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Muscat City Tour :-
Our visit would start with a tour of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is an architectural marvel and is perhaps the new landmark of the city. We would continue our drive through the ministries area where you can see a number of modern buildings with touches of Islamic architecture.
We would then visit the fish market and the Muttrah souq with its narrow covered alleys where the exotic smells of mounds of spices, coffees, ancient remedies and enticing perfumes fill the air. We would visit Museum, which has a fine exhibit of Omani history and culture. You would have a photo stop at the magnificent Al Aalam Palace (the official residence of Sultan Qaboos) flanked by the twin Portuguese forts of Mirani & Jalali.
Reservation
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Heritage & History Places :-
The ancient capital of Oman, Nizwa was a seat of learning and the birthplace of Islam in Oman. The 17th century round fort and the souq famous for silver jewelry are the major attractions of Nizwa, not to mention the popular & interesting cattle auction, which takes place on every Friday. Built on a solid base of rock, the huge tower was designed to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons. We move on to Bahla famous for its handmade pottery. Bahla is listed in UNESCOS world heritage sites, however the fort here is now under renovation and is not open to public. Built as a defensive stronghold, the Jabreen is perhaps the finest of Omani castles. The castle has dungeons, passages, rooms and ceilings decorated with fine carvings & paintings. Al Hota Cave is a magnificent underground cavern & lake system, a 2.7 km tunnel, which runs in a north-south direction through the Hajjar Mountains. The main chamber of Al Hota Cave is around the size of large hotel ballroom and contains some magnificent cave formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and columns, which have evolved over millions of years. You would be guided by an expert through the tunnels for an unforgettable experience. Reservation
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Batinah coast :-
The fertile Batinah coast is dotted with beautiful beaches, forts, fishing villages and places famous for camel racing & bull fighting. We would have a short stop at the Seeb Fish market before continuing to the Nakhl Fort and the hot water springs, followed by the majestic fort of Rustaq, which is one of the oldest forts in Oman and is surrounded by watch towers. Reservation
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Desert Experience :-
Running south from the Eastern Hajjar Mountains to Arabian Sea, the Wahiba Sands, described a Sand sea, stretches almost 200 kms in length and about 100 kms in width. The dunes rise above 100-150 meters in different shades of colour and shifting sands, is the perfect place for both the romantic and the adventurous. There are still Bedouin families living in this vast expanse of sands. A roller-coaster ride over the dunes would a thrilling fun especially for those who are first time visitors to the desert. The trip also includes a refreshing visit to the lush pools of Wadi Bani Khalid. Reservation |
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Coastal Trail:-
With stunning views of the waters of the Arabian Sea on one side and the rocky cliffs on the other, this is an exciting drive along the coast road. The first stop on this drive is at Bimah Sinkhole a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. Stop at the white sandy Fins beach for a swim and continue to Wadi Shaab & Tiwi Village. A walk through the narrow roads leads you to lush plantations and pools with clear water. Further ahead are the ruins at of Qalhat, one of the oldest towns and seaports in Oman. Today only the remnants of the city walls remain here. Visit the tomb of the holy lady, Bibi Miriam, which stands high up on the cliff top. Then finally visit Boat Factory in Sur. Reservation
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One of the best geologic places in Oman Wadi Taaiyin:-
It contains about 51 villages. It has many archeological features - forts, towers and old mosques. There are castles in Al Hamaam, Khabah and Al Husun. There are also 87 towers distributed among various areas of the Wilayat. Al 'Aqadaani, Al Qaria, Al Luwyaili, Al 'Ain, Al Taht and Falaj are some of the most important falajs. There is one cave, Abu Habaan. Wadi Daiqah is also another tourist attraction.
