EXOTICA LUXE
Basic Express Tour of Central Oman
(7 Days / 6 Nights)
Day 1
Day 1
Arrival in Muscat (BB)
Arrival at Muscat International Airport. After clearing passport control and collecting your luggage, proceed to the arrival hall, where you will be met by your Russian-speaking guide for the transfer to the hotel. Transfer to the Kempinski Muscat.
Overnight at Kempinski Muscat 5* (or similar).
Day 2
Day 2
Al Nahda – Nakhal – Wadi Bani Awf – Wadi Tanuf – Nizwa (FB)
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for a round tour. Soon you will arrive in the fertile Batinah Valley. Visit to Nakhal Fort – one of the most famous forts in Oman. Perched dramatically on rocky outcrops and towering over the surrounding oasis, the fort offers majestic views from its upper terraces of the lush palm grove and the village nestled within it. Stop at the natural hot springs nearby in the oasis.
Continue the journey along a winding mountain road and then through the bed of a wadi (dry riverbed between mountains) – Wadi Bani Awf. Here you will find the renowned Snake Canyon, whose twists and turns truly resemble a serpent’s body. A short ascent brings you to the highland village of Bilad Sayt – arguably the most picturesque in the area. Traditional stone houses cascade down the mountain slope, overlooking a terraced oasis of palm trees and farmland where locals grow their crops. En route, stop for lunch at a local café.
The journey continues across the mountains, descending through the village of Al Hamra toward Nizwa, the ancient capital of the country. Stop at Wadi Tanuf – a scenic oasis nestled at the base of a mountain crater. Arrive soon after in Nizwa to visit its majestic fort, famed for its massive central tower. Tour the fort, its museum, and the old souq – one of the oldest in Oman. Nizwa has long been known as a silver craftsmanship center; most of the silver jewelry sold across Oman is made by local artisans.
Dinner and overnight at Golden Tulip Nizwa 4*.
Day 3
Day 3
Nizwa – Bahla – Jabrin – Jabal Akhdar (FB)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure towards Jabrin, with a stop en route in the small town of Bahla — a renowned center for traditional pottery making and home to the largest fortress in Oman. The ancient ruins of Bahla are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Jabrin Fort — considered one of the most beautiful forts in the country. This impressive structure resembles a palace and once served as the residence of Imam Bil'arab from the Al Yaruba dynasty, a great patron of science and the arts.
The journey continues to the unique region of Jabal al Akhdar, which translates as “The Green Mountains.” Along the way, stop in the oasis village of Birkat al Mouz, known for its ancient ruins, the falaj irrigation system (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Bait al Ridaydah Fort.
Ascend the mountain road to the summit of Jabal Akhdar. Here you’ll find the scenic Diana’s Viewpoint, named after Princess Diana who once visited this area, as well as many mountain villages where the traditional way of life has been preserved. The region is known for its agricultural terraces, fruit orchards, and rose gardens used to produce fragrant rosewater (rose blooming season is from mid-March to mid-April).
Visit Wadi Bani Habib — a lush mountain oasis — and enjoy a walk through the traditional villages nestled in the hills. End the day with sunset views over the mountains.
Dinner and overnight at Anantara Jabal Akhdar 5* Deluxe.
Day 4
Day 4
Jabal Akhdar – Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba Sands (FB)
Breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, descend from the mountains and set off towards the Wahiba Sands desert, passing through the picturesque oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid. After approximately two and a half hours’ drive, you’ll arrive at this colorful oasis nestled between the desert and the rocky mountains. Crystal-clear turquoise pools are framed by gleaming white cliffs. Take time to relax and swim in the refreshing freshwater pools. Lunch at a local café in Wadi Bani Khalid or in the town of Bidiyyah.
The tour continues to the desert of Wahiba Sands, famed for its ever-changing sand hues — from deep black to golden honey and even white — which vary across the desert from inland to the shores of the Indian Ocean. During an exhilarating jeep safari through the dunes, you’ll pass traditional Bedouin settlements that still dot the area.
Arrival at Desert Nights Camp and check-in. At sunset, climb one of the towering dunes to witness the spectacular desert sunset. Later in the evening, enjoy stargazing under the vast and brilliant desert sky.
Dinner and overnight at the luxury Desert Nights Camp.
Day 5
Day 5
Wahiba Sands – Sur – Wadi Tiwi – Quriyat – Muscat (HB / lunch)
Breakfast at the desert camp. In the morning, guests may enjoy a short camel ride within the camp area. Soon after, you will bid farewell to the desert and begin your journey to Muscat via the coastal city of Sur. A brief sightseeing tour in Sur, renowned for its traditional dhow boatyard. Lunch in a local café in Sur or Wadi Tiwi.
Continue your journey along the scenic coastal road overlooking the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Photo stops will be made at the valleys of Wadi Tiwi and Wadi Shab – picturesque mountain oases with emerald freshwater pools. In these lush valleys, local villages nestle among the palms, where residents maintain small farms, and the ancient falaj irrigation systems are still in use. Optional walk into the heart of Wadi Shab.
Stop at the unique Bimmah Sinkhole – a 30-meter-deep limestone depression filled with clear seawater – and the white sand beaches near Fins.
Arrival in Muscat in the evening and check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at Al Bustan Palace Ritz-Carlton 5 (or similar).*
Day 6
Day 6
Muscat (HB / lunch)
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a full-day sightseeing tour of Muscat. Begin with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Sultan Qaboos, one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque is home to what was once the largest carpet in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Next, visit the renowned Amouage Perfume Factory, creator of some of the most luxurious fragrances globally. Founded by His Highness Sayyid Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi at the behest of Sultan Qaboos, Amouage crafts rare and exotic scents reflecting the spirit and traditions of Oman. These are composed from exclusive ingredients such as frankincense from Dhofar and roses cultivated on the heights of Jebel Akhdar.
The tour continues with a visit to the Royal Opera House Muscat, the country’s premier venue for musical arts and culture. The building is a harmonious blend of Omani tradition and modern sophistication, showcasing exquisite hand-crafted décor that reflects the richness of local architecture (open daily except Fridays, 08:30–17:30).
Lunch at a café-restaurant in the city.
In the afternoon, explore the Old Town district. Pause for photos at the ceremonial square outside Al Alam Palace, the working residence of Sultan Qaboos. Take a leisurely walk through the old city toward the forts of Jalali and Mirani and the waterfront.
Visit the National Museum of Oman, located just opposite the palace, followed by a stroll through the Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world. You’ll have free time here to shop for souvenirs, including Omani frankincense, silverware, and textiles. The souq lies on the historic Corniche promenade, once a bustling port of trade.
Evening return to the hotel.
Overnight at Al Bustan Palace Ritz-Carlton 5 (or similar).*
Day 7
Day 7
Muscat / Leisure Day
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax at the hotel and along the beachfront.
Overnight at Al Bustan Palace Ritz-Carlton 5* (or similar).
Day 8
Day 8
Departure from Muscat
Breakfast at the hotel. Official check-out time is 12:00 noon. At the scheduled time, meet your guide and transfer to Muscat International Airport for your flight to Moscow.
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