Oases, Mountains and Atolls
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ITINERARY
Day 1
Travel to London Heathrow in time for the departure of your scheduled Oman Air flight to Muscat arriving the following morning. On arrival, you will be met and privately transferred to the Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa.
Day 2 – Day 5
Time to relax and enjoy the facilities of this magnificent hotel. Optional excursions :- Muscat City tour – half day. A tour of the historical, mountain fringed, white city of Muscat including 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.
Enchanting Forts, Nizwa – full day. We start with a spectacular drive through the Hajar mountains via the oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz to reach Nizwa and the impressive 17th century Fort. Then on to the Nizwa Soukfamous for its Bedouin silver jewellery. The drive continues via Tanuf and Bahla to Jabreen, to visit one of Oman’s most beautiful forts, famous for its wall and ceiling murals. Return to Muscat.
Voyage into the Past, Rustaq – full day. Join our tour for a relaxing day out which starts with a visit to the fish market and souk in Barka as well as a visit of An Naman Castle, a fortified house where the Imams used to overnight during their journey to the interior. From Barka the drive continues along the famous Batinah plain, the main agricultural area of Oman. Then on to Al Hazm, where we pass by the impressive Fort, before stopping at Rustaq Fort. The tour passes along picturesque wadis (dry river beds) and we reach the oasis of Nakhl, with time for a visit of Nakhl Fort. Before returning to Muscat we visit the natural warm springs of Thowarah.
The Great Mountain, Jebel Akhdar – full day. We start in the morning and drive from Muscat to Fanjah. We stop at Wadi Fanjah and continue to Birkat Al Mauz. Passing the Fort that used to guide the entrance to Jebel Akhdar, we proceed up the most impressive mountain of Oman. Villages are scattered on the mountainside with picturesque houses built of stones from Jebel Akhdar. The area is well known for its diverse agriculture. Small terraces with fruit trees, cherry blossom, peach flowers, pomegranate, saffron, garlic and much more create an amazing palette of colours and scents throughout the year. With temperatures being considerably lower than in other parts of Oman, the Saiq plateau is famed for its abundance of roses used for rose water and perfumes. Return to Muscat late afternoon via Birkat Al Mauz. Lunch is served in Jebel Akhdar Hotel with wonderful views of the mountains.
The Coastal Caravan, Muscat – Sur – Wadi Shab – full day. The journey out of Muscat hugs the coastline as you travel southwards to Sur, visiting the fishing village of Quriyat before proceeding to the ‘sinkhole’, 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.
Overnights at the Shangri La Hotel. (B)
Day 6
Privately transfer to the airport for your Oman Air flight to the Maldives arriving later the same day. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your choice of island where you will spend the next 7 nights. See choice of hotels on Accommodation and Price page – others available on request (extensions available). (B)
Day 7 to Day 12
Time to relax and enjoy the beach and facilities of your chosen Maldivian resort. Day 13 You will be transferred to the airport for your Oman Air flight to Heathrow via Muscat arriving later the same day. (B)
ACCOMODATION
Muscat
Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Al Waha 5*
Nestled alongside the sparkling bay of Al Jissah in a dramatic setting of rugged mountains and inviting beaches. Al Waha, meaning ‘The Oasis’ has been designed in such a way that the Resort’s several swimming pools form an oasis incorporating many date palm trees. 302 seafacing rooms, each provide guests with either a balcony or patio, and inclusive of internet access, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and in-room safe. The Resort offers a wide choice of dining at each of the three hotels that make up the Shangri La. For recreational facilities within the hotel, guests can enjoy the swimming pool and lazy river, a large private beach including wind surfing, sailing, kayaking and snorkelling, play tennis, use the gymnasium, or enjoy the palatial spa and its wide range of treatments.
Maldives
Angsana Velavaru 45*
Accessible by a 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport on the immaculate South Nilandhe Atoll.Barefoot paradise found. White beaches,twinkling azure water and gentle sea breezes seduce. An abundance of sea life adds to the unspoilt beauty of the area – sheer bliss for marine and diving enthusiasts, for the rest, it is where dreams of ultimate pampering come true. Madives Baros 5* In the North Male Atoll only 25 minutes from Male airport by speedboat. Come to a lush, tropical island set in the shimmering waters of a shallow lagoon, ringed by a reef vibrant with marine life, its soft sand shaded by palm fronds. This private island has everything the Maldives is famous for and with only 74 villas you can be assured of personal service. It now features as one of the “small luxury hotels of the world” having undergone some excellent refurbishments. Baros is tropical luxury, catering to the well heeled who expect nothing but the best.
Maldives
Coco Palm Bodu Hithi 5*
40 minutes by speedboat from Male airport in the North Male Atoll. Contemporary design and a beautiful location make this island the perfect luxury getaway. Offering some of the best beaches in the Maldives, the island has a wonderfully natural feel. Whether it’s lazing by the infinity pool, or by your private pool or on one of the white stretches of sandy beach, Bodhu Hithi offers the best of all worlds and at excellent value for luxury. Maldives Velassaru 5* Velassaru is located on a secluded coral island 45 minutes by speedboat from Male airport. Minimalist chic revealed in teak, stone and thatch design. Recently rebuilt to an exceptionally high standard, under the leading management of the Universal group, this resort offers stylish facilities and elegant accommodation on an idyllic island.
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.
