FACTS ON OMAN
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GEOGRAPHY: The Sultanate of Oman is the
second largest country in the Arabian
Peninsula.
POPULATION: The population of Oman is
currently estimated to over be 2.3 million
with 1.7 million of Omani origin and the rest
being expatriates.
ECONOMY: The country is running a prudent
economy. Being oil-based it is subject to the
fluctuations of the world’s oil market. The
Ministry of Tourism is all set to exploit the
exquisite beauty, rich heritage and warm
culture, placing Oman in the international
market.
CURRENCY: An Omani Rial is divided into
1,000 Baizas. RO. 1 ~ US$ 2.58. Currency
notes are available in denominations of RO
50, 20, 10, 5, 1 and 100 baizas, 200 baizas
and 500 baizas.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Arabic is the official
language of the country. Baluchi, Suhaili are
the other languages spoken. English is widely
spoken and accepted as the business
language.
RELIGION: Islam
TIME: +4 GMT
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OFFICE HOURS:
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Ministries and Government
Establishments
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0730 – 1430 Sat-Wed
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Thursday-Friday – Official Holidays
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Private Sector Companies
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0800 – 1800 HRS
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Markets
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0800 – 1300 and 1600 – 2100
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Traditional Muttrah market closes @
1930
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Banks
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0800 – 1230
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Museums
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0800 – 1300 Sat-Thu
DRESS: Like all the Arab countries Islamic
culture dominates the life style. However,
being an international market, other cultures
of various countries are also visible. It is
recommended to dress conservatively in
public places.
RAMADAN: The fasting month commences 10
days earlier each year according to the
Gregorian calendar. Eating, drinking and
smoking in public from sunrise to sunset is
prohibited for all during Ramadan.
DAY EXCURSIONS
INDEX
1.
MUSCAT CITY TOUR
10.
BATINAH COAST TOUR
2.
QUICK MUSCAT CITY TOUR &
DHOW CRUISE
11.
DESERT & WADI TOUR
12.
WADI SHAAB TOUR
13.
WADI DAYQAH & QUICK CITY
TOUR
3.
DOLPHIN WATCHING & QUICK
CITY TOUR
4.
DIVING & QUICK CITY TOUR
5.
SHOPPING & QUICK CITY TOUR
6.
NIZWA/BAHLA/AL HAMRA TOUR
7.
AL HOOTA CAVE & BAIT AL
SAFAH
8.
NIZWA CITY TOUR & AL HOTTA
CAVE
9.
GRAND CANYON TOUR
1. MUSCAT CITY TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs - Depart by A/C vehicle to visit the Sultan Qaboos
Grand Mosque, a remarkable architectural achievement. As a
contemporary place of worship it serves as a spiritual landmark
for modern Oman, projecting the values and aspirations of the
Omani people. As an edifice, it maintains a perfect balance
between aesthetics, culture and deeply rooted Islamic
tradition. (timing to visit Mosque from 8:00 – 11:00 AM) After
the mosque visit, drive past the scenic beauty of the corniche,
stop at Muttrah - the main port & commercial centre, visit the
fish market and explore the historic colorful souk. This is a real
souk with winding alleys and backstreets and stalls selling all
manner of textiles, jewellery, traditional Omani perfumes
(bukhoor - made of frankincense), souvenirs and antiques.
13:15 hrs LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT…
After lunch visit old Muscat, surrounded by steep
mountains and flanked by twin 16th century forts ‘Jalali’ &
‘Mirani’, also drive past the Al Alam Palace, His Majesty Sultan
Qaboos’ residence. Then on to the Bait Al Zubair museum.
18:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
2. QUICK MUSCAT CITY TOUR & DHOW CRUISE
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs - Depart by A/C vehicle to visit the Sultan Qaboos
Grand Mosque, a remarkable architectural achievement. As a
contemporary place of worship it serves as a spiritual landmark
for modern Oman, projecting the values and aspirations of the
Omani people. As an edifice, it maintains a perfect balance
between aesthetics, culture and deeply rooted Islamic
tradition. (timing to visit Mosque from 8:00 – 11:00 AM) After
the mosque visit, drive past the scenic beauty of the corniche,
stop at Muttrah - the main port & commercial centre, visit the
fish market and explore the historic colorful souk. This is a real
souk with winding alleys and backstreets and stalls selling all
manner of textiles, jewellery, traditional Omani perfumes
(bukhoor - made of frankincense), souvenirs and antiques.
13:15 hrs LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT…
15:00 hrs - Transfer to Marina Bander Al Rowdha (boat club) to
board on a traditional dhow for cruise along the coast
of Muscat.
