Tour Highlights
The Sultanate of Oman has one of the oldest civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back thousands of years with notable periods of greatness in the ancient world and in medieval times.
Like other great civilizations, Oman faded from prominence - until the recent resurgence under the wise and able leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. All along, the country was active in many ways and has an interesting history that is still relevant today and has left many tangible traces in prominent landmarks and a highly developed culture.
Alchohal
Non-Muslims are permitted to bring in two litres of alcohol by air only. Care must be taken not to cause offence through the use of alcohol. In particular, alcohol should not be consumed in public places apart from licensed premises, such as hotels & restaurants. It is illegal to carry liquor in your car. In addition, the police take a serious view of traffic offences in which alcohol is involved and fines may be imposed.
Currency
The unit of currency is Omani Rial (RO 1 = US$ 2.63), which is divided into 1000 Baizas. Notes are available in denominations of RO 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 1/2 Rial, 250, 200 and 100 Baizas. Coins are also in use for units under one (1) Rial.
Dress
Oman is a Muslim country and it is important that, as guests of the country, everyone should respect the local customs. It is recommended that women not wear strappy sundresses, miniskirts, shorts or low necked dresses in public places (e.g. offices, souks, town and shopping areas). The most suitable wear in public is shoulders covered and below knee length skirts with a top that is appropriately long (below the hip) is also acceptable.
Men should wear shirts and long trousers. Shorts or beachwear should not be worn except at the beach or pool area.
Electricity
Is 220-240 Volts at 50 cycles AC.
ATM Machines
Can be found at convenient locations throughout the country including the arrival hall at the Airport.
Emergency Numbers
Fire: 9999
Royal Oman Police: 24701099
Khoula Hospital: 24560455
Royal Hospital: 24599000
General
The interior of Oman has some spectacular mountain scenery and colorful village environs to offer the outdoor explorer. The beaches have excellent quality sand grains. The countryside is dotted with large forts dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Tarmac road networks link the remotest areas. Motels in the interior offer comfortable overnight lodging for those desiring a base. In short, there is a great variety of exploring possibilities both, for the day-tripper and for the overnight camper.
We cannot, however, overemphasize the need to respect local villagers and their customs in our sightseeing adventures. The ability to explore freely is a privilege that must not be misused. Some principles of etiquette are outlined below. Please follow them carefully so that no one causes offences and we can all continue to enjoy the impressive countryside.
Greetings
The people of Oman offer a very warm welcome to guests. You will find that traditional Arab greetings are still widely observed and it is good manners to exchange greetings and handshakes when meeting Omanis. These courtesies should be observed in commercial dealings (e.g. shopping in the souq) and on a personal level.
Litter
Remove all your litter when leaving a picnic or campsite.
Photography
Do not take photographs of individuals without their permission. Women in particular, do not like being photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders and airports. Observe ‘NO PHOTOGRAPHY’ signs.
Time
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is plus 4 hours
VILLAGE ETIQUETTE
Drive slowly through villages to avoid raising too much dust. Watch out for children & animals. Be courteous to villagers - a few words of greetings or a smile is only polite. Do not go into a home without being invited. Remember certain areas of the village may be restricted to women only. This must be strictly observed.
WATER/SWIMMING
The falaj is usually a vital source of water for nearby villages. Do not foul, block or damage falaj walls or dams. Do not swim or allow your children to play in water immediately above a village, as it may be the village’s drinking water. One can take the opportunity to swim at the beaches. Driving on beaches is prohibited.
AVERAGE WEATHER
October to March the weather is cool . May through August is usually hot and humid with September & April being warm. Temperatures in the interior regions are both higher and lower than the averages reported for the coastal areas. Average monthly temperatures are roughly as follows:
Temperature (Degree Celsius): Average day time | ||||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Mct | 25 | 27 | 30 | 33 | 39 | 41 | 39 | 37 | 36 | 35 | 30 | 26 |
Sll | 29 | 28 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 31 | 33 | 29 |
Temperature (Degree Fahrenheit): Average day time | ||||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Mct | 77 | 81 | 86 | 91 | 106 | 107 | 106 | 99 | 97 | 95 | 86 | 79 |
Sll | 84 | 82 | 86 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 88 | 91 | 84 |
Note: Muscat gets minimum 9-10 hrs of sunshine per day throughout the year
Detailed Day Wise Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival Muscat
Arrival Muscat International Airport. After Immigration clearance and baggage collection
proceed to the arrival hall.
Meet the chauffeur in the arrival hall holding placard in guests name and proceed to the Hotel
Overnight stay at Muscat Hotel of your choice - Day 02: Half Day Mystical Muscat Tour (04 Hrs)
0830 Hrs: 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” & lies in a natural volcanic bowl. Our tour of the Grand Mosque (except Friday) & Bait Al Zubair Museum (except Friday) is a brief introduction that traces Oman’s history and development. Drive along the waterfront Corniche visiting he colourful Muttrah Souq & Fish Market .We proceed for a photo stop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos flanked by the 16th century Portugese forts Mirani & Jalali.
(Ladies fully covered and to carry a head scarf and men in trousers)
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at Muscat Hotel of your choice (B) - Day 03: Dolphin Watching
(Duration:3½ Hours) (0730hrs–1100hrs Includes transfers)
Transfer from the Muscat hotel to the 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 the lucky may even come across one of the many species of whales that can be found just a few kilometres 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. - Day 04: Depature Transfer
Check out from the hotel at 1200 Hrs.
Transfer from Muscat Hotel of your choice to Muscat International Airport for your flight back home.
