Oman Frankincense Trail

OMAN - Frankincense Trail - Itinerary 7 days

Oman’s mountain ranges are among Arabia’s highest. This tour takes you to remote villages high in the mountains, many with expansive terraced gardens and fields fed by falaj (ancient gravity water systems). Last day is a tour from the Nizwa Fort, northwards and crossing the Hazar Mountains. The route down Wadi Bani Auf is one of the Arabia’s great 4WD adventures and includes a visit to the village of Bilad Sait, a remote fortress village in the heart of the mountain range. These living landscapes are better than spectacular and adventurous by 4 WD to Nizwa area. At Nizwa visit the New Souq which incorporates Oman fort architecture and elegant Islamic arches in its design. The air-conditioned souq is full of fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, huge stacks of dates and freshly caught fish. This is still the best place to buy traditional silver ‘Khanjars’ (handmade Oman daggers) and Bedouin jewellery, where silver is still sold by weight.

At the far end of the Souq is the gate to Nizwa Fort. The 17th Century tower is built on a solid rock and designed to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons. From the top, there’s a superb panoramic view of the Nizwa Oasis and surrounding plains. Nizwa Fort includes an interpretative centre on Oman’s forts and the defensive systems that are used in the Nizwa Fort. Then continue to Jebel Akhder. The lush green oasis village has its unique two-tiered falaj system and tiny castle. Enjoy a walk through date plantations.

Being Responsible

NTT Tour offer guests the option to donate to the Ras al-Jinz Scientific & Visitors Centre in Oman. Ras al–Jinz houses one of the largest nesting areas for Green Turtles in the Indian Ocean. The Ras al-Jinz Sea Turtle and Nature Reserve and the Ras al-Hadd National Scenic Reserve were combined to better protect Oman’s turtles and their natural environment. The total area now protected is 120 kms, with 45kms of coastline, extending for 1km into the sea.

NTT Tour strive to provide to their tourist guests with “real life” and meaningful connections with local people in various parts of Oman, leading to a better understanding of the country’s cultural, social and environmental challenges and issues. They suggest to their guests about making some souvenir purchases of locally made products direct from the local people in the various souks.

Responsible tourism elements in this itinerary

• Your guide will point you to places where locally produced products are sold.

• Dhofar is famous for Frankincense, guests can buy best quality ones from Al Husn Souq or Al Balid

• Taqa castle has local handicraft shop run by Omani ladies.

• Salalah is well-known for producing Coconut and other Fruits, guests can buy fruits and coconut water from shops run by local farmers.

• The village of Shisr and the 'Lost City of Ubar‘, located 1992 with the help of satellite imagery. More than two millennia ago caravans carrying Frankincense and Myrrh would make a night halt at Ubar.

• Bahla, the village famous for its pottery and you will visit a potter’s workshop

Itinerary

Day 01 Meet and greet by our representative at Muscat Airport, followed by transfer to the hotel Shangri La – Al Waha. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Shangri La – Al Waha.

Day 02 Early in the morning, you will be met at the hotel for a half day City Tour. The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque one of the largest mosques in the Middle East, followed by a visit to the Natural History Museum exhibiting Oman’s natural scientific development over centuries and millenniums of time.You drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district Muscat where you will visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, a private collection exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. This will be followed by a photo stop at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. 

On the way to Muttrah Souq a photo stop at the giant Frankincense Burner will be made and to wind up the tour you will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts, silver items and, of course, frankincense, while taking a deep breath of burning frankincense. You then return to the hotel. Later in the afternoon you will be embarking on a Cruise with a Dhow, the traditional wooden Omani boat. Enjoy the lovely Sunset, the panorama along the coast and the lights of the Corniche. Overnight at Hotel Shangri La – Al Waha.

