LAND EXCURSIONS & TOURS 2017

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1 LAND EXCURSIONS & TOURS 2017

Welcome to Oman Official Name: Sultanate of Oman Head of State: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said (Since 1970) Currency: (O.R.) Omani Riyals (US$1=0.385 OR; 1=0.479 OR; 1 Euro=0.

2 Welcome to Oman Official Name: Sultanate of Oman Head of State: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said (Since 1970) Currency: (O.R.) Omani Riyals (US$1=0.385 OR; 1=0.479 OR; 1 Euro=0.413 OR *as of Jan 2017) Capital: Muscat Other Main Cities: Nizwa, Sur, Nizwa, Salalah, Sohar Population: Estimate Total population ,441,448 Total Surface Area: Bordering Countries: Time: 309,500 km 2 / (119,500 square miles) Yemen Arab Republic, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates GMT + 4 hours Intl. Dial Code: +968 Religion: Language: Credit Card usage: Visa: Dress Code: Photography: Alcohol Consumption: Islam Arabic is the native language of the country. However, English is widely spoken. Visa, Master Card, American Express. All Major credit cards are accepted in the main hotels, shopping malls and most shops. However, in traditional souks, cash is the most preferred means for a transaction. Citizens from over 60 countries may obtain visit visas valid for a one-month stay on arrival. (For further information, link to: Oman is among the liberal countries in the Middle East. Still, please be conservative in your style of dressing. In order to respect the local customs, women should not wear strappy sundresses, miniskirts, shorts or low necked dresses in public places (e.g. offices, souks, shopping areas in the city and interior towns). It is best for women to cover their arms and legs, especially when you visit tourist sites, shopping malls, souks and restaurants. Dress codes are strictly enforced at some locations particularly at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and other sites of religious significance. Please do not take photographs of locals without their permission. Women in particular should not be photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders and airports. Please refrain from consuming alcohol in public places. This is strictly against the law. Alcohol is bought and sold only against a permit. Alcohol can only be consumed in licensed pubs and bars. At duty free outlets, alcohol is limited to a bottle per person. Useful websites:

- The major feature of the mosque is the main prayer hall, where a single carpet of 4,343 square meters is laid out along with a Swarovski crystal chandelier with gold plated metal work & 1,122

3 MYSTICAL MUSCAT TOUR A tour of Muscat showcases the seamless blend of traditional culture with a bustling modern capital. - Our tour of the Grand Mosque, an architectural wonder both on the inside and outside. - The major feature of the mosque is the main prayer hall, where a single carpet of 4,343 square meters is laid out along with a Swarovski crystal chandelier with gold plated metal work & 1,122 lights hanging from the dome. - Visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum which offers tourists a brief introduction of ancient and modern Muscat. - The tour continues with a drive along the fascinating corniche coastline and a visit to the fish market. - Also explore the old Muttrah Souk with its wide range of distinctive antique silver and spice stalls. - Stroll through the historic streets around Al Alam Palace, official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the 16 th Century Portuguese forts of Mirani & Jalali. Notes: The Grand Mosque opens to tourists daily from 9 am to 11 am except Friday. Grand Mosques and Museums are closed on Fridays & government holidays. Children under the age of 10 years old are not permitted inside the mosque. Dress code: Women should wear attire covering their arms, legs and also cover their head with a scarf and men should wear normal shirt and full length trousers (no shorts permitted). Pictured below: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Pictured below: Main Prayer Hall RO per car (saloon car / 2 adults) Pictured below: Al Alam Palace RO per car (4WD / 2 persons) RO for each additional adult RO for each additional child (from 5 to 10 years old) 4 hours 100 kms AM tour Fully air conditioned vehicle Entrance fee to Museum Bottled water or soft drinks during the excursion

FASCINATING FORTS TOUR (FASCINATING FORTS OF NIZWA, BAHLA AND JABREEN) Nizwa (Arabic: نزوى et si yticit ge l eh si ) Ad Dakhiliyah Region and was previously the capital of Oman.

4 FASCINATING FORTS TOUR (FASCINATING FORTS OF NIZWA, BAHLA AND JABREEN) Nizwa (Arabic: نزوى et si yticit ge l eh si ) Ad Dakhiliyah Region and was previously the capital of Oman. The City is located about 170 km (2 hours) from Muscat. Nizwa Fort was built over 12 years in the 17th century by Sultan bin Saif al-yaruba, the firstimamoftheya arubadynasty,thefortisfamedforits40m-tall round tower. - Nizwa is enchanting with its forts, the most famous being the Round Tower Fort, built in 1668 and laying claim to be the biggest fort in the Arabian Peninsula. It has an external diameter of 150 feet and is over 115 feet in height. - There is a bustling souq which is renowned for the Friday cattle auction as well as intricately carved Khanjars and ornamental silver Bedouin jewellery. - AvisittothefortisfollowedbyatouroftheBahlaFort,aUNESCO WorldHeritageSite.BelievedtobethePersian origin, it overlooks the village of Bahla, considered to be the pottery capital of Oman. - The tour continues with a visit is to the Jabreen Fort,oneofOman smostmagnificent forts, built in the 17 th century with painted ceilings and engraved wood carvings. - Enroute to Muscat visit the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains). Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations. RO per car (4WD / 2 persons) RO per car (saloon car / 2 persons) RO for each additional adult RO for each additional child (from 5 to 10 years old) 8 hours 500 kms Fort timings are Sunday Thursday 09:00-16:00 & Fridays 08:00-11:00 Air conditioned saloon car / 4WD vehicle Entrance to Forts Lunch in a local restaurant Bottled water or soft drinks during the excursion Main attractions: Nizwa Fort, Bhala Fort and Jabreen Fort.

WADI WALK TOUR (to Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab) An ideal choice for those wanting to experienceoman sscenicbeauty. A popular trip with adventurers, this tour has quickly becomea must-do.

This cavernous limestone bowl is so beautiful it has become a tourist attraction as visitors can take a dip in the vibrant emerald-tinted waters of its 20m-deep pool.

Beyond the breathtaking entrance, the wadi rewards you with views of aquamarine pools, waterfalls and terraced plantations; kingfishers add glorious splashes of colour.

5 WADI WALK TOUR (to Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab) An ideal choice for those wanting to experienceoman sscenicbeauty. A popular trip with adventurers, this tour has quickly becomea must-do. Bimmah Sinkhole, located in Hawiyat Najm Park هوية نجم),(متنزه literally meaning Meteor Fall Park in Arabic, is considered by many to be the world's most stunning sinkhole. This cavernous limestone bowl is so beautiful it has become a tourist attraction as visitors can take a dip in the vibrant emerald-tinted waters of its 20m-deep pool. Wadi Shab (Arabic: شاب (وادي is arguably one of the most gorgeous destinations in Oman. Beyond the breathtaking entrance, the wadi rewards you with views of aquamarine pools, waterfalls and terraced plantations; kingfishers add glorious splashes of colour. - Depart in the morning with a visit to Quriyat, a quaint fishing village. - The drive along the coast offers tantalizing glimpses of the sea. - Our next stop is at the Bimmah sinkhole, a limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. - The tour moves to Wadi Shab, for those inclined, it is possible to walk right upto the source of the Wadi through lush green plantations of lemon, banana and dates. The fairly easy walk on a rocky path is dotted with pools and waterfalls. comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Pictured below: Bimmah Sinkhole Pictured below: Wadi Shab Waterfall RO per car (4WD / 2 persons) RO per car (saloon car / 2 persons) RO for each additional adult RO for each additional child (from 5 to 10 years old) Pictured below: Wadi Shab Keyhole 8 hours 425 kms Picnic box lunch Bottled water or soft drinks during excursion Main attractions: Qurayat- The Fishing Village, Bimmah Sinkhole & Wadi Shab.

