Brief Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE MUSCAT
Meet & assist at the airport and transfer to Hotel Sheraton Oman (5*). Overnight at hotel
DAY 2: MUSCAT: MUSCAT CITY TOUR
Tour starts at 08:30 in the morning with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. We will reach the site by 9.15 hrs and the group can spend good time here to take embossing Islamic architecture on their cameras. This is undoubtedly one of the largest mosques in the Middle East.
Later we visit the famous Royal Opera House, Oman’s premier venue for musical arts and culture. Next we will drive through picturesque Corniche and then to a photo stop at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Haithm Bin Tariq, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. Since photo shoot can be only outside at these locations we will spent about an hour. We will also visit the famous Bait Al Zubair Museum before having lunch at a local restaurant.
The group will get ample time to take photos of the handicrafts items and as well the locals. Before ending the tour you will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where one can bargain for Omani handicrafts and silver items. This is an excellent location to take the photos of stunning century old Omani shops as well as Omani shop owners selling their products. The group could easily spend about 2 hours at the souk. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. Overnight at Hotel Sheraton Oman (5*) (B/L)
Approximate stopover Timings:
Sultan Quaboos Grand Mosque: 60 minutes
Royal Opera House: 45 minutes
Al Alam Palace & Mirani Jalali Fort: 45 minutes
Bait Al Zubair Museum: 30 minutes
Muttrah Souk: 90 minutes
DAY3: MUSCAT– RAS AL JINZ (300 kms):
After breakfast we start on our day long program in a 4WD which starts with a visit to Sur and then to Ras Al Jinz via the scenic and rugged coastal route. This tour offers breath taking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine white beaches.
The road leads through scenic countryside and rugged mountains to the small fishing town of Quriyat. Our first stop today is at the limestone Sinkhole in Bimah and then continue to Fins beach. The group will get 3 hours good time to capture the natural scenes at both these locations. Later we drive further to Wadi Shab, the most popular and stunning Wadi in Oman having a river run through it. Here the group can indulge in light trekking. Within the valley, there is a hidden waterfall in a secret cave. The walk will take you through local farms on a flat path and might get muddy depending on the water level that day. After the short trek we drive to Sur where we will visit Dhow building Yard, where traditional Dhow’s are made.
Check in at Hotel Ras Al Jinz Center (4*). After an early dinner visit the giant green turtles, when they come out at night to lay eggs. The group will spent an hour at the beach and will get opportunity to take the photos of giant green turtles laying eggs and also the new born rushing to sea from the shore. Return to hotel for overnight stay (B/D)
Approximate stopover Timings:
Bimah Sinkhole & Fins Beach: 2 hours
Wadi Shab: 90 minutes trekking
Dhow building yard: 45 minutes
Turtle Reserve: 2 hours
DAY 4: RAS AL JINZ – SUR– WAHIBASANDS: (300 kms):
Morning before proceeding to Wahiba Sands we drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis spot in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. It is one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman with pools with clear deep blue water. The group will spend an hour at this beautiful location to capture on their cameras the beautiful wadi and the mountains nearby. You may catch a glimpse of small hamlets that cling precariously to the rugged cliffs. Then we proceed to Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sands. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. Enjoy a camel ride (optional) on the dunes. You get ample time to take photos of Camels and dunes. Later Drive up to dune top to view shoot sun set photos and enjoy the light refreshments. Enjoy the BBQ dinner and overnight stay at Desert Nights Camp (4*). (B/D)
Approximate stopover Timings:
Wadi Bani Khalid: 2 hours
Sunset watch: 1 hour
Sand Dunes: 3 hours
DAY 5: WAHIBASANDS – NIZWA (250 kms):
After breakfast do some exciting sand dune driving which offers excellent thrills and chills for all and will arrive at the home of a Bedouin Family. Our guide will arrange the permission from the Bedouin family head to take his photos and goats & Camels belonging to him. Wahiba sands and its gigantic sand dunes always has been a delight for photographers. We then drive to Jabrin Castle built in 17th century is one of the finest of its kind. Castle is famous for its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceilings make this castle amazingly different. This Castle is photographers delight due to its Islamic architectural grandeur. Lunch at a local restaurant. We then proceed to Bahla, one of the oldest towns of Oman and in the 12th century the capital of the tribe living in the region. Visit Bahla Fort which boasts as one of the UNESCO heritage sites. Bahlais also famous for its pottery and you will visit a potter’s workshop. Overnight stay at Golden Tulip Nizwa (5*) (B/L)
Approximate stopover Timings:
Bedouin Family House: 60 minutes
Ibra (Women Souk): 60 minutes
Jabrin Castle: 90 minutes
Bahla Fort & Pottery workshop: 90 minutes
DAY 6: NIZWA -JABAL AKHDAR-NIZWA (160 kms):
Morning you will visit the historic city of Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman. Its main places of interest are the lively Souq and the powerful Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, one of the most impressive forts in Oman. The group will spend close to 2 hours at the Fort and Souq, heavenly locations for photographers. Later the group will move further and will be shown the Falaj system, one of the oldest irrigation systems in Oman and the second UNESCO Heritage site you will see at Birkat Al Mauz.
