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events, and
gateways for overland trade between the Arabian Peninsula and present
day Saudi Arabia. Oman was central to Silk Route taking trade from the
coast through Arabia.Walk through
these immense impenetrable buildings with your expert guide and imagine
kingdoms past, and better understand why heritage is a cornerstone of
Oman’s culture and future.After breakfast the group gets together in the
lobby of the Hotel and departs to Nakhal. We will drive through Oman’s
expressway, past the airport and then drive along the Batinah Coast.
Arrive at the interesting Seeb Beach fish market and watch fishermen
at work as they bring in loads of glistening fish. Walk along the beach,
overflowing with the daily catch or wander
leisurely through the Seeb Souq where Omanis purchase cattle, fruits,
vegetables and clothing.
Photo stop at Barkha Fort enroute to Rustaq Arrive Rustaq and visit
Rustaq Fort. It is amongst the oldest, and the tallest, and is
surrounded by watch towers. (Al Batinah)
originally known as Qalat Al Kisra, was built in the 13th century. It
has four towers: Al Burj Al Ahmar; Al Burj Al Hadeeth; Al Burj Al Reeh;
and Al Burj Ashiateen (which means, ominously, the devil's tower). A
falaj ran through the fort to supply water to its inhabitants. Should
this become contaminated, the inhabitants were able to rely on a well.
After visiting Rustaq Fort we will visit Al Hazem Fort Located in Al
Hazm town in Welayat Rustaq. It was built by Imam Sultan bin Seif (the
2nd.) in ( 1123 A.H.–1711 A.D.) when he established Al Hazm town as a
capital of Oman instead of Rustaq. The Castle is distinctive from other
Omani Castle and forts by its magnificent shape and massive building. It
contains the tomb of its builder / Imam Sultan bin Seif (the 2nd.). It
was restored by the Ministry in (1416 A.H. - 1996 A.D.). (Photo stop
from outside only)
Picnic lunch will be served enroute After a brief stop at Al Hamzm Fort
we continue to Nakhl. Arrive Nakhal and visit Nakhal Fort, perched on a
two hundred feet high hillock which
offers a commanding and spectacular view of the entire oasis surrounding
it. This famous pre-Islamic fortress used to be the stronghold of the
well-known Bani Kharous tribe during the medieval times and offers the
visitor the unique opportunity to step back into time and appreciate
life as it was in those times.
Later, stop at Nakhl springs, a tranquil and picturesque spot.
Experience and enjoy the magnificent scenery by the springs. The
charming surroundings around the warm springs are framed by the majestic
Jebels (Mountains) and a dense green oasis.
After a short break we will leave for Al Nahda Resort Arriva at Al Nahda
Resort and Check in Dinner at Resort Over night at Al Nahda Resort (B,
L, D)
Day 02 09.10.2010 Nizwa
After breakfast check out from the hotel and depart to Nizwa. We will
stop at Fanja Village on way to Nizwa ( Photostop only ).
As you approach Nizwa, a scene straight from the pages of ‘The Arabian
Nights’ greets you. Every (Friday morning only), the paved area in front
of the souq is a bustle with people and activity. Reluctant goats, sheep
and pale brown cows brought to the market by their owners; impromptu
stalls piled high with Kaleidoscopic colors of dresses, toys, pots and
pans.
Follow the crowd and you will invariably be led to the open-air goat
market under the palm trees. Pretty longhair Omani goats and woolly
sheep are gathered, waiting patiently – or not so patiently – to be
walked around the circle of potential buyers.
New Souq complex has been sensitively designed using Omani fort
architecture and elegant Islamic arches. The air-conditioned halls of
this souq are full of fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, huge
stacks of dates and freshly caught fish. This is still the best place to
buy traditional silver “Khanjars” (hand-carved Omani daggers) and
Bedouin jewellery, where silver is still sold by weight..
Afterwards there is time to meander through the colourful souq which is
a mind-blowing display of fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, coffee, spices,
dates, muskets, general hardware, clothes, shawls and pashminas, silver
jewelry, metal work with locales
chatting & hawking; this is really a remarkable experience. At the far
end and through the gate – this leads up to Nizwa Fort. The 17th century
round tower fort nearby is Oman’s most impressive tower. Built on a
solid base of rock, the huge tower was designed to withstand the
vibrations of 24 cannons. From the top, a superb panoramic view gives
visitors a bird’s eye view all around Nizwa and the surrounding plains –
a sure delight for all avid photographers.
After Nizwa Fort transfer to Falaj Daris Hotel for lunch
Enjoy buffet lunch at the hotel
After lunch drive to Bahla village, which is surrounded by a 12 km long
wall. The wall once had seven main gates, protecting the inmates from
invaders. In olden days Bahla was known as a centre for magic and
sorcerers. This town is also know for its pottery making. Photo stop at
Bahla Fort from out side.