One can enjoy wondrous sights in the comfort of an
air-conditioned Arabic style saloon with stained glass
windows or choose to relax on the raised majlis (Arabic
style floor seating) and enjoy the hospitality of the
Dhow sipping a chilled soft drink or relish Omani dates
and Kawa. We offer you a traditional Omani ambience
where even Sindbad would feel at home. The
breathtaking view of the beautiful Muscat coastline
from the deck of Dhow whilst the breeze blows through
is not to be missed.
18:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
3. DOLPHIN WATCHING & QUICK CITY TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at
the port, representative will meet and escort the guests
to waiting air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Transfer to Marina Bander Al Rowdha (boat
club) to board a speed boat for Dolphin watching.
Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start
the day and the lucky may even come across one of the
many species of whales that can be found just a few
kilometres from Muscat’s rugged coast.
Not every trip guarantees a sighting, but you are
sure to enjoy a trip out to sea.
Lunch at local restaurant…
After lunch a quick tour of old Muscat, surrounded
by steep mountains and flanked by twin 16th century
forts ‘Jalali’ & ‘Mirani’, also drive past the Al Alam
Palace, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ residence.
18:00 hrs Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
4. DIVING & QUICK CITY TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Transfer to dive centre to board a speedboat for a
diving bonanza among the colorful coral gardens off the coast
of Oman. We will take you to the most spectacular dive sites of
Oman. Discover the magic of the underwater world. The waters
surrounding Muscat provide fine tropical coral sea diving.
Lunch at local restaurant…
After lunch quick tour of old Muscat, surrounded by
steep mountains and flanked by twin 16th century forts ‘Jalali’
& ‘Mirani’, also drive past the Al Alam Palace, His Majesty
Sultan Qaboos’ residence.
18:00 hrs Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
5. SHOPPING & QUICK CITY TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities
at the port, representative will meet and escort the
guests to waiting air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs - Depart by A/C vehicle and transfer to
Qurum business district for shopping.
Free for shopping till lunch.
13:15 hrs - LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT…
After lunch visit old Muscat, surrounded by steep
mountains and flanked by twin 16th century forts
‘Jalali’ & ‘Mirani’, also drive past the Al Alam Palace,
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ residence. Proceed to
Muttrah Souk for Shopping, where clients could buy
authentic Omani souvenirs.
18:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward
destination…
6. NIZWA / BAHLA / AL HAMRA TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Drive through the spectacular Western Hajar
mountains to Nizwa, which was once the capital of Oman and
retains its charm as an enduring reminder of traditional Oman.
Visit the 17th century round tower fort and the bustling souk
known for its silver and copper handicrafts, famous for its
artistic crafting. Continue to the ancient fort of Bahla with
fifteen gates and 132 watchtowers. The historic town of Bahla
is encircled by a winding wall, which was originally built to
guard the town, which is also famous for its pottery. It is now
included in UNESCO's list of world heritage sites. On the way
back visit the date palm groves at Al Hamra.
ENROUTE COLD PICNIC LUNCH WILL BE SERVED…
19:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
7. AL HOOTA CAVE & BAIT AL SAFAH
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Drive through the spectacular Western Hajar
mountains raises its majestic more than 3000 meters high
peaks beyond Nizwa. Rugged wadi channels have carved a
maze of canyons and caves over the years within these
mountains.
Al Hoota cave is located on Al Hotta Plateau on the
southern slopes of Jabal Akhdar, at the foot of Jabal Shams,
Sun mountain. It is more than 5 km long traversed by
underground river.
The first entrance to the cave is
located in the vicinity of Al-Hoota village at 1040 meters above
sea level and the second one named Al Fallah is located in the
vicinity of Tanuf valley and Al Hamra town at 810 meters above
sea level.Presence of blind transparent fish in the underground
lake is a rare phenomenon.
After the visit, continue to Al Hamra village to see the
remains of old style mud brick houses. Some of the houses
along with a traditional castle called “Bait Al Safah”, which
was built during the Al Yaaribah era, hundreds of years old.
ENROUTE COLD PICNIC LUNCH WILL BE SERVED…
19:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
(For `visiting time and working hours of Al Hotta Cave, please
refer to the other important information page)
8. NIZWA CITY TOUR & AL HOOTA CAVE
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Drive through the spectacular Western Hajar
mountains to Nizwa, which was once the capital of Oman and
retains its charm as an enduring reminder of traditional Oman.
Visit the 17th century round tower fort and the bustling souk
known for its silver and copper handicrafts, famous for its
artistic crafting.
LUNCH AT LOCAL RESTAURANT.
15:00 hrs – Visit Al Hoota cave - located on Al Hoota Plateau on
the southern slopes of Jabal Akhdar, at the foot of Jabal
Shams, Sun mountain. It is more than 5 km long traversed by
underground rivers.
