Muscat Stopover

Arrive at Muscat International Airport by your flight. Go through Omani Immigration and collect your luggage. After clearing Omani Customs, proceed to the main arrival hall and meet a Ya’lla Tours Omani Representative, who will transfer you to your selected hotel in Muscat.

Arrive and check in to hotel for overnight.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and begin your morning city tour of Muscat. Your first stop is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Built by the Sultan for the 25th anniversary of his accession, it is the 5th largest mosque in the world. The mosque is an architectural masterpiece and houses some outstanding works of art. (To enter the mosque, women must cover their décolleté and hair and both men and women must wear long sleeves and long trousers or skirt and avoid sheer fabric and transparent clothing.)

Continue to the Royal Opera House, the leading arts and culture organization in Oman.

Continue to Al Alam Palace, where the sultan receives state guests. The palace is flanked by two 16th-century, Portugese fortresses, Al Jalali and Al Mirani.

Then visit Bait Al Zubair Museum, which celebrates the culture and heritage of Oman with extensive permanent collections as well as special visiting exhibits.

Continue along the corniche to Muttrah Souk, the oldest and largest market in Oman. You will have time to explore the picturesque, narrow alleys, where the air is filled with the scent of frankincense and sandalwood. Shop for Omani souvenirs such as pottery, paintings, shisha pipes, framed khanjars, leatherwork and incense.

Stop at one of the shops for a demonstration on mixing perfume oils.

Return to your hotel for overnight.

Continue to Nizwa, the former capital and religious center of Oman. If your stay falls on a Friday, the first highlight is the animal market.

Then stroll through the vegetable, silver and general markets before entering the round tower fort, Oman’s most visited national monument.

Continue to Nizwa Fort with its massive circular cannon tower, making it one of the most impressive forts in Oman. Built on a solid base of rock, the huge tower was designed to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons. From the top, you have a superb panoramic view of Nizwa and the surrounding plains – a sure delight for all avid photographers!

Lunch en route.

Proceed to Wadi al Madeen, where there is a checkpost. From here, a 20-mile stretch of winding road leads to Jebel Akhdar (6000 feet above sea level), the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain ranges and a truly unique spot in the Arabian Peninsula.

Enjoy the cool climate of the mountains.

Jebel Akhdar is famed for its fruit orchards, typically laid out terrace style on mountain slopes, which are endowed with natural springs and aflaj.

The villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) & Al Ain dot the landscape, overlooking a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. The roses of Jabal Akhdar fill the air with fragrance when in full bloom (March & April). Rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers.

Return to Muscat for overnight.

You will be transferred to Muscat International Airport for your departure flight.