A Week in Oman

Overview

Explore ancient and natural wonders in the Pearl of Arabia

Oman, the most beautiful of the Gulf States, has a rich culture and ancient heritage waiting to be discovered during this one-week cultural adventure. Starting in the capital of Muscat, we gaze in awe at the Grand Mosque, wander through the colourful Mutrah Souq and see the Omani capital and coastline through seafarers’ eyes on a traditional dhow cruise. We spend a night deep in the desert and navigate the dunes of the Wahiba Sands in 4x4s; marvel at stunning views over the Grand Canyon of Arabia from Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman; wade in the cooling, turquoise waters of an idyllic desert oasis and uncover historic forts before witnessing the weekly live auction cattle market in Nizwa, an event not to be missed!

Highlights

Discover Oman’s highlights: ancient heritage, Bedouin culture and vast landscapes
See the Muscat coast from a traditional dhow boat – a thrilling start to the trip!
Take a 4x4 ride through the dunes to our remote resort in the Wahiba Desert
Gaze over the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’ from the slopes of Jebel Shams
Witness the lively weekly cattle market in Nizwa
Visit a Bedouin family and learn about their customs over kahwa (Omani coffee)

Included

All accommodation: 1 Premium night (desert resort), 2 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (hotels)
All breakfasts, four lunches and six dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport (air-conditioned minibus and 4×4) and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Not included

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Muscat; afternoon dhow cruise and visit Mutrah Souq
Our adventure begins in Muscat, the coastal capital of Oman. Around midday, say hi to your guide and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn about the adventure ahead. After the briefing, we are picked up from our hotel and travel through the old part of Muscat to visit the Sidab Women's Association where we can interact with the local women and enjoy a coffee together. Next, we pay a short visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum before a photo stop outside the gates of the Sultan’s palace. After a short transfer to the marina, we embark on a relaxed dhow cruise (traditional fisherman’s boat) to see the Muscat coast through the eyes of the ancient seafarers who plied this route for centuries. During the cruise, soft drinks, tea, coffee and dates will be served. In the evening, your leader will ensure a big welcome over dinner. We are transported back through the centuries on a visit to the bustling, colourful Mutrah Souq. Here there will be lots of photo opportunities and the chance to observe the local way of life while wandering around this traditional Arab market. Note: On some departures, some of the sightseeing detailed above will be done on Day 2 instead. Your leader will advise of your exact schedule locally. Want more time in Muscat? Secure extra hotel nights through your sales representative.
Day 2: Visit Muscat's Grand Mosque; onto Sur via beautiful Wadi Shab. Evening visit to turtle reserve
After a hotel breakfast, we check out and visit the Grand Mosque, the highlight of the Omani capital. The handmade carpets, chandeliers and the ceiling of the great dome in the main prayer room are must-sees. Please note: Women should be fully covered and carry a headscarf; men should wear trousers. We then drive (approximately 1hr 30min) to the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue-green water at the bottom, and Wadi Tiwi where we enjoy a walk and lunch before transferring (approximately one hour) to our hotel in Sur, where we spend the night. After an early dinner, we drive (approximately one hour) to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Oman is an important area for green turtles in the Indian Ocean and the green back turtles are heavily protected by the government of Oman. In fact, more than 275 of the Sultanate's beaches double as nesting grounds for five of the seven recognised sea turtle species, the most common being the green back. Here we are led to the beach by an ecologist to see turtles return to their beach to lay eggs. (Please note, the main nesting season is June to August; at other times of the year, there may or not be turtles every night but a visit to the reserve is still worthwhile).
Day 3: Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, swim in the turquoise pools and enjoy lunch. Continue to Wahiba Sands and explore the spectacular dunes. Overnight in the desert.
This morning after breakfast, we transfer (approximately 1hr 45min) to the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid to relax and enjoy a swim in the beautiful turquoise pools. We also have a lunch before continuing (approximately 60 to 90 minutes) to the Wahiba Desert. Please note, 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 sands and dunes rising up to 655ft (200m) are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. We drive towards the dunes and our desert accommodation (approximately one hour) to check-in for the evening. During our time at the camp, there is sometimes the opportunity to take a camel ride (optional – extra cost).
Day 4: Morning visit to a Bedouin family and enjoy Omani coffee; visit Birkat al Mouz and walk through its oasis and date plantations; onto Nizwa
We have breakfast at our desert accommodation before checking out and driving towards the ancient city of Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. En route, we visit a Bedouin family and enjoy kahwa (Omani coffee) and spend time with them learning about their customs and traditional way of life. We continue our drive via Birkat al Mouz, one of the best-known village ruins in the region. We walk through its oasis and date plantations before continuing to Nizwa. With the two sets of ruins, a large banana plantation and the scenic surroundings, the site is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Upon arrival in Nizwa, we check into our hotel where we spend the next two nights.
Day 5: Transfer to Jabrin, one of the finest castles in Oman; stop at historic Bahla Fort; enjoy a walk and lunch in Wadi Nakhr. Visit Jebel Shams for amazing views
After breakfast at the hotel, we take a short drive (approximately 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 and beautifully executed woodcarvings. We also pause at Bahla Fort for a photo, the only Unesco-listed fort in the country and lovingly restored over many years before transferring (approximately 1hr 30min) to Wadi Nakhr for a short walk. We have lunch in a restaurant before proceeding to Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman, and where we can enjoy spectacular views of the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’. Later in the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 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 (approximately 30 minutes) to Nizwa for the evening.
Day 6: See the Nizwa cattle auction, fort and souq; continue to Nakhal Fort and hot spring; back to Muscat for final evening
Today is a long day and we start our morning with a visit to the live cattle auction market in Nizwa, the one day of the week where this ancient city truly comes alive with farmers and traders arriving from near and far to barter and trade in one of the most renowned markets in the Middle East. We visit the impressive Nizwa Fort, built in the 17th century to defend the natural wealth and strategic location of the city. Later we visit the renowned souq, famous for intricately handcarved khanjars (traditional curved daggers), silver jewellery and livestock trading. Departing Nizwa, we continue to Wadi Bani Auf; this stretch of graded road is very adventurous as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads. In wet conditions, it may not be possible to drive this section of road due to safety. If this occurs, we take an alternative route. We then stop at the charming mountain village of Bilad Sayt, where one is struck by the beauty of the landscape. Lunch today will be a packed lunch. This afternoon, we have a photo stop at Nakhal Fort and hot spring. The exact date on which this ancient fort was built is unknown, but many believe it was constructed in pre-Islamic times, more than 1,500 years ago. We then transfer back to Muscat for our final evening in the capital city of Oman.
Day 7: Adventure ends in Muscat
The tour ends this morning and it’s time to begin our return journey home. If you’d like a bit more time to explore Oman, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Important Information

