Oman remains one of the last great undiscovered parts of the Middle East. Here, ancient heritage melds beautifully with modern living. Overnight in the dramatic Wahiba Sands desert and take a dip in the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid. Still looking for something off the beaten path? Visit Wadi Nakhr, also known as the Grand Canyon of Oman, to get even deeper into Oman’s ethereal beauty — natural and otherwise.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Muscat city tour. Bimmah Sinkhole and Sur dhow shipyard visit. Wahiba Sands desert camp. Cooking class in Sedab. Swimming in Wadi Bani Khalid. Explore the Muttrah Souq. Nizwá market. Mud houses of Misfat al Abyreen walk.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Time to explore the city highlights of Muscat, Watch the sunset from a desert camp, Visit the market in Nizwá, Marvel in the canyon views of Jebel Shams
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Walking, private bus, 4x4 vehicle.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotel (6 nts), desert camp (1 nt).
Itinerary
Muscat
Arrive at any time.
Muscat
Explore some of the highlights of the city including the Grand Mosque, the Bait Al Zubair Museum, and the historic souk in Muttrah, and explore local flavours with a local cooking class over lunch. Modesty is mandatory for everyone when visiting the Grand Mosque. Men must wear long pants and shirts must cover shoulders (if you have tattoos, they must be fully covered by your clothing). Women must be fully covered including heads, full arms and full legs. We recommend not wearing jewelry unless it is fully covered by your clothing. Proper Omani outfits for men and women can be rented should you wish, and our CEO will be happy to answer any questions or assist in preparing the correct outfits to visit the mosque.
Muscat/Sur
Leave Muscat behind and drive along the coast towards the picturesque Bimmah Sinkhole. Continue to Sur, renowned in the past for its dhow shipyards, before enjoying a free evening to explore however you wish.
Sur/Wahiba Sands
Drive towards Wādī Banī Khālid, a rocky oasis nestled in the East Hajar mountains filled with natural pools. Later, begin your desert adventure through the dunes towards the desert camp, just in time for a sunset, then enjoy a traditional dinner. At Wahabi Sands we will stay at a desert lodge with restaurant and cafe. We will overnight in comfortable tents with beds and private bathrooms, there is no A/C in the tents.
Wahiba Sands/Nizwá
Leaving the desert behind, we head towards Ibra and visit the impressive Jabrin castle. Continue towards Nizwá, stopping at the historic fortress of Bahla along the way.
Nizwá
Wake early to take part in the weekly Nizwá market. Watch locals buy and trade local wares and experience true Omani community. Continue to Jebel Shams and take in view of Wadi Nakhr known as the Grand Canyon of Oman, then the town of Al Hamra and visit the renowned stone houses of Misfat Al Abriyeen. Return to Nizwa for free time to explore the Souq.
Nizwá/Muscat
Drive through Wadi Bani Awf and take in the beauty of the steep mountain cliffs before reaching the end point ("Snake Point") of the gorge. Continue to Muscat for the evening.
Muscat
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
