Welcome – Ahlan wa sahlan!

With a history dating right back to 3,000 BC, Oman’s unspoilt land could tell a thousand tales. It was the birthplace of queen of sheba, the last resting place of prophet job and the home and port of the famous adventurer, Sindbad the sailor. So it is no wonder that the sultanate has such an abundance of hidden treasures. From the grand forts, exquisite palaces and mystical souqs of the capital Muscat, to the undulating dunes, fresh water wadis and miles upon miles of unspoilt sandy beaches, Oman is just waiting to be discovered.

And what better way than with Zahara Tours, Oman’s leading destination and Leisure Management Company. We cover everything from desert safaris and twilight cruises, to scuba-diving and deep-sea fishing. So if you want to discover the ‘real Oman’, take a look through this booklet and find out more about our full program of tours and excursions.

Tour Code: 1

MYSTICAL MUSCAT

Duration 4 Hours – 100 Kms – AM tour

Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial center existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbor, Muscat means ‘Anchorage’ and lies in natural volcanic bowl. Our tour of the Grand mosque*(except Friday) and Bait Al Zubair Museum (except Friday) is a brief introduction that traces Oman’s history and development. Drive along the waterfront cornice visiting the Fish market and the colorful mattrah souq. We proceed for photostop to magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the 16th century portugese forts mirani & jalali.

*dress code: long sleeves and full-length trousers for men and women. Ladies to be fully covered with scarf.

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Tour Code: 2

FASCINATING FORTS

Duration 9 Hours – 450 kms

Nizwa, capital of interior, is the birthplace of islam in the sultanate of Oman. Nizwa boast of the famous Round Tower Fort, built in the 17th century, and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-curved “khanjars”(daggers) and ornamental silver jewellery. Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s castles build in the last 17th century, become a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting & beautifully executed woodcarvings. Enroute to Muscat visit the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain). Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations.

Tour Code: 3

AL HOOTA CAVES.

Duration 8 Hours – 350 KM

The highlight of this trip is visit to the latest attraction in the Nizwa region, the Al Hoota Caves. Depart Muscat to nizwa. Visit first the famous Round Tower Fort, built in the 17th century, and the souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved “khanjars”(daggers) & ornamental silver jewellery. Proceed to the Al Hoota Caves where one gets a chance to view stalactites and stalagmites as well as an underground lake. The show-cave can only be reached by visitors in an electrical train that runs through a tunnel alongside the main entrance. The show-cave is equipped with pathways and special lighting system. Guided tours provide explanation and are customized according to visitors expectations.
Enroute to Muscat visit the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains).
Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations.

Tour Code: 4

TWILIGHT DHOW CRUISE

Duration 3 hours including transfer time (Sundays & Thursdays only)

Transfer from the hotel to marina to embark on a relaxed dhow(fishermen’s boat)cruise. See Muscat coast through the eyes of ancient seafarers who plied this route for centuries. Have a brief stop at a natural cove. Photograph the spectacular Al Bustan Palace Hotel before we return back to the marina for the transfer to the hotel.

(Soft drinks, tea, coffee and dates served on board)

Tour Code: 5

AMAZING DOLPHINS

Duration 3 ½ Hours – AM tour (Transfers included)

Transfer from the Muscat hotel to marina to embark on a boat as we search the seas for dolphins and whales. Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start the day and lucky may even come across one of the many species of whales that can be found just a few kilometers from Muscat’s rigged coast. Not every trip guarantees a sighting, but you are sure to enjoy a trip out to sea and enhance your knowledge of nature’s most fascinating marine mammals.

(Soft drinks and sandwiches included).

Tour Code: 6

BATINAH BASH

During 8 Hours – 340 Kms by 4WD

A full day tour along the Batinah coast. Our first stop is the seeb fish souq by the seaside. Drive through the date palms to the sparkling springs and at nakhl. Visit the beautiful wakan village famous for its terrace farming. Our next stop is wadi abhyad ahich has large patches of white sedimentation and when translated means white wadi. The drive wind through the mountains wiyh small pools water dotting the wadi bed.

(It is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes).

Tour code: 7

MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS

Duration 9 hours – Distance 400 Kms – with 4WD

Nearing Bait Na’aman, the 300-year-old fort, you will be struck by it’s beauty. Now a fully restored and refurnished country house, this fort will show you how the imam and his family traditionally lived in the shadow of Oman’s majestic mountains. The castle has reinstated all of its time-honored artifacts so typical of oman namely; khanjars, artillery, jewellery, and traditional chinaware. Proceeding to Al Awabi we take a turn off to Wadi Bani Auf. This picturesque drive takes you back thousand of years clearly shown in the stunning sedimentary mountains.for those with an adventurous spirit there is a wonderful canyon to explore on foot. The route through the mountains is dramatic while in contrast Bilad Sayt is one of Oman’s most quaint villages with an antique old world appeal. Exploring this tranquil village on foot uncovers its patchwork of terrace farming and traditional houses laid out against the rocky slopes. Here a picnic can be enjoyed in perfect surroundings. After this we proceed to snake gorge where you can experience a short walk (weather permitting) along this canyon floor renowned for it’s natural beauty. A short distance brings us to wadi sahtan where you will meet the traditional omani beekeepers of the area. Finally you will get to examine the beautifully curved door at the al hazm fort before returning to Muscat.

(Picnic lunch included. It is advisable to wear light clothing and walking shoes)