In the Land of Incense: A Journey of 6 Days

Leave the hotel and head towards Quriyat, a fishing town 88 km from Muscat. The town maintains significant fishing and basket weaving activities. Continue towards Sur along the coastal road. Stop at Bimmah Sinkhole, a type of sinkhole with a 100-meter circumference crater filled by the sea. Then explore Wadi Tiwi, one of the most beautiful valleys in Oman with its blue-green water pools surrounded by palm trees. Arrive in Sur, a coastal city that was a major trading port with East Africa until the early 20th century, and have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, visit the famous shipyard where traditional dhows, which Sinbad the Sailor used, are built. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Al Ayjah Lighthouse, one of the most popular attractions. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Sur.

After breakfast, leave Sur and head towards Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most popular and grandiose oases in Oman. Enjoy the turquoise, translucent waters of the natural pools, a refreshing swim, and sunbathing. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive to the Wahiba Sands desert, a vast expanse covering 12,500 km². This ocean of ochre dunes will enchant you with its exceptional beauty. After checking in at the camp, set off with your experienced driver to experience the thrill of dune bashing in a 4x4. The famous Wahiba dunes are perfect for this spectacular activity! Stop at the top of a dune to watch the sunset and indulge in a unique spectacle. Your day ends with dinner and a pleasant moment of relaxation at the campsite. Overnight at the camp in Wahiba Sands.

After a hearty breakfast at the camp, explore Al Manzifat, a village in ruins with narrow alleys. Have lunch during the visit. Continue to Bahla, a town steeped in myths and legends. Known for its pottery, Bahla is surrounded by a 12 km wall and dominated by the largest fort in the country, built in the third millennium BC and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (photo stop). Conclude your day with a visit to Jabreen Castle, built both as a defensive bastion and as a residence for the Imam. Jabreen Castle is one of the most beautiful and picturesque forts in the Sultanate of Oman. Continue to the ancient capital Nizwa, one of the most popular and touristic cities in the Sultanate. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Nizwa.

After breakfast, explore Al Hamra, an old abandoned village over 400 years old with a lush palm grove. Visit Bait Al Safa, a living museum in Al Hamra village. This museum is set up in a historic house where local Omani women will demonstrate how they used to make coffee, Omani bread, and pottery in the past. It's a unique opportunity to better understand the life and traditions of the Omanis. Later, continue to Misfat Al Abryeen, located at 900 meters altitude. Misfat Al Abryeen is a village nestled in the mountains. During a short walk, discover this picturesque village, known for its ancient stone houses and agricultural terraces. You'll be undoubtedly charmed by the surrounding tranquility. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Ascend Jebel Shams, which means the Mountain of the Sun, dominating the Sultanate of Oman at 3009 meters altitude. Upon reaching the highest summit, discover the famous Grand Canyon of Arabia. Enjoy a spectacular view over the narrow and steep Wadi Ghul that joins the surprising Wadi Nakhr. It's a true journey through geological time! Descend to Nizwa, dinner and overnight at the hotel in Nizwa.

In the morning, leave the hotel and stroll through the various sections of the Souk, which has been in the city for hundreds of years. You'll find a wonderful range of handicrafts, spices, dates, silverware, livestock, pottery, and more. Walk to Nizwa Fort, one of the main attractions in Nizwa, built in the 17th century. This fortress is unique for its circular shape, numerous alleys, compartments, and an impressive tower overlooking the souk. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Birkat Al Mauz, one of the most famous ruined villages in the Sultanate of Oman, with a vast banana plantation and a picturesque environment. The site houses an ancient irrigation system, "Falaj", listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of the day, return to Muscat.