site of ancient trade with India and Africa, fortress and watchtower; visit a factory of the so-called dhau, handmade traditional wooden sailing boats. Transfer to Ras al Jinz – a beach where turtles hatch year-round. Visit the museum and relax on the beautiful beach. In the evening, the possibility of an evening turtle watching expedition.
Day 4: Wadi Bani Khalid and Wahiba Sands Desert
Hike to Wadi Bani Khalid- amagical mountain valley in the Al-Hajar Mountains with dense vegetation full of clear pools and lakes, walk and swim, possibility to visit a cave. After refreshment at Wadi Bani Khalid, transfer to the Wahiba Sands-an unforgettable taste of the Arabian desert as in a fairy tale, high Saharan-style sand dunes; camels (30-minute ride for children if interested) and an unforgettable night in the desert under a magical starry sky and glittering dawn in a beautiful desert camp.
Day 5: Ibra and Jabrin Castle
In the morning, the option of a buggy ride in the sand dunes of the desert. Then head to the former capital of Nizwa. On the way, stop in one of Oman’s oldest cities , Ibra, and visit Jabrin Castle – an exemplary example of Islamic architecture: staircases decorated with calligraphy, painted beamed ceilings, carved doors and wrought-iron chests.
Day 6: Nizwa and its fortress, Birkat Al Mawz and Jabal Akhdar
A tour of Nizwa with its famous local market – silverware, traditional khanjar daggers or halwa sweets and a visit to Nizwa fort, which offers an insight into local history but also beautiful views of the surrounding area. Birkat Al Mawz – remnants of the original dwellings, a mosque from the 17th century, Banana plantations and mountain water tanks, sophisticated ancient irrigation system Falaj Al Khatmain (UNESCO heritage); drive to Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain in Arabic) – fascinating view of the surrounding cliffs, mountains and orchards (an area famous for pomegranate, peach, apricot and rose cultivation); on the way visit the village of Wadi Bani Habib or Al Ayn depending on time.
Day 7: Mountain villages, Diana’s Lookout, Muscat
On the way back to Muscat, we stop at the Saiq plateau with Diana’s Lookout. This excursion site is named after the late Princess of Wales, who landed her helicopter here in 1990 to admire the extraordinary view. We will also visit several beautiful traditional villages where you can take a walk. Return to Muscat – to the hotel by the sea, rest and return the car directly at the hotel.
Day 8: Muscat – rest day
Relax at your leisure on the beach or by the pool.
Day 9: Muscat – rest day
Rest in Muscat, 3 hour dolphin watching cruise, snorkeling.
Day 10: Return to the Czech Republic
Transfer from the hotel to the airport and fly from Muscat to Prague.
Further information:
Included:
- 6 x accommodation in comfortable hotels of 2-3* level always with breakfast (family or double rooms).
- 2 x accommodation in a carefully selected desert campsite (family tent)
- 1 x early check-in upon arrival – check-in at the hotel immediately after your morning arrival
- 6x breakfast, 2x half board
- private transfer to and from the airport
- entrance fee for a guided night tour of Turtle Beach
- rental of a 4WD car for 5 days – Toyota Prado (or similar), including insurance and 300 km/day limit, GPS, car delivery to the hotel
- 5-day detailed itinerary – a “travel book” – detailing your itinerary so you can go exploring Oman with ease, in English
- camel ride in the Wahiba Sands desert (30 minutes for 2 children)
- quad bike ride in the dunes of Wahiba Sands (20 minutes for children 8-14 years)
- Dolphin cruise (includes drinks on board and snorkelling equipment)
- TA bankruptcy insurance
Not included:
- International airfare
- entry fee to Oman
- Other meals (but we will give you tips on the best restaurants along the way)
- entrance fees to the sights
- extra charge for a child seat (required for children under 10 years of age, from €10/day)
Note: Each of our programmes can be tailored to your requirements or a local English-speaking guide or driver can be arranged.