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The Sultanate Of Oman

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Of all the countries in the Gulf you will probably receive the warmest welcome from the Omani people.

The land area is approximately 300, 000 square kilometres and is characterised by start mountain scenery, vast flat plains rolling deserts sands and a varied coastline dotted with remote villages and centuries old forts.

Having a proud history, Oman has retained the eminence of its past and is an enchanting discovery.

Muscat, the capital, is flanked by mountains and has a magnificent natural harbour which is guarded by 16th century forts.  In the narrow lanes of the souks you will receive a warm welcome enabling you to browse unhindered amongst the vast array of items for sale.

One can stroll along the harbour front corniche of Muttrah district observing the traditional local architecture and lifestyle, explore the Sultan's Palace in the old district of Muscat, and dine or stay in one of the hotels in the commercial district of Ruwi.

As a base, Muscat offers the opportunity to take day excursions into the Hajar Mountains, the Wahiba Sands, or perhaps "wadi bashing" along the coast.  However, the best way to really experience Oman is by an individual Self-Drive Four Wheel Drive Safari travelling on the graded tracks across the stunning Oman scenery.

 

Self Drive Itinerary

Day 01: MUSCAT ARRIVAL

Arrive Muscat Seeb Airport and transfer to the Radisson SAS Hotel for 2 nights. 

Day 02: MUSCAT

Morning delivery of your 4 wheel drive Land Cruiser

Full day exploring Muscat, Muttrah and the  souks.  Request picnic box.

Day 03: MUSCAT TO SUR

Depart Muscat by route 17 for Quriyat.  Head southeast onto the track over the  hills, then down onto the coastal track heading through Fins and Tiwi.  Suggest picnic stop and   refreshing swim at one of the sandy coves en-route. Evening arrival into Sur for overnight at  Sur Mercure Hotel.  Sunset view of Dhow building yards.

(optional extension night at Wahiba Sands )

                                                                                                       

Day 04  SUR TO NIZWA

Morning depart Sur by route 23 to Ibra.  Take route 28 from Ibra to Izki and then up the  mountains by route 33 to Izki to join route 15 from Muscat heading upwards to Nizwa for  overnight at Nizwa Hotel.  Request picnic box.

 

Day 05  NIZWA TO SOHAR

Early morning visit to the souks before departing west along the mountains via Tanuf ,   Bahla and Jabrin on route 21 to Ibri. (Optional side trip to Wadi Ghul.) Turn north onto route 08  to Yanqul where you join the mountain track which descends across moonscape with palm filled crevasse and wadis (which afford sheltered Picnic spots), before late afternoon arrival  into Sohar for overnight at Sohar Beach Hotel.

 

Day 06  SOHAR - RUSTAQ - NAKHL - MUSCAT

Morning visit the town before heading east along route 01 towards Muscat.  Turn off the  highway onto route 11 into the mountains to Rustaq arid then on route 13 to Nakhl before returning to the coastal highway into Muscat to drop off your vehicle. 

 

Evening departure from Seeb Airport or maybe a few nights at Al Bustan Palace or Grand Hyatt - or extension to Salalah .

 

An amended self-drive car itinerary is possible using sealed roads but this is actually best  accomplished as part of a U.A.E. and Oman Self-Drive Itinerary.