Muscat City Tours
Forts of Nizwa/Bahla/Jabreen
Dhow Cruise
Wadi Shab
A journey into History
Seeb, Bait Na'aman and Nakhl
Mountains of the Sun (Jebal Shams)
Wadi Bani Kharoos
Wadi Bani Hinai
Wadi Mistal
Wadi Sahtin, Wajma, Wadi Bani Auf
Wadi Shab
Wadi Suwayh & Wadi Daioah
Wahiba Wilderness
Eastern Safari
Twilight Cruise
Salalah, The Garden City
Code:
ST001 MUSCAT CITY TOURS (4 hours
duration)
Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to
witness a modern commercial centre existing in harmony
with its traditional culture. Our tour of the NATURAL
HISTORY & THE OMAN MUSEUM (except Thursday and Fridays
) is a brief introduction that traces Oman’s history
and development. Drive along the waterfront Cornice
visiting the FISH MARKET and the colorful Mutt rah
Souq. Muscat, with its natural harbor, means “Anchorage”
and lies in a natural volcanic bowl. The AL ALAM
PALACE, residence of His Majesty the Sultan Qaboos
is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts
MIRANI & JALALI.
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Code:
ST002 Forts of Nizwa/Bahla/Jabreen
(10 hours duration)
NIZWA, capital of the Interior, is the birthplace
of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Enroute to Nizwa,
visit the pretty village of BIRKAT AL MAUZ situated
at the foothills of Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountains).
Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations.
NTZWA boasts of the famous ROUND TOWER FORT, built
in the 17th century, and its souq renowned for its
Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-castles
built in the Khanjars (daggers) and ornamental silver
jewellery. JABRIN, the finest of Oman’s castles
built in the late 17 century, became a seat of Omani
learning. The castle displays the highest achievement
in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed
‘wood carvings.
Rate: R.O. 60 = US$ 155 per Car (max 4 Pax) – R.O.
10/- Commission
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Code:
ST003 Dhow Cruise (2 hours duration
including transfer time)
Transfer from the hotel to the Al Inshirah pier
side to embark on a relaxed dhow (fisherman’s boat)
cruise. See Muscat through the eyes of ancient seafarers
who plied this route for centuries. Have a brief
stop at a natural cove. Light refreshment served
on board before we return to the pier for the transfer
to the hotel.
Rate: R.O. 8.000= US$ 21.00 per Person (Including
Snacks). - No Commission
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Code:
ST004 WADI SHAB, 440 KM by 4WD
(10 hours duration)
Your tour of the Natural History and the National
Museums (except on Thursdays and Fridays) is a brief
introduction that traces Oman’s past and development.
Drive along the Corniche and stopover at the Fish
Market for a glimpse of the day’s catch, and then
drive on the Souq at Muttrah, where you’ll get he
chance to mingle with the locals, enjoy a piping
hot cup of tea at the café and to stroll past the.
tiny shops with wares from man lands. And if you
are interested in old silver, there are shops with
wonderful jewelry and ornaments, and all hand made.
Lying in a natural volcanic bowl is the old city
of Muscat that faces a beautiful bay. Two 16th century
Portuguese forts, Mirani and Jelah flank Al Alam
Palace where the Sultan receives his overseas guests
and ministers. Muscat offers you the opportunity
to witness a modern commercial center embedded in
a traditional culture.
US $ 55.00 per car (1 to 3 persons in a saloon
car with an English speaking chauffeur)
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A JOURNEY INTO HISTORY
(Duration: 8 Hours)
You leave early morning & drive along a fascinating
countryside of mountain ranges, oases and arid lands
until you reach Nizwa, the birthplace of Islam in
Oman. It was here in the Souq in the year 630 AD
that a messenger of the Prophet Mohammed spoke to
a gathering of local farmers and tradesmen of the
Koran. Even today, on market days, you get the feeling
of being drawn back to medieval times; and especially
when you walk through the walled Souq with its shops
selling traditional silver daggers, bangles, necklaces
and swords, earthenware jugs and jars, vegetables
and rare herbs, dates and spices from India. And
in the shade of date palms you’ll find yourself
plunged in the hustle and bustle of a cattle auction.
