Oman - From the Desert to the Coast
8 Days Starting and ending in Muscat
Visiting: Muscat, Sur, Wahiba Sands, Nizwa, Jebel Shams
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ODC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
When referring to the Arab world, there’s a differentiation between the Middle East and North Africa, and the Gulf. The latter’s oil-rich states are often characterised by glittering high-rise developments, shopping malls, five-star hotels and industrial quantities of air-conditioning. Indigenous populations are often outnumbered by poorly paid guest workers, and little remains of traditional culture. Oman is an exception. The mostly benign absolute monarchy of the late Sultan Qaboos saw an insular conservative kingdom evolve to adopt a more modern outlook. However, as much as Oman has used its oil revenues for infrastructure development, it has retained its traditional culture and identity. This tour explores barren deserts and rugged coasts, as well as verdant oases and lush plantations. From remote mountain villages and simple farms to ornate tribal palaces, impressive mosques and modern cities, Oman displays its many faces. If you think you know the Gulf prepare to think again.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Muscat
Location: Muscat
Accommodation Name: Al Falaj Hotel or similar
Arrive in Muscat and transfer to hotel accommodation. Depending upon flight schedules there may be time to explore the city independently. No meals or guided arrangements are included today. Overnight at Al Falaj Hotel or similar.MuscatStrategically situated at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, Muscat has been an important trading town on the crossroads between east and west for at least two millennia. During the 16th and 17th centuries it changed hands between Portuguese and Turkish invaders several time before returning to local control. The discovery of oil in the 1960s saw Muscat grow from a small harbour town into a large and modern city, fuelling a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society as workers from countries such as India arrive in search of work. Muscat originally consisted only of the area known as Old Muscat, a walled town on a natural harbour which houses excellent examples of traditional Omani architecture and a couple of Portuguese built forts dating back to the 16th century.
Day 2 : Muscat – Sur – Ras Al Jinz
Location: Sur
Accommodation Name: Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we drive through spectacular rugged mountains towards Sur. En we route we stop at Bimmah Sink Hole and Wadi Shab, an oasis of inviting pools where it may be possible to take a dip. After lunch we explore Sur, in the past renowned for its dhow shipyards, before continuing to Ras al Jinz. After an early dinner we visit the green turtle sanctuary where, after a journey of thousands of kilometres, mature females come ashore to lay their eggs. Overnight Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve or similar. (BLD)
Day 3 : Ras Al Jinz – Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba Sands
Location: Wahiba Sands
Accommodation Name: 1000 Nights Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis in the middle of barren and dry mountain landscapes. It’s one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman, and its pools of clear deep blue water are a welcome opportunity for a swim. After lunch we head into the Wahiba Sands, an undulating red and white sea of dunes. After some exciting dune driving, we arrive at our desert camp. Overnight 1000 Nights Camp or similar. (BLD)
Day 4 : Wahiba Sands
Location: Wahiba Sands
Accommodation Name: 1000 Nights Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is free to relax. There’s lunch at a Bedouin house, and a range of activities are available from the desert camp (which may be booked in advance – please advise if you would like the full list), or just take in the views over the dunes. Overnight 1000 Nights Camp or similar. (BLD)
Day 5 : Wahiba Sands – Ibra – Jebel Akhdar – Nizwa
Location: Nizwa
Accommodation Name: Intercity Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we drive to the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. En route we visit Ibra Old Houses and explore Jebel Akhdar. In Arabic Jebel Akhdar means Green Mountains, and the area is justifiably famous for its gardens, farms and terraced plantations. We call in at Wadi Habib to see one of the more remote villages and its nearby fruit plantations, before continuing to Nizwa. Overnight Intercity Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 6 : Nizwa – Jabrin Castle – Bahla - Jebel Shams
Location: Nizwa
Accommodation Name: Jebel Shams Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we visit Nizwa’s souk, its busy livestock market and its fort. Afterwards we drive to the 17th century Yaruba dynasty castle of Jabrin, where magnificent plasterwork, painted wooden beams, and carved doors make it unique in Oman. Afterwards we drive to Bahla, one of the oldest towns in Oman and a 12th century tribal capital. We admire views of the town and its magnificent fort before continuing to Jebel Shams. Overnight Jebel Shams Resort or similar. (BLD)
Day 7 : Jebel Shams – Al Hamra – Wadi Bani Awf – Muscat
Location: Jebel Shams
Accommodation Name: Al Falaj Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we take in spectacular views of Jebel Shams, the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’. Afterwards we drive to Al Hamra and Misfah, to see one of the region’s oldest villages. Here traditional mud houses over 400-years-old are still occupied. After an early lunch we head to Wadi Bani Awf, the end point of the canyon, to see the ‘snake gorge’ in the middle of steep mountain cliffs. Later we drive to Nakhl and visit its restored fort, perched on a rocky outcrop, before arriving in Muscat. Overnight Al Falaj Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Day 8 : Muscat
Location: Muscat
Accommodation Name: Al Falaj Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we visit the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the Middle East. Afterwards we drive through Muscat’s old, walled district and visit Bait Al Zubai Museum for its Omani cultural displays. Later we head to Muttrah Souk where it’s possible to bargain for handicrafts and silverware. In the late afternoon we take a sunset cruise, before transferring to Muscat airport to meet onward flights. (BL)Please note that due to the activities on Day 8, including the sunset cruise, you should not book a flight to depart from Muscat any earlier than 23:00.
