LYRICA – BASIS
Essential Round Tour of Central Oman
(8 Days / 7 Nights)
Day 1
Day 1
Arrival in Muscat (BB)
Arrival at Muscat International Airport. After passport control and baggage claim, guests will be met in the arrivals hall by an English-speaking driver for transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn 4* (or similar).
Day 2
Day 2
Muscat – Quriyat – Wadi Tiwi – Sur – Ras Al Hadd (FB)
In the morning, meet your Russian-speaking guide and set off on an adventurous jeep tour. The route winds through the mountains toward the fishing village of Quriyat, known for its traditional fish market and the old Portuguese fort guarding the entrance to the bay.
Soon after, stop near the Bimmah–Fins area at one of the “wild white beaches” that line Oman’s eastern coast, offering the perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim in the ocean. Continue along the turquoise sea to the remarkable Bimmah Sinkhole — a 30-meter-deep natural depression filled with seawater.
Next stop: Wadi Shab — a stunning oasis set among the cliffs, known for its emerald freshwater pools. A short trek takes you deeper into the valley, where adventurous visitors may reach a hidden cave with a small waterfall. Nearby lies another oasis — Wadi Tiwi. The road leads a few kilometers into the lush heart of the wadi, where traditional villages are nestled among palm groves. Locals here still cultivate small plantations using the ancient falaj irrigation system.
Lunch at a local café in Wadi Tiwi or Sur.
Continue the journey to the coastal town of Sur, famed for its traditional dhow-building shipyard. After a brief city tour, drive on to the village of Ras Al Hadd and check in at the hotel. In the evening, after dinner, head to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve to witness the nesting of large green sea turtles.
Late return to the hotel.
Overnight at Ras Al Hadd Beach Hotel 3*.
Day 3
Day 3
Ras Al Hadd – Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba Sands (FB)
Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, depart for the oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, nestled between the desert and the surrounding rocky mountains. The bright white cliffs frame natural pools of turquoise water, inviting visitors to swim and relax. Enjoy time at leisure in the oasis for swimming and a peaceful walk. Lunch will be provided as lunch boxes or at a local café.
After your rest in the oasis, continue to the famous Wahiba Sands desert. Wahiba Sands is also known for its strikingly varied colors — with dunes ranging in hue from black to golden honey and even white across the vast expanse. During the cooler months, the desert is home to the Bedouin Bani Wahiba tribes, whose traditional dwellings can often be seen during an exciting desert safari.
Check-in at the desert camp. In the evening, watch the sun set over the desert from the top of a dune.
Dinner and overnight at Arabian Oryx Camp (or similar).
Day 4
Day 4
Wahiba Sands – Nizwa – Bahla – Jabrin – Nizwa (FB)
After breakfast at the camp, bid farewell to the golden dunes and head to the ancient city of Nizwa — once the capital of Oman and one of the oldest cities in the country. Visit the imposing Nizwa Fort, famed for its massive citadel, and explore the traditional souq. On Friday mornings, the market hosts lively livestock auctions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s vibrant trade culture. Nizwa has long been recognized as the silver capital of Oman, with most of the silver jewelry sold across the country crafted by local artisans.
Lunch at a local café or restaurant.
Afterward, continue toward Jabrin, stopping en route in the small town of Bahla — renowned for its pottery and home to the largest fortress in Oman, meticulously restored under UNESCO supervision. The ancient ruins in Bahla are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Then, visit the beautifully preserved Jabrin Fort, considered one of the most elegant in the country.
Dinner and overnight at Intercity Hotel 3* in Nizwa (or similar).
Day 5
Day 5
Nizwa – Misfat – Al Hamra – Jebel Shams (FB)
In the morning, depart for the village of Al Hamra and the mountain settlement of Misfat Al Abriyeen — one of the most picturesque villages in the Omani highlands. Traditional mud-brick houses and lush terraced gardens cascade down the slopes of a deep canyon. Enjoy a walk through the oasis-like village and take in its serene atmosphere.
Continue to Al Hamra to visit the Beit Al Safah Museum — a traditional Omani house that brings local heritage to life. Here, you can observe age-old crafts such as baking Omani bread, extracting oils, and preparing traditional Omani coffee (kahwa).
Lunch at a local café.
In the afternoon, drive to the highest point in Oman — Jebel Shams (“Sun Mountain”), home to the so-called “Grand Canyon of Oman,” a dramatic gorge plunging to depths of nearly one kilometer. The Jebel Shams area is also known for its handwoven wool carpets, noted for their vibrant colors.
Take a scenic walk along the edge of the canyon and admire the spectacular views from the lookout point.
Dinner and overnight at Jabal Shams Resort (or similar).
Day 6
Day 6
Jebel Shams – Wadi Bani Awf – Nakhal – Muscat (HB / lunch)
After breakfast at the hotel, set off toward one of the most beautiful regions of the Jebel Akhdar mountain range. Cross the mountains and arrive at the village of Bilad Sayt — arguably the most scenic village in the area. Its small, traditional houses seem to cling to the mountainside, overlooking a lush palm oasis and terraced fields cultivated by local farmers.
Continue the journey along the floor of Wadi Bani Awf, one of Oman’s most dramatic wadis. Along the way, stop near the famous Snake Canyon, whose winding formations resemble the curves of a serpent. Enjoy lunch boxes near the canyon.
Exit the wadi and rejoin the main road, arriving shortly thereafter in the village of Nakhal, surrounded by a vast palm grove. Nakhal Fort, perched on rocky outcrops, stands as one of Oman’s most majestic fortresses. From its upper terraces, take in a sweeping panoramic view of the oasis and the village nestled within it. Visit the fort and make a stop at the nearby natural hot springs.
Then continue your journey back to Muscat.
Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn 4* (or similar).
Day 7
Day 7
Muscat (Half-Day City Tour) (BB)
In the morning, depart on a 4-hour sightseeing tour of Muscat. The tour begins with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque — one of the largest mosques in the world. It houses one of the world's largest handwoven carpets, once listed in the Guinness Book of Records, and an elegant, massive chandelier made of Swarovski crystal.
Continue to the renowned Royal Opera House — Oman’s premier cultural venue. A striking blend of traditional Omani design and modern architecture, the opera house features an exquisite interior adorned with handcrafted ornaments that reflect the richness of Omani artistry.
Next, visit the “Eastern Bazaar” — Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman. Enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs and gifts. The souq is located along the historic Corniche, a bay once frequented by seafarers from around the world, watched over by the two Portuguese forts — Al Jalali and Al Mirani.
End the tour with a photo stop and short walk at Al Alam Palace — the ceremonial residence of Sultan Qaboos.
Return to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn 4* (or similar).
Day 8
Day 8
Departure from Muscat (BB)
Breakfast at the hotel. Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 noon.
At the scheduled time, transfer to Muscat International Airport for your flight to Moscow.
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