We then drive to Wadi Al Maideen where the group will have a short photo stop. From here a 36 km stretch of winding road leads us to Jabel Akhdar (2000m above sea level). The group will get good time to capture the natural beauty surrounding the majestic mountains. Enjoy the cool climate up in the mountains. Jebel Al Akhdar is farmed for its fruit orchards, laid out terrace style along the slopes of mountains. We will have our lunch at Sama Hotel which has stunning view of the mountains. After our lunch photography session is recommended from the hotels backyard to capture the brilliant view of the majestic mountains We then drive to hotel Golden Tulip Nizwa (5*) for overnight stay. (B/L)
Approximate stopover Timings:
Nizwa Souk & Fort: 2 hours
Falaj & Birkat Al Mouz: 2 hours
Wadi Al Maideen: 90 minutes
DAY 7: NIZWA –JABALSHAMS-NIZWA:
After breakfast, We proceed to Al Hamra one of the oldest villages in Oman with clay houses dating back up to 400 years. The group will be allowed to spend ample time visualize and take photos of the century old mud and stone houses. Later as part of our program we visit the traditional Omani house now converted to a Museum “Bait al Saffah”. Enjoy the lunch at the museum. The group will also stop at Wadi Ghul, the farming village in the mountains before we reach Jabel Shams, the Great canyon of Oman. Enjoy a short balcony walk, and take photos of the breath-taking view of the great Grand Canyon. Overnight stay at Golden Tulip Nizwa (5*) (B/L)
Approximate stopover Timings:
Goat Market: 90 minutes
Al Hamra: 90 minutes
Bait Al Safah: 1 hour
Wadi Ghul: 1 hour
DAY 8: NIZWA- MUSCAT:
After breakfast at drive to Bilad Sayt village in the Morning. One can have stunning views houses in the village, people, their herd of goats pasturing in the valley and mountains. As part of our program we walk through the villages of Bilat Sayt and Wadi Bani Awf known as snake gorge of Oman and enjoy photography session. The wadi covers a large area with several villages and lots of cool attractions worth visiting, including the famous Snake Canyon! Picnic lunch will be served. After that visit the 17th century Nakhl Fort which is spectacularly perched on a rocky prominence on the foothills of Western Hajar Mountains. Later pass narrow road through the town which winds up to the Al Thowarah Hot Springs. On the way back we stop at a date palm farm and also the famous Amouage factory . The group will spend good time to have their photography session at these locations. Drive to Muscat for Overnight stay at Hotel Intercontinental (5*) (B/L)
Approximate stopover Timings:
Bilat Sait & Wadi Bani Auf: 3 hours
Nakhl Fort & Hot Springs: 2 hours
Amouage Factory: 30 minutes
DAY09: MUSCAT: DOLPHIN WATCHING WITH SNORKELLING
After breakfast we leave at 8 am to Muttrah Fish market to witness the return of fishermen after their expedition to the deep sea and witness the day catch on sale. After the photography session around 9 am we drive to Marina Bandar for Dolphin Watch Tour with Snorkeling. You set out to the marina and board a exclusive charter of Fiber boat scenic ride along the Muscat coast. Ancient seafarers plied this route for centuries, visiting Oman and her coastal waters for trade, fishing and pearl diving. It is not uncommon to see a pod of bottle-nose, spinner or common dolphins and should luck be with you, you may even spot a whale shark or even a Humpback, Bryde or Sperm whale. As the sun dips low on the horizon, After seeing these beautiful cetaceans unwind by snorkeling in the crystal waters in nearest snorkeling sight. Coral beds provide homes to an exotic variety of fish that are a pleasure to be hold. Catch the timeless magic of tropical fish in a real life situation. After the snorkeling proceed to Bandar Al Khayran, a true hidden gem of a place in Oman. Enjoy the picnic lunch at Bandar Al Khayran. After spending time in Bandar Al Khayran return to the marina to board your coach and drive back to your hotel. Late evening group will be having farewell dinner at Bait Al Luban located in Corniche. Overnight stay at Intercontinental Muscat. (B/D)
Approximate stopover Timings:
Mutrah fish Market visit: 01 Hour
Dolphin Watch & Snorkelling: 5 hours
DAY 10: DEPARTURE MUSCAT
After the breakfast drive to Muscat International Airport as per your scheduled flight (B)