Nearby stands the majestic 17th century fort with
its impressive circular canon tower. From the battlements,
more than 22 meters high, you get a splendid view
of green oases and the mountains. Not far from Nizwa
lies the town of Bahia named after the ancient Bahia
tribe, who were known in he past to hire their arms
to the highest bidder. A twelve-kilometer long wall
surrounds the town. It was the capital of the Nabhan
dynasty from the late Middle Ages to the early 17th
century. Bahla Fort, which dates back to pre-Islamic
times and is probably of Sumerian origin, stands
on a hill overlooking the town. In one of the winding
streets there is the old pottery, where jugs, jars
and other earthenware utensils are hand molded,
as they were many hundreds of years ago. On to Jabrin
Castle one of the finest in Oman, built in the late
17th century, and was a seat of Omani learning.
The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani
ceiling painting.
US $ 195.00 per car (1 to 3 persons in a saloon
car with an English speaking chauffeur.
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SEEB, BAIT NA’AMAN AND NAKHL
(Duration: 7 Hours)
Drive along the Batinah coast to the fishing village
of Seeb, and there on the beach you’ll see fishermen
auctioning their fresh catch. Walk about among the
locals as they haggle for a good price for mackerel,
tuna and kingfish, it can be great fun. Not far
from the village lies the wonderful castle of Bait
Na’aman. In the 1 century it was visited often by
the rulers of Oman. Painstakingly restored to its
former grandeur, it is really worth your while spending
some time in the many chambers and battlements.
At Nakhl you’ll be quite overwhelmed by the imposing
structure of a huge fortress. You can’t imagine
its size until you are within its great walls. The
view from the battlements is breathtaking. A wide
green oasis stretches away to the mountains that
loom massive and foreboding. From the fortress you
drive into the oasis of A’Thowarah and spend time
paddling in the quiet streams that are fed by the
waters from clear gushing springs.
US $ 135.00 per car (1 to 3 persons in a saloon
car with an English speaking chauffeur)
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MOUNTAINS OF THE SUN, Jebal
Shams (Duration: 10 Hours)
Drive up the towering mountains of Jebel Shams (Mountains
of the Sun) and into deep ravines of Wadi Ghul.
Experience an untamed and rugged countryside. A
pristine world interrupted here and there by tiny
settlements, some of them about 5 000 years old.
Travel on to Al Hamra, a 300-year-old town on the
edge of a sprawling oasis. Then up a winding road
into hills to the faraway village of Misfah, where
you are as close to biblical times as you can ever
be. Return to Muscat via Bikat al Mauz, the deserted
city of clay.
US $ 315.00 per 4WD (1 to 4 persons with an English
speaking chauffeur)
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WADI BANI KHAROOS (Duration:
8 Hours)
An away-from-it-all feeling is what you get in Wadi
Bani Kharoos while driving through narrow, winding
paths and rivulets to villages with their mud houses,
reminiscent of Yemeni architecture, and strange
rock paintings of hunter-gatherers who once roamed
the hills and gorges. And then on along the Jebel
Akhdar Range to the quiet oasis of A’Thowarah and
the imposing fortress at Nakhl.
US $ 250 per 4WD (1 - 4 persons) with an English
Speaking chauffeur
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WADI BANI HINAI (Duration:
7 Hours)
Drive along the highway towards Sohar, and then
take the road to Al Hazm and its 1 century fort,
which is fed, by the waters of a nearby falaj, a
web of canals that keep the oasis green throughout
the year. You take the dirt road that leads to Wadi
Bani Hinai whose banks are lined with date palms
and tiny settlements. A fort in the middle of the
Wadi guards the villages beyond.