The first entrance to the cave is
located in the vicinity of Al-Hoota village at 1040 meters above
sea level and the second one named Al Fallah is located in the
vicinity of Tanuf valley and Al Hamra town at 810 meters above
sea level.Presence of blind transparent fish in the underground
lake is a rare phenomenon.
After the visit, continue to Al Hamra village to see the
remaining of old style mud brick houses. Some of the houses
along with a traditional castle called “Bait Al Safah”, which
was built during the Al Yaaribah era, hundreds of years ago.
19:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
(For visiting time and working hours of Al Hotta Cave, please refer
to the other important information page)
9. GRAND CANYON TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Departure by four wheel drive - to Nizwa area, the
ancient capital, we continue to Wadi Ghul where the graded
track leads to a fascinating village surrounded by dramatic
mountain ranges. The wadi stands out against the brown
mountains and the village nestles at the foot of the hills.
Continue on a mountain track toward Jebal Shams, the second
highest peak in the region also known as ‘the Mountain of the
Sun’, the road twists and curves around the contours, rising to
over 2000 meters! Enjoy its picturesque walk. The uniqueness of
this place is that, it provides incredible views of the mountain
and rugged landscape. On the return visit the mountain village
of Misfah noted for its extraordinary architecture with ancient
stone houses and lime trees.
ENROUTE COLD PICNIC LUNCH WILL BE SERVED…
19:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
10. BATINAH COAST TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Depart by luxury coach to the Grand Mosque for a
quick photo stop then proceed to the coastal town of Barka,
visiting the fish market and a glance of Barka fort from
outside. Then continue to the ancient fort of Nakhl, which was
built in the pre-Islamic era, emerging from huge palm groves
and protected by the surrounding mountains, it is perfectly
positioned for defence. After a look around the fort, visit Nakhl
Hot Springs.
ENROUTE COLD PICNIC LUNCH WILL BE SERVED…
After lunch a quick tour of old Muscat, surrounded by
steep mountains and flanked by twin 16th century forts ‘Jalali’
& ‘Mirani’, also drive past the Al Alam Palace, His Majesty
Sultan Qaboos’ residence.
18:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
11. DESERT & WADI TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Depart by 4WD to Wadi Bani Khalid, the evergreen
wadi - Amidst stark rocky outcrops of mountains, a lush valley
oasis is born on rich earth provided with plentiful water. The
blue pools are perfect for a refreshing dip. Then proceed to
Wahiba Sands, one of the most fascinating and mysterious
regions of Oman. For the romantic visitor, the Wahiba Sands
conjure up images of the immensity as well as the benevolence
of nature. One of the stunning features of Wahiba Sands is the
quick changing of its colours at different times of the day.
Explore the desert on a dune drive, or take a camel ride for
the more adventurous, to experience the sweet descriptive
whistle of the winds of the desert. (camel ride optional)
TRADITIONAL OMANI LUNCH …
19:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…
12. WADI SHAAB TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the port,
representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting airconditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Depart by 4WD via Quriyat, a small coastal fishing
village - a quick glance then proceed on the journey to Bimah
Sinkhole then on to Fins, a beautiful white sand beach. Enjoy a
swim and then continue driving on the graded track that leads to
Wadi Shaab, one of Oman's most beautiful and spectacular wadi's. A
lush green wadi with fresh water flowing year round alongside
banana plantations and rocky paths. The dancing streams and
majestic mountains make a perfect combination and a rare sight for
the eyes to behold. A perfect site for a picnic in these scenic
surroundings.
ENROUTE COLD PICNIC LUNCH WILL BE SERVED…
18:00 hrs Transfer to your hotel or onward destination… …
13. WADI DAYQAH & QUICK CITY TOUR
08:30 hrs - After the visa and immigration formalities at the
port, representative will meet and escort the guests to waiting
air-conditioned vehicles.
09:00 hrs – Depart to Quriyat, a small coastal fishing village a quick glance then proceed along the bumpy trail which
weaves in and out of the wadi and through rugged terrain to
picturesque Wadi Dayqah, surrounded with dramatic gorges and
precipitous ravines. Bestowed with beautiful pools, picnic
spots and gushing streams, Wadi Dayqah is a memorable day’s
outing.
PICNIC LUNCH WILL BE SERVED…
After lunch drive back to Muscat for a quick tour of old
Muscat, surrounded by steep mountains and flanked by twin
16th century forts ‘Jalali’ & ‘Mirani’, also drive past Al Alam
Palace, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos’ residence.
(NOTE: Quick Muscat tour is only possible if the time permits)
18:00 hrs - Transfer to your hotel or onward destination…