OMAN

• Maskat – a full-day tour of the city and its sights
• Sur – port and traditional dhow factory
• Wahiba Sands – adventure in the desert
• Falaj Al Khatmain – ancient irrigation system (UNESCO)
• Bahla and other fortresses made of unburnt bricks (UNESCO)
• Mountain wadis, sand dunes, swimming in the Indian Ocean

Tour program:

DAY 1: PRAGUE – MASKAT

Fly to the capital of Oman – Muscat; meet the local guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel for a short rest.

2. DAY 2: MUSCAT – CITY TOUR

After breakfast, sightseeing of the city and its monuments: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque including the interior, the largest complete hand-woven carpet in the world; Royal Opera House in the style of modern Omani architecture; Souk Mutrah – along the Corniche promenade to the ancient centre of Omani trade; Bait al-Zubair Ethnographic Museum; Old City of Muscat – Sultan Al Alam Palace, the harbour and a view of the Portuguese forts of Merani and Jalali.

3. DAY 3: BIMAH SINKHOLE, WADI SHAB, WADI TIWI, SUR, RAS AL HADD

Drive along the coast to Sur; on the way visit the village of Quriyat; interesting natural phenomenon of the Devil’s Sinkhole (Bimmah sinkhole) – a sinkhole in the limestone ceiling of an underground cave, possibility of swimming in the azure water; photo stop in Wadi Shab; short exploration of Wadi Tiwi – narrow paths, fields and numerous pools, observation and photography of birds and butterflies; the old port town of Sur – a key site of ancient trade with India and Africa, forts and watchtowers; visit to a dhow factory, handmade wooden sailing boats; transfer to Ras Al Hadd – a place where turtles lay their eggs all year round.

4. DAY: – WADI BANI KHALID, WAHIBA SANDS

Wadi Bani Khalid (stop approx. 2-3 hrs) – a magical mountain valley in the Al Hajar Mountains with dense vegetation full of clear pools and lakes, swimming opportunities; transfer by all-terrain vehicles to Wahiba Sands – an unforgettable taste of the Arabian desert like a fairy tale, where Bedouin families still live a traditional nomadic life; Saharan-style high sand dunes; a stop at a Bedouin family on the way to the campsite; an unforgettable night in the desert under a magical starry sky and glittering dawn at a luxury desert camp.

5. DAY 5: NIZWA, JABAL AKHDAR

Drive with photo stops through the village of Mudhayrib – watchtowers of stone and clay, one of Oman’s oldest cities – Ibra; to the former capital of Nizwa – palm groves, the largest fortress in the Arabian Peninsula, a beautiful view of the surroundings from a 40 m high tower, mosque and souk – silverware, traditional daggers khanjar or halwa sweets; Birkat Al Mawz – remains of the original dwellings, mosque from the 17th century., Banana plantations and tanks with mountain water, sophisticated ancient irrigation system Falaj Al Khatmain (UNESCO heritage); trip to Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountain in Arabic) – a fascinating view of the surrounding cliffs, mountains and orchards (an area famous for pomegranate, peach, apricot or rose cultivation); on the way, depending on the time, visit the village of Wadi Bani Habib or Al Ayn.

6. DAY 6: BAHLA, JABRIN, MISFAT AL ABREEN & JABAL SHAMS

Visit to the town and the eponymous Bahla Fortress (UNESCO heritage site) – built on a stone base of unburnt bricks, the seat of the evil jinn; Jabrin Castle – an exemplary example of Islamic architecture: staircases decorated with calligraphy, painted beamed ceilings, carved doors and wrought-iron chests; Misfat Al Abreen – traditional houses that seem to rise out of the rock (houses called “Misfat Al Abreen”). Yemeni-style), tall earthen buildings and terraced fields; the exit to Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain in Arabic) and views of the Omani Grand Canyon.

7. DAY 7: NAKHAL, WADI BANI AWF AND SNAKE CANYON

On the way through the mountain town of Al Hamra; Bilad Sayt – depending on the time, walk among the original stone and mud houses and green terraced fields; Wadi Bani Awf leads to the famous Snake Canyon – 26 km long gorge, in some places you can touch both walls when stretching; hike approx. 2 hrs.; Nakhal Fortress – a completely reconstructed 17th century fortress, built on a rock with unforgettable views of the surroundings, period rooms; one of the hot springs Ain A’Thawwarah (the famous garra rufa fish are found here), transfer to the hotel by the sea for the remainder of the program.

8. DAY: Snorkeling in the DIMANYIAT ISLANDS (1/2 day excursion)

Dimaniyat Islands – This nature reserve consists of nine islands located approximately 18 km north of Muscat along the coast. The islands occupy a total area of 203 km2 and are only accessible by boat. They are a protected sanctuary for turtles and nesting grounds for various bird species; afternoon rest on the beach at the hotel.

9. DAY 9: REST BY THE SEA

Final rest by the sea.

10. DAY 10: DEPARTURE BACK TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Further information

Price includes:

• international airfare Prague – Muscat – Prague
• 9x accommodation in a 3* hotel with breakfast
• 4th day in Wahiba Sands area half board (breakfast, dinner)
• services of Czech speaking guide and local guides
• transport from/to Muscat airport
• transport by spacious bus or 4×4 vehicles according to the needs of the program
• entrances to the sights listed in the program
• program according to the itinerary (including dhow making, snorkeling on Dimaniyat islands)
• bottled water during excursions
• information materials
• CK insurance against bankruptcy

Price does not include:

• single room supplement
• other meals not mentioned in the price included (lunch and dinner)
• optional trips and activities
• tips for guides and drivers
• medical expenses and cancellation insurance (can be arranged)
• everything else – not listed under “included”