A Week in Oman

Land only clients should arrive into Muscat and at the start hotel before midday in order to ensure you are able to join the main group briefing and the dhow cruise later in the afternoon.

Later in the afternoon after the main group briefing, we will be picked up from our hotel and travel through the old part of Muscat to visit the Siban Women's association where there is the opportunity to interact with the local woman and enjoy a coffee together. Next, we pay a short visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum before having a photo stop outside the gates of the Sultan's palace. After a short transfer to the marina, we'll embark on a relaxed dhow cruise (traditional fisherman's boat) to see the Muscat coast through the eyes of ancient seafarers who plied this route for centuries. During the cruise, soft drinks, tea, coffee and dates will be served on board.

In the evening, we stop at a local restaurant for dinner and will be transported back through the centuries on a visit to the bustling, colourful Mutrah Souq. Here there will be lots of photo opportunities and chance to observe the local way of life whilst wandering around this vibrant traditional Arab market.

Note: On departures where the group flight arrives after midday, some of the sightseeing detailed above will be done on day 2 of the tour instead. Your leader will advise of your exact schedule locally. 

Ramee Guestline Hotel or similar

This morning after breakfast, we first transfer (approx. 1 hour and 45 min) to the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid to relax a bit and enjoy a swim in the beautiful turquoise pools and a picnic lunch before continuing (approx. 1-1.5 hours) to the Wahiba Desert. Please be aware that occasionally wild swimming in the wadi may not be possible due to safety reasons if, for example, water levels are high following rainfall or if it is raining at the time of your visit as the rocks can be slippery - your leader will inform you if swimming is not advisable. 

Here, on the edge of the desert, we change vehicles from the minibus to 4WDs to begin our desert experience.

The Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 meters are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. We further drive towards the dunes and our desert camp (approx. 1 hour) to check-in for the evening.

During our time at the camp, there is the chance to take a camel ride (optional- extra cost).

1000 Nights Camp / Arabian Oryx or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short drive (approx. 30 minutes) to visit Jabrin, the finest of Oman’s castles built in the late 17th century, which became a seat of Omani learning. The castle displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting & beautifully executed woodcarvings.

We also pause at the Bahla Fort for a photo, the only UNESCO listed fort in the country and lovingly restored over many years before transferring (approx.1.5 hours) to Wadi Nakher for a short walk. We'll have lunch in a local restaurant before proceeding to Jebel Shams, Oman's highest mountain and where we can enjoy spectacular views of the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia.'

Later in the afternoon, we visit (transfer approx. 45 minutes) to the village of Misfat Al Arbayeen, passing the ruins of an old fort on the way. We continue through narrow alleys between old stone houses and take a short walk in Al Hamra village before returning back (approx. 30 minutes) to Nizwa for the evening.

Al Diyar Hotel or similar

For land only clients the tour ends this morning after breakfast.