MARHABA OMAN: House of Omani Hospitality

DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN MUSCAT – AIRPORT TRANSFER

Arrive at Muscat International Airport and proceed through immigration and customs formalities. After exiting the arrival area, meet your guide-driver in the arrival hall near Café Nero. Your guide will welcome you and assist you to your vehicle for the transfer to your hotel. During the drive, enjoy your first impressions of Muscat, a city known for its beautiful blend of modern development and traditional Arabian charm. Upon arrival at the hotel, complete the check-in process and take time to relax after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy the hotel facilities or rest and prepare for the days ahead.

Overnight saty in Muscat [No meal]

DAY 02: MUSCAT CITY TOUR & EVENING CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing to explore Muscat’s cultural highlights. Your first stop is the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most iconic landmarks in Oman. Continue to the Sidab Women Association where local women produce traditional crafts and handicrafts. This visit offers an opportunity to learn about community initiatives that support local artisans and preserve traditional skills. Next, visit Bait Al Zubair Museum, which showcases Oman’s rich heritage through displays of traditional costumes, jewelry, weaponry, and historical artifacts that reflect the country’s culture and history. Stop for photos at Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of His Majesty the Sultan, situated between the historic Jalali and Mirani forts, which overlook the harbor. Enjoy lunch at Bait Al Luban Restaurant, where you will taste authentic Omani cuisine. Return to the hotel and relax before the evening program. At approximately 3:30 PM, depart for an afternoon tour beginning with a visit to Muttrah Fort, which offers panoramic views of the harbor and Muttrah Corniche. Continue to Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman. The souq is filled with colorful stalls selling silver jewelry, frankincense, textiles, perfumes, handicrafts, and souvenirs. In the evening, visit the home of a local Omani family for a special cultural experience. Enjoy a traditional dinner prepared using authentic family recipes while learning about Omani traditions and daily life. This warm gathering offers a unique opportunity to experience genuine Omani hospitality.

Overnight saty in Muscat [Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]

DAY 03: MUSCAT – AL HAMRA – MISFAH

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to Bahla, a historic town famous for its pottery traditions. Visit a local pottery factory where skilled artisans demonstrate traditional techniques. You may also have the opportunity to try creating your own pottery piece. Continue to Al Hamra, one of the oldest villages in Oman. Visit Bait Al Safa Museum, a restored traditional house that displays aspects of Omani life, architecture, and culture. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the museum before continuing to the mountain village of Misfah Al Abriyeen. This picturesque village is known for its stone houses, narrow alleyways, and terraced farms supported by ancient irrigation systems. Walk through the village and experience its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty.

Overnight saty in Misfah [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

DAY 04: MISFAH – NIZWA – JABAL AKHDAR

After breakfast, depart for Nizwa, once the capital of Oman and an important cultural center. Begin your visit at Nizwa Souq, a traditional market where you will find silver jewelry, pottery, spices, dates, and the famous Omani khanjar dagger. Next, visit Nizwa Fort, a 17th-century fortress known for its massive circular tower and impressive defensive architecture. After exploring the fort, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Nizwa before continuing your journey into the Hajar Mountains. Drive up to Jabal Akhdar, also known as the “Green Mountain,” famous for its cool climate, terraced farms, and scenic villages.

Overnight saty in Jabal Akhdar [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

DAY 05: JABAL AKHDAR VILLAGE TOUR & COOKING EXPERIENCE

After breakfast, explore the beautiful villages of Jabal Akhdar including Al Ain, Al Aqr, and Wadi Bani Habib. These mountain villages are known for their terraced farms, fruit orchards, and traditional stone houses. Walk through the villages, admire the dramatic landscapes. Later, participate in an Omani cooking class led by a local chef. Begin with traditional Omani coffee and dates before learning how to prepare authentic dishes such as Rocca salad with Jabal Akhdar pomegranate, Chicken Qabouli, Sajo bread, a traditional dessert, and a refreshing Omani drink. Drive to your hotel in Jabal Akhdar and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight saty in Jabal Akhdar [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

DAY 06: JABAL AKHDAR – IBRA – SHARQIYA SANDS

After breakfast, check out and travel to the historic town of Ibra. Visit Al Munzefat, an ancient village that reflects traditional Omani architecture and offers insight into the town’s history. Continue your journey toward the golden dunes of Sharqiya Sands, also known as Wahiba Sands. This vast desert region is home to Bedouin communities and spectacular landscapes. On the way, enjoy a traditional lunch with a Bedouin family and learn about their desert lifestyle and customs. Upon arrival at the desert camp, check in and relax. In the late afternoon, enjoy a sunset desert safari where the dunes glow in beautiful shades as the sun sets.

Overnight saty in a Desert camp in Wahiba Sands [Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner]

DAY 07: SHARQIYA SANDS – WADI BANI KHALID – MUSCAT

After an early breakfast, depart the desert and travel to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Oman. The wadi features clear turquoise pools, palm trees, and rocky landscapes. Explore the area, walk along the water, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Later, continue the drive back to Muscat, passing traditional villages and desert scenery along the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight saty in Muscat [No meal]

DAY 08: DEPARTURE FROM MUSCAT

Breakfast at the hotel before checking out. At the scheduled time, transfer to Muscat International Airport for your departure flight. As your journey concludes, take with you unforgettable memories of Oman’s landscapes, culture, and warm hospitality.

Included services:

07 Nights’ accommodation with Breakfast.
04 Lunches on Day 02, 03, 04 & 06.
04 Dinners on from day 03 to 06.
Tours and transfers on private basis with English speaking Guide-Driver using 4WD.
Entrance fees for forts and museums wherever applicable as per the itinerary.
Bottled drinking water during the tours and transfers.
All Applicable current taxes & 5% VAT.

Recommended travel period:

April 2025 - April 2026

Excluded services:

Any International / Domestic Airfare and their departure taxes.
All items of a personal nature, i.e. curios, min-bar, telephone calls, laundry etc.
All meal / beverages (unless otherwise stated within the program)
Any new Oman Government taxes.
Travel Insurance & Oman Visa.
Gratuities i.e. drivers, guides, hotels, restaurants, etc.
Welcome gift and Room Gifts.
Any services not mentioned in the “INCLUSIONS”

Image Source: Khimjis House of Tavel
Image Source: Khimjis House of Tavel
Image Source: Khimjis House of Tavel
Image Source: Khimjis House of Tavel
Image Source: Khimjis House of Tavel