Jeddah to Muscat (23 days) Oasis Caravan
Jeddah to Muscat (23 days) Oasis Caravan
23 Days Starting in Jeddah Saudi Arabia and ending in Muscat, Oman
Visiting: Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Aseer National Park, Farasan Islands, Riyadh, empty quarter desert camp, Al Hofuf, Bahla Fort, Al Hajar Mountains, Jebel Shams, Nizwa, Ibra, Wadi Bani Khalid, Sur, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Wadi Ash Shab, Muscat
Tour operator:
Tour code:
539
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Physical rating:
All Ages / Not applicable
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Travel from one coast to another on this trip, with a lot of sand in between! Start your trip by admiring the Rea Sea-inspired architecture that Jeddah is known for, before heading South to learn about the more bohemian side to Saudi. Explore beautiful Aseer National Park with it's hanging villages, and take a day trip to the spectacular Farasan islands, if diving and white sand beaches are your thing! You'll get the true desert experience on a 4x4 safari into the largest sandy desert in the world, before the city lights and sights take over your senses. Oman promises ancient history and warm hospitality, as we camp our way through UNESCO sites on local farms. We'll head into the cool mountains to take in the amazing views, lose ourselves in the bustling souqs and enjoy a traditional Omani feast with a tribal leader. The last few days see us returning to the coast, to explore Sur, search for Green Sea Turtles at Ras Al Jinz, and take in the sites of the seaside capital, Muscat.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Jeddah
Location: Jeddah
Accommodation: Hotel
Welcome to Saudi Arabia. Your first day is a free day for you to arrive, check in to your hotel and introduce yourself to the local area. You can meet your Tour Leader and your group this evening, when they arrive into the city.
On Day 2, you will have your Pre-Departure Meeting in the morning, after which you have a free day to explore Jeddah, one of the more cosmopolitan and relatively liberal cities in the Kingdom. The city's architecture takes inspiration from the Rea Sea's spectacular underwater coral, and you can spend your time here exploring a more laid-back Saudi, the maze-like markets, or perhaps you might fancy some scuba diving - use your free time as you choose!
Day 3 - 6 : Jeddah To Abha
Location: Jeddah, Taif, Abha, Aseer National Park, Farasan Islands
Our next stop is Taif, where we head up into the hills and into the cooler climate. Keep a look out for the wild baboons that populate the roadsides; visit the largest souq in Saudi Arabia and sample the fresh fruits the region is famous for. We climb higher still as we travel to Abha, our base for a few nights. Described as being the country's most bohemian town, it's a world away from the Saudi we've experienced so far. You can visit Al Muftaha village, a cultural gem famous for its calligraphy graffiti, and head out to explore the hanging villages of Aseer National Park. You might like to use your other free day to head South to the stunning Farasan Islands, visiting pearl merchants on land or the incredible marine life under the sea.
Day 7 - 10 : Abha To Riyadh
Location: Riyadh, empty quarter desert camp
Accommodation: Camp
It's a long drive inland to Saudi Arabia's capital, so we'll break up the journey with a camp in the desert - a chance to break out those sleeping bags again!
From a mud-brick walled oasis town along desert trading routes, Riyadh - which means "garden" in Arabic - is now one of the richest cities in the world. You can explore the world-class museums, travel up the sky bridge or enjoy the many great cafes and restaurants.
From here, we take a 4 x 4 desert safari trip into the Empty Quarter, where you can gaze at the awe-inspiring dunes and strain your eyes for the elusive Arabian leopard. A harsh yet romantic landscape, it's like nowhere else on earth.
We'll have a final night in Riyadh before we continue our journey.
Day 11 - 14 : Riyadh To Oman
Location: Riyadh, Al Hofuf
We leave city life behind as we head to our last stop in Saudi, the largest oasis on earth which produces one of the biggest yields of dates in the world. While you're sampling the famous fruit, it's also worth reading up on Al Hofuf's history; as one of the main cultural centres in the Kingdom, its university was one of the first to accept female students. Crossing into Abu Dhabi, we'll follow the coast around The Gulf, and camp overnight beachside. Heading inland, we'll drive through more desert and cross into our final country, Oman, where our first stop is to visit the UNESCO ancient beehive tombs at Bat and Al Ayn in Wadi Hajir.
Day 15 - 17 : Jebel Shams To Nizwa
Location: Bahla Fort, Al Hajar Mountains, Jebel Shams, Nizwa
We continue our cultural adventure with stops at Jabreen Castle and the formidable Bahla Fort. Bahla is one of Oman's oldest towns and is famous for its incredible fortress that dates back to the 13th century. After a couple of nights staying at Omani farms, we head into the Hajar mountains. Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun) is the country's highest peak, and you'll have the opportunity to trek the Balcony Walk for views of Oman's own "Grand Canyon of Arabia", Wadi Ghul. We'll then travel to Nizwa, the "Pearl of Islam". Famous for producing exquisitely crafted silver - especially the curved dagger, the khanjar - make sure you visit the souq for anything and everything!
Day 18 - 20 : Ibra To Wadi Bani Khalid
Location: Ibra, Wadi Bani Khalid
Accommodation: Camp
After the cooler climate of the hills, we travel back down to the lowlands to Ibra, one of the oldest cities in Oman. Also home to some of the largest tribes in the country, Ibra is known for its beautiful handicrafts and the best silver jewellery in the country- a good place for shopping! Tonight we'll enjoy an Omani traditional feast with a tribal leader. After a traditional home-made breakfast the following morning, you can walk and swim off any excess at Wadi Bani Khalid. We're heading into the desert tonight - lets enjoy camping under the stars after a spectacular sunset over the sand.
Day 21 - 23 : Desert Camp To Muscat
Location: Sur, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Sur, Wadi Ash Shab, Muscat
We’re heading for the coast today! We’ll visit Sur and see the traditional dhows and fish market in the town, before checking out some of the beautiful white-sand beaches nearby. We’ll spend the night at Ras Al Jinz to try and spot some of the endangered green turtles that favour the region. As we approach our final city, we’ll stop at Wadi Shab for a short hike and swim in the natural pools. Muscat is beautifully situated on the coast, and we’ll take a city tour to pack in the various highlights, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, The Royal Opera House, Mutrah Souq, and the National Museum. Your trip ends in the morning after breakfast.
What's Included
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Airport Transfer on arrival
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Jeddah
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Meals - approx. 40%
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All transport on Oasis Expedition Truck
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Services of Oasis Crew
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Aseer National Park Entrance
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Overnight trip to The Empty Quarter
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Accommodation - approx. 80% simple hostels/hotels & 20% camping
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Riyadh
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UNESCO tombs at Al Ayn Entrance
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
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Flights
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Airport Taxes & Transfers
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Travel Insurance
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Meals - approx. 60%
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Drinks
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Tips
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Visas
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Local payment from US$990
Local Payment (LP) is in the addition to the Trip Price and is paid to your Tour Leader at the start of your Trip.
It covers some of the trip's day to day expenses such as food and accommodation which your tour leader pays direct to local people.
More Info
The laidback city of Jeddah - with architecture inspired by the Red Sea coral - is a great introduction to fascinating Saudi Arabia. The adventure continues with the incredible historical site of Madain Saleh, the ancient pilgrimage stop Tabuk and then a visit to futuristic Neom. In Jordan, a 4x4 jeep safari takes you across the colourful sands of Wadi Rum with its stark rock formations, before we spend a day marvelling at the awe-inspiring Petra. There's time for a float in the salty Dead Sea before we discover more about the region's immense history as we travel to Amman.
Mode of Transport
The Oasis truck will be your new home giving you a comfortable, secure base with which to experience your trip. As part of the adventure you will be expected to have an active involvement in the day to day running of the trip, be part of the group and get stuck in and help with various tasks, whether it's cooking meals over open fires, pitching your tent or keeping the truck clean & tidy.
Seatbelts
All Oasis Overland trucks are fitted with seat belts. For your own safety and security we recommend that travellers wear these at all times whilst the vehicle is moving.
Accommodation
Camping - Oasis provides tents for those nights you will be camping. Tents are shared (between two people of the same sex from your group unless you are a couple). We spend some nights bush or desert camping, and on some occasions it is necessary to camp at overnight services, which are basic but equipped with showers and other facilities; the rest of the time in campsites. Facilities and standards at campsites vary, some are well equipped and managed and some are very basic. At bush camps you will be living off the truck, so there will be no showers or en-suite facilities! At certain campsites there is the opportunity to upgrade to a private room at your own expense if you are missing your bed.
Simple Hotels/Hostels - At some locations we will stay at small locally owned hostels/hotels. These are usually basic places, and often the accommodation will be mixed sex dormitory style. Upgrades may be available on arrival, but cannot be reliably pre- booked. Please be aware that the quality of accommodation can vary quite a lot from area to area and sometimes in a small hotel the standard of rooms can vary even from one room to the next - so there needs to be a level of understanding within the group that your Oasis Crew does not often have power over room allocation or services provided by various hotels and it is unavoidable that they have to rely on the local staff. Please note if you choose to participate on an overnight optional activity, then you will not receive reimbursement for any accommodation or meals that you are missing out on with the rest of the group.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
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Are flights included in this tour?
You can arrive at your departure city either on Day one of your trip, or a day or two beforehand. Return flights must be booked for at least the day AFTER the trip is due to end. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities. One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry. Departure Taxes: Please check with your Travel Agent or Airline if your flight ticket already includes a departure tax payment out of the country. If it does not - please budget for approx. US$30 to $70 USD - to be paid in US$ only.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 10 people.
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What to expect at meal times?
When 'on the road' or camping, we usually cook using gas or over open fires in a rota system and you can expect to cook in a group of two or three people approximately once every ten days depending on the number of people on trip and whereabouts you are. Your cook group will have to decide on what to cook, utilise stocks from the truck stores and locally obtain ingredients from markets, shops etc. and rustle up a meal. But don't worry if you're not a Gordon Ramsay, as the rest of the group and the Tour Leader usually lend a helping hand. Here is an idea of what to expect at meal times: Breakfasts: Usually simple - we help ourselves to cereal, toast, hot drinks and on occasion we will splurge with a cooked breakfast. Lunch: Cold and usually quick. The cook group will put out bread, tinned supplies and maybe make a salad. Dinner: Cooks come into their own in the evening, and will always attempt to cook up some delights. When staying in hotels in towns or cities we do not include meals. This is your chance to go out and explore and try local cuisine in local restaurants.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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