Oman Tour

7 days / 6 nights from $1799
per person share twin land only
Travel Period: 25 Jan, 22 Feb, 15 Mar, 19 Apr, 20 Sep, 18 Oct, 15 Nov, 13 Dec 10

8 days / 7 nights from $2689
per person share twin land only
Travel Period: 01 May - 14 Jul & 01 - 30 Sep 10



HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME
OMAN

Welcome to Oman, a country of breathtaking beauty interwoven with rich cultural history. From the moment you arrive to the time you leave, Oman will captivate and inspire you like no other destination. Oman boasts an intoxicating mix of modern opulence and traditional culture, vast barren deserts and rocky deepwater fjords, ancient castles and fi ve-star hotels. Combined with a reputation for timeless hospitality and exquisite cuisine, Oman delivers such diversity that it will delight even the most seasoned traveller.

Discover the Fjords of Arabia. Here you’ll witness the majesty of rocky slopes descending almost 2000 vertical metres sheer into the turquoise sea, where they are met with dazzling coral reefs teeming with marine life. Every traveller’s itinerary should include a visit to the incomparable vastness of the Wahiba Sands. Boasting sand dunes soaring up to 150m high. Amongst spectacular surroundings, discover ancient castles, towering mosques, and guarded forts – all part of an architectural landscape several thousand years in the making. Without a doubt, one of Oman’s most stunning national monuments is Nizwa Fort. Dating back to the mid-1600s, this majestic stronghold was built as a key defence site to guard the lucrative caravan routes which dissected the region. Also well worth a visit is the nearby Bahla Fort. Recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its imposing form is comprised of 15 gates and 132 watchtowers. One of the highlights of your journey will be discovering the richness of the beautiful Omani people, whether they be traditional Bedouin desert tribes or citizens of modern Muscat. Wherever you travel, you’ll be greeted by the same gracious and hospitable smiles of people proud to share their unique culture with you. However, for a truly immersive cultural experience, visit one of the country’s many souks (traditional markets). Located from Muscat to Nizwa, entering a souk will provide you with an encounter of an entirely different way of life: get lost in the maze of alleys; surround yourself with the sounds, scents, and colours of an Arabian marketplace; go searching for everything from gold and fi ne jewellery to antiques and spices. It’s a cultural adventure that will leave you overwhelmed with sensory delight. Renowned for their hospitality, Omanis will welcome the opportunity to share their unique cuisine with you. Whether that’s the simple tradition of offering qahwa (local coffee) and dates to all visitors as a welcome gesture (or even the sticky-sweet local delight known as halwa, made from eggs, honey, sugar and spices), you’re sure to embrace the unique tastes and aromas of this ancient country. Whether you seek the ultimate in luxury escapes or the pinnacle of adventure travel, Oman offers a tantalisingly diverse destination which promises to both surprise and delight travellers of all styles. Discover Oman, and experience a breathtaking journey beyond your greatest expectations.

TOUR FEATURES

  • Includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle and 4WD, return flight Muscat to Salalah*, accommodation with meals as specifi ed, sightseeing & entrance fees with an English speaking driver.
  • Not included in the tour are airport departure fees, visa charges and gratuities.
  • The dress code for visiting inside the Grand Mosque is long sleeves & full length trousers for men, women are required to be fully covered and to wear a headscarf. *(Classical Oman only)

SAVE $350pp
ESSENCE OF OMAN
DAY 1: MUSCAT
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2: MUSCAT
Today we have a tour of Muscat including a visit to the Grand Mosque, the magnifi cent Al Alam Palace, residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Bait Al Zubair Museum and the colourful Muttrah Souk. (B)

DAY 3: MUSCAT – BARKA – NAKHL – RUSTAQ – MUSCAT
Full day excursion to Barka to visit the famous Fish Market, and later drive towards Nakhl which has a magnifi cent fort rising out of the rocky mountains. After spending some time at Nakhl we will continue to Rustaq, which has some interesting souks selling traditional jewellery, khanjars and big chests made of wood used by locals to store their household belongings. (B)

DAY 4: MUSCAT – NIZWA
After breakfast we depart for Nizwa visiting the village of Tanuf before proceeding to Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s castles built in the late 17th Century which became a seat of Omani learning. (B)

DAY 5: NIZWA – WAHIBA
Today we visit Nizwa’s famous Round Tower Fort, built in the 17th Century, and its Souk, popular for its intricately hand-carved “khanjars” (daggers) and ornamental silver jewellery. Later travel to Wahiba Sands and enroute visit Ibra and the Village of Mudaybi. Dinner and overnight at a desert camp. (B,D)

DAY 6: WAHIBA – MUSCAT
After breakfast spend some time in the desert and later drive back to Muscat, en route visiting Wadi Bani Khalid which comprises of small pretty villages embedded in the mountains. (B) DAY 7: MUSCAT Tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. (B)

7 days / 6 nights from Twin
Valid for: 25 Jan, 22 Feb, 15 Mar, 19 Apr, 20 Sep, 18 Oct, 15 Nov, 13 Dec departures. $1799

SAVE $550pp
CLASSICAL OMAN
DAY 1: MUSCAT
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2: MUSCAT
Today you have a full day tour of Muscat. Highlights of the tour include the Grand Mosque, Natural History Museum, Al Alam Palace, the 16th Century built Mirani and Lalai (photo stop only) and the traditional Muttrah Souk (market). (B)

DAY 3: MUSCAT – SUR
After breakfast depart for Sur via the coast visiting Wadhi Dayqah – a beautiful valley with rugged trekking trails and cool turquoise pools, Daghmar Dibab and its stunning cave formations and Finns Beach. (B)

DAY 4: SUR – WAHIBA SANDS – NIZWA
Today travel to Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis in the middle of the barren mountains and then on to Wahiba Sands, the mighty Arabian Desert. Included is a visit to a Bedouin family, a camel ride and dune bashing before proceeding to Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman. (B)

DAY 5: NIZWA
Full day tour of Nizwa, Bahal and Jabrin including visits to Nizwa and Jabrin Forts, a pottery shop and the souks (markets). (B)

DAY 6: NIZWA – MUSCAT – SALALAH
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Salalah. This afternoon you have a city tour of West Salalah including a visit to Job’s Tomb and Mughsayl Beach. (B)

DAY 7: SALALAH
Today you have a city tour of East Salalah including Taqa Village and the ruins of Samhurum and Mirbat.

DAY 8: SALALAH – MUSCAT
The day is at leisure until your afternoon flight to Muscat.

8 days / 7 nights from Twin
Valid for: 01 May - 14 Jul & 01 - 30 Sep 10 departures. $2689
Please contact us for other dates.
Please note: Prices are based on per person share twin and exclude airfares. Please ask for the best available fare to suit your travel dates and itinerary.


Valid for sales to: 31 January 2010
Travel Period: 2010