Epic Oman Trip

Upon arrival, a transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Welcome to Oman! Settle in and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast, you will begin your exploration of Muscat, the modern capital city filled with traditional Omani heritage. You will experience the beauty and exquisite detail of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. There you will see the largest crystal chandelier in the world. Oman was the first nation to officially submit to Mohammed and Islam. Next, your driver will take you along the breathtaking waterfront Mutrah Corniche, where you will then take a chartered boat out to an unexpected and contrasting location from your first stop of the day. Here you will see a Christian graveyard and the grave of Bishop French. The bishop gave a call to young men to come to the Arabian Peninsula and bring the gospel. When no one answered the call, he went and shortly thereafter, gave his life to bring the good news, dying of heat stroke after just a few months of ministry. Next your guide will take you to see the Al Alam Palace, the official ornamental palace of His Majesty the Sultan. Then you will enjoy the Riyam Park Hike where you will see stunning views of the coastal area. At the end of the hike you will enter the historic Mutrah Souq where you can enjoy shopping and haggling, if you like, for a new khanjar (curved Omani knife)! Afterward, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then return to your hotel for the night.

Today you will experience the wild history of Oman’s southern Al Batinah region. Get an early start at 8AM departing from Muscat, your eyes will be opened to Oman’s conflict-ridden past that led to the necessity to construct many of the fortresses which dot the landscape from north to south. First you will stop by an impressive fort in Nakhal dating from the pre-Islamic era, built upon bare rock overlooking the surrounding date plantations. On your way out of Nakhal, take a peek at the legendary Ath-Thawra hot springs, famed for their healing properties, and now a popular site for locals to unwind. Then you will enter Wadi Bani Auf into the mountains, where you will experience one of Omans best repelling, swimming, and hiking opportunities, all in one location, The Snake Canyon, so named for its winding passages. After your time in the wadi, you will continue your harrowing drive through and over the mountains. Stopping along the way at Bilad Sayt, a postcard picture of a secluded Omani village with terraced gardens. Heading up the mountain road you’ll take a short break at the top of the pass on Jabal Hatt. Then head down the mountain to your final stop, where you will stay the night in Misfat Al Abriyeen. Here you will see some of Oman’s oldest homes, many which have been preserved and now serve as hotels. Enjoy a walk along the ancient falage water system and enjoy the views from this canyon-side village. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast you will head down to Al Hamra where you will visit a home that is now a living museum: Bait Al Safah. Here you have the chance to take in and learn about heritage of how things are done in the mountains away from the capital. Then make the drive up Jabal Shams, Oman’s highest mountain. The views from this mountain are stunning and the experience is unforgettable. Your adventure commences with a 4 hour out and back hike along the edge of the canyon, the famous Balcony Walk, to the recently abandoned village of Sap Bani Khamis where you will have a quick stop for photos and climb up to the lake above. With the 2,000m deep canyon just over your shoulder, the views are exceptional and a head for heights is most definitely required. Dinner will be served at your cliffside lodgings.

Today you will get to see some of the best representations of Oman’s many fortifications. After breakfast, head down the mountain to Bahla, where you will see Oman’s the sprawling Bahla Fort, listed by UNESCO as one of the oldest heritage sites in the world. After your time there, you’ll visit Jabreen Castle. Decorative wood carvings, along with impressive wall and ceiling paintings make this fort unforgettable. Finally head over to Nizwa, the former capital of Oman and home to the famous Nizwa Fort and Souq. Take a break to browse and purchase some Omani silver crafts and other beautiful handmade items. Your hotel is tucked away in the historic district, behind the souk and fort. Enjoy a swim in the pool and dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast you will, leave the mountains behind and have the chance to visit the famous Zukait Beehive Tombs. No one seems to know the origin of these mysterious tombs, but they make for a great photo stop. Then, begin your journey into the Wahiba Sands Desert, named after the Bani Wahiba tribe native to this area. On the way, you will visit Wadi Khawer. Here you will hike up to the pools and waterfalls. This is one of Oman’s best kept secrets. After resting at the wadi, you will continue to Wahiba Sands where you can experience sunset in the desert, enjoy a delicious meal and rest at your resort.

After breakfast in the desert, head toward the coastal city of Sur. There you will visit Bilad Sur Castle and the Dhow Boat Factory and Museum. After exploring this beautiful coastal city you begin your coastal journey back towards Muscat. Make sure to bring a good pair of hiking sandals that can get wet. First, you will take a hike into Wadi Shab – one of the most picturesque wadis in all of Oman. Enjoy the beautiful blue waters where you can to swim into a secluded cave, complete with natural skylights and a waterfall. After Wadi Shab, experience one of Oman’s hidden gems – the deep blues and aquas of the Bimmah Sinkhole near the village of Dibab. After enjoying these aquatic treasures, you will return to Muscat for dinner and rest at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, you may have time to enjoy more of the blended beauty of the modern-yet-traditional capital city. Finally, say goodbye (for now) to beautiful Oman and transfer to the airport for departure.