New Year in Oman

Day 1: December 28 Sunday: Arrival In Muscat – City Tour (80 Km) (Overnight Stay)

Upon arrival at Muscat International Airport, you will complete the entry visa formalities and collect your luggage. Customs clearance and baggage collection are quick and straightforward. You will then be welcomed by our representative from Miracle Oman. At 9:00 AM, departure for the discovery of the capital of the Sultanate, founded in the first century and a true crossroads between the Arabian Peninsula, Asia, and Africa. The day will begin with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Sultan Qaboos, a masterpiece of architecture. The tour continues to the Royal Opera House, the first palace dedicated to opera music in the Arabian Peninsula and a beautiful example of traditional Arab architecture. Transfer to the hotel for check-in (guaranteed from 2:00 PM). Free lunch. In the afternoon, another visit to the Royal Opera House, followed by a trip to Al-Alam Palace, the official residence of the Sultan, with a photo stop from the outside. The palace is flanked by two Portuguese forts, Mirani and Jilali, dating back to the 17th century. The tour continues to the old town, with a visit to Bait Al Zubair Museum, which houses various collections illustrating Omani culture. Then, exploration of the traditional souq, which has preserved all its oriental atmosphere. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: December 29 Monday: Muscat – Barka – Nakhal – Bait Al Ghasham (Sunset Cruise – 2 H) (200 Km) (Half Board)

Departure for the Batinah region, one of the most fertile coastal areas in the country. The first stop will be at the village of Barka, where you will visit the fish market. Continue to Nakhal, an ancient village surrounded by palm groves, famous for its fortress and hot springs. Visit the 16th-century fort, originally belonging to the Imam of the Bani Kharous dynasty, and later to the Yarubah dynasty. The tour proceeds to Bait Al Ghasham Museum, housed in a former small Omani castle and a traditional residence of the local nobility. Lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to the port for a sunset cruise along the Muscat coast (2 hours). Return to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: December 30 Tuesday: Muscat – Nizwa – Al Hamra (300 Km) (Half Board)

Breakfast. Departure for Jabrin, with a visit to the castle built in 1675 by Imam Sultan bin Bil'Arab as a secondary residence. It is renowned for its painted ceilings, intricate arabesques, and beautifully carved wooden doors and windows. Next, a photo stop at Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pre-Islamic fortress. Continue to Jabal Shams, with a photo stop en route at Wadi Ghul. Once at the top, admire the Grand Canyon of Oman (2,000 meters altitude), offering breathtaking views of the country’s highest peak. Lunch at a local restaurant. The tour continues to Misfat, a charming village perched on the edge of a canyon, in the heart of a rugged mountain landscape. Photo stop and a stroll through its narrow alleys lined with mud-brick houses, where the daily life of the village can be observed. A non-alcoholic aperitif will be served at Misfah Old House. Arrival in Nizwa, free dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 4: December 31 Wednesday: Nizwa – Bahla – Jabrin – Wahiba Sands (300 Km) (Full Board)

Breakfast. Departure for the visit to Nizwa, the interior capital and historical center of Islam in Oman. It was the capital of many Imams and flourished under the Ya’ruba dynasty (1624-1744). The city is home to one of the oldest mosques in the world (not open to visitors). Visit Nizwa Fort, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city. Drive to Ibra, one of the oldest cities in Oman, formerly a center of trade, religion, education, and art. Visit Manzifat, a ruined village with narrow alleys showcasing traditional architecture. Built for protection against tribal attacks and medieval conflicts, it offers a unique glimpse into the past. A walk through the old clay-brick houses allows for an immersive historical experience. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the Wahiba Sands desert, home to the Bedouins for over 7,000 years, where dunes stretch 185 km long and 80 km wide to the Arabian Sea. Enjoy an exciting dune drive, ending with a spectacular sunset accompanied by traditional Arabic coffee. Return to the camp, Bedouin-style dinner, and overnight stay

Day 5: January 1 Thursday: Wahiba Sands – Wadi Bani Khalid – Sur (300 Km) (Half Board)

Early morning opportunity to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Breakfast and some relaxation at the camp before heading to a stunning wadi, surrounded by lush date palm plantations. The natural pools of the wadi are cool, deep, and incredibly beautiful. Free time for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Lunch on your own en route. Continue to the coastal city of Sur. Visit a dhow shipyard, where traditional wooden boats are still handcrafted. Then, a photo stop at the Ajya lighthouse. Arrival at the hotel. After dinner, depart for a night excursion to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, a world-renowned site for green turtle nesting (Chelonia mydas), home to one of the largest nesting populations in the Indian Ocean. Return to the hotel. Free dinner and overnight stay

Day 6: January 2 Friday – Sur – Wadi Shab Bimmah Departure For Airport (300 Km) (Half Board)

Breakfast. Departure to Wadi Shab, a spectacular, deep, narrow canyon carved between the mountains, extending between high cliffs to the sea, surrounded by lush date and banana plantations. We will undertake a two-hour round-trip, easy hike to reach the natural pools. Hiking shoes are recommended. A break for a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear pools is recommended, given the high temperatures. Water shoes are recommended. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the Bimah Sinkhole, a deep natural depression filled with water. Local tradition tells of a meteorite falling here, causing the natural depression and forming a small lake. Dinner at your leisure. Transfer to the airport around 5:30 p.m.