9 Days Oman Sojourn

9 Days Oman Sojourn (Prepared Specially for Kelvin & Karen) Time seemed to come to a halt in Oman, a land blessed with some of the most diverse geographical and historic wonders. Since the ancient times of the Babylonians and the Assyrians, Oman would be an enviable major trading route controlling trade affairs linking India & the sub-continent, Asia with Africa and the Middle East – for its strategic location. Oman would thus be exposed to a series of invasions, conquests, colonization and liberation. Cultures, customs & religion were brought in, and henceforth created the legacy that Oman has enjoyed. Oman is also home to some of the most spectacular landscapes, wildlife and sand awe-inspiring sand dunes, untouched, pristine and intrepid. An adventure beckons!

Flights At A Glance: Fly 14Feb

Singapore / Doha

QR 939

0200/0454 (7h 54m) – Daily

Fly 14Feb

Doha / Muscat

QR 1128

0740/1010 (1h 30m) – Daily

Fly 21Feb

Muscat / Doha

QR 1135

2320/2350 (1h 30m) – Daily

Fly 22Feb

Doha / Singapore

QR 944

0130/1355 (7h 25m) – Daily

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 00 13th FEB (FRI) SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT Make your way to Singapore Changi International Airport this evening for your flight check in.

DAY 01 14th FEB (SAT)

SINGAPORE / MUSCAT via DOHA

Fly 14Feb

Singapore / Doha

QR 939

0200/0454 (7h 54m) – Daily

Fly 14Feb

Doha / Muscat

QR 1128

0740/1010 (1h 30m) – Daily

On arrival at Muscat Intl Airport, be met by your English-Speaking driver escort and we then proceed on a tour of downtown Muscat with a drive through the Capital Area passes through the beautiful embassy and ministries area in Shatti Al Qurm with its Arabic styled buildings, along the coastal road in Qurm and the Ruwi High Street to Muttrah. Take a stroll around the traditional Old Souk, typical Omani goods. From Muttrah, continue along the Corniche and the Ryam Road - the first tarmac road in Oman – to Muscat Old Town. A nice walk from Al Alam Palace to the Portuguese forts Jalali and Mirani is like going back to historic times. Thereafter, we proceed to check in at The Chedi Muscat – one of the most astonishing hotels in Oman.

Overnight: The Chedi, Muscat Meals: Lunch DAY 02 15th FEB (SUN) MUSCAT / QURIYAT / WADI SHAB Refreshed after a rejuvenated rest, enjoy breakfast and shortly, a short drive takes us to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (open to non-muslims from 0800hrs -1100hrs except Fridays) with its impressive architecture and fine artwork. Thereafter, we continue our journey on Eastern Oman past the Al Hajar mountain range before making a pit stop at the old fort town of Quriyat where we stop for coffee. Consider visiting the Quriyat Dam, also known as the Mazaara Dam, the largest in Oman. Thereafter, we continue our drive along the Gulf of Oman to arrive at the Wadi Shab Resort, perched on a hill and overlooking the beautiful sea with the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains.

Overnight: Wadi Shab Resort, Wadi Tiwi Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 03 16th FEB (MON) WADI SHAB / WADI TIWI / WAHIBA SANDS After breakfast, we start the day with a visit to Wadi Shab (25mins drive), one of the most gorgeous natural landscapes in Oman. Arrive at the breath-taking entrance and then take a hike into the spectacular views of aquamarine pools, waterfalls and terraced plantations. Consider taking a dip in the pools and visit partiallysubmerged caves. Thereafter, we continue to the mesmerizing Wadi Tiwi with its spectacular deep and narrow gorge carved out of the mountains. Then, we travel past the Al Wasil village into the Wahiba Sands where we you will enjoy a desert romance and adventure! This evening, tucked in to a traditional “Shuwa� and Omani BBQ lamb around a camp fire!

Overnight: Desert Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands Meals: Breakfast & Dinner DAY 04 17th FEB (TUE) WAHIBA SANDS Watch the sun rise over the magnificent sand dunes from camp, or for the more energetic, make your way to the top of a dune. A relaxed breakfast is served in the majlis and following this there is an opportunity to visit a local Bedouin family for traditional Omani khawa and dates. This brief meeting provides a means of better understanding how the locals work and live, in what can be perceived as an extremely harsh environment. We drive out of the desert to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the greatest, most dramatic wadis in Oman, a green oasis spectacularly set against a mountain back drop. The village still farms in a traditional manner growing dates, bananas, mangos and papaya. A walk through this remote and little visited community provides an insight into the lives of Omanis now and in many ways as they have always been. The wadi flows out of the village and into a dramatic and steep sided canyon, which winds up from its entrance, occasioned by rock pools ideal for a quick dip. Return back to camp where you may enjoy camel rides on the sand dunes!