After brief photo stop we drive to Jabrin Castle. A visit to Jabrin
Castle enables the visitor to recapture the atmosphere of medieval Oman.
The 17th century fort is one of Oman’s finest castles and has some
exquisite hand-painted ceilings. (The Jabrin Fort has two floors of
steps to climb in order to view all the rooms and the terrace). Islamic
inscriptions combine with secret hiding places for soldiers in the
dining room.
After visiting Jabreen Fort leave for Muscat via the pretty village of
Birkat-Al-Mauz. The lush green oasis village has its unique two-tiered
falaj system and tiny castle. Take a walk around the village.
Arrive Muscat and check in at chosen hotel
Dinner at leisure
PACKAGE COST:
Per person package cost for the program in OMR
No. of Paying 6 pax
Package cost on twin Sharing basis - PER PERSON R.O 130.000
Single Room Supplement R.O 45.000
Responsible
tourism elements
• Your guide will point you to places where locally produced
products are sold
• The Nizwa date cooperative is a must. Taste all the varieties of dates
and buy directly from the families
• All the souqs sell Omani silver jewellery and Bedouin mats and
fabrics.
• If you have space in your luggage for local pottery, Bahla pottery is
sold at the Nizwa Souq
Tour Cost Includes
• Accommodation on twin sharing basis for 1 night stay at Al Nahda
Resort
• 15 seat van for Round trip transfers as per the itinerary
• Picnic Lunch (Arabic and local food for lunch such as laban) and
Buffet Dinner on Day -1
• Buffet breakfast, buffet lunch on Day - 2
• Services of English speaking guide through out the tour
• Local mineral water during the tour
• Entrance fee wherever applicable
• All applicable taxes
Above cost does not include:
• Accommodation in Muscat Hotel.
• Any Meals (unless otherwise stated within the programme)
• Visa Fee
• All items of a personal nature, i.e. curios, min-bar, telephone calls,
laundry etc.
• All relevant departure taxes.
• All beverages (unless otherwise stated within the programme)
• Any new Oman Government taxes
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuites i.e. drivers, guides, hôtels, restaurants, etc.
• Any services not mentioned in the “cost include”
to book this tours please fill
up this
form and send it to
register@rtd4.om
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After visiting Bid
Bid Fort we drive to Wadi Mudhaibi. Among its historical monuments are
the castle of Al Jawabir, in the town of Al Rawdha, the two forts of Al
Khabeeb and Khuzam in Samad Al Shaan, the Al 'Aqir fort, and the castle
of Al Busa'idi in the town of Al Akhdar. Agriculture is the main
occupation of the people in Al Mudhaibi, in addition to a number of
traditional crafts and industries. Al Mudhaibi’s most famous
agricultural specialties include palm trees, citrus fruit, clover,
vegetables, livestock herding, and Camel breeding. We continue to Wahiba
Sands. |
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Arrive at Wahiba
Sands. The Wahiba Sand is a long, narrow strip of high dunes and sketchy
woodland about 110 miles from north to south and about 50 miles from
east to west along the unspoiled coastline of eastern Oman.
In the north of Wahiba Sands are the most incredible sand dunes, some
reaching a colossal 300 feet high and separated by enormous depressions.
These beautiful dunes stretch as far as the eye can see and it is a
spectacular sight especially in the evening and the morning, when the
warm colours of the desert become much richer and the long shadows
accentuate the splendor of these giant forms.
The Wahiba Sands is also home to the traditional Bedouins. We will visit
one of the bedouin house. Anybody who chooses to live in the environment
of Wahiba Sands must be hardy and resilient to tolerate its potentially
harsh climate – and bedu are just that. There are over 3000 Bedu of
varying tribal origins who live here amongst the woodland on the fringes
of the sands.
Omani Coffee and dates will be served in the bedouin
house After interacting with the family members, we say Bani Khalid,
this is considered one of the most beautiful wadi’s in Oman. The drive
to Wadi Bani Khalid is through the Eastern Hajar Mountains, which offers
a panoramic view of landscape below. We pass many pretty villages
embedded in the mountains. Here the road winds down to the wadi along
side a large, shallow pool fringed with vegetation and ends at a
village. We park our vehicles at this point and continue on a short trek
to the deep blue pools of the wadi. Enjoy a swim in this glorious grace
of nature. (Picnic lunch at Wadi Bani Khalid) After this exciting visit
we bid good-bye to Wadi Bani Khalid and proceed to Muscat.
Cost based
on 04 paying pax with chaffer driven 4WD: OMR 31.000 per person
Includes:
• English speaking guide / chauffer as the above quote
• 4WD
• 01 small water per person
• Picnic lunch.
Above cost does not include:
• All beverages
• Any new Oman Government taxes
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuites i.e. drivers, guides, hôtels, restaurants, etc.
• Any services not mentioned in the “cost include”
to book this tours please fill
up this
form and send it to
register@rtd4.om
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