The trip destination

Food

All breakfasts, four lunches and six dinners are included. Omani cuisine is influenced by Arab, Persian, Indian, Asian, Eastern Mediterranean and African cuisine. Rice is a staple and often includes a variety of flavours and ingredients, while fish and meat, such as chicken and lamb, feature prominently. Dishes are full of rich mixtures of spices, herbs and marinades. Dates are much loved and are an essential part of the Omani diet. Curry, soups, fresh salads and vegetable dishes are all very common. Coffee is the national beverage but tea is also drunk. Yoghurt drinks and soft drinks are also popular. Alcohol is not readily available but can be purchased in some hotels and likely to be quite expensive. During the tour, you have the opportunity to taste and experience a variety of dishes and eat in local restaurants and cafes. The night spent at the desert camp includes a barbecue with traditional dishes. Non-Muslims are permitted to bring in two litres of alcohol by air only. Alcohol may be purchased at Muscat airport after having cleared immigration. Care must be taken not to cause offence through the use of alcohol and should not be consumed in public places apart from licensed premises, such as hotels and restaurants. It is generally not a problem to bring your own alcohol into hotels but please always ask the hotel first out of courtesy. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

Weather

Temperatures and humidity are high throughout the year on the coast. May to September is the hottest season, so we avoid scheduling trips at this time. Temperatures rise even higher inland, but here humidity is lower so higher temperatures are more tolerable and nights are cooler. In spring and autumn, expect sunny weather throughout with warm to hot days (around 35C/95F) and pleasant night temperatures. There is little chance of any rain except from December to February. February will be cooler. In December, days are warm (20C-25C/68F-77F).