Overnight: Desert Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner #04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 05 18th FEB (WED) WAHIBA SANDS / IBRA / MISFAT AL ABRYEEN / HAIL AL SHAS After breakfast, we set off early for a 45mins drive to the one of the oldest cities in Oman – Ibra where we make a brief visit of the weekly-Wednesday Women’s Market where women parade wares from clothing and accessories to everyday items, kitchen wares, textiles and jewelries. (A section of the Women’s Market is forbidden to men and that includes tourists and men must wait outside. Photography is strictly forbidden.

You may however be discreet with mobile phone camera for quick snapshots). Our journey then continues into the Ad Dakhiliyah region as we first enter into Al Hamra – home to the mountainside village of Misfat Al Abryeen with its ancient houses perched on top of the mountains and the iconic sight of date palms on the slopes sustained by the falaj irrigation channels running through the village. We spend some time to explore the villages. Consider visiting nearby Bilad Sayt, a picturesque village with its terraced green fields and palm groves with majestic mountains towering all around before arriving at The View Hotel – located 1,400m above sea level with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Overnight: The View Hotel, Hail Al Shas Meals: Breakfast & Dinner DAY 06 19th FEB (THU) HAIL AL SHAS / AL AYN / BAHLA / JABAL AKHDAR Today, we begin an exciting day of exploration as we take the road less trodden to the remote village of Al Ayn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to fascinating collection of Bronze Age necropolises. Spend some time exploring the spectacular scenery before we make our way to another UNESCO site, the Bahla Fort which was built in 500BC. We then transfer to the exclusive Alila Jabal Akhdar, part of the Al Hajar mountain range. Be wowed by the dramatic setting perched over 2000m above sea level overlooking spectacular gorges and your gateway to visit the surrounding remote villages and crusader forts. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to relax and rejuvenate.

Overnight: Alila Jabal Akhdar Meals: Breakfast

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

DAY 07 20th FEB (FRI) JABAL AKHDAR (EXCURSION TO NIZWA) Experience the liveliness of the Friday Goat Market in Nizwa, where local farmers gather early in the morning to trade livestock – mainly goats, cows and sheep – by auction. Join the crowds for a truly unique opportunity to observe this traditional local custom. Visit the 17th Century Nizwa Fort, the largest and one of the oldest forts in Oman distinguished by its unique round shape. Explore its maze of halls and rooms connected by narrow staircases and corridors, and enjoy the 360-degree views from the top of the tower. Near the Nizwa Fort is the Nizwa Souk, a market that is still very much in use by locals. On Fridays, Omanis come from many miles away to visit the so-called “Cattle Market”. You will also see flat-bed trucks filled with camels, and plenty of goats. The cattle market is a round space, allowing sellers to lead their animals for sale in a slow circular walk, where buyers sit in the middle and along the edges, shouting out a price as they feel moved to do so. If a deal is reached, the transfer is made immediately – the animal is either led away via a rope, or in the case of a pair small goat kids, scooped up one other each arm. There are a few shops selling keepsakes and souvenirs, especially objects and jewelleries made of silver, a metal for which the area is known. Silver is sold by the weight, and the shopkeepers are seemingly not that interested in negotiating. Another unusual aspect of the shopping environment – except for a few Western tourists, the shoppers are mostly male. After a delicious local lunch, visit the village of Birkat Al Mouz. Its name means ‘Pool of Bananas’, and in this lush oasis at the base of the mountain, bananas as well as date palms grow in abundance. Walk through the ruins of old houses that appear to emerge right out of the rocks and observe one of the best examples of the ancient ‘falaj’ water system then head back to the resort.

Overnight: Alila Jabal Akhdar Meals: Breakfast DAY 08 21st FEB (SAT) JABAL AKHDAR / MUSCAT / SINGAPORE Spend another leisure day in the spectacular surroundings of the Alila Jabal Akhdar (room will be kept until 1700hrs) where you will be picked up and transferred to Muscat Intl Airport (3hrs drive) for your flight return.

Fly 21Feb

Muscat / Doha

QR 1135

2320/2350 (1h 30m) – Daily

Fly 22Feb

Doha / Singapore

QR 944

0130/1355 (7h 25m) – Daily

Meals: Breakfast DAY 09 22nd FEB (SUN) END OF TOUR

ARRIVE SINGAPORE

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON: - The following prices are based on 2 persons travelling together; Package Based on Economy Class:

BEST Price Per Person

1N in The Chedi Muscat 1N in Wadi Shab Resort, Wadi Tiwi 2N in Desert Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands 1N in The View Hotel, Hail Al Shas 3N in Alila Jabal Akhdar

TO BE ADVISED

Qatar Airways Airport & Fuel Taxes

TO BE ADVISED

GRAND TOTAL (2 PERSONS)

TO BE ADVISED

Package Based on Business Class:

