OMAN 7-DAY BUDGET TOUR
A 7-day Oman journey combining Muscat’s cultural highlights, desert adventures, mountain landscapes, historic villages, beautiful wadis and a dolphin-watching and snorkeling experience at the coast.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival Muscat – Transfer to Hotel – Free Day at Leisure
Itinerary: You will arrive at the Muscat International Airport. Upon arrival you will be met by our friendly & efficient AFAQ Travel & Tourism chauffeur who will assist you to the comforts of our vehicle to drive you to the hotel/resort.
Day 2: Half Muscat City Tour
Itinerary: Pick up 9.00 a.m. The city tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This is one of the largest mosques in the Middle East, and the only mosque open to non-Muslims and expatriates in Oman.
Later we drive along the picturesque Muttrah Corniche and visit Muttrah Souq, which retains the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market, albeit housed under modern timber roofing. You will stroll through the Souq, where you will have the chance to buy Omani specialties like frankincense and Omani daggers. You can also try your hand at bargaining for beautiful silver handicrafts and scarves.
You will also be able to enjoy a moment along the corniche admiring the various cruise ships on the water at Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Port. Then it will be time to have a photo stop at the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, The Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali. From the Palace, you will travel back to the hotel.
Day 3: Muscat – Ibra Old Village – Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba Sands Desert – Dune Bashing – Sunset from Dunes – Overnight in Desert
Itinerary: Pick up 8.30 AM. You will depart from Muscat to travel to Bidiya Desert. Your first stop will be at Al Mudayrib and Ibra to view the watch towers which proudly overlook the villages.
Post visiting the old village, you will travel to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis. The wadi has clear, deep blue water and counts among the few wadis of Oman that hold water all year round. From the mountain springs, the water is led to the oasis where it sustains the typical date palms. The pretty villages of Wadi Bani Khalid cling precariously to the rugged mountainside.
After a buffet lunch at Wadi Bani Khalid, it will be time to begin the journey to the Wahiba Sands. In the heart of the golden sands of Sharqiyah Desert, nestled among stunning and ever-changing patterns of sand dunes, is the Desert Camp.
Here you will find a luxurious Bedouin-style air-conditioned accommodation, also offering a selection of free luxury toiletries. After settling into the camp, you will be offered the amazing experience of dune bashing. Your driver will show you his sand dune-driving skills with an adrenaline-fueled 4WD safari across 150-metre dunes with a spectacular view of the sunset.
This will be followed by delicious Arabic cuisine along with live entertainment whilst you sit under a starry sky around a campfire — truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 4: Desert – Wadi Shab (Only River Crossing) – Bimmah Sinkhole – Back to Muscat
Itinerary: After breakfast at the desert camp, you will depart on an exciting journey south towards the Quriyat Region.
You will arrive at Wadi Shab (Wadi meaning valley between cliffs). Upon arrival at Wadi Shab, you will transfer to a small fishing boat to be taken across the wadi and come back again.
Later, after travelling just a few kilometers, you will find yourselves absorbed in an almost lunar world where unreal mountains dominate the view. You will continue through the mountainous landscape, arriving at the Bimmah Sinkhole.
After this you will travel back to Muscat.
Day 5: Full Day Nizwa Fort & Souq – Al Hamra Village – Jebel Shams Grand Canyon – Back to Muscat
Itinerary: Pick up time 8.00 a.m. After check out of your hotel you will start your fascinating round trip where you will experience the history and culture of Oman.
Your first stop will be at the spectacular Nizwa Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, one of the most impressive forts in Oman. You will also visit the Nizwa traditional Souq. The Souq is a lively place and an ideal location to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs.
After a little bartering in the Souq, proceed towards the Jebel Shams Mountain. After a short drive through the ancient village of Al Hamra, we drive up the mountain to the stunning Grand Canyon of Oman at 2,000 m.
You can spend the afternoon walking around this famous Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon offers spectacular views over the surrounding valleys and wadis below.
Then we drive to Al Hamra and into the old part of the village. It has a large Falaj system which supplies water for many orchards, date palms and vegetables. It is worth spending at least ½ hour walking around the village. There are marked footpaths through the village and surrounding area.
In the late afternoon we drive back to Muscat.
Day 6: Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling Tour (Sharing Basis)
You will drive to Marina Bandar Al Rowdha for check-in and safety briefing. At 10:00 am depart from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha for dolphin watching.
Regular visitors are bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, spinner dolphins and Risso's dolphins along the coast in Oman.
Later we anchor the boat at the beach of Bandar Khairan Island, where snorkeling gear will be provided.
Day 7: Departure Muscat
Itinerary: Check out from the hotel and transfer to Muscat International Airport for departure.
PRICING
| No. Pax | Type of Room | Mode of Transport | Cost per Person | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 PAX | 1 Double Room | 1 Private 4X4 | USD 1,000 | USD 2,000 |
| 4 PAX | 2 Double Rooms | 1 Private 4X4 | USD 700 | USD 2,800 |
| Extra Bed | 1 Extra Bed with existing room | — | — | USD 300 |
What’s Included
Transportation in a private vehicle.
Services of an English-speaking tour guide cum driver throughout the trip.
Entrance fees where required.
Water on board.
Pick-up and drop-off before and after the tour.
Accommodation for 6 nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Complimentary dinner served at the desert camp.
All taxes are included.
What’s Not Included
Any item of a personal nature.
Visa fees.
Airline fares.
Tips.
Cost of other activities.
Anything else not mentioned in the itinerary.
Important Notes
If the quoted hotel for the tour cannot be confirmed, an alternative hotel will be used. Any applicable supplement or reduction will apply.
All museum and fort visits are subject to change without notice. Museums are normally closed on Fridays. Similarly, visits to forts may be changed without notice, as certain forts may temporarily close for renovations.
Please note that this is a quotation only. All confirmations are subject to availability at the time of actual booking and acceptance of the quotation.
Your Tour Operator
AFAQ Travel & Tourism
A Muscat-based travel company offering guided tours, tailor-made journeys, transportation and experiences across Oman.
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