The Sultanate Of
Oman |
 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. ItineraryDay 01: Arrive Muscat Seeb Airport and transfer to the Radisson SAS Hotel for 2 nights. Evening delivery of your Nissan Pathfinder 4WD. Day 02: Full day exploring Muscat, Muttrah and the souks. Request picnic box. Day 03: 09.00 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. Day 04: 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: 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: 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 Toyota. Evening departure from Seeb Airport or maybe a few nights at Al Bustan Palace, or Grand Hyatt. 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. |
