Classic Oman
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
One of Arabia’s undiscovered gems, Oman is a land of rugged coastlines and vast deserts where tradition and progress go hand in hand. Blessed with a dazzling array of natural and cultural highlights, the country that spawned the legends of Sinbad the Sailor is also home to shifting sands and towering mountains, colonial forts and the rich azure waters of the Arabian Sea.
This wonderful adventure takes you from the heart of its picturesque capital, deep into the mountains, deserts ...
One of Arabia’s undiscovered gems, Oman is a land of rugged coastlines and vast deserts where tradition and progress go hand in hand. Blessed with a dazzling array of natural and cultural highlights, the country that spawned the legends of Sinbad the Sailor is also home to shifting sands and towering mountains, colonial forts and the rich azure waters of the Arabian Sea.
This wonderful adventure takes you from the heart of its picturesque capital, deep into the mountains, deserts and tribal strongholds of the old Omani Imamate. Beginning in Muscat you will follow the coastline south, heading to the historic old dhow shipyards of Sur and on towards Raz Al Jinz, the nesting grounds of rare green sea turtles. After a night camping amongst the shifting sands of Wahiba, your journey then takes you on towards the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains and the high point of your adventure.
Here, amongst the dramatic landscapes of the Green Mountain, you’ll discover villages steeped in the traditions of ages past, where ancient falaj water systems share the timeless vistas with imposing forts and wadis and oases that are amongst the most beautiful anywhere in eastern Arabia.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE MUSCAT
Day 1 ARRIVE MUSCAT
Arriving in Muscat the journey to your hotel will take in the magnificent setting of the Grand Mosque, built to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the reign of Sultan Qaboos. Please be aware that to enter the Grand Mosque ladies should be fully covered, including a head scarf, and men are not allowed in wearing shorts. A guided tour of the capital this afternoon then provides an opportunity to visit the excellent Natural History Museum and the Al Alam Palace, before taking a wander around the Muttrah Souq.
Day 2 MUSCAT - RAS AL JINZ
Day 2 MUSCAT - RAS AL JINZ
Turning south this morning, your journey takes you towards the turtle nesting grounds of Raz Al Jinz, passing by the Bimh Sink Hole and the popular setting of Finn Beach. A stop amongst the beautiful landscapes of Wadi Shab provides a chance for a walk through one of Oman's most spectacular wadis, before continuing on past the historic old port town of Sur. Arriving in Raz Al Jinz later this afternoon, there will be time to freshen up before heading out this evening to search for turtles.
Day 3 RAS AL JINZ - WAHIBA SANDS
Day 3 RAS AL JINZ - WAHIBA SANDS
Following the coast back towards Sur this morning there will be an opportunity to take in this pretty port town and wander through the old dhow shipyards, before turning inland towards the picturesque setting of Wadi Bani Khaled, easily one of Oman's most beautiful wadis. After a chance for a walk and a swim, the journey then continues into the desert, towards the rolling dunes and shifting sands of Wahiba where, after a bit of dune-bashing, you'll settle down for a peaceful night under the desert sky.
Day 4 WAHIBA SANDS - JEBEL AKHDAR
Day 4 WAHIBA SANDS - JEBEL AKHDAR
The adventure turns west today, towards the Hajar Mountains and the limestone slopes of Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain). Stopping off at the town of Ibra en route, you'll have a chance to visit the local market, before spending the rest of the journey soaking up the rich natural and cultural diversity of village life. A fascinating insight into local Omani culture, the morning is filled with wonderful scenery, captivating villages, ancient labyrinthine water systems and orchards of walnuts, pomegranates and damask roses. Free afternoon.
Day 5 JEBEL AKHDAR - NIZWA - JEBEL SHAMS
Day 5 JEBEL AKHDAR - NIZWA - JEBEL SHAMS
The first stop of the day will be in the historic old city of Nizwa, home to an imposing 17th century fort and a bustling souk. You will also visit the impressive fort at Jabrin, possibly the finest of Oman's 17th century fortresses, whose exquisite painted wooden ceilings provide an eloquent testimony to the skills of the fort's original builders. Following a brief photo stop to take in the UNESCO World Heritage setting of Bahla Fort, you'll then head into the spectacular mountain landscapes of Jebel Shams.
Day 6 JEBEL SHAMS
Day 6 JEBEL SHAMS
At over 3,000 metres, Jebel Shams (The Mountain of the Sun) is one of the highest points on the eastern Arabian Peninsula. Often called the 'Grand Canyon' of Oman, these mountains stretch in a 700 kilometre arc that is filled with hidden valleys and fertile oases. This morning you will take a walk along the rim of the canyon, enjoying the views out across Wadi Ghul, before driving down to the stunning hillside town of Misfah and continuing on to the atmospheric old village of Al Hamra. Return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 7 JEBEL SHAMS - MUSCAT
Day 7 JEBEL SHAMS - MUSCAT
The drive back to Muscat today takes you through Wadi Bani Awf and Bilad Sayt, an idyllic mountain village with a wealth of picturesque terraces. Enjoying one of the most scenic road trips in the country, the drive then takes you by way of the beautifully restored fort at Nakhal. The views from the roof are particularly impressive, whilst Nakhal's famous springs provide a wonderfully sheltered spot to take in the lush plantations and mountain peaks before continuing the journey back to the capital.
Day 8 DEPART MUSCAT
Day 8 DEPART MUSCAT
Transfer to the airport for the return flight back home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Crowne Plaza Muscat Hotel, Muscat
The four star Crowne Plaza Muscat is nestled at the tip of Qurum Beach and has panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman. The elegantly appointed and recently refurbished rooms have all modern amenities you'd expect and the hotel offers excellent leisure facilities including floodlit tennis courts, a swimming pool, a state of the art gymnasium, squash courts, sauna and steam rooms and massage and spa treatments. Restaurants serve a variety of Persian, Italian and international food.
1000 Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands
1000 Nights Camp is the only one of its kind at Wahiba Sands, where you can travel further into the sands away from the main 'traffic' of this now quite busy area. The deluxe camp has 73 hand-made Bedouin wool tents, furnished with Arabic carpets, comfortable twin beds, table and chairs, and towels. The camp also features a swimming pool which is unique amongst all the camps in Wahiba Sands. Each tent has a separate walled but open roofed bathroom. There is an atmospheric dining building with cushions and low tables, where you are served a simple yet tasty Omani dinner. Activities such as camel riding, dune bashing, sand boarding and Bedouin family visits can all be arranged. Please note the hotel is dry and most rooms don’t have air conditioning.
The View, Jebel Shams
Follow the windy mountain road from Al Hamra for about 8km and you'll reach the stunning location of The View, sitting at around 1400 metres above sea level. There are 30 comfortable and well-appointed rooms spectacularly set on the mountainside, all en suite with terrace or veranda and with unbeatable views down into Al Hamra Valley. There is a restaurant to enjoy evening meals after a day exploring the many sights located around the hotel and a small but beautiful infinity pool.
Sahab Resort & Spa, Jebel Akhdar
The Sahab hotel is a unique hotel situated on the Saiq Plateau, located 2,000 metres above sea level, of Jabal Al Akhdar. The cooler climes of the western Hajjar Mountains area welcome retreat after a desert adventure. The property overlooks the canyon that is dotted with ancient villages and famous terraced farms or gardens. The twenty-seven rooms are subtly decorated, and all have a private patio or terrace, many of which look towards the mountains. Wake up to the beautiful hues of the sunrise, a peaceful start to a day of activities in the Jebel Akhdar or a day of simply relaxing. The wonderful pool and jacuzzi are surrounded by well-tended gardens full of native plants and fossils dating back millions of years and again offer stunning views. The hotel has a good restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy meals below the stars. You can choose to indulge in a treatment from the spa at the treatment rooms or in your room.
Carapace Lodge, Ras Al Jinz
The Carapace Lodge is set in a research facility on the beach in Ras Al Jinz, originally a scientific centre the lodge now provides accommodation in an eco-tourism style for those wishing to see the turtles. Rooms in the main hotel are simple but large & clean. There is also the option to stay in one of 10 luxury tents located a short distance away up a nearby hill where you get stunning views of the coast. Meals are served in a small restaurant in the main hotel. Beach walks take place in the evening and early morning for guests to see and learn about the turtles that visit the beach, it's about a 15 minute walk to the stunning beach, you can only swim here from 6am - 1pm. Turtle viewing is at 8.45pm and 5am and hotel guests always go in the first viewing groups.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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TRANSPORT
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EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258