Wadi Bashing (11 Hours - 580 KM BY 4WD)
This tour along the coastline to Sur offers breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine white beaches. Stop off at the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. Picnic lunch at the beautiful Fin’s beach. The pretty Tiwi village provides a surprising contrast with its lush green wadi and plantations. The ruins of Bibi Miriam’s Tomb can be seen at the village of Qalhat. Return to Muscat on the main road.

Batinah Bash (8 Hours - 340 KM BY 4WD)
A full day tour along the Batinah coast. Stop at the Seeb Fish Souq. Drive through the date palms to the sparkling springs and Fort at Nakhl. Visit the beautiful Wakan Village famous for its terrace farming. The next stop is Wadi Abhyad which has large patches of white sedimentation and when translated means white wadi. The drive winds through the mountains with small pools of water dotting the wadi bed.

Oman's Grand Canyon (11 Hours - 560 KM BY 4WD)
Drive to the foothills of the Jebel Akhdar mountain range. Stop at the Nizwa Souq famed for its antiques and silver jewellery. A brief photo stop at the Round Tower Fort before proceeding ahead. Our next stop takes us to Wadi Nakher located in the depth of our deepest canyon. Visit Misfah a pretty mountain village with stone dwellings still in existence. While heading for Jebel Shams stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul. In the Jebel Akhdar range, Jebel Shams the highest peak, offers a spectacular view.

Jebel Akhdar Trail (11 Hours - 550 KM BY 4WD)
Leave Muscat and proceed to visit the Nizwa Round tower Fort and the Nizwa Souk. Drive to the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz. Enjoy a walk through the lush green date plantations. Proceed to Wadi Al Madeen, from here a 36 km stretch of winding road takes one to Jebel Al Akhdar (2000 meters above sea level) the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain ranges, a truly unique spot in the Arabian Peninsula. Enjoy the cool climate up in the mountains.
Jebel Al Akhdar is famed for its fruit orchards typically laid out terrace style along the slopes of mountains, which are endowed with natural springs. A large variety of fresh fruits such as peaches, apricot, fig, grapes, apple, pears, plums, almond, walnuts are grown here. The villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) and Al Ain dot the landscape. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. The roses of Jebel Al Akhdar fill the air with fragrance when in full bloom (March / April). Rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers. Lunch at the Jebel Akhdar hotel. (Permits are required and take a day to process).

Shaw Travel would recommend an overnight stay at the Falaj Daris to allow more time to visit the area.

Mystical Muscat
Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial centre existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbour, Muscat means “Anchorage” and lies in a natural volcanic bowl. The tour of the Grand Mosque and Bait Al Zubair Museum is a brief introduction that traces Oman’s history and development. Drive along the waterfront Corniche visiting the Fish Market and the colourful Muttrah Souq. Proceed for a photo stop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani & Jalali. Duration: 4 Hours.

Bird Watching
Oman is a strategically located bridge between Europe, Africa and Asia and consequently offers birds from three continents on one country. During the twice yearly migrations in spring and autumn, millions of birds pass through Oman and an impressive selection can be seen in the Muscat capital area.
The bird watching tour takes place once a week between October and March and includes pick up from the hotels, the services of an experienced guide and permits where required.
View specialist Bird Watching tour itinery

Nizwa and the Fascinating Forts
Nizwa, capital of the interior, is the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Nizwa boasts the famous Round Tower Fort, built in the 17th century, and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved “Khanjars” and ornamental silver jewellery. Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s castles built in the late 17th century, became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting & beautifully executed woodcarvings. En route to Muscat visit the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar. Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations. Duration: 10 Hours - 450 KM.

Twilight Dhow Cruise
Transfer from the hotel to the pier side to embark on a relaxed dhow (fishermen’s boat) cruise. See Muscat through the eyes of ancient seafarers who piled this route for centuries. Photograph the spectacular Al Bustan Palace Hotel before returning back to the pier.
(Soft drinks, tea, coffee and dates served on board)

Bait Musna Art Gallery
Visit an art gallery that houses traditional and modern art from around the world. Shaw Travel would be happy to arrange a private visit to the gallery to meet the owner. The gallery often hosts exhibitions for local artists.

Muttrah Souq
A visit to this traditional souk is a must! Spices, gold, silver and bargain pashminas are worth hunting for. Shaw Travel can arrange for a car and driver to take you to the souq for a leisurely shop!

Dolphin Watching
Search the seas for Dolphins and Whales. Watching wild dolphins is a thrilling way to start the day, with an occasional sighting of one of the many species of whales that can be found just a few kilometers from Muscat’s rugged 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, tea and coffee are included with an on-board breakfast. (Duration: 4½ Hours either sunrise or sunset)

The Damaniyat Islands
Discover this protected chain of Islands rich in marine and bird life. The Islands offer shelter to migratory birds, over a 100 species of fish as well as Hawksbill and Green Turtles. Drop anchor, and spend a relaxing day swimming and snorkeling with a picnic lunch.

Scuba Diving / Snorkeling
Bluzone Dive Centre in Muscat offer Beginner, Open Water and Advance diving PADI courses. A twin centre itinerary would include diving around Muscat as well as from the As Sawadi beach resort an hour north of Muscat, with easy access to the Damaniyat Islands offering challenging diving and excellent snorkeling.
For more information on Diving in Oman click here

Deep Sea Fishing
Experience game fishing in the waters of the Arabian Sea, home to Marlin, Sailfish and Yellow Fin Tuna. The company we recommend is a member of the International Game Fishing Association who can hire out luxurious, fully equipped cruisers.

Diving in Oman

The Dive operator that Shaw Travel highly recommend, has a Five Star PADI Dive Centre offering excellent facilities and the most experienced instructors and guides in the country. They are conveniently located in Muscat, at Bander al Rowha Marina.

Oman takes one back in time, a country that has remained unspoilt with so much to offer the discerning traveller. The Omani people are so warm and friendly, keen to show off their wonderful country in which you can explore miles of pristine coastline with an ocean full of marine life, and visit the beautifully restored forts and ancient archaeological sites. Drive up into the Hajar mountains where fruit is grown on the terraces and rose water bottled. Whilst the mountains of the Musandam peninsular plunge dramatically into the sea, this area is a hidden gem and still undiscovered.

Walk along or swim in the wadis surrounded by date palms, scuba dive or snorkel around the Damaniyat Islands, visit the Wahiba Sands written about by Wilfred Thesiger and camp overnight amongst the Bedouin. The Dohfar region in the south transforms itself after the Khareef (monsoon) and is well worth exploring – a visit to the frankincense markets is a must for your holiday in Oman!