US $ 250.00 per 4WD (1 to 4 persons with an English
speaking chauffeur)
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WADI MISTAL (Duration:
7 Hours)
Turn off the highway to the town of Nakhl with its
massive fortress and pause for a stroll or a hot
cup of tea at the local café at the oasis A’Thowarah
with its palm trees and warm spring waters. Once
in Wadi Mistal you drive up a winding road into
the mountains that are dotted with picturesque villages
with their palm groves, terraced fields and grapevines.
US $ 225.00 per 4WD (1 to 4 persons with an English
speaking chauffeur)
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WADI SAHTIN, WAJMA, WADI BANI
AUF (Duration: 8 Hours)
Your first stop is at the fort Al Hazm, erected
in the 18 century with its falaj, a web of canals
that water the nearby oasis. Then take the dirt
road to Wadi Sahtin with its ravines, rivulets,
palm groves and tiny settlements. A steep and narrow
road takes you to the village of Wajma, 1600 meters
above sea level that is almost hidden by palm trees.
Spread out beneath are its neat terraced fields.
Once down in the valley you drive through Wadi Bani
Auf a winding riverbed surrounded by high mountain
walls.
US $ 302.00 per 4WD (1 to 4 persons with an English
Speaking chauffeur)
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WADI SHAB (Duration: 8
Hours)
Drive through a beautiful mountainous countryside
to the fishing town of Quriyat with its quaint fortress,
and then turn off to the coastal dirt road along
white sandy beaches and rocky coves to Wadi Shab,
one of Oman’s most beautiful wadis. Tiwi on the
coast is a picturesque fishing village overlooking
old houses and small fort guards the entrance to
this lush green Wadi with fresh water that flows
from mountain springs. Walk along banana plantations,
date palms and up narrow rocky paths. Pools of clear
water are surrounded by small fields.
US $ 250.00 per 4WD (1 to 4 persons with an English
speaking chauffeur)
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WADI SUWAYH & WADI DAIQAH
Breakfast at the hotel and depart by 4WD Southeast
towards the eastern Hadjar mountain range towards
the countryside. After driving through a few hair-
pin bends you arrive at the fishing village of Quriyat
with its 1 8 Century Omani fort. Drive on towards
the dirt track and wind your way across mountainous
country and the ravines until you reach the village
of Suwayh, a world away form the world, an idyllic
spot with its waterfall and clear blue pools. A
place to enjoy nature to its full. Backtrack through
Wadi Arbeen, onto Wadi Dayqah for picnic lunch and
an ideal opportunity to take a refreshing dip in
the flowing waters of the Wadi. Return to Muscat
well before sunset.
US $ 225.00 per 4WD (1 to 4 persons with an English
speaking chauffeur)
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WAHIBA WILDERNESS (Duration:
8 Hours)
The Wahiba Sands cover an area of 20 000 sq., km
with dunes that rise 200 meters. The ever-changing
patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight.
Once in the desert visit Bedouin settlements with
their famous racing camels, the best in Arabia.
After leaving the desert take time to stop at the
ruins of Mudairyb and the market town of Ibra, where
on Wednesdays, women dressed in traditional costumes
sell their wares. A splash of colour in the otherwise
arid countryside.
US $ 315.00 per 4WD (1 to 4 persons with an English
speaking chauffeur)
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EASTERN SAFARI
Day
One - MUSCAT - WADI BANI KHALID - WAHIBA SANDS
Depart by 4x4 across mountains and arid lands with
breathtaking landscapes to one of Oman’s most beautiful
Wadis - Wadi Bani Khalid, enjoy a roller coaster
drive, which takes you through some spectacular
terrain. The Wadi gives you an opportunity to take
a refreshing dip in the clear spring water and relax
under the shade of the palm trees. We backtrack
to the main road and head to the town of Al Mintrib,
its here we divert to the Wahiba sands. After a
half-hour drive we reach the Al Raha camp where
a welcome drink of Omani coffee “Kahwa” dates &
fruits will be served before driving up a 200- meter
sand dune to watch the sun set. BBQ dinner and overnight
in traditional Barsati tents.