Day 03 After check-out at the hotel in the morning, transfer to Muscat International Airport for the flight to Salalah, the Capital of the Dhofar Region. Meet and assist on arrival by our representative and transfer to Hotel Crowne Plaza. In the afternoon you drive through lush green plantations of vegetables and fruit and you will visit the “The Museum of the Frankincense Land” at Al Balid, passing by the bird sanctuary. The museum opened in 2006 within the ancient harbour of Al Balid, houses many excellent works of art about the rich cultural history of the Dhofar Region. One hall depicting the Frankincense Trail History of the Sultanate, along with many audio/video presentations of the Omani Renaissance since 1970, fascinates the visitor to this site.You will make photo stops at the impressive Shanfari Mosque and later at Al Husn Palace (Palace of the Sultan). Stroll through the old Haffah Souq, famous for the sale of high quality frankincense and numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs. Visit the new Souq with ample opportunity for shopping, for example gold and silver before you return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Crowne Plaza.

Day 04 Today you will go on an exciting full day tour with 4x4 vehicle to Ubar and to the edge of the Rub Al Khali desert, the ‘Empty Quarter’. You start by driving north towards the 'Qara Mountains, dotted with thick shrub, from where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Salalah plains. Shortly after passing the small town of Thumrait you will cross the vast Nejd plain. After a 175 Km journey from Salalah you reach your destination, the village of Shisr and the 'Lost City of Ubar‘, located 1992 with the help of satellite imagery. More than two millennia ago caravans carrying Frankincense and Myrrh would make a night halt at Ubar.

A carefully maintained small museum with artifacts unearthed from this once buried city, gives you a glimpse of the valuable work done by a team of explorers led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. After walking around the site you settle down for lunch in the desert camp after which you enjoy a exhilarating sand dune drive in the dunes of the Empty Quarter. On our return to Salalah you stop at Wadi Dawkah, also known as the Frankincense Wadi, which is one of the four UNESCO declared National Heritage Sites in the Dhofar region. You will be explained more about frankincense and its production. Return to hotel by sunset. Overnight at Hotel Crowne Plaza.

Day 05 Today’s full day tour will take you to the east and the west of the Dhofar Region. Your first destination is Taqa, in the East. The fort, the landmark of the fishing village, was the Seat of the Wali, the mayor, until 1984. The impressive ruins at Sumhurum give insight into architecture and living conditions of a time more than 2000 years ago. The adjoining port of Khawr Rhori was an important trade center and the main port for the export of frankincense. Just before Mirbat you reach Bin Ali’s Tomb. Ali was revered as a wise and holy man and over his tomb the twin-domed mosque was built. Next to the mosque you will see an old cemetery. Mirbat, the old capital of Dhofar is known for its old merchant houses, built in traditional ancient Omani architecture.On the way back to Salalah you visit Ayn Razat Gardens, a quiet place at the feet of the lush Qara Mountains. After the lunch in Salalah proceed in westerly direction towards Mughsail. You will pass by scattered frankincense trees. Mughsail is proud of its idyllic beach and its spectacular ‘Blow Holes’, the water fountains. The last destination of the day is the Tomb of Prophet Ayub (Job) in the mountains north of Salalah. Overnight at Hotel Crowne Plaza.

Day 06 Morning at leisure. Afternoon check out and transfer to airport for the flight to Muscat. Arrival in Muscat and transfer to the hotel Shangri-La Al Waha. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Shangri La – Al Waha.

Day 07 After check out at the hotel in the morning you will explore the historic and culturally interesting region of Nizwa. Enroute photo stop at the oasis of Fanja. Nizwa is the cultural capital of Oman. Its main places of interest are the Souq and the powerful Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, one of the most impressive forts in Oman. This fortification is one of the best examples of several such citadels and ramparts guarding the old frankincense trail and trade route from the south to the north, crossing the mountain ranges.

After lunch, you proceed for Bahla, one of the oldest small towns of Oman. As the monumental fort is closed for renovation only a photo stop is planned. Bahla is also famous for its pottery and you will visit a potter’s workshop (not possible on Fridays and Public Holidays). Jabrin Castle built in 17th century is one of the finest of its kind. Its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceilings makes this castle amazingly different. Return to Muscat International Airport for your flight home.