For people who exciting in hiking mountains, Wadi Taaiyin is one of the wonderful place for this activity. Reservation |
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Steps Village:-
Now start ascending to the beautiful village of Wakkan. The village is very lush with plantations and is known for its terrace farming and a variety of fruits and vegetables are grown here. After visiting Wadi Abheyad (White Wadi) we return to Muscat. Reservation |
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Meeting Dolphins & Whales
The coast of Oman is blessed with a variety of Dolphins & Whales. About 21 different species of Whales & Dolphins have been identified along the coast of Oman, including the Blue Whale which is seldom seen anywhere else in the world. Reservation |
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Green Mountain (Jabal Akhdar):-
Literally translated as the ‘’green Mountain”. It is elevated altitude (the Saiq plateau is 2000 meters high) brings the moderate climate necessary to grow all types of plantations (fruit trees, rose…). Indeed, while visiting the Jabal Akhdar, you will feel refreshed and you will be surprised by the greenery of the site! Reservation |
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The Great Grand Canyon of Oman:-
Having finished a quick visit to the Nizwa souq and the Round Fort in Nizwa, we drive towards the Western Hajjar Mountains rising over 2000 metres, which can be seen from far away as we approach them. We would stop at Al Hamra where 400 years old mud houses are still standing and occupied. The Wadi Nakhr gorge is a one of Oman’s greatest natural wonders. The mountain village of Misfah and the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul also would be visited. Jebel Shams (mountain of the Sun) is the tallest peak in Oman at a height of 3010 metres offering spectacular views of the surroundings. Reservation |
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The traditional Arabic market place is called the souq and these are found in many of the towns throughout the Sultanate |
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Muttrah Souq
One of the oldest preserved souqs in Oman is in Muttrah, on the Corniche. Gold and silver jewellery is found in abundance as well as numerous wooden carvings, ornaments and spices. Muttrah souq is a maze of pathways leading in and out of each other. 'Household' goods make up the bulk of the souq, but browsing through some of the smaller shops may result in a lucky find. Bargaining is a must, however. Gold and silver are well priced and mainly sold by weight. Good buys are silver khanjars (the traditional Omani dagger, worn by men) and incense burners.
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Nizwa souq
Hosts a lively cattle market early each Friday morning where cows, goats and sheep are auctioned. The obstinate behaviors of the animals often provides great amusement for the spectators. There is an abundance of local handicrafts and produce in the covered souq. Silversmiths can be seen hammering patterns into the hilts of khanjars and women sell the birka, a glittering, embroidered facemask worn by local ladies |
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Sinaw souq
Is best visited early in the morning on weekends. It has similar ware to Nizwa souq, including a cattle market. Some of the silver shops sell the old silver Bedouin jewellery, but you have to look hard. This is actually the new souq, the old one being situated to the rear. The old one is now abandoned |
Ibra souq
Is open to all, as long as you are female! It is a fairly recent innovation, opened in 1990 and is held on Wednesday mornings. It is the only souq in Oman which lends itself totally to the needs of women. Lotions, cosmetics, powders, textiles, perfumes and henna are amongst some of the items on sale. |
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Al Dhalam (darkness) Market
In Muttrah is one of the most popular bazaars in Muscat. It has been named after darkness because of the crowded stalls and lanes where the sunrays do not infiltrate during the day and the shoppers need lamps to know their destinations.
The name of the market has been drawn specifically from the part that extends from Al Lawatiya Mosque to Khour Bimba where the place is really full of stores and stalls and the narrow area of lanes does not allow the sunlight to enter.
In the past the market was built from mud and palm leaves, which suit the high temperatures and the hard climate conditions at that lime.
The market was a source of supply for Omanis where they can buy their needs in the sixties when life requirements were simple than today. Most of the goods were imported, in addition to local products like textiles, fruit, vegetables and dates.
The market becomes more crowded and active during Eid seasons when Oman is come from all over the country to buy garments and jewelry.
Al Dhalam Market in Muttrah is considered popular, social and economic record that reflects Omani features in the different walks of life. |
Al Hafah Souq
Hafah Souq of Salalah Oman preserves the appealing old world charm with rows of small packet sized shops set around the coconut trees on Salalah south side. The swaying coconut leaves and the bustling charm of the city also make Al Hafah Souq at Salalah a shopper’s delight. |
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Friday market
It is in al Wadi Al Kaber and is large market that is popular folklore character is a confluence of a weekly in which the sale and purchase away from the strict administrative controls.
It allows spontaneous offer in this market and the ease of buying and selling of the citizens and residents of the home and outside access to their goods and products used and the price was simple.
As the Friday market, reflecting the convergence of a popular weekly feature by Omani craftsmen simple presentation of their industrial products in the Omani market.
Friday Market, begins to open in the seventh on Friday morning of each week until the ninth evening, where the market is packed with ground under the parachute timber by the Muscat Municipality, implemented since the early morning, stretched out on the ground that the goods and shoppers who are spread throughout the corridors between the Glades and the exhibits and goods.
Where there are competing exhibits of clothing, videos, shoes and used electric and electronic instruments new and old side by side. |
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....AL Ashkara. Near to the arbain sea which has cool weather ....
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:- The Grand Mosque is open Sat to Thu 8.00-11.00 hrs only.
:- Ladies visiting the Grand Mosque are required to cover their head with scarf and do not wear shorts, beachwear or sleeveless outfits as they are to be fully covered
:- men visiting the Grand Mosque should wear long trousers.
:- Museums, Forts and other monuments are closed during Thu, Fri and National Holidays.
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