BEST Price Per Person

1N in The Chedi Muscat 1N in Wadi Shab Resort, Wadi Tiwi 2N in Desert Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands 1N in The View Hotel, Hail Al Shas 3N in Alila Jabal Akhdar

TO BE ADVISED

Qatar Airways Airport & Fuel Taxes

TO BE ADVISED

GRAND TOTAL (2 PERSONS)

TO BE ADVISED

Cost includes: - Return Economy OR Business airfare on Qatar Airways (SIN-Muscat-SIN) via Doha; - Services of Professional English-Speaking Guides as stated; - Transfers, tours and visits as stated in itinerary; - Other meals as stated in itinerary; - All accommodations with daily breakfast as stated; Cost excludes: - Visas if any; - Personal and other expenses not stated; - Travel Insurance; - Any other meals other than specified; - Gratuities to Guides and drivers; - Any expenses incurred beyond our control due to natural disaster, weather conditions, etc.

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

HOTELS Muscat: The Chedi - This 5-star beachfront resort in Muscat is a 15-minute drive from Muscat International Airport. It has a spa with massage services, swimming pools, free Wi-Fi and free parking. The air-conditioned rooms at The Chedi Muscat have a flat-screen TV, a private espresso machine and a spacious work desk. Some rooms have a seating area. The Chedi Muscat also features 6 restaurants where guests can enjoy Arabic, Asian and fusion cuisine. The restaurants have indoor and outdoor dining areas. The Chedi Muscat’s spa specializes in Balinese therapies, but also features therapies based on aromatherapy, Ayurveda and herbalism. http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/muscat/

Wadi Tiwi: Wadi Shab Resort - Perched on the hill overlooking the Sea of Oman with back drop of Hajar Mountains, Wadi Shab Resort is situated in Wadi Tawi. It features a private beach area, an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi in all areas. All rooms and suites are fitted with parquet floors and wooden furnishings. Each is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle and a fridge. The suite includes a living room with sofa.

The hotel’s main restaurant overlooks the sea and serves Omani breakfast and dinner. International specialties are also offered at the restaurant. Room service is available 24 hours. Wadi Shab with its aquamarine pools, waterfalls and terraced plantations, is located about 3km from Wadi Shab Resort. The tomb of Bibi Mariam is 4 km away. http://www.wadishabresort.com/index.htm

Wahiba Sands: Desert Nights Camp - With an unbeatable setting in the silky dunes of the Omani desert, the 5-star Desert Nights Camp offers 26 luxurious Bedouin-style tents for those seeking the ultimate desert adventure holiday.

The Desert Nights Camp is situated on the Wahiba/Sharqiya sands, a 2-hour drive from Muscat. This secluded area covers 11 km of beautiful desert landscape. Several free services are offered to the guests, including drive up to the dunes in a 4x4 vehicle to watch the sunset, with light snacks and soft drinks served on the trip. Also camel rides within the camp premises in the morning are available, and transfers between Al Wasil town and the Desert Nights Camp are offered for those travelling by vehicles not suited for desert driving. http://omanhotels.com/desertnightscamp/

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

Hail Al Shas: The View Hotel - Located on the slopes of Jebel Shams mountain at an altitude of 1,400 metres, The View is Oman’s first Eco-retreat and has one of the finest vistas available from any hotel in the county. Accommodation is offered in 30 comfortable valley facing rooms all of which are equipped with balconies, tea/coffee making facilities, heat/cool air-conditioner, television, and bathrooms with rain showers. Superior rooms are clusters of five, whereas Premier rooms are slightly larger separate units located on the rocks and have the best panoramic views. The View’s restaurant serves a mixture of Arabic and International dishes and has lovely outside terrace which is an ideal place to relax and drink in the wonderful mountain scenery in the late afternoon. Taking a dip in The View’s temperature controlled infinity edge swimming-pool is another attractive option. In the evenings wooden campfires are lit and are the perfect place to congregate while sharing stories of the day’s adventures and the admiring the shimmering lights of distant Al Hamra village far down in the valley below. Please note that The View does not hold an alcohol licence but you can bring your own alcohol. http://www.theviewoman.com/index.html

The View Hotel

Jabal Akhdar (Nizwa): Alila Jabal Akhdar - Featuring balconies with views of Al Hajar Mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar provides modern accommodation. It offers free Wi-Fi along with outdoor and indoor pools, a gym and business facilities.

The air-conditioned accommodations will provide you with a flat-screen satellite TV, a minibar, tea/coffee facilities and a balcony or terrace. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a bath and a bathrobe.

All rooms have a mountain view. At Alila Jabal Akhdar offers several dining outlets including the Juniper Restaurant and the Rose Lounge. Other facilities available include a library and spa services at Spa Alila. http://www.alilahotels.com/jabalakhdar

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel: (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G) enquiries@countryholidays.com.sg Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg