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Land only clients should arrive into Muscat and at the start hotel before midday in order to ensure you are able to join the main group briefing and the dhow cruise later in the afternoon. Later in the afternoon after the main group briefing, we will be picked up from our hotel and travel through the old part of Muscat to visit the Siban Women's association where there is the opportunity to interact with the local woman and enjoy a coffee together. Next, we pay a short visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum before having a photo stop outside the gates of the Sultan's palace. After a short transfer to the marina, we'll embark on a relaxed dhow cruise (traditional fisherman's boat) to see the Muscat coast through the eyes of ancient seafarers who plied this route for centuries. During the cruise, soft drinks, tea, coffee and dates will be served on board. In the evening, we stop at a local restaurant for dinner and will be transported back through the centuries on a visit to the bustling, colourful Mutrah Souq. Here there will be lots of photo opportunities and chance to observe the local way of life whilst wandering around this vibrant traditional Arab market. *Ramee Guestline Hotel or similar*
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and visit the Grand Mosque, the highlight of the Omani capital. Completed in 2001, the Grand Mosque is a beautiful building which looks modern but shows that modern craftsmen have retained the skills necessary to create this wonderful traditional environment. The handmade carpets, the chandeliers, the ceiling of the great dome in the main prayer room are absolute 'must-sees'. Kindly note, ladies should be fully covered and please carry a headscarf and men should wear trousers. We then drive (approx.1.5 hours) to the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue-green water at the bottom, and Wadi Tiwi where we enjoy a walk and picnic lunch before transferring (approx. 1 hour) to our hotel in Sur, where we will be spending the night. This evening after an early dinner, we’ll drive (approx. 1 hour) to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Oman is a vital area for Green turtles in the Indian Ocean and the Green Back turtle are heavily protected by the government of Oman. In fact, over 275 of the Sultanate's beaches double-up as nesting grounds for five of the seven recognized species of sea turtles, the most common being the Green Back turtle. Here we are led to the beach by an ecologist to see the female turtles return to their beach to lay eggs. (Please note that the main nesting season is June-August, at other times of the year, there may or not be turtles every night but a visit to the reserve is still worthwhile). *Sur Plaza or similar*
This morning after breakfast, we first transfer (approx. 1 hour and 45 min) to the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid to relax a bit and enjoy a swim in the beautiful turquoise pools and a picnic lunch before continuing (approx. 1-1.5 hours) to the Wahiba Desert. Here, on the edge of the desert, we change vehicles from the minibus to 4WDs to begin our desert experience. The Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 meters are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. We further drive towards the dunes and our desert camp (approx. 1 hour) to check-in for the evening. During our time at the camp, there is the chance to take a camel ride (optional- extra cost). *1000 Nights Camp / Arabian Oryx or similar*
Breakfast at camp before checking out and driving towards the ancient city of Nizwa, Oman's former capital. En-route we visit a Bedouin family, and enjoy Kahwa (local Omani Coffee) and spend some time with them learning about their customs and traditional way of life. We’ll continue our drive via Birkat al Mouz, one of the region's most well-known village ruin. We’ll walk through its oasis and date plantations before continuing to Nizwa. With the 2 sets of ruins, a large banana plantation and the scenic surroundings, the site is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system listed as UNESCO World heritage. Upon arrival in Nizwa, we check into our hotel where we will spend the next two nights. *Al Diyar Hotel or similar*
After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short drive (approx. 30 minutes) to visit Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s castles built in the late 17th century, which became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting & beautifully executed woodcarvings. We also pause at the Bahla Fort for a photo, the only UNESCO listed fort in the country and lovingly restored over many years before transferring (approx.1.5 hours) to Wadi Nakher. Here we enjoy a picnic lunch before proceeding to Jebel Shams, Oman's highest mountain and where we can enjoy spectacular views of the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia.' Later in the afternoon, we visit (transfer approx. 45 minutes) to the village of Misfat Al Arbayeen, passing the ruins of an old fort on the way. We continue through narrow alleys between old stone houses and take a short walk in the Tanoof old abandoned village before returning back (approx. 30 minutes) to Nizwa for the evening. *Al Diyar Hotel or similar*
Today is a longer day and we start our morning with a visit Nizwa's famous live cattle auction market, the one day of the week where this ancient city truly comes alive which sees farmers and traders arrive from near and afar to barter and trade in one of the Middle East's most renowned markets. We’ll visit the impressive Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century to defend the city’s natural wealth and its strategic location. Later we visit Nizwa's renowned Souq, famous for intricately hand-carved “Khanjars” (daggers) & ornamental silver jewelry and live-stock trading. Departing Nizwa, we continue to Wadi Bani Auf; this stretch of graded road is very adventurous as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads. When there is wet weather conditions, it may not be possible to drive this section of graded road due to safety. If this occurs, an alternative stretch of road will be driven. Then stop at the charming mountain village of Bilad Sayt where one is awestruck by the beauty of the landscape. This afternoon we stop for a photo stop at the Nakhal Fort and hot spring. The exact date in which this ancient fort was built is unknown, but many believe that it was built in pre-Islamic times, more than 1500 years ago. We then transfer back to Muscat for our final evening in Oman's capital city. *Ramee Guestline Hotel or similar*
* 5 nights hotels & 1 night desert camp, all en suite
* Travel by air-conditioned minibus and 4WD
* Group normally 4 to 15 plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners are included.
