Essence of Oman – Self Drive Tour – 7 Nights, 8 Days

Day 01:  Arrive Muscat & transfer to Hotel.

Overnight at Muscat | Meals included: None

Day 02: Delivery of 4WD vehicle at Hotel Park Inn by 0900 hrs. Visit the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Bait Zubair Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman's Cultural history and thus imparting knowledge about the country's rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district of Old Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items.

Overnight at Muscat | Meals included: Breakfast

Day 03: Muscat - Nakhl - Wadi Bani Awf (Mountain Crossing) - Bilad Sayt - Al Hamra.

After breakfast, check-out from your hotel and begin your fascinating round tour of Oman. Drive towards the city of Nakhl and visit Nakhl Fort. The narrow road through the town winds up to the Hot Springs of Ayn Al Thuwarah, which is a popular picnic spot. Continue to enter Wadi Bani Awf, the series of winding roads through mountains which leads you to the village of Al Hamra. Visit small villages of Bilat Sayt and Hat before reaching the top point Birkat Al Sharaf. Drive down to Al Hamra and then to Jebel Shams, the Grand Canyon of Oman.

Overnight at Al Hamra | Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 04: After breakfast drive to Jebel Shams and then drive back to Nizwa via Wadi Nakher - Bahla Fort - Jabrin Castle.

There after drive to Al Hamra & Misfah, to see one of the oldest villages of this region. En route, you also stop at Wadi Ghul- the farming village in the mountains. The traditional mud houses at Al Hamra dated back from 400 years are still occupied. Later drive onwards to visit Bahla, the mystical village, known for Arabian potteries. Visit one of the pottery making units. {Closed on public holidays and Fridays}. You also visit the majestic Bahla Fort, recently opened to public after a long restoration. There after proceed to visit Jabrin castle built in 17^th century, with magnificent plasterwork, wooden carvings; painted ceiling makes this castle amazingly different. After visits, you'll reach Nizwa- the cultural capital of Oman.

Overnight at Nizwa |Meals included: Breakfast

Day 05: Nizwa Fort - Nizwa Souk - Birkat Al Mauz - Jebel Akhdar. Visit Wadi Bani Habib - Saiq - Diana Point.

Visit the round tower fort of Nizwa, probably the best fort architecture in Oman and Nizwa Souq where potteries, gold& silver wares are sold. Drive to Jebel Akhdar thereafter, the green mountains of Oman. Visit the terrace plantations, village of Saiq & Wadi Bani Habib.

Overnight at Jebel Akhdar | Meals included: Breakfast

Day 06: Jebel Akhdar - Birkat Al Mauz - Ibra - Bidiyah Al Mintrib Shell Fuel Station. Escort vehicle from 1000 Nights Camp will join from this point & guide you up to the camp.

After visits, proceed to Wahiba Sands. Now the nature of the landscape will change dramatically - reach the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating dunes rising up to 200 meters and stretching as far as the eye can see.

It is also host to a variety of flora and fauna and one of the largest areas of pure sand desert in the world and the traditional home of the nomadic Bedouin.  Camels are a common sight moving through the sands.

Overnight at Desert Camp | Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 07: After breakfast check out and drive back to Bidiyah to get into the Sur/Ras Al Jinz highway. Escort vehicle will accompany you till Al Mintrib Shell Fuel Station. Your first destination today is Wadi Bani Khalid- an oasis in the middle of the barren and dry mountains. It is one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman and its pools with clear deep blue water give you an opportunity to take a refreshing dip.

Overnight at Ras Al Jinz | Meals included: Breakfast

Day 08: Ras Al Jinz to Muscat along the coast with the stops at  Sur, Wadi Tiwi, Bimmah Sink Hole Park.

Start your fascinating coastal trip to Muscat via Sur, renowned for its dhow shipyard in former times. Unfortunately, the operation at the yard has almost been completely shut down.. The road leads through scenic countryside and rugged mountains to the small fishing towns. On the coastal road you stop at Bibi Miriam Mausoleum in Qalhat (Photo Stop). You stop at Wadi Shab, an oasis well known for its clear green water and unique landscapes. You also stop at limestone Sinkhole in Bimmah before reaching Muscat.

Collection of vehicle from Airport or Muscat Hotel.