Khanjars and Sand Stars... an Oman Odyssey
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ITINERARY
Day 1
Travel to London Heathrow by complimentary private car (within 65 miles) in time for the departure of your scheduled British Airways flight to Muscat arriving in the evening. Transfer to the Grand Hyatt Hotel, your base for the next three nights.
Day 2
Time to relax and enjoy the facilities of this magnificent hotel. (B)
Day 3
Today a tour of the historical, mountain fringed, white city of Muscat includes the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a splendour of Islamic architecture* and the twin forts overlooking Muscat harbour. A visit to the Muttrah district allows you the opportunity to haggle in the souq and also see the catch on offer at the fish market. Proceeding on foot through the old town, you will see the old Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani and Qasr Al Alam, the Palace of HM Sultan Qaboos. The next stop is the fascinating Bait Al Zubair Museum with its wealth of information and exhibits on the country’s culture, tradition and heritage. (B) *Dress Code: Loose long trousers or long skirts, long sleeves and a head scarf for ladies. No shorts for men. Overnight at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
Day 4
The journey out of Muscat hugs the coastline as you travel southwards to Sur, visiting the fishing village of Quriyat before proceeding to Tiwi and the picturesque Wadi Shaab where the steep sided ravine towers over shallow green rock pools – a perfect place for a picnic lunch and a short walk through the wadi. Visit the archaeological site at Bibi Myriam in Qalhat before reaching Sur for a tour of the dhow building yard. Sur is an ancient port, and until the middle of the 20th century was a major link with India and East Africa. Visit Ras al Jinz in the evening to see the nesting turtles. (B,L) Overnight at the Sur Plaza Hotel.
Day 5
Departing Sur, you will head inland through the Hajar Mountains to Wadi Bani Khalid passing through beautiful landscape and pretty villages embedded in the mountains. The drive continues through to more sandy terrain to the incredible sight of the great desert of Oman, The Wahiba Sands. Encounter Bedouin families and get to know more about their lifestyle in the desert. You will have some free time here to wonder the dunes, gaze at the sunset or take a quad bike over the dunes with experienced drivers. You can take a camel ride and experience the desert Bedouin style and the ladies can decorate their hands and feet with intricate henna designs. (B,L) Overnight at The Desert Nights Camp.
Day 6
Leaving the desert, the road winds its way up into the mountains arriving at the ancient oasis town of Nizwa. You will get to see the impressive 17th Century fort with its enormous round tower built by Imam Sultan Saif Al Ya’aruba to defend the route to the interior, and also the souq, famous for its Bedouin silver jewellery. The beautiful blue and gold dome of the mosque is also best viewed from the ramparts of the fort. (B,L) Overnight at the Golden Tulip Nizwa.
Day 7
An early start this morning takes you on a visit to the Nizwa cattle market (Fridays only). Drive down through the spectacular Hajar Mountains via the commanding fort at Nakhl before contninuing onwards to Muscat for your British Airways scheduled flight back to London arriving the next day. You will be met by your private chauffeur and transferred back to your home (within 65 miles radius of the airport). Alternatively extend your stay on the glorious beaches of Muscat or continue your journey to the Musandam Peninsula. (B)
ACCOMODATION
Muscat
Grand Hyatt Hotel 5*
Located on the sandy beach of Shatti Al Qurm, overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman. Enjoy a modern 42 square metre room offering the latest technology but still reflecting the calm, traditional Omani style. Partial city or garden views from a spacious balcony complement pampering amenities, including one king or two twin beds with deluxe linens and plush feather duvets, marble bath with soaking tub, walk-in shower and bidet, satellite television, minibar, hairdryer and high-speed Internet access. Four restaurants serve a variety of cuising including Italian, South-East Asian, and a Rooftop Grill House. For recreational facilities within the hotel, guests can enjoy the swimming pool and lazy river, play tennis or squash or use the gymnasium.