Omani cuisine is influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, Asian, Eastern
Mediterranean, and African cuisine. Rice is a staple dish and often includes
a variety of flavours and ingredients and meat such as chicken, fish and lamb
feature prominently. Dishes are full of rich mixtures of spices, herbs and
marinades. Dates are much loved and are an essential part of the Omani diet.
Curry, soups, fresh salads, and vegetable dishes are all very common. Coffee
is the national beverage but tea is also drunk. Yoghurt drinks and softs
drinks are also popular. Alcohol is not readily available but can be
purchased in some hotels and likely to be quite expensive.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste and experience a
variety of dishes and eat in local eateries and restaurants. Included lunches
will be picnic lunches and other meals will be eaten in local cafes/eateries.
The night spent at the desert camp will also include a BBQ with traditional
dishes.
Non-Muslims are permitted to bring in two litres of alcohol by air only.
Alcohol may be purchased at Muscat airport after having cleared immigration.
Care must be taken not to cause offence through the use of alcohol and should
not be consumed in public places apart from licensed premises, such as hotels
& restaurants. It is generally not a problem to bring your own alcohol into
hotels but please always ask the hotel first out of courtesy.
Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
* 5 nights hotels & 1 night desert camp, all en suite
* Travel by air-conditioned minibus and 4WD
* Group normally 4 to 15 plus leader. Min age 16 yrs
*This trip is rated Activity Level 1- Leisurely*
This is a busy itinerary that visits the main highlights of Oman with a focus
on providing a real taste of all this country has to offer. We travel by
private air-conditioned minibus and 4WD throughout the tour. Although this
is a cultural trip, some days can be long and tiring and there is some
walking involved so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The people of
Oman offer a very warm welcome to tourists. Oman is hot during the day so
care should be taken to drink lots of water and to stay hydrated. On day 6,
when departing Nizwa to Wadi Bani Auf, the stretch of graded road is very
adventurous as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads which may not be
suitable for vertigo sufferers.
Hotels and desert camp
Throughout the tour, you will spend 5 nights in comfortable hotels and 1
night in a traditional Bedouin-style tent at a desert camp in Wahiba
Sands. All accommodation offers en suite facilities and air-conditioning.
At the desert camp, all tents are equipped with bedding and proper beds, plug
sockets, electricity (from a generator) and have a ceiling fan, kettle,
tea/coffee, minibar and towels. The en suite bathrooms attached to the
Sheikh tents at the desert camp include a flushing western-style toilet, sink
and shower. It is recommended to pack a torch as there is limited lighting at
night between tents and the main restaurant area.
Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day
to day itinerary are the hotels usually used. However, there may be some
departures where groups stay at different hotels of the same standard and
quality due to availability.
Some hotels visited on the itinerary have swimming pools.
With accommodation in Oman, couples may be automatically allocated twin beds
rather than doubles, unless requested otherwise, particularly unmarried
couples. Please advise us a time of booking if you are travelling as a couple
and would like to specifically request a double bed.
Single supplements are available (on request) and are valid for all 6 nights
during the tour. Please enquire at time of booking if you would like to
request a single supplement.
The trip will be led by a local Omani leader.
All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners are included.
Omani cuisine is influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, Asian, Eastern
Mediterranean, and African cuisine. Rice is a staple dish and often includes
a variety of flavours and ingredients and meat such as chicken, fish and lamb
feature prominently. Dishes are full of rich mixtures of spices, herbs and
marinades. Dates are much loved and are an essential part of the Omani diet.
Curry, soups, fresh salads, and vegetable dishes are all very common. Coffee
is the national beverage but tea is also drunk. Yoghurt drinks and softs
drinks are also popular. Alcohol is not readily available but can be
purchased in some hotels and likely to be quite expensive.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste and experience a
variety of dishes and eat in local eateries and restaurants. Included lunches
will be picnic lunches and other meals will be eaten in local cafes/eateries.
The night spent at the desert camp will also include a BBQ with traditional
dishes.
