Day 1: Arrival in Muscat, airport pick up
Welcome to Muscat, the capital city of Oman and the starting point of this Oman desert safari. After arrival, you will meet the English-speaking driver guide at the Seeb International Airport and be transferred to the hotel. The rest day is your free time. Accommodation: Al Falaj Hotel (4 stars)
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Day 2: Transfer to Nizwa and visit the highlights
Today, the driver guide will first lead you to the former capital of Oman – Nizwa. The driving time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There, you will visit the traditional local market and the most ancient castle in Oman – Bahla Fort. With a history of more than 300 years, the castle was built to defend the enemies from Portugal and has witnessed the past prosperous history of the country. After having the lunch by yourself, follow the driver guide to go sightseeing the Jibreen Castle in Jabrin. This palatial castle is very large in rectangular shape with a length of 43 meters (47 yards) and a width of 22 meters (24 yards). Inside it are many rooms and delicate carvings waiting for you to explore. After the tour, we will return to the hotel in Muscat. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Al Falaj Hotel (4 stars)
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Today, you will visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a landmark building in Muscat. In the modern architectural style with white color, it is the most impressive religious architecture in Oman. Then head to the old district of Muscat to have a photo stop at Al Alam Palace. In the end, stroll around in the Muttrah market and choose some favorite souvenirs, if you like. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Al Falaj Hotel (4 stars)
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Day 4: Wadi Shab – Bimmah Sinkhole
After reaching Wadi Shab by 2 hours' driving, we will transfer to a boat to enter a valley. Then get off and continue to hike for some time until you reach a waterfall. You can go swimming or appreciate the scenery here. Before returning to the Muscat, you will also pay a visit to Bimmah Park to watch the sinkhole. After going down the stairs, you will see the clear and green water with a width of 40 meters (44 yards) and a depth of 20 meters (6 feet) in the bottom. Also, it would be nice to enjoy a relaxing swimming in the sinkhole. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Al Falaj Hotel (4 stars)
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Day 5: Flight to Salalah and Salalah city tour
After breakfast, the driver guide will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Salalah, the second largest city of Oman. The flight time is 1 hour and 40 minutes. Salalah becomes world-famous because of the local high-quality frankincense of which you will have a general understanding in today's tour. Upon arrival, the local driver guide will pick you up and assist you in checking in the hotel. Afterwards, you will start to visit the banana and coconut plantations, Frankincense Land Museum, and the traditional frankincense market. Finally, you will go sightseeing the Great Mosque. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Resort Salalah (5 stars)
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Day 6: Rub Al Khali Desert
Rub Al Khali Desert, also called Empty Quarter Desert, is the highlight of our Oman desert safari. We will travel through the sand dunes by car and visit the Bedouin living there. At dusk, you can climb up to the sand dunes and appreciate the spectacular sunset in the desert. The charming scene of golden sand dunes under the twilight setting sun is also worthy of a photo. Tonight, we will camp in the desert, which will be an unforgettable memory of your Oman desert safari. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The sands camp
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After the desert tour, we will return to Salalah by car today. In midway, stop over at Wadi Dawka Valley. In this natural valley with an area of 5 square kilometers (2 square miles), thousands of precious Frankincense trees are growing with the abundant precious Frankincense drops. Upon arrival in Salalah, check in the hotel. The rest of the time is free on your own. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Resort Salalah (5 stars)
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Day 8: East and West Salalah
The whole day will be spent to explore Salalah. First, we will drive half an hour to an ancient fishing village Taqa. Here, the Taqah Castle will be toured which used to be the private residence of Sheikh Al Ma'shani, an outstanding local merchant. Then continue to the ancient city Mirbat, the starting place of the Frankincense Road. We will appreciate the well-preserved Bin Ali's Tomb with double domes. Next, proceed to the Mushsail Beach by 1.5 hours' car. Going westward along the Hari-pin-bend Road, you will see the Frankincense trees growing for a long history in the natural habitat in the deep valley. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Resort Salalah (5 stars)
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We will arrange the airport transfer service according to your flight schedule. Wish you a nice trip home! Meals: Breakfast
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