What's Included
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Arrival and departure transfers
Transfers between the airport and hotel on both arrival and departure days.
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Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All transportation throughout the tour is provided, including travel with a professional driver.
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All accommodation
Accommodation for the duration of the tour is included.
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Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
The tour includes the services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader to enhance your experience.
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Meals as listed
Meals are provided as indicated in the itinerary: B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner.
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Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Entrance fees to all sites listed in the tour's itinerary are covered.
What's Not Included
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International flights
International flights are not included
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Any airport taxes (except when prepaid with any domestic flights)
Airport taxes are not included except when prepaid with any domestic flights.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Visa - when required
Visa fees are not included and responsibility for obtaining visas lies with the traveler.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included and will be an additional cost.
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Items of personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.
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Tips (Discretionary)
Tips are discretionary and not included in the tour price.
Mode of Transport
Travelers will be transported across Oman's diverse landscapes in overland vehicles, driven by professional drivers, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.
Accommodation
Guests will enjoy a variety of accommodations, from traditional hotels to unique desert camps, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the accommodation description?
All accommodation for the duration of the tour is included.
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What are the highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include scaling the vast dunes of the Wahiba Sands and staying at a desert camp, exploring mystical desert forts and castles, enjoying beautiful coastal scenery and the opportunity to spot rare turtles nesting on the beach, discovering superb scenery of Jebel Akhdar and ancient mountain villages, wandering in the atmospheric souqs of Muscat and Nizwa, enjoying the view at the huge expanse of Jebel Shams Grand Canyon, and the option to see more of Oman with an extension to the country’s southern region of Salalah or to the Musandam Peninsular.
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends in Muscat.
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What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Oman.
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What is the transport description?
Overland transport throughout the tour is provided with a professional driver.
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What does the tour exclude?
The tour excludes international flights, any airport taxes (except when prepaid with any domestic flights), travel insurance, visa fees, drinks, items of personal nature, and tips (discretionary).
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What does the tour include?
The tour includes arrival and departure transfers, overland transport throughout with a professional driver, all accommodation, services of an English-speaking guide/tour leader, meals as listed, and entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.
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I’m a single traveller – will I feel out of place?
In a word, no. We get a good mix of single travellers and couples on our group tours.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We are happy to allocate a twin room to two single same-sex travellers. If there is no one else to travel
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, sorry this is not possible.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer fully transferable group tour deposits (excluding any flight payments which are always non-refundable). You can change your group tour booking up to 10 weeks before departure and not lose your deposit – we will put your deposit towards any new group booking as long as you travel within 2 years of the original departure date.
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Can I alter the tour?
On our scheduled departures this isn’t possible, simply due to the fact that you’ll be travelling with other people. However, if you like the look of one of our advertised trips but want to tweak it slightly, then we can offer tailor made itineraries just for you, to accommodate your specific requirements.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
There are no hard and fast rules about what type of people travel on Undiscovered Destinations’ group tours – we attract people from all ages, nationalities and walks of life. What you are likely to find though is that travellers share a similar outlook about travel. We tend to attract people with a curiosity about the lesser visited corners of our planet.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been going since 2004.
Reviews of this operator
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Free Date Changes
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform undiscovered destinations, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Undiscovered Destinations requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person 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 undiscovered destinations charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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