Non-Muslims are permitted to bring in two litres of alcohol by air only.
Alcohol may be purchased at Muscat airport after having cleared immigration.
Care must be taken not to cause offence through the use of alcohol and should
not be consumed in public places apart from licensed premises, such as hotels
& restaurants. It is generally not a problem to bring your own alcohol into
hotels but please always ask the hotel first out of courtesy.
Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Throughout the tour, we will travel in air-conditioned mini-buses and 4WDs.
Road conditions in Oman are generally very good, but there will be some bumby
driving experienced when driving off road in 4WDs and over the dunes in
Wahiba Sands. Distances and transfer times are relatively short with the
longest drive during the tour being approximately 3.5 hours long.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Oman Air (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 7 days starting and ending in Muscat*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Muscat before the late
afternoon on Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point
are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two
weeks before departure.
Land only clients should arrive into Oman and be at the start hotel by the
early afternoon on Day 1 to meet with the group and to ensure you don't miss
out on the included afternoon Dhow Cruise. We recommend booking flights that
arrive into Muscat before midday.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight- please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Temperatures and humidity are high throughout the year on the coast. From May
to September is the hottest season, so we avoid scheduling trips at this time
of year. Temperatures rise even higher inland, but here humidity is lower so
higher temperatures are more tolerable and nights are cooler. In spring and
autumn expect sunny weather throughout, with warm to hot days (around 35
degrees celcius) and pleasant night time temperatures. There is little chance
of any rain except from December to February. February will be about 5-10
degrees celcius cooler. In December days are warm (20-25 C).
Please remember that Oman is a Muslim country and so modest dress is
required. Your leader will advise and at any time if you are unsure but
below are some guidelines:
* *Dress code for Women* - whilst long sleeves and full-length
skirts/trousers are preferred, trousers/skirts below the knee and
short-sleeved T-shirts are acceptable for tourists in most places but
shoulders should always be covered and necklines should be modest.
Tight-fitted or transparent clothing should be avoided altogether. At
religious sites such as mosques, women need to have full-length bottoms
and sleeves and will be required to wear a headscarf.
* *Dress code for Men* - long shorts (knee length minimum) and Long
trousers are suitable. Mosques - long trousers and sleeves and enclosed
shoes.
* *Dress code for Swimming *- at hotel pools a swimming costume or bikini
is fine (costume preferable to bikini). For swimming at the wadi, please
wear a pair of shorts/leggings and a T-shirt over the top of your
swimwear. Please be advised, access to upper pools at the wadi is not via
an established path but is over rocky terrain so please ensure you pack
appropriate shoes.
* Shoes should be removed before entering a home or mosque.
* It is advisable to bring something to adequately protect your camera from
sand
* Comfortable walking shoes
* Towel for swimming in the wadi
* Daypack
* Fleece or jacket for if temperatures drop in the evening, especially in
the desert
* Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
* Refillable water bottle (1-2 litre capacity)
* Torch for the desert camp and turtle viewing
* Anti-bacterial hand gel
* A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own
first aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets,
plasters and a blister treatment kit.
* Insect repellent is highly recommended.
*Medications*
In Oman, some medication requires a doctor's letter and/or a prescription to
be carried with you when travelling into and around the country. There are
different requirements and regulations on bringing in drugs including
restrictions on amounts you can travel with and needing to carry a medical
report or letter from your doctor with a valid prescription not older than 6
months. Please check with your closest Omani embassy or consulate for further
details if you are travelling to Oman with prescription drugs.
You will need about 60 GBP/75 USD for all other meals, which will allow you
to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover drinks and
souvenirs.
Whilst most meals are included on this trip, there are some dinners and
lunches that are not included. Alcohol is not readily available but can be
purchased in some hotels and restaurants; it is likely to be quite
expensive.
You may wish to also purchase many souvernirs in the souqs that are visited
throughout the tour.
*Optional Excursions*
*Camel ride at desert camp*
* 15-20 min ride inside camp- USD 15
* 1 hour ride outside camp in desert- USD 80
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Although
accepted as part of the local culture, tipping is entirely at your discretion
for both the leader and the local staff. For ease, your leader will usually
offer to collect a group tipping kitty to tip the drivers and other staff
along the way - the kitty will usually be around OMR20 (approx. GBP40 /
USD50) per person but this may vary depending on group size.
If you are happy with the service you have received and would like to tip
your leader, then as a guideline, around OMR10 (approx. GBP20 / USD25) per
person would surely be appreciated. This amount is given as a guideline only
as often people are unsure of what is appropriate to tip in a foreign country
but tipping is of course entirely at your discretion.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
* Optional Camel ride at camp
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.