Sur
Sur Plaza Hotel 4*
The Sur Plaza Hotel is located in the picturesque city of Sur, 300 kilometres from Muscat. The hotel is an ideal stop over en route to the Turtle Beach at Ras-al-Hadd, and also before turning inland to Wadi Bani Khalid and Wahiba Sands. The rooms are basic but spacious and clean with ensuite bathroom. Rooms are air-conditioned and have music, direct dial telephone and television. The Oysters restaurant serves Continental, Indian, Chinese and Arabic cuisine. There is also a choice of three bars. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, gymnasium, pool table and darts.
Wahiba Sands
Desert Nights Camp 4*
Capture the unique awe-inspiring experience of the desert without compromising on comfort. Desert Nights Camp comprises several Bedouin-style tents, fully air-conditioned, with bedrooms, ensuite bath and shower and a cosy sit-out. All tents open out to panoramic vistas across the golden sands. The Oasis dining bar offers a blend of Arabic and continental to tempt your palate as well as an Omani barbecue around a campfire. You will have some free time here to wonder the dunes, gaze at the sunset or take a quad bike over the dunes with experienced drivers. You can take a camel ride and experience the desert Bedouin style and the ladies can decorate their hands and feet with intricate henna designs. Nizwa
Golden Tulip 4*
The Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel is set against the rugged Hajar mountains a short distance from the centre of Nizwa. The spectacular mountains and villages around the hotel give a true flavour of the country. This hotel is well located for adventure tours in the Oman interior. 120 guest rooms with either twin or king size beds are all equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, satellite television, direct dial telephone, minibar, and internet access on request. There is a temperature controlled swimming pool, internet cafe, dry cleaning and laundry services, complimentary newspaper, and gift shop. There is a choice of bars and restaurants including Birkat Al Mawz, a modern yet elegant restaurant serving international cuisine, a 24 hour lounge coffee shop with an open air garden restaurant, and the Asian Bar with live entertainment. Tanuf the night club has a mixture of Middle Eastern live music and belly dance and the Sports bar offers pool and other indoor games.
Khasab
Golden Tulip 4*
The Golden Tulip Resort Khasab, is the place for a great escape from the noise and stress of the city. Located on a fantastic rocky bluff, with panoramic views of the sea and the mountains. The rooms are equipped with a large balcony with views of the spectacular mountain or sea, king size or twin beds, air conditioning, television, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, fruit basket, hairdryer and ensuite shower. Dibba restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and other locations serving food include the cappuccino lobby, terrace café, Al Tal Shisha café, and a bar serving light snacks. For recreational activities there is a swimming pool, indoor gymnasium and dive centre.
Ras Al Khaimah
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa 5*
Located at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, nestled perfectly into a private bay surrounded by the famous soft white sands of the Emirate. Decorated with rich, earthy colours, romantically dimmed lanterns and traditionally designed Arabian villas. There are 151 traditionally designed villas with private patios and terrace or balcony. You can unwind with a drink and a snack at both the Lighthouse open-air rooftop bar and the Dome pool and beach side bar, enjoying our breathtaking views and stunning sunsets. The Waterbreaker restaurant provides alfresco dining beside the sea, with exciting live show cooking demonstrations. The Passage to Asia restaurant serves a rich menu of Thai, Chinese and Indian specialties. You can also choose in-room dining in the privacy of your own villa, balcony or private beach venue. The rooftop Lighthouse Bar is also a fabulous location for watching the sun set dramatically over the Arabian Sea. Other facilities to enjoy include 800 metres of private sandy beach, 4 free form, temperature-controlled swimming pools, fully equipped diving centre, water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, beach volleyball, fully equipped gymnasium, luxurious sea-facing spa with 9 treatment rooms, Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish Hammam bath.
DEPARTURES AND PRICES
Tailormade: We are tailor-made specialists which is reflected in the excellent value we are able to give our clients. We regularly receive special offers from airlines and hotels, enabling us to tailor-make the best possible price at the time of your enquiry. As a result the choice of airline and hotel will differ dependent on the time of your enquiry.
