Tentative Itinerary

Our Oman itinerary is something that we've agreed will be subject to flights of fancy, changing moods, money (or lack thereof), new people we meet, tantalizing adventures we decide we have to take, energy levels, the heat of the sun, etc...

...basically we are leaving this trip open to interpretation. : )

We do, however, have a couple of planners who have insisted that we have a rough idea of where we might like to go and the things that we might be interested in doing.

So, I thought I'd share it with you.

Apr 5 - Arrive in Oman, settle in.
We fly from Montreal to Amsterdam to Kuwait to Muscat. We leave Montreal at 6:25pm on April 4th and arrive in Muscat, Oman at 8:50pm on April 5th.

Apr 6 - Explore Muscat, find local guide company and get set up. 
Muscat city tour: The walled city of Muscat lies in a small bay, guarded by the spectacular twin forts of Mirani & Jalali. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos's Palace - Al Alam - is an admirable sight. 

The tour of the National and Natural History Museums is an introduction to Oman's history, fauna and flora.
Muttrah, part of the capital area, is the lively, busy trading port of the area. Its main attraction, Souq Al Dhalam - "Market of Shades" - is a labyrinth of alleyways covered by a palm roof and lit by lanterns, leading to the delights of antiques, gold, old silver, traditional handicrafts, jewellery and the rich scent of frankincense. 

Apr 7 - In the morning, kayak with the dolphins, then further explore Muscat. 

Apr 8 - Head to Nizwa, approx 2 hours from Muscat. Explore the Nizwa fort and souq (market). 
Depart for Sinaw Souq - lively and vibrant. It constitutes the main meeting place for the Bedouin. Here camels, goats and calves are auctioned and bartered. Bedouin women in traditional dress, complete with shiny metallic face-mask (burqa) trade side by side with the men. In some of the silver shops you can still find the traditional old silver Bedouin jewellery. 

Apr 9 & 10 - Head to Jebel Shams - Oman's highest mountain, and Wadi Ghul - Oman's Grand Canyon for some hiking. 

Apr 11 - Head to Sharqiya region. 

The rich waters off the coast of Oman abound in wildlife. It is home to more than 20 species of whales and dolphins. Coral reefs stretch along the coastline, where the sea provides an abundance of fish. 

Apr 12 & 13 & 14 - Overnight Bedouin camping / trekking, with some sand-boarding or sand-skiing. Perhaps see a local camel race. The isolated Wahibah Sands, traditional home of the Bedouin, has the largest area of fossilised sand dunes in the world. Covered by surface dunes, these dunes are exposed as the Sands reach the coast in the south. 

Apr 15 & 16 & 17 - More snorkelling, take a Dhow (boat) ride, chill on the beach, explore Sur. 

Apr 18 - Head back to Muscat 

Apr 19 - Leave for home - booo!