From the Oman Gulf to the Arabian Sea
From the Oman Gulf to the Arabian Sea
From the Oman Gulf to the Arabian Sea
12 Days Starting in Muscat and ending in Salalah
Visiting: Muscat, Nizwa, Jabrin, Bahla, Misfat al Abriyyin, Jebel Shams, Birkat Al Mouz, Ibra, Bidiyah, Wadi Ash Shab, Fins Beach, Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Arbaeen, Khasab, Jebel al Harim, Khasab Port, Salalah, Sultan Qaboos Mosque, The Museum of the Frankincense Land, Al Haffa, Sumhuram archaeological gallery, Taqah, Wadi Darbat, Mirbat, Ayn Razat, Mughsail Beach, Empty Quarter, Ubar
Tour operator:
Tour code:
Oman003
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 8
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain, Halal
Tour operated in:
English , French , German , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore Oman from North to South with this complete tour of the Sultanate. You will go through all the must-sees of Oman on a 12 days journey. First, explore the Northern part of Oman, from Muscat to the East Coast and the Hajar Mountains. There, you can hike in lush wadis, observe turtles, and discover ancient castles and forts. With a quick flight to Khasab, spend two days on the Musandam peninsula: one on the ground for a mountain safari, the other on the sea with a full day dhow cruise. Finally, go all the way south to the Indian Ocean to visit a different Oman: the wild and lush Salalah region. Discover a unique culture and breathtaking landscapes in the land of Frankincense. End this unforgettable journey searching for the lost city of Ubar in the "Desert of Deserts."
Itinerary
Day 1 : Muscat: Between Traditions And Modernity
Location: Muscat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden Muscat Al Khuwair (4-stars) or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon arrival in Muscat, meet your guide at the International Airport and start a half-day guided tour of the city.
The first stop is the iconic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Anyone can enter, as long as dressed modestly.
Then, enter the heart of ancient Muscat by exploring the alleys of the Muttrah Souk. You can find all kinds of handicrafts, from incense to Khanjar. Admire the Corniche view during a peaceful walk.
Your next stop drives you east to visit the Old Muscat and learn about Omani culture and history at the Bait al Zubair Museum.
After a short photo-stop to Al Alam Palace, it's time to taste the local cuisine. Enjoy authentic Omani cuisine at Bait al Luban, before going to the hotel.
Day 2 : Nizwa: Ancient Cities And Castles
Location: Nizwa, Jabrin, Bahla
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Al Diyar Hotel (3-stars) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the capital for the mountainous regions of northern Oman. Your first destination is Nizwa, the former capital of the Sultanate. Visit its ancient fort, one of Oman's most emblematic forts, and stroll into its traditional market.
After a lunch break, drive to Jabreen, with its 17th-century castle, probably the most beautiful historical palace of the Sultanate. It is next to the Bahla Fort, another well-preserved site, which you can visit too.
Come back to Nizwa by the end of the day to spend the night.
Day 3 : Hajar Mountains: On Top Of Oman
Location: Nizwa, Misfat al Abriyyin, Jebel Shams
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Al Diyar Hotel (3-stars) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you happen to be in Nizwa on a Friday morning, don't miss the cattle market. You can observe sellers and buyers traditionally trading cattle. Then, hit the road to reach the old town of Al Hamra.
Walk between its mudbrick houses and head toward another mountain village: Misfat Al Abriyeen.
Stop for lunch, in the quietness of the banana plantations and with the sounds of the Aflaj water flows. You also have plenty of walks opportunities to explore the village for an hour before driving to the famous Wadi An Nakhr.
Exploring the wadi requires some off-road skills, which you can enjoy for an hour. Finally, go to the top of the famous Jebel Shams to admire the breathtaking view.
By the end of the day, return to Nizwa.
Day 4 : Wahiba Sands: The Life Of The Desert
Location: Nizwa, Birkat Al Mouz, Ibra, Bidiyah
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Safari Desert Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave Nizwa early morning for Birkat Al-Mawz. This village is nestled in the mountain and offers plenty of opportunities for a quiet walk and many photogenic spots.
For lunch, stop at Ibra, one of Oman's oldest cities. Walk into the historical city-center and explore its traditional market, dating back to when Ibra was a significant trading center.
After lunch, it's time to enter the heart of the desert. Drive between the dunes of Wahiba Sands to the Bedouin camp where you spend the night. Discover the hospitality of this Arabic nomadic tribe.
Upon request, you can ride camels (supplement) or have fun with other activities in the sand. In the evening, share a traditional barbecue and enjoy the myriad of stars in the sky.
Day 5 : East Coast: Hidden Natural Treasures
Location: Wadi Ash Shab, Fins Beach, Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Arbaeen, Muscat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden Muscat Al Khuwair (4-star) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a peaceful breakfast in the serenity of the desert, before hitting the road toward the eastern coast.
After two hours drive, explore the famous Wadi Shab and relax in its fresh natural pools for one hour and a half.
