Friday, January 19—Check your documents one last time and depart your gateway city for Muscat.
Saturday, January 20—Arrive at Seeb International Airport, where you will be met by a KTS representative and taken to your hotel for a few hours sleep. Plan to be surprised at a couple of things: how many people are at the airport at this late hour and how the main road into Muscat is so well groomed with trees, grass and flowers. The Omani government spends a lot of resources on landscaping and you will see the evidence in your 20 minute ride from the airport. The streets will have some special decorations for the Muscat Festival, but year around they’re neat and clean. The reputation of Muscat as the cleanest city in the Middle East is never disputed by those who visit.
Sunday, January 21—Our first day will be spend mostly in orientation and setting up the IIPT booth at Qurum Park. However, before we get to work, we will make a visit to the Grand Mosque of Muscat. Middle East travelers will tell you it’s their favorite modern mosque. It is truly a wonderful piece of architecture. The floor of the main worship hall is covered by the world’s largest Persian carpet—one acre in span!
Then we will go to Qurum Park to put together the IIPT display. After lunch in a nearby restaurant we’ll go back to our hotel for some rest and some additional orientation prior to assuming our posts at the booth. It will not be hard duty. Omanis are known as the most hospitable people in the region, so conversations will be easy to initiate.
Monday, January 22— After breakfast we will begin our exploration of the city of Muscat. We’ll skirt along the coast and through the edge of the city to the stark hills above the Gulf of Oman for a spectacular view of the harbor area. We’ll take a few moments in the lobby of the Al-Bustan , perhaps for a cup of tea in the atrium lobby of the hotel--one of the most famous landmarks in Muscat. From there we will drive toward the harbor area to investigate the forts and other landmarks of the twin cities of Muttrah and Muscat. (Muttrah was really a rival port for many centuries, but has been absorbed into Muscat during the last 50 years.) We’ll make an initial foray into the Muttrah souq. You’ll have at least one more opportunity to .
Tuesday, January 23— After breakfast we will visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum to gain a better appreciation for the history and culture of Oman. Afterwards we will keep our promise take you to the intriguing Muttrah Souq, situated along the cornice running along the ancient harbor. Frankincense is indigenous to Oman and you can expect to smell the aroma of this fascinating substance wafting from the souq as you enter. Inside is a labyrinth of alley-ways covered by a palm roof and where values abound—gold, silver, silver antique handicrafts, perfumes and jewelry. After lunch we will return to our hotel in advance of returning to Qurum Park for the festival.
Wednesday, January 24— Pack the sun-tan lotion. We are going to spend the day at the beach. We’ll take a short tour by boat along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world and then we’ll be dropped off at a secluded beach. Snorkels and masks will be provided for those who want to explore the clear waters of the coves. All sorts of exotic brightly-colored fish inhabit the coral in the bays, so you should have a wonderful underwater experience. For those who would prefer to just laze on the beach, mish mushkili (“not a problem” in Arabic). We’ll bring our own picnic lunch and then be picked up mid-afternoon to go back to the hotel prior to returning to the festival for the evening.
Thursday, January 25— Today the schedule is very flexible. Have you made a friend you would like to meet for lunch? Is there a shop you would like to visit? The beach is nearby if you would like to have some lounging time. We will have transportation available for your specific needs. And you will need to spend some time packing...tomorrow we leave for three days and two nights sight-seeing.
Friday, January 26— Our destination today is Bahla, site of two important forts: Bahla Fort, a UNESCO Heritage site with foundations as old as 1500 years. Jabrin Fort, which is not properly named, for it was built primarily as a residence—is one of the best preserved structures in Oman. It’s famous for its ceilings and wood carvings, one of the best extant examples of that ancient Omani craft. In the afternoon we come to the Wahiba Sands and the Al Areesh permanent camp, where we will take an exciting dune drive before sunset. Dinner at the camp and then we’ll sit around the community campfire, drinking tea and enjoying the tranquility of the desert—clear skies, glittering stars and moving sands.
Saturday January 27— Departure for Wadi Bani Khaled, one of the largest wadis in the Oman. Nestled deep in the mountains, it is a true oasis. Water cascades down the gorge forming cool blue-green pools. Our route continues toward the coast with a stop at Jami Homoda Mosque, famous for its studded wooden doors and its 52 domes supported by a network of pillars. We’ll make our way to Sur, the ancient port and seafaring town. On the sheltered lagoon is the traditional Dhow Building Yard, where we will see craftsmen still plying the ancient trade of building boats in the traditional mode—without drawings. Dinner and overnight at the Sur Mercure hotel.
Sunday, January 28— Before dawn we will make our way to the coast and with flashlights observe the sea turtles laying their eggs in the sand. As the sun comes up we’ll watch them make their way back to the ocean. We’ll leave as well, going back to the camp for breakfast and then we’ll drive up the spectacular coast toward Qalhat, built by the Persians, a prosperous seafaring town in the 13th century. Spices and other goods flowed through here for centuries to the interior. We will stop at the enigmatic Bibi Mariam Tomb, which miraculously survived the bombardment of the Portuguese navy in the 17th century. Driving further northwest with the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Oman on our right we will come to the coastal village of Tiwi situated near Wadi Shab. Those willing to do so will wade, walk and swim up to what appears to be the end of the wadi. However, it’s said there's a magical waterfall on the other side of that boulder. Should you swim under the rock to see? It's up to you.
On the way back to Muscat we’ll stop at Bait al Afreet (“house of the demon”) near the coast. Local folks say a piece of the moon fell from the sky and made this huge water-filled hole. Geologists say it’s a sinkhole associated with the vast cave system that runs back up the Hajar mountains ascending several thousand feet behind us. Who’s right? You can decide.
Back to Muscat in time to take our place at the festival.
Monday, January 29—We’ll leave most of the day open so that we can meet any special requests you may have.
Tuesday, January 30—You may have discovered an activity or site in or around Muscat you would like to see. Our schedule will allow you to use this day as you wish before going to the festival in the evening.
Wednesday, January 31—New friends you need to meet? Last minute shopping? We will arrange it before we go back to the festival for what will probably be the largest crowd of the week.
Thursday, February 1— Goodbyes are in order… to friends we have made and to this special destination. We are certain a portion of both will remain in your heart forever. We will transport you back to the airport for your return journey.