Compare Oman Walking by Butterfield & Robinson vs 9-Day Special Package: Madrid and Portugal - English Only by Julia Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 6,995 | Check price |
| Price Per Day | $ 874 | Check price |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
The Sultanate of Oman could not be more unlike Dubai, its flashy neighbour on the Arabian Peninsula. Here, you won’t find colossal skyscrapers or town-sized shopping malls. Yes, Muscat (the new part) is impressively modern, and several of the country’s luxury hotels (where we stay) rival the best in the West. But what makes Oman so special is everything else: its mystical culture and ancient souks, the soaring Hajar Mountains, endless white-sand beaches, the imposing Wahiba Sands —and of course the Omani Grand Canyon. It doesn’t get less frenetic, or more exotic. |
9-Day Special Package: Madrid and Portugal - English Only |
Day 1
Settle into your luxury hotel for the next two nights and rendezvous this evening for cocktails before our first meal together in Oman.
Day 2
Today we explore the Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum and the souks (markets) of Muttrah. Embark on a sunset cruise of the Old Muscat harbor before dinner this evening.
Day 3
Head inland towards Bahla where we'll journey to Oman's highest point, Wadi An Nakhar. Trek along the canyon wall to the spectacular abandoned village of As Sab.
Day 4
Wake up early to take in the Arabian sunrise before visiting the mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen. Enjoy a traditional Omani lunch and explore the town of Al Hamra on foot. Then, visit a palm plantation to learn about the UNESCO recognized system of irrigation.
Day 5
Bid farewell to the western mountains and journey into Jebel Akhdar, AKA the "Green Mountain". Our walk this afternoon will take us through this spectacular landscape, through high mountain villages with sumptuous views.
Day 6
Trade mountains for desert today and spend the night under the stars at the Desert Nights Camp in the Wahiba Sands. Visit a local Bedouin family and enjoy a sunset walk before dinner around the camp fire!
Day 7
Swim and explore in the mountain oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid. The area's natural pools and springs are sure to impress!
Day 8
We’ll say our goodbyes over breakfast this morning before you transfer to Muscat airport where you’ll be able to relax in the Plaza Premium Lounge before your onward flight.
Meet and greet at the airport. Take a transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Accommodation at the hotel.
2nd Day (Mon.) MADRID
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the beauties of the city with a guided city tour. Barrio de la Morería, the Hapsburgs District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá. The contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. Afternoon at leisure to continue exploring the wonders that the city has to offer. Join your fellow travelers for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation at the hotel.
3rd Day (Tue.) MADRID – SALAMANCA - PORTO
Breakfast at the hotel. Bond for Portugal, we will drive towards Salamanca. Enjoy some free time in this University City World Heritage of great architectural and artistic wealth. Continue to the Portuguese border to reach Porto. Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European towns, and proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Accommodation at the hotel.
4th Day (Wed.) PORTO
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara church. Afterwards, enjoy a Douro River Cruise and discover famous Port Wine Cellars with a wine tasting experience included. Rest of day at leisure. Accommodation at the hotel.
5th Day (Thu.) PORTO – COIMBRA – FATIMA
After breakfast, we depart to Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. Free time. Continue to Fatima. Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Mary appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. At night possibility to attend the procession of the candles. Accommodation at the hotel.
6th Day (Fri.) FATIMA – BATALHA - NAZARE – ALCOBAÇA - LISBON
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO. Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré. Free time and continue to Alcobaça (World Heritage) with its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, whose origins date back to the XII C. We continue to Lisbon. Accommodation at the hotel.
7th Day (Sat.) LISBON
After breakfast, join a morning city sightseeing of the ancient Olissipo. Drive through its main squares and avenues, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square & Liberty Avenue. Afternoon at leisure for you to catch the nostalgic corners of Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle, with old buildings nested in narrow twisting “Ruas” full of color housing the genuine “tabernas”. Join your fellow travelers and enjoy a typical Portuguese dinner visiting one of the oldest Fado venues in the city and located in one of the most interesting cultural neighborhoods in the area. Accommodation at the hotel.
8th Day (Sun.) LISBON – CACERES – MADRID
Departure to Caceres considered as World Heritage place because of the city’s blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Walk through its Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. Continue to Madrid. Accommodation at the hotel.
9th Day (Mon.) MADRID
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport. END OF OUR SERVICE.