For lunch, go to the nearby Fins Beach to picnic in front of the sea. Relax, and swim in the calm waters of the Oman Gulf.
In the afternoon, and after a short 20 minutes’ drive, visit one of Oman's iconic natural wonders: Bimmah Sinkhole. An impressive natural cave with a large pool.
Before returning to Muscat, it is possible to drive through the wild and lush Wadi Arbayeen, which offers incredible natural sceneries.
Day 6 : Musandam: Khasab And Jebel Al Harim
Location: Khasab, Jebel al Harim
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Diwan Al Amir (3-stars) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wake up early to go to Muscat airport to fly to Khasab.
Once in Khasab, start a mountain safari into Jebel Harim. With a 4WD car, stride across spectacular scenic roads up to the top of the mountain. Here, at nearly 1800 meters above sea level, stop to enjoy the panoramic view over the Oman Gulf and take pictures.
On the way to the top of the mountain, visit Bait al Qalf, a centuries-old village with a house that only exists there. You also cross the lush Khalidiyah Acacia Tree Park.
After about 3 hours of mountain safari, go to the hotel and relax.
Day 7 : Dhow Cruise In The Norway Of Arabia
Location: Khasab Port
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Diwan Al Amir (3-stars) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, embark on a full dhow cruise. Richly decorated, it's as comfortable as beautiful.
You are welcomed on board with a traditional coffee and dates. The cruise drives you to Khor Sham, the longest fjords of Musandam with dramatic landscapes.
You'll probably see dolphins on the way to Telegraph Islands. Snorkel in the exceptional seabed, swim in the turquoise waters and relax on the boat deck.
A traditional Omani lunch is served on board, as well as snacks and refreshments.
The excursion lasts about 6 hours, before going back to Khasab and rest at the hotel for the evening.
Day 8 : Travel To Salalah
Location: Muscat, Salalah
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Beach Resort Salalah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, a private transfer drives you to the airport for your flight to Salalah, the capital of Dhofar. On arrival, another private transfer brings you to your hotel where you can relax by the beach.
Day 9 : Salalah: The Pearl Of The Dhofar
Location: Sultan Qaboos Mosque, The Museum of the Frankincense Land, Al Haffa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Beach Resort Salalah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start a half-day guided tour of Salalah! This city of southern Oman offers a different atmosphere which you can discover through this day. First, visit the sublime Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Visitors are required to dress modestly and women must cover their hair with a scarf.
To learn more about the region's history and the importance of the Frankincense trade, visit the Museum of the Frankincense Land and the Al Baleed Archeological Museum.
Then, right inside the city, you can explore the Plantation Farms, with Banana, Papaya, and other exotic fruits.
Enjoy some fresh coconut milk before heading toward the traditional market of Al Husn, also called Haffa Souk. This is the best place to buy all kinds of Frankincense. Go back to your hotel to relax by the beach for the end of the day.
Day 10 : East And West Salalah
Location: Salalah, Sumhuram archaeological gallery, Taqah, Wadi Darbat, Mirbat, Ayn Razat, Mughsail Beach
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Beach Resort Salalah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is a full day to the must-sees of Salalah, from east to west! As you drive toward the east, stop by the Royal Farm and the Marmura Palace. It's not possible to visit them, but they make a nice photo-stop.
After a short drive, you arrive at Taqah and enter the historical lands of Salalah. Visit the Taqah castle and then go to Sumhuram Archeological Park. It contains Khor Rori's remains, once one of the most important ports in the world.
After half an hour of visit, it's time for natural wonders at nearby Wadi Darbat. With its river and nice beaches, it offers a relaxing break.
Continue to the coastal town of Mirbat to visit the Mausoleum of Bin Ali.
Then, visit Ayn Razat, probably the most impressive spring of Dhofar.
Finally, go to one of the most beautiful beaches of Dhofar: Al Mughsail. Walk on the wild coast and by its surprising blowholes.
Drive to the Zig Zag Road, an incredible road where you have the opportunity to observe several sorts of Frankincense trees. By the end of the day, go back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 11 : Rub Al Khali: The Empty Quarter
Location: Empty Quarter, Ubar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Beach Resort Salalah
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, immerse yourself in the immensity of Rub al Khali. The name of this desert means the Empty Quarter, as it's one of the largest deserts in the world.
Leave Salalah in the morning and drive toward the desert. There, you find Wadi Dowkha with its Tree Farms.
Drive an hour and a half to the desert village of Shisr. Here are the ruins of the lost city of Ubar, known as the "Atlantis of the Sands".
Visit the ruins before going deeper into the Empty Quarter to explore the desert. By the end of the day, go back to Salalah.
Day 12 : Salalah: Departure Day
Location: Salalah
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the morning on your own and rest at the hotel. After check-out, a private transfer brings you back to Salalah International Airport to end your trip.
What's Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Entrance Fees
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Fully Guided
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Local Taxes
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All entrance fees, including the Turtle Reserve, are included in the price of the tour.
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
1st Quest requires a minimum deposit of 100% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 100 days before departure.
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