6-Nights Essence of Oman: Canyons, Peaks and Deserts - Private Guided Experiences from $2,989

Day 1: Arrive in Muscat

Arrive at Muscat International Airport– Upon arrival our chauffeur will meet you in the arrival lounge with a welcome sign with your name on it. Then transfer Muscat Airport to the hotel of your choice (Standard check-in time: 1400 hrs.). Muscat, town, capital of Oman, located on the Gulf of Oman coast. The city is the seat of the Omani government. with a history dating back to antiquity, it mixes high-rises and upscale shopping malls with clifftop landmarks such as the16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, looming over Muscat Harbor.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Muscat (4 Star Rating)

Check into the elegant Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel with its own private beach and easy access to local businesses. The dazzling white Crowne Plaza Muscat is located in an exclusive cliff-top residential area overlooking the Gulf of Oman, with terrace and pool and its own private beach. You'll be greeted by a doorman in traditional Omani dress and across the marble Lobby floor; friendly Front Desk staff are ready to check you in. Have a drink and bite to eat in the English-style atmosphere of Dukes Bar, or enjoy authentic Italian and Iranian cuisine in our restaurants.

0800 hrs.: Our first stop is a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque , the largest mosque in Oman, and one of the most popular places to visit in Muscat . Accommodating up to a stupendous 20 ,000 worshippers at a time, the structure features a blend of various architectural styles, which is highlighted by its beautiful décor and the spectacular crystal chandeliers and handmade Persian rugs here, which are some of the largest in the world.

Notes: Grand Mosque is open from Saturday to Thursday from 0800 - 1100 hrs only (last entry at 10:30 hrs). Ladies visiting the mosque are required to cover their head with a scarf and do not wear shorts, beachwear, or sleeveless outfits as they are to be fully covered. Also, need to be covered from head to toe. Men are also to be fully covered, though short sleeve shirts are allowed for men. Slip-on shoes are recommended as one has to remove them to enter the mosque.

We further proceed to Mutrah Souq. Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years. Its antiquity has perhaps increased the extent of its beauty, magic, and allure. The market starts at a gate facing the Sea of Oman and Mutrah Corniche and ends with another gate in the city's old quarters that usually receive visitors coming from other Omani towns and villages.

We proceed for a photo stop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty, the Sultan flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani & Jalali.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Muscat (4 Star Rating)

Check into the elegant Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel with its own private beach and easy access to local businesses. The dazzling white Crowne Plaza Muscat is located in an exclusive cliff-top residential area overlooking the Gulf of Oman, with terrace and pool and its own private beach. You'll be greeted by a doorman in traditional Omani dress and across the marble Lobby floor; friendly Front Desk staff are ready to check you in. Have a drink and bite to eat in the English-style atmosphere of Dukes Bar, or enjoy authentic Italian and Iranian cuisine in our restaurants.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel and today we will proceed to Al Hamra via Wadi Bani Auf.

0800 hrs : This morning depart Muscat by 4WD and visit the fish market and souk in Barka. The drive continues along the Batinah plain. Our next stop at the Nakhl springs. The Hot Springs aren't exactly hot, just warm. The natural spring water is channeled into the falaj system to irrigate the surrounding date plantations, and you can dip your toe or have a paddle in the run-off water. Enjoy a walk through the village with its date palms and Falaj system. At the springs one can observe the local folk. Photo stop of Nakhl fort perched on a rocky outcrop (Closed for renovation). We then continue our drive through the spectacular Wadi Bani Auf. This stretch of graded road is very adventurous & for the physically fit only as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads. Stop at the quaint mountain village of Bilad Sayt framed by the dramatic mountains. The route winds through mountains all the way unto the village of Al Hamra characterized by its mud houses and date plantations, then we will continue our drive further to Jabal Akhdar which is a part of Oman's Al Hajar mountain range Upon arrival at Al Hamra, check in at resort.

Hotel: The View (4 Star Rating)

Oman's first-of-its-kind Eco Luxe retreat, complete with 30 Pod styled accommodation, nestled in the lap of nature across a wide stretch of valley located near Al Hamra.

It's your getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday routine, a place where you can unwind and rejuvenate yourself, totally stress free..

