Oman
Discover the Land of Frankincense
8 Days & 7 Nights
Can be travelled all year round but our favorite time of the year is
from January through April & October through December.
Tour is
escorted by
Licensed
Local English Speaking Guide
Tour Introduction:
The Sultanate of Oman is a land of stunning natural beauty intertwined with a mix of history and tales. Oman, the Arab World's longest independent state, has embraced modernization and advancement while preserving the key components of its culture and heritage, making it the ideal travel destination for anyone seeking an authentic Arabian experience. The Sultanate's historic heritage and history of seafaring, trading, and discovery are profoundly ingrained in Oman's culture. Long-standing traditions now coexist with modern living, with the latest fashion alongside traditional handcrafted products, jewelry, and even livestock markets around the country. Omanis are quite friendly of visitors from other nations, as evidenced by the great hospitality offered to visitors. Join us on this fascinating journey of discovery and adventure to learn about majestic forts and palaces, vibrant souqs, sprawling deserts and four UNESCO world heritage sites which add greater charm to country’s heritage.
Tour Itinerary:
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Welcome to Oman! Arrive in Muscat and proceed to Passport Control for immigration followed by baggage collection and clearing customs formalities. After baggage collection, walk towards the arrival lounge where you shall be met by our representative who will assist you while transferring to the Sheraton Oman 5* hotel or a similar for check-in. Free evening at leisure and enjoy your welcome dinner with fellow travelers.
Note: The hotel is available for check-in on day 01 at 2:00 pm.
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Enjoy breakfast at the Hotel. Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial center existing in harmony with its traditional culture. Pick up from the hotel and proceed to visit the Grand Mosque, the highlight of Muscat city. Completed in 2001, the Grand Mosque is a beautiful building that looks modern but shows that modern craftsmen have retained the skills necessary to create this wonderful traditional environment. It is impossible not to take more and more pictures. The handmade carpets, the chandeliers, and the ceiling of the great dome in the main prayer room are absolute 'must sees'. Kindly note, that ladies are to be fully covered and to carry a head scarf and men should wear trousers. Lecture by an Omani Scholar on Islam at Grand Mosque. Our next stop is The National Museum located in the old town where we will have an depth introduction to Oman’s history and development. The museum display experience is distributed over (14) halls, containing more than (7,000) distinctive, carefully selected objects, and (33) digital interactive display systems. Afterward, we will continue to Muttrah, the older parts of town. Here you will visit a traditional souq known as Muttrah Souq selling handicrafts, fabric, Omani clothes, spices, jewelry, and all sorts of hardware, and is far more aimed at locals than tourists. Later proceed to Al Alam Palace (Photo stop only – entry not allowed). Al Alam Palace, also known as Sultan's Palace and the Sultan Qaboos Palace, is one of the six royal residences of Sultan Qaboos located in Muscat. The ruling monarch’s residence was built in 1972 and holds a history of 200 years. We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch drive to Royal Opera House. It is the leading arts and culture organization in the Sultanate of Oman. The vision of the Opera House is to serve as a center of excellence in global cultural engagement and strive to enrich lives through diverse artistic, cultural, and educational programs. Later in the afternoon return to the hotel. Overnight at Sheraton Oman 5* hotel or similar in Muscat.
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Check out from the hotel in Muscat and enjoy a scenic drive to Sur. The drive along the coast offers tantalizing glimpses of the sea. Our first stop is at the Bimah sinkhole, a sinkhole filled with water about 200 meters inland. It contains fresh water mixed with sea water giving it a turquoise color, A large concrete staircase sticks out among the natural landscape but offers a less precarious way down to the picturesque pool. People can go swimming there with little fish that are known to nibble people’s toes in a non-harmful way. Continue your drive to Sur a town beautifully enclosed in a natural bay, where the harbor district is still built in traditional style. Arrive in Sur and visit the Fish Market and Dhow Factory followed by a transfer to Turtle Beach resort for check-in. After we will proceed to visit Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Oman is a vital area for Green Turtles in the Indian Ocean and the Green Back Turtle is heavily protected by the government of the country. Over 275 of the Sultanate's beaches double up as nesting grounds for five of the seven recognized species of sea turtles, the most common being the Green Back Turtle. (Please note that the main nesting season is June-August). Overnight stay at Turtle Beach Resort or similar.
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The morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and depart to visit the town of Jalan Bani Bu Ali via the coastal Ras Al Kabbah cliff known for its spectacular views. Later, continuing to the Sharqiya: staunchly traditional, and with a certain reputation for religious conservatism and political independence. Brief stop at Al Hamouda Mosque. Continue our drive to Bidiyah, with a slight deviation from the main route, and visit Wadi Bani Khalid. This is considered one of the most beautiful Wadi in Oman. The drive to Wadi Bani Khalid is through the Eastern Hajar Mountains, which offers a panoramic view of the landscape below. We pass many pretty villages embedded in the mountains. Here the road winds down to the wadi alongside a large, shallow pool fringed with vegetation and ends at a village. If you wish you can swim in these pure natural pools. Continue your journey to the Wahiba Sands. On the way, you will come face to face with the enormous desert. The Wahiba Sand is a long, narrow strip of high dunes and stretched woodland about 110 miles from north to south and about 50 miles from east to west along the unspoiled coastline of eastern Oman. In the north of Wahiba Sands are the most incredible dunes, some reaching a colossal 300 feet high and separated by enormous depressions. These beautiful dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. If you have a sense of adventure, drive over the dunes to experience the roller coaster-like feeling with our experienced drivers. After dune driving, visit a Bedouin house in this wilderness. The Wahiba Sands is also home to the Bedouins who are used to this harsh climate. There are over 3000 Bedouins of varying tribal origins who live here amongst the woodland on the fringes of the sands. Transfer to your Desert Night Camp resort and check in. Enjoy the sunset from the Dunes. Overnight stay at Desert Night Camp.
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After breakfast, start your journey to Jabal Akhdar via Sinaw, passing numerous small enclosures made of palm fronds that nowadays house goats and sheep. Behind the wall is the Sinaw Souq where you will see daily life and trade by Bedouine people. We continue for journey and will be visiting Jabreen Castle which was built in the late 17th century in the city of Bahla in Al Dakhliya Governorate, by Imam Bel’arab bin Sultan Al Yarubi, whose father built Nizwa Fort. What distinguishes Jabreen Castle from other forts, is that it was built during peaceful times, so it was not founded as a fortification palace but as a center of knowledge. Later photo stops at Bahla Fort, located at the foot of the highlands of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (The Green Mountain), which was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Afternoon, continue your drive towards Jabal Akhdar. Jebel Akhdar stands at a height of 2000m above sea level. The lush greenery and the cool climes on the drive here show us why it is called the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain ranges. Jebel Al Akhdar is famous for its Fruit Orchards, laid out in a step farming or terrace plantation style along the slopes of mountains. These plantations are watered by the abundant natural springs and Falaj system consisting of multiple Falaj sets. A large variety of fruit trees can be seen growing here including Peaches, Apricots, Figs, Grapes, Apples, Pears, Plums, Almonds, and Walnuts; The region is particularly renowned for the superb quality of the Pomegranate it produces. Upon arrival in Jabal Akhdar check in at the resort. Overnight stay at the dusitD2 Naseem Resort or similar.
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Embark on an unforgettable day tour in the stunning region of Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman, where you will explore the picturesque villages of Saiq, Al Ain, Wadi Bani Habib, and Al Shogara. Begin your journey in the serene Saiq Plateau, renowned for its lush terraced farms and fragrant rose gardens. Continue to Al Ain village, where panoramic views and traditional Omani architecture offer a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. Enjoy a delightful lunch before heading to the abandoned village of Wadi Bani Habib, where stone houses and lush orchards tell stories of the past. Conclude your adventure in Al Shogara village. This quaint village is characterized by its traditional Omani houses, constructed from stone and mud, reflecting the timeless architectural styles of the region. Enjoy the local lunch that will be served at the guest house. Return to dusitD2 Naseem Resort for overnight stay.
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After breakfast, we will depart to Nizwa, for the Famous Cattle market. We will enjoy the hassle of the morning market. Our next stop is Nizwa Fort which was established in the 1850s by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’rubi and took around 12 years to be built because it lies over an underground stream. It is one of the most visited national attractions in Oman for the historical significance that it represents, being the main administrative seat of authority for Nizwa’s Wallis and Imams. Next visit Nizwa Souq which lies in the vicinity of the walls of the famous Nizwa Fort. Its building embraces both traditional and modern architectural lines. Though it has many alleys and divisions, Nizwa Souq has remained for hundreds of years unchanged. We will enjoy the local lunch and then, we will drive straight to Birkat Al Mauz situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar Mountains. We will walk through its oasis and date plantations before returning to back to Jabal Akhdar. This site is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Overnight stay at Radisson Blu or a similar hotel.
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After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight returning to the US. End of the service.
Land Tour Price Only: (International Airfare, Taxes & Fuel surcharges are not included)
2 Travelers:
USD 4,700 Per Person
Based on double room
occupancy
3 Travelers:
USD 4,200 Per Person
Based on double room
occupancy
4 Travelers:
USD 3,900 Per Person
Based on double room
occupancy
Single Room Supplement:
$650 USD Per Person (For all nights of the tour if you wish to stay in a single room).
Note: Customized private journey rates are based on a min of 2 participants & a max of 4 participants. The tour rates are valid for 2024-2025 & are subject to change as per the travel dates requested. The rates for solo travