Escorted Tours 2023 - 2025

Muscat Ras AI Jinz Nizwa Sharqiya Sands < <     Coach Air Nights 2 3 2 1 1 Muscat What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to Oman with Oman Air. See page 136-37 for regional flights ✔ Where you’ll stay Muscat, 4 H Al Falaj, Ras Al Jinz, 4 H Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve Sharqiya Sands, 3 H Arabian Oryx Nizwa, 3 H Hotel Falaj Daris ✔ 14 meals ✔ 8 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Intermediate Day 1: UK to Muscat Depart the UK on your scheduled overnight flight. Day 2: Muscat D Arriving early, enjoy the morning at leisure. Later, embark on a city tour beginning with the majestic Royal Opera House, before taking a walk through Bait Al Zubair Museum. Next, visit the Old Quarter and Mutrah Souk, then witness Al Alam Palace. Later, enjoy the array of traditional dishes at dinner. Day 3: Muscat B/L Begin your day at the Grand Mosque - one of the world’s largest mosques, then the Barka Fish Souk. Later, travel to Nouvelle Nakhal, which includes a drive to the pre-7th century Nakhal Fort. Move on to Nakhal Springs, then conclude the day with a sunset cruise along the coast on a traditional dhow ship. Day 4: Muscat to Ras Al Jinz B Today, drive to Bimmah Sinkhole - a limestone crater with a depth of up to 20 meters. Continue south to the mountain ravines, Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi, stopping at both for scenic strolls, before travelling to Sur city. Marvel at the construction of traditional wooden dhow ships at a local building yard, before arriving in Ras Al Jinz, a nesting site for the endangered green turtle. This evening, enjoy a tour on the beach in search of these charming creatures. Day 5: Ras Al Jinz to Sharqiya Sands B/D Embark on a trip inland to the astonishing sand dunes of Sharqiya Sands via the equally alluring Wadi Bani Khalid. Bask in the glorious sights, dive in for a swim, or navigate the vast ‘sand sea’ on a dune buggy. End the day by watching the sunset over dinner from atop the sand dunes. Day 6: Sharqiya Sands to Nizwa B/D Travel to Nizwa, stopping at Birkat Al Mouz to explore age-old local traditions, as the process of date cultivation is brought to life at a date farm. Next, journey to a Falaj irrigation system, part of a collection of ancient water channels that run throughout the region. Day 7: Nizwa B/L/D Set off for Nizwa Fort; one of the jewels in the crown of the city, before descending on the New Souk complex. Later, venture to the Jebel Shams, Oman’s very own Grand Canyon, stopping at Wadi Ghu en route. Travel to Misfat Al Abreeyn, then visit Misfah Old House to experience Omani hospitality. Later, head to the quaint town of Al Hamra, before arriving at the local museum, Bait Al Safah, and sit down with the curators, with coffee and dates, as they demonstrate longstanding customs. Day 8: Nizwa to Muscat B/D Today, tour the exceptional Jabrin Fort, undoubtedly the finest castle in Oman. Coupling contemporary strategic features such as false doors, underground passages and secret rooms with captivating artwork of Islamic motifs adorning the ceilings, a walk through this 17th century educational hub and former dwelling of the Imam will be an unforgettable experience. Later, drive past the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bahla Fort, renowned for its 15 gates and 132 watchtowers, before your farewell dinner in Muscat. Day 9: Muscat to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Jewels of Oman What you’ll see ⚫ Cruise Muscat coastline on a traditional Arabic Dhow boat ⚫ Encounter Green Turtles at the Turtle Reserve ⚫ Witness an oasis at the spring pools of Wadi Bani Khaled ⚫ Experience panoramic views of Nizwa from the city’s fort ⚫ Watch the sunset from Arabian Oryx desert cam Witness the convergence of the ancient and the modern in Muscat and Nizwa and marvel at the humbling natural wonders of Ras Al Jinz and Sharqiya Sands on this once in a lifetime experience. Small Group Tour - 25 or less Extend your tour Muscat city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £169 Muscat beach stay, 3 nights, 4 H from £419 or 5 H from £499 Salalah beach stay, 3 nights, 5 H Half Board from £559 Dubai city stay, 2 nights, B&B 4 H from £215 or 5 H from £275 Departures & from prices Sep 2023 £1,899 Oct 2024 £2,299 Oct 2023 £2,249 Nov 2024 £2,299 Nov 2023 £2,199 Jan 2025 £2,399 Jan 2024 £2,299 Feb 2025 £2,399 Feb 2024 £2,299 Apr 2025 £2,199 Apr 2024 £2,199 May 2025 £1,999 May 2024 £1,999 Sep 2025 £2,099 Sep 2024 £1,899 Nov 2025 £2,399 • Lead-in price based on 5 Sep 23 & 3 Sep 24 • A single supplement starts from just £449 • Tipping paid locally £21 pp per tour The Middle East 112 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk