«MARHABA, OMAN!»
Essential Express Tour of Central Oman
(7 Days / 6 Nights)
Day 1
Day 1
Arrival in Muscat. Evening City Tour (HB)
Arrival at Muscat International Airport on a morning flight. After passport control and baggage claim, you will be met in the arrivals hall by your driver and transferred to the hotel. Early check-in and time to rest.
At 15:30, meet your Russian-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and depart for an introductory tour of Muscat.
Your first stop will be at the Royal Opera House — Oman’s premier cultural landmark. The building is a striking blend of traditional Omani design and modern elegance, featuring exquisite interiors and handcrafted ornamental details that reflect the richness of Omani architecture.
Continue to the Old Town district, where you will stroll around the famous square near Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial residence of Sultan Qaboos. From here, walk along the palace promenade, flanked by the two iconic Portuguese forts — Jalali and Mirani.
You will then have free time at the bustling Muttrah Souq, where you can shop for traditional souvenirs, including Oman’s most prized treasure — genuine frankincense. The souq is located along the historic Corniche, in Muscat’s main harbor, which has welcomed ships from all over the world for centuries.
Dinner and overnight at Intercity Hotel 3* (or similar).
Day 2
Day 2
Grand Mosque – Nizwa – Misfat Al Abriyeen – “Sun Mountain” (Jebel Shams) (HB)
After breakfast, meet your Russian-speaking guide in the hotel lobby and begin the day with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. It is home to the once-largest carpet ever made — a masterpiece handwoven over four years by 600 Iranian women — and a stunning, massive chandelier made of Swarovski crystals.
The mosque is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, except on Fridays and national/religious holidays.
Dress code:
  • Men must wear long trousers (no shorts).
  • Women must wear long-sleeved tops, ankle-length skirts or trousers with no slits, and a headscarf. Clothing must be loose-fitting and opaque.
Next, continue to Nizwa, the ancient capital of the Sultanate. Visit the imposing Nizwa Fort, famed for its massive central tower, and explore the historic Nizwa Souq. You will also stop at the renowned Falaj Daris, one of the ancient irrigation canals in Oman. Many of Oman’s falaj systems are considered historical treasures and are protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The journey then leads into the mountains to Misfat Al Abriyeen, one of Oman’s most picturesque mountain villages. Its traditional houses cling to the cliffs of a deep gorge, and locals cultivate crops on narrow terraced fields shaded by date palms. Water flows down from the heights through centuries-old falaj channels, nourishing this lush, tranquil oasis.
Finally, ascend to Jebel Shams — the highest peak in Oman, often referred to as the “Mountain of the Sun.” Here lies Oman’s own Grand Canyon, with a dramatic drop of nearly one kilometer. The area is also known for its brightly colored, handwoven wool rugs. Enjoy a walk along the canyon’s edge and take in the breathtaking views from the observation point as the sun sets over the mountains.
Dinner and overnight at SAMA Heights Camp (or similar).
Day 3
Day 3
Jebel Shams – Bahla – Jabrin – Wahiba Sands Desert (HB)
After breakfast at the mountain camp, continue your journey toward Jabrin, with a stop en route in the town of Bahla — renowned for its pottery craftsmanship and home to the largest fortress in Oman. The ancient ruins of Bahla are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the restored Bahla Fort, a powerful symbol of the region’s historic significance.
Next, proceed to Jabrin Fort, one of the most elegant and refined castles in the country. More than just a fortress, Jabrin was once a royal residence and a center of learning during the reign of Imam Bil’arab of the Yaruba dynasty, a great patron of science and the arts. Its beautifully painted ceilings, carved wooden doors, and refined architecture reflect the sophistication of its time.
Your journey then continues to the vast Wahiba Sands Desert, famous for its multicolored dunes that change hue across the expanse — from deep black to golden honey and even white, if you look closely. Stretching from the interior to the shores of the Indian Ocean, this desert offers a dramatic and ever-shifting landscape.
Upon arrival, check in at your desert camp. In the evening, relax by the campfire under a dazzling star-filled sky and absorb the profound silence of the desert.
Dinner and overnight at SAMA Al Wasil Camp (or similar).
Day 4
Day 4
Wahiba Sands – Wadi Bani Khalid Oasis – Turtle Reserve (HB)
Early in the morning, before breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to climb a dune and witness a breathtaking desert sunrise.
Later, bid farewell to the golden sands of Wahiba and head toward the vibrant Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the largest and most beautiful wadis in Oman.
Nestled between the desert and rugged mountains, the oasis is framed by bright white cliffs and filled with turquoise freshwater pools that invite you to take a refreshing swim. Enjoy a dip in the pleasantly cool emerald waters of this natural haven.
Continue your journey to the coastal city of Sur, renowned for its traditional dhow shipyard where wooden boats have been handcrafted for generations. Take a brief city tour and visit a working dhow factory to learn about this proud maritime tradition.
By evening, arrive at Ras Al Jinz, where you will check in at a camp near the Turtle Reserve.
After dinner, embark on a guided nighttime excursion to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve to observe the majestic green sea turtles in their natural nesting habitat. These ancient creatures emerge from the sea under the cover of darkness, using their powerful flippers to dig wide nests before laying their eggs in carefully shaped chambers.
Dinner and overnight at SAMA Ras Al Jinz (or similar).
Day 5
Day 5
Ras Al Hadd – Wadi Shab – Fins / Bimmah – Muscat (HB)
In the morning, continue your journey back to Muscat along the scenic coastal road, following the sparkling shoreline of the Gulf of Oman.
Today brings another unforgettable encounter with Oman’s natural wonders — a visit to Wadi Shab, one of the country’s most picturesque mountain oases. This lush valley is home to emerald freshwater pools, shaded by swaying palm trees and framed by bright limestone cliffs. Hidden among the greenery are small plantations cultivated by local families.
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the wadi’s crystal-clear pools. For the adventurous, the experience continues deeper into the gorge: squeezing through narrow rock passages, swimming across deep pools, and navigating a narrow stone corridor, you’ll reach a hidden cave with a small waterfall — a real-life Indiana Jones–style adventure!
After your canyoning adventure, continue along the coast to the Bimmah Sinkhole, a 30-meter-deep natural depression filled with slightly salty, transparent turquoise water. Though its geological origins remain uncertain, local legends regard it as a powerful spiritual site.
Your final stop will be at one of the wild white-sand beaches in the Fins–Bimmah area, where you can relax and take a last swim in the Indian Ocean before returning to Muscat.
Arrival in Muscat by evening, check-in at the hotel, and time to rest.
Dinner and overnight at Intercity Hotel 3* (or similar).
Day 6
Day 6
Muscat. Day at Leisure (HB)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a free day in Muscat to relax and unwind after your exciting and eventful journey across the country.
You may choose to spend the day lounging by the pool, relaxing on a public beach, or simply strolling through the city at your own pace. Alternatively, for those seeking one last adventure, an optional morning boat excursion for dolphin watching is available (this experience is not included in the program and can be arranged and paid for locally).
Dinner and overnight at Intercity Hotel 3* (or similar).
Day 7
Day 7
Departure from Muscat
Breakfast at the hotel. Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 noon.
At the scheduled time, transfer to Muscat International Airport.
Here ends your short, yet rich and unforgettable rendezvous with Oman.
The charm of this Arabian land and the heartfelt hospitality of its people will leave you with vivid and warm memories — ones we are sure will inspire you to return again and again to the remarkable and beautiful Sultanate of Oman.
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