- Proceed to Shatti Al Qurum and visit the Omani Heritage Gallery which is a unique outlet through which native artisans can market their goods.

6 MUSCAT The Charming Capital - Visit the Royal Opera House Muscat which is the leading arts and culture organization in the Sultanate of Oman. The vision of the Opera House is to serve as a centre of excellence in global cultural engagement. - Proceed to Shatti Al Qurum and visit the Omani Heritage Gallery which is a unique outlet through which native artisans can market their goods. - Visit the Bateel date store with an impressive variety of date products on display, chocolate dates, date filled biscuits, dates with nuts and dried fruits, bottled sparkling date juice and a variety of other itrems available for purchase. - Visit Bait Al Adam Museum which holds a unique collection of currency, paintings, photographs, guns etc. - On the outskirts of Muscat we visit the House of Amouage (not open on Fridays and Saturdays). Pictured below: The exterior of the Royal Opera House Muscat RO per car (4WD / 2 adults) RO for each additional adult RO for each additional child (from 5 to 10 years old) Pictured below: The interior of the Royal Opera House Muscat 4 hours 120 kms AM Tour Entrance fees to the Forts Picnic box lunch or lunch in a local restaurant Bottled water/ or soft drinks during excursion

7 BATINAH BASH (to Nakhal Fort) A full day tour along the Batinah coast, taking you deep into one of the most rugged landscapes of northern Oman. Nakhal Fort (Arabic: نخل قلعة ( Qalʿa Nakhal) is a large fortification in the Al Batinah Region located approximately 120 kilometres (75 miles) to the west of Muscat. - Your first stop is at Seeb Fish Souq, where the fishermen are coming with their days catch. - From here we drive through the date palms to the sparkling springs heading to the Nakhal Fort. - Nakhal Fort is spectacularly perchedon a rocky prominence on the foothillsof Western Hajar Mountains. The fort s origin is pre-islamicwithmajorcontributionsbythealya rubaandthealbusayeddynasties. - After a tour of the fort, we move inland to visit the beautiful Wakan Village, famous for its terrace farming. - Our next stop is Wadi Abhyad which has large patches of white sedimentation and when translated means white wadi. - The drive winds through the mountains with small pools of water dotting the wadi bed. Pictured below: Nakhal Fort RO 170 per car (4WD / 2 persons) RO for each additional adult RO for each additional child (from 5 to 10 years old) 8 hours 425 kms by 4WD Entrance to Fort Picnic box lunch Bottled water /or soft drinks during the excursion Main attractions: Visit Fish Souq, Wakan village, Wadi Abhyad & Nakhal Fort. It is advisable to wear light clothing and appropriate walking shoes.

MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS TOUR (to Nakhal Fort, Bilad Sayt and Wadi Bani Awf) Bilad Sayt is a mountain village in Oman.

Wadi Bani Awf (Arabic: عوف بني (وادي covers a large area with several villages and is well known for its beautiful scenery. - Our first stop is Nakhal Fort perched on a rocky outcrop.

- We are now driving towards the most beautiful remote village of Bilad Sayt, in the Western Hajars.

8 MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS TOUR (to Nakhal Fort, Bilad Sayt and Wadi Bani Awf) Bilad Sayt is a mountain village in Oman. The village is located on the NE slope of the Al Hajar Mountains near the highest peak in the Sultanate of Oman, Jebel Shams. Wadi Bani Awf (Arabic: عوف بني (وادي covers a large area with several villages and is well known for its beautiful scenery. - Our first stop is Nakhal Fort perched on a rocky outcrop. - Proceeding to Al Awabi we take a turn off to Wadi Bani Awf. This picturesque drives takes you back thousands of years, clearly shown in the sedimentary mountains. - We are now driving towards the most beautiful remote village of Bilad Sayt, in the Western Hajars. Exploring this tranquil village on foot uncovers its patchwork of terrace farming and traditional houses laid out against the rocky slopes. Enjoy a picnic lunch here in perfect surroundings. - After the visit to the village we proceed to the Snake Gorge where one can enjoy a short walk (weather permitting) along this canyon floor renowned for its natural beauty. - A short distance brings us to Wadi Sahtan where you will meet the traditional Omani beekeepers of the area. Finally you will get to examine the door at the Al Hazm Fort before returning to Muscat. Pictured below: Bilad Sayt Village Pictured below: Wadi Bani Awf RO 170 per car (4WD / 2 persons) RO for each additional adult RO for each additional child (from 5 to 10 years old) Pictured below: Al Hazm Fort 9 hours 475 kms 4WD vehicle Entrance fees to the Forts Picnic lunch Bottled water or soft drinks during excursion It is advisable to wear light clothing and appropriate walking shoes.

WAHIBA WILDERNESS This trip is most definitely an experience like no other. Even the nocturnally inclined will agree that early wake up was well worth the trouble!

9 WAHIBA WILDERNESS This trip is most definitely an experience like no other. Even the nocturnally inclined will agree that early wake up was well worth the trouble! Wahiba Sands is a desert region named for the Bani Wahiba tribe. The area covers 12,500 square kms (4,800 sq miles), a vast mass of sand with some dunes rising up to 200 metres. Wadi Bani Khalid (Arabic: بني خالد (وادي is located about 203 km from Muscat. It is the best-known wadi of the Sharqiyah region. Its stream maintains a constant flow of water throughout the year. - First we will head out to the Wahiba Sands on to the undulating masses of red and white dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. - The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographers delight. - Visit a Bedouin home in this wilderness. - The next stop is Wadi bani Khalid. In sharp contrast to the desert, this deep blue is beautiful in deed. It has clear deep blue waters, where the shades of the palm trees are inviting for a relaxing siesta! - It comprises of small pretty villages embedded in the mountains. Pictured below: Desert Sunrise RO 170 per car (4WD / 2 persons) RO for every additional person RO for each additional adult RO for each additional child (from 4 to 10 years old) Below three years old free of charge. 10 hours approx. 550 kms 4WD vehicle Picnic Lunch Bottled water /or soft drinks during the excursion It is advisable to wear light clothing and appropriate walking shoes.

10 OMAN S GRAND CANYON (JEBEL AKHDAR THE GREEN MOUTAIN) Jebel Shams (Arabic: شمس,(جبل is a mountain located in northeastern Oman north of Al Hamra town. Also known as MountainoftheSun itstandsaround 3,000 metres (around 9,800 feet) high and is the highest point in Oman and the whole of eastern Arabia. Jebel Akhdar (Arabic: األخضر جبل ( is part of the Al Hajar Mountains range in Oman, which extends about 300 km (186 miles) northwest to southeast, between km (31 62 miles) inland from the Gulf of Oman coast. It is a very popular sightseeing area located 150 km (93 miles) from Muscat. - Drive to the foothills of the Jebel Akhdar mountain range. - Our first stop is at the Nizwa Souq famed for its antiques and silver jewellery. - A brief photostop at the Round Tower Fort before proceeding to Wadi Nakher located in the depth of the deepest canyon. - Visit Misfah a pretty mountain village with stone dwellings still in existence. - While heading for Jebel Shams stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul. - In the Jebel Akhdar range Jebel Shams, the highest peak offers a spectacular view. RO per car (4WD / 2 adults) RO for each additional adult RO for each additional child (from 4 to 10 years old) Below three years old free of charge. 9 hours approx. 560 kms 4WD vehicle Picnic box lunch or lunch in a local restaurant Bottled water/ or soft drinks during excursion It is advisable to wear light clothing and appropriate walking shoes.

Old Muscat Tourism MUSCAT CITY TOUR

Old Muscat Tourism MUSCAT CITY TOUR MUSCAT CITY TOUR A tour of Muscat showcases the seamless blend of traditional culture with a bustling modern capital. The tour starts with a visit to the Grand Mosque, an architectural wonder both on the