Day
Two - WAHIBA SANDS - SUR - QURIYAT - MUSCAT
Breakfast at the camp and our chauffeur will take
you for a round of spectacular dune drives before
leaving the camp and heading to the fishing town
of Sur. Visit its’ impressive Dhow building yards
and take the dirt road to Qalhat - an ancient natural
port town now in ruins and view the Bibi Miriam
mosque. On to Wadi Tiwi and on arrival at Wadi Shab
small boats will transfer you across the Wadi for
a stroll through this village situated among lush
greenery & plantations. After lunch drive along
beautiful mountainous scenery until the white beaches
of Finns and the Sinkhole in Dibab before reaching
Quriyat. Take the tarmac highway form Quriyat to
Muscat and drop of at your hotel.
US $ 575.00 per Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 or similar
vehicle(maximum 4 persons per vehicle) US $ 50.00
per person (Accommodation at the camp, BBQ dinner
& breakfast)
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TWILIGHT CRUISE
Duration: 2 Hours
Drive to the pier at Muttrah and embark a cruise
along the rocky coastline in a dhow. Enjoy the view
of the beautifully floodlit Portuguese Forts and
the Sultan’s Palace that dominate the harbour of
old Muscat City. Light refreshments will be served
on board during the cruise.
US $ 35.00 per person (Participation of minimum
two persons per cruise) (Inclusive of refreshments)
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SALALAH, THE GARDEN CITY
Frankincense
Trail, West Salalah (Duration: 4 Hours)
Visit the tomb of Nabi Ayoub Gob’s Tomb) perched
high up in the Kara Mountains. Carry on to Mughsail
Beach where “blow-holes” - perforations in the limestone
rock allows seawater to gush through holes during
high tide. At the nearby sanctuary Flamingos come
to rest. Along the Yemen road with its hair pin
bends you pass Frankincense trees that dot the otherwise
arid mountain sides. Once traded as a commodity
more precious than gold, frankincense harvested
in Dhofar is rated the best in the world.
Archaelogical
Adventure, East Salalah (Duration: 4 Hours)
Begin your excursion with a visit to the fishing
village of Taqa and its old fort. Drive up to the
cliffs at the end of the village and from there
you can view a magnificent coasthne. You carry on
the coast road to Khor Ron creek, the site of the
ruins of Samhuram, once an important trading center
for ancient Arabia’s exotic frankincense trade.
Excavations have produced evidence of an ancient
city with trade links by sea to the Far East, Egypt
and Greece. Not far from Samhuram lies Mirbat, the
ancient capital of Dhofar, which in the 9th century,
traded in frankincense, horses and slaves. Two ancient
forts guard the seaward and inward approaches to
the town. One of Dhofar’s best-known historic sites
is Bin Al’s Tomb and mosque. The twin domed tomb
of Mohammed bin Ali who died in 1135 AD is a fine
example of medieval architecture. On your return
to your hotel take tie off to relax at the Ayn Razat
gardens which are fed by natural underground springs.
Paradise.
Coconut groves stretch out along the sheer endless
beach, orchards of banana and papaya dominate the
countryside and vegetables gardens form a patchwork
quilt of green. The most favorable time to visit
he city is in the evening when Salalah comes to
“life”. Spend time at the gold Souq where shops
that line the street are just full of the glittering
yellow metal. Enjoy the fresh evening breeze at
Hafa Souq, and as you stroll past the tiny shops
just breathe in the scented air filed wit the aroma
of frankincense. Hafa Souq is also a place where
locals congregate to spend their evenings in the
cafes and many roadside restaurants. A chance for
you to mingle with the friendly people of Dhofar.
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FOR RESERVATION
Contact
Details:
Head Office :
Steps National Company
Steps Tourism , Travel & Hotel Co.
Steps Health n Travel Co.
5,6 Zakher Mall
Al-Khuwair
P O 415, PC 130 Azaiba.
Sultanate Of Oman
Tel: + 968 24488891
Fax: + 968 24488894
Website
: www.steps-tourismnhotelsco.com
Email:
info@steps-tourismnhotelsco.com
Website
: www.steps-healthntravel.com
Email:
info@steps-healthntravel.com
