Oman Encompassed

Oman Small Group Tour

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.

 

Tour Highlights

• Experience a different side to Oman at little visited Salalah, the capital of the Dhofar

• See and scale the vast dunes of the Wahiba Sands and stay at a desert camp

• Explore mystical desert forts and castles

• Enjoy beautiful coastal scenery and the opportunity to spot rare turtles nesting on the beach

• Discover superb scenery of Jebel Akhdar and ancient mountain villages

• Wander in the atmospheric souqs of Muscat and Nizwa

• Enjoy the view at the huge expanse of Jebel Shams Grand Canyon


Tour Rating

To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.

Fitness

1/5

Unexplored

2/5

Culture

4/5

History

4/5

Wildlife

3/5

Tour Pace

3/5

Map + Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Salalah 

Arrive in Salalah and transfer to the hotel. No meals or guided arrangements are included today. Overnight at Salalah Garden Residences or similar. 

Day 2: Exploring Salalah and Surrounds 

This morning we head east to the Dhofar region. Our first destination is Taqa where we visit the fort and the impressive ruins at Sumhuram which give an insight on life 2000-years-ago. The adjoining port of Khor Rori was once an important trade centre and the main conduit for the export of frankincense. Just before Mirbat we reach Bin Ali’s Tomb, marked by a twin-domed mosque and adjoining cemetery. In Mirbat, the former capital of Dhofar, we visit the old merchant houses, built in traditional Omani-style. Returning to Salalah we call in at Ayn Razat Gardens, a quiet place at the foot of the lush Qara Mountains. In the afternoon we drive west towards Al-Mughsail Beach passing scattered stands of frankincense trees. At the beach we witness the surprisingly spectacular blow holes before visiting the Tomb of Prophet Ayub (Job), located in the mountains north of Salalah. Overnight Salalah Garden Residences or similar. (BL) 

Day 3: 4WD to the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) 

Today we take 4WD vehicles and drive into the Qara mountain range from where there are spectacular views of the Salalah plains, dotted with thick shrubs and woodland. We continue west on a graded road, crossing the huge gravel desert of Al Nejd. After almost 175km we reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ‘Lost City of Ubar'. The legendary ancient kingdom of Ubar was said to have existed in one of the most inhospitable places on earth - the vast and forbidding Rub’ Al Khali desert, or Empty Quarter. According to myth the desert swallowed Ubar. Quite literally, it sank without a trace, becoming the fabled ‘Atlantis of the Sands’. The buried city was spotted by satellite and in 1992 benefited from work carried out by a team of explorers led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Afterwards we drive into the Empty Quarter to experience the ‘world’s largest sand desert’. From the top of the dunes breathtaking views over the vast sea of sand await. Later we head back to Salalah, stopping at the Bedouin settlement of Thumrait for lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight Salalah Garden Residences or similar. (BL) 

Please note: Lunch will be around 1400hrs on this day. 

Day 4: Salalah City tour - Fly to Muscat 

This morning we visit Al Balid Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ‘The Museum of the Frankincense Land’. The museum’s displays focus on the geography and history of the Frankincense trail, and Oman's rich marine heritage. Afterwards we drive through lush green plantations of vegetables and fruits, stopping to taste a fresh coconut water at a street stall. We also stop briefly at the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque and Al Husn Palace. At Al Hafa souk, famous for the sale of high-quality Frankincense, we follow fragrant, winding alleys populated by stalls offering incense boxes, decorated clay incense burners, and bags of incense. There’s plenty of time to explore before we return to the hotel. Later we drive to Salalah Airport to catch an afternoon flight to Muscat. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight Al Falaj Hotel or similar. (B) 

Muscat 

Strategically 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 5: Muscat – Sur – Ras Al Jinz (Approximate driving time: three-and-a-half-hours)

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) 

Sur 

The attractive coastal town of Sur has long been known for its tradition of dhow building, its shipyard continuing to produce these mighty vessels which have formed such an important part of Omani culture and trade over the years, although these days there is less demand. Today it’s a relatively quiet town where one can walk through traditional markets surrounded by Omanis in their typical national dress, and it’s a good place to get a feel for local culture. Sur played a role in the slave trade for many years, being a conduit for slaves brought from East Africa on their way to the markets of Arabia, and it took many years for this practice to be eradicated in Sur after it was officially outlawed. 

Day 6: Ras Al Jinz – Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba Sands (Approximate driving time: three-hours)

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) 

Wahiba Sands 

The Wahiba Sands are characterised by enormous rolling dunes, some as high as 150 metres, stretching as far as the eye can see – a quintessential desert landscape that is as beautiful as it is austere. Named after the Wahiba tribe, the region is home to Bedouin who manage to eke out an existence around the few oases, and is also home to a surprising amount of wildlife. Immortalised by the travels of Wilfred Thesiger, a journey into the sands offers a superb opportunity to experience desert wilderness. 

The Bedouin 

Bedouin is a collective name given to a variety of desert dwelling tribes, spread out from the Arabian Peninsula to North Africa. Traditionally the Bedouin were largely nomadic, taking their large goat hair tents and moving to find pasture for their flocks throughout the arid desert wastes. Although different tribes were united, typically the Bedu would live separately in their family groups – a necessity so as not to put excess pressure on the meagre resources of the landscape. Nowadays modernity has taken its toll on traditional Bedouin life, as many have settled in towns and cities in search of a more secure existence, but many nomadic families still exist. The recent imposition of national borders on the homelands of the Bedouin has also acted to circumscribe traditional patterns of migration. The Bedouin are famed for their culture of hospitality which dictates that they treat visitors as honoured guests. 

Day 7: Wahiba Sands

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 8: Wahiba Sands – Ibra – Jebel Akhdar – Nizwa (Approximate driving time: five-and-a-half-hours)

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) 

Jebel Akhdar 

Jebel Akhdar is part of the Hajar Mountains, which stretch for about 300km from North West to South East. The higher parts of the region receive enough rainfall to allow agriculture and many traditional fruits and vegetables are grown on the slopes. This is one of the most scenic areas in Oman, and is mostly inhabited by members of the Bani Riyam tribe. Jebel Akhdar was the scene of some fierce fighting between rebels and Omani and British forces in the late 1950s. 

Nizwa 

The town of Nizwa has historically been a very important oasis offering respite from the often harsh landscape surrounding it, and is a key centre for growing dates. However it is far better known for its splendid fort built in the 17th century and painstakingly restored in 1990. The fort is vast and contains many different sections, including a Koranic school, a mosque, a prison and living quarters. Once the capital of Oman, Nizwa became an important centre for trade and education, profiting from its strategic position between Muscat and Dhofar. The town has been extensively modernised under Sultan Qaboos bin Said, but retains its flavour, especially in the back streets of the old souq.

Day 9: Nizwa – Jabrin Castle – Bahla - Jebel Shams (Approximate driving time: two-hours)

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 10: Jebel Shams – Al Hamra – Wadi Bani Awf – Muscat (Approximate driving time: five-hours)

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 11: Muscat

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.

Tour Inclusions

Arrival and departure transfers

Overland transport throughout with professional driver

Domestic flight from Salalah to Muscat

All accommodation 

Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader

Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner

Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Tour Exclusions

International flights (contact us for expert advice and a quote)

Any airport taxes (except when prepaid with any domestic flights)

Travel Insurance

Visa - when required

Drinks

Items of personal nature

Tips (Discretionary)

Feedback from our Travellers

  • We were lucky enough to have a fantastic guide, Said Al Salti. He was extremely knowledgeable about Oman and its history. He was courteous, kind and able to handle any situation ( including a difficult client). We were lucky. Guides like Mr. Salti are hard to find making this a first class trip. Your company goes to very unusual destinations. Other travel companies charge much more money for this type of trip with the same itinerary - so with the great service from the local contractor, you have a winning combination. Said was one of the best guides that I have had in my years of travel. His Knowledge about Oman and its history is outstanding He was courteous, kind, able to handle any situation. Undiscovered Destinations offered a great tour of the highlights of Oman. Everything was well taken care of. I was very impressed with the level of service. I would highly recommend this company and a visit to Oman.

    Ms Andrea Banduhn, USA

  • Saeed our guide was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and interesting to talk to. On the long drives it was great to talk to him about Oman and the Middle East. Even in the middle of the desert the 1000 nights camp was amazing. The accommodation and food was better than expected. We didn't really know much about Oman only that we loved the diversity of the country. We felt like we experienced all this in 2 weeks and were very happy with our adventure holiday.

    Traveller from Australia

  • We were very impressed with the standard of organisation and the support we received throughout. We generally enjoy completely independent travel, but this enjoyable self-drive tour in Oman was the nearest thing and we felt very cared for, especially as there were problems with the outward flight (30 hour delay, and lost luggage) which both the UK and Oman staff dealt with as well as they could. The tour was busy but we were able to arrange some flexibility into it in advance and it gave us an excellent introduction to a fascinating and often beautiful country, with lovely polite people.

    Traveller from UK

  • Undiscovered Destinations were professional, friendly and really put together an ideal itinerary. The guide was just superb and Oman is a fantastic place to visit . The whole trip was just superb. 7 days travelling around the north of Oman with a small group. Muscat, turtles, forts, beautiful whaddi's, dhows, deserts, souks, abandoned villages, a "grand canyon", jaw dropping mosque, sunset cruises. I could go on - just a brilliant country if you fancy an adventurous, well organised trip - heartily recommend the country and the tour operator.

    Traveller from USA

Foreign Office Travel Warnings

Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories. 

We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At the time of writing the FCDO does not advise against travel to the areas of Oman that we visit on this tour.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Visa Information

At the time of writing US and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Oman. British nationals can visit Oman for up to 14 days without a visa. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.

British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html 

Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au 

Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.

Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment. 

As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.

Passports

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.

We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.

For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Vaccinations & Protection

As with travel to most parts of the Middle East, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday. 

Local Conditions

When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like. 

The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.

Essential Info

Other Tours You May Like