Oman Cultural Discovery Private Adventure Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Qais Abdul Aziz Haji Al Balushi

Qais has been a guide for over 25 years and has extensive knowledge of Oman's history and culture. His favorite part of guiding is getting to meet so many different people from all over the world and learning about their cultures. He prides himself in providing the most enriching learning experience and warm hospitality on all his tours. Qais looks forward to sharing his beautiful country with you!

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Muscat 
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Welcome to Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, a millennial-old trading port between East and West. Meeting with your MT Sobek representative at the airport and transfer airport to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome group dinner and have an informative evening meeting with your guide at Bait Al Luban restaurant.
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                    [Headline] => Tour Muscat & Take a Sunset Cruise
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Enjoy an action-packed city tour showcasing Muscat\'s exquisite Grand Mosque, built with sandstone and marble, and adorned with a Swarovski crystal chandelier and 27-ton handmade Persian carpet. Visit the magnificent Al Alam Palace, one of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos\' six royal residences, and enjoy a visit to the National Museum. Here you will find a unique collection of Omani artifacts, some dating back to the earliest human settlement on the Oman Peninsula around two million years ago! Continue to Muttrah Souq, Muscat\'s famed market overflowing with fabrics, spices, and handicrafts. Weather permitting, take on a sunset boat ride along Muscat\'s spectacular coastline. Dinner is on your own this evening.
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                    [Headline] => View the Nakhl Fort & the Al Hajar Mountains
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Start the day at the traditional Barka fish market and then set off on a 75-mile drive from Muscat to the village of Nakhal, known for its hot springs and surrounding date palms. View the beautifully restored Narhal Fort, built atop a huge rock in the 16th century. Thrill-seekers can opt for a spectacular canyon drive through the dramatic Wadi Bani Awuf involving steep bends and bumpy roads through remarkable geological formations. Next, tour the charming mountain village of Bilad Sayt near Jebel Shams, Oman\'s highest peak, and stroll through Al Hamra-one of the best-preserved old towns in the country. Relax at the hotel and replenish over dinner.
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After breakfast, leave for Jebel Akhdar - Oman\'s premier outdoor hiking area at the center of the Al Hajar mountain range. Enjoy views of dramatic peaks as you traverse rugged landscapes, marveling at fruit orchards, ancient irrigation channels, wadis, and Omani villages along the way. Learn about the fragrant \'damascina\' rosewater made from the region\'s prized rose varietals and visit Wadi Bani Habib, an interesting village located on the massive plateau.
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Rise today for a hike through beautiful Wadi Al Muyadin with its vast orange cliffs, limestone boulders and pretty trees, nourished by water below the wadi. Next, head to Nizwa, one of Oman\'s oldest cities nestled between palm trees and towering mountains. Stroll through the bustling souq stands selling traditional khanjars (silver daggers). Stop at the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, and continue to the desert of Wahiba Sands- home to the traditional Bedouin tribe where red and white dunes rise up to 650 feet. This is evening experience you\'ll never forget: dinner under the stars and an overnight in Bedouin-style tents beneath the dazzling night sky.
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Wake for breakfast at camp before driving to the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid. Its crystal-clear pools are cool and deep-just right for plunging in! Return to the desert camp, where you can enjoy a camel ride across the Wahiba Sands. The sands stretch over 80 miles and provide a real taste of the Arabian Desert, with their high dunes and traditional Bedouin encampments. Overnight again at Desert Nights Camp.
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After breakfast travel 75 miles to the coastal city of Sur, known for its history of boat (dhow) making. See how dhows are crafted before heading to the pretty Al Ayjah lighthouse for a photo opportunity. The next stop is the Bimmah sinkhole, a deep natural depression filled with water. Legend has it that a meteor fell in this spot! In the afternoon, return to the Muscat Airport to fly to Salalah.
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Explore the old fishing village and 19th-century castle of Taqah, with a stellar fort museum, then head to the capital of ancient Arabia\'s frankincense trade and site of the ruined Samhuram city. From there, head to Mirbat and visit the twin-domed Bin Alis Tomb and see the natural spring of Ayn Razat. Overnight in Salalah.
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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the Salalah airport for homeward-bound flights.
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Accommodations

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Luxury resorts and boutique hotels provide high-class amenities and services, while Bedouin-inspired camping offers extraordinary lodging in deluxe desert camps.

Alila Jabal Akhdar

Comfortable Hotel

Nestled in the Al Hajar Mountains with breathtaking views, the Alila Jabal Akhdar Hotel has the feel of an upscale mountain cabin. Head out for hikes through the mountains, enjoy morning and sunset yoga sessions, and refresh in the outdoor infinity pool. The Juniper Restaurant serves delectable meals, while the Rose Lounge provides more casual food and cocktails.

Desert Nights Camp Omani Desert

Rustic Lodging

The luxurious Desert Nights Camp offers spacious Bedouin-style tents with A/C, sitting rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and Arabic-styled furnishing. Guests enjoy dune bashing, quad biking, sand boarding, camel riding, and sunset watching. Traditional cuisine including "Shuwa," Omani lamb barbecue, is served alfresco and accompanied by live traditional Arabic music.

Crowne Plaza Salalah

Comfortable Hotel

The Crowne Plaza Salalah is located on over 40 acres of gardens and coconut groves with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The property also offers a sizeable stretch of white sand beach. Onsite, guests have several options to unwind including two restaurants, a pub, lounge, and nightclub. The Crowne Plaza also has a fitness center and a large selection of leisure activities. This accommodation has all the amenities to make it a comfortable stop on an MT Sobek adventure.

Crowne Plaza Muscat

Comfortable Hotel

The Crowne Plaza Muscat is centrally located and only 20-minutes from the international airport. Each room is comfortably outfitted with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi. Relax at the outdoor pool and sauna or dine at one of the four on-site restaurants.

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