The View is located at 1,400 meters above sea level, driving through 8 kms of winding road from Al Hamra to Hail Al Shas. It is just 2 and a half hrs drive from Muscat, 45 minutes from Nizwa and 15 minutes from Al Hamra, it is a perfect getaway with 30 exclusive rooms for a truly relaxed and comfortable stay. It isn't just an 'Eco Luxe' retreat, but an experience where nature holds pride of place. Where service and hospitality is at its finest. It's an ideal port of call for visitors wanting to start adventurous trekking expeditions and excursions towards the peak of Jabal Shams Mountains.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

0800 hrs: After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed the village of Bahla onto Jabrin. Jabrin, the finest of Oman's castles built in the late 17th century, became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting & beautifully executed wood carvings. While heading for Jebel Shams stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul. Our next stop takes us to Wadi Nakher located in the depth of our deepest canyon. In the Jebel Akhdar range Jebel Shams, the highest peak offers a spectacular view.

Hotel: The View (4 Star Rating)

Oman's first-of-its-kind Eco Luxe retreat, complete with 30 Pod styled accommodation, nestled in the lap of nature across a wide stretch of valley located near Al Hamra.

It's your getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday routine, a place where you can unwind and rejuvenate yourself, totally stress free..

The View is located at 1,400 meters above sea level, driving through 8 kms of winding road from Al Hamra to Hail Al Shas. It is just 2 and a half hrs drive from Muscat, 45 minutes from Nizwa and 15 minutes from Al Hamra, it is a perfect getaway with 30 exclusive rooms for a truly relaxed and comfortable stay. It isn't just an 'Eco Luxe' retreat, but an experience where nature holds pride of place. Where service and hospitality is at its finest. It's an ideal port of call for visitors wanting to start adventurous trekking expeditions and excursions towards the peak of Jabal Shams Mountains.

Meal(s): Dinner, Breakfast

0800 Hrs: visit Nizwa Souq which lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Through its many alleys and divisions, Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of years home to several businesses.

Continue your drive to Wahiba Sands. Enroute, Wadi Bani Khalid is another mind-blowing wadi, located in the Al Sharqiya region in eastern Oma. This wadi is distinguished by its caves that are scattered around its corners and large pools that have a constant flow of water throughout the year. Wadi Bani Khalid lies in between several magnificent mountains and crosses through several villages.

The Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising to 200 meters are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight. Experience a roller coaster like feeling.

Hotel: 1000 Nights Camp (4 Star Rating)

1000 Nights Camp is the only one of its kind at Wahiba Sands. Guest will enjoy not only a spiritual and cultural, but a luxury experience of staying in-style in the heart of Wahiba Sands. The settling among the Cineraria trees emphasizes the beauty of the virgin golden sand dunes surrounding the camp. In certain mornings you can even see how the fog disappears gradually as the sun rises. The Arabian Nights Restaurant is located in the heart of the camp and next to the swimming pool. There are three different dining areas. One is the main restaurant which can accommodate up to a hundred guests. The second one is the Arabic style dining area where one can enjoy dining. The third one is semi-Arabic dining style. All three dining areas serve international and Arabic buffet.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at camp

1000 hrs.: Check out from the camp and drive to Sur enroute visiting the fish jetty and dhow factory. Drive via coastal road to Muscat . Stop at Fins beach for a swim . Our next stop is the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. At Dibab take an adventurous offroad track to visit the Wadi Arbayeen , characterized by date palms and deep pools of water. Proceed to Mazara before returning to Muscat .

Continue your drive to Muscat and upon arrival check in at hotel.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Muscat (4 Star Rating)

Check into the elegant Crowne Plaza Muscat hotel with its own private beach and easy access to local businesses. The dazzling white Crowne Plaza Muscat is located in an exclusive cliff-top residential area overlooking the Gulf of Oman, with terrace and pool and its own private beach. You'll be greeted by a doorman in traditional Omani dress and across the marble Lobby floor; friendly Front Desk staff are ready to check you in. Have a drink and bite to eat in the English-style atmosphere of Dukes Bar, or enjoy authentic Italian and Iranian cuisine in our restaurants.

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast transfer to Muscat International Airport for your onward journey.

Meal(s): Breakfast