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

This is a busy itinerary that visits the main highlights of Oman with a focus on providing a real taste of all this country offers. We travel by private air-conditioned minibus and 4×4 throughout. Although this is a cultural trip, some days can be long and tiring and there is some walking involved so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The people of Oman offer a very warm welcome to tourists. Oman is hot during the day, so care should be taken to drink lots of water. On Day 6, when departing Nizwa to Wadi Bani Auf, the stretch of graded road is very adventurous as it involves steep bends and bumpy roads which may not be suitable for vertigo sufferers.

Prices / Dates

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AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 20 Sep 2026 / Sat, 26 Sep 2026	NOK 30 905 NOK 24 720	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 18 Oct 2026 / Sat, 24 Oct 2026	NOK 29 155 NOK 23 915	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 25 Oct 2026 / Sat, 31 Oct 2026	NOK 30 905 NOK 23 240	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 01 Nov 2026 / Sat, 07 Nov 2026	NOK 29 155	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 15 Nov 2026 / Sat, 21 Nov 2026	NOK 32 245	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 06 Dec 2026 / Sat, 12 Dec 2026	NOK 29 155 NOK 24 855	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 03 Jan 2027 / Sat, 09 Jan 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 17 Jan 2027 / Sat, 23 Jan 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 31 Jan 2027 / Sat, 06 Feb 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 07 Feb 2027 / Sat, 13 Feb 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 21 Feb 2027 / Sat, 27 Feb 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 14 Mar 2027 / Sat, 20 Mar 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 28 Mar 2027 / Sat, 03 Apr 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 11 Apr 2027 / Sat, 17 Apr 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 02 May 2027 / Sat, 08 May 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 19 Sep 2027 / Sat, 25 Sep 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 10 Oct 2027 / Sat, 16 Oct 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 17 Oct 2027 / Sat, 23 Oct 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 24 Oct 2027 / Sat, 30 Oct 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 31 Oct 2027 / Sat, 06 Nov 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 07 Nov 2027 / Sat, 13 Nov 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Sat, 20 Nov 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 05 Dec 2027 / Sat, 11 Dec 2027	NOK 32 245	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 12 Dec 2027 / Sat, 18 Dec 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 20 Sep 2026 / Sat, 26 Sep 2026	NOK 30 905 NOK 24 720	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 18 Oct 2026 / Sat, 24 Oct 2026	NOK 29 155 NOK 23 915	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 25 Oct 2026 / Sat, 31 Oct 2026	NOK 30 905 NOK 23 240	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 01 Nov 2026 / Sat, 07 Nov 2026	NOK 29 155	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 15 Nov 2026 / Sat, 21 Nov 2026	NOK 32 245	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 06 Dec 2026 / Sat, 12 Dec 2026	NOK 29 155 NOK 24 855	On request	NOK 6 115	On request
Sun, 03 Jan 2027 / Sat, 09 Jan 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 17 Jan 2027 / Sat, 23 Jan 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 31 Jan 2027 / Sat, 06 Feb 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 07 Feb 2027 / Sat, 13 Feb 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 21 Feb 2027 / Sat, 27 Feb 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 14 Mar 2027 / Sat, 20 Mar 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 28 Mar 2027 / Sat, 03 Apr 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 11 Apr 2027 / Sat, 17 Apr 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 02 May 2027 / Sat, 08 May 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 19 Sep 2027 / Sat, 25 Sep 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 10 Oct 2027 / Sat, 16 Oct 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 17 Oct 2027 / Sat, 23 Oct 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 24 Oct 2027 / Sat, 30 Oct 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 31 Oct 2027 / Sat, 06 Nov 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 07 Nov 2027 / Sat, 13 Nov 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Sat, 20 Nov 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 05 Dec 2027 / Sat, 11 Dec 2027	NOK 32 245	On request	NOK 6 385	On request
Sun, 12 Dec 2027 / Sat, 18 Dec 2027	NOK 30 500	On request	NOK 6 385	On request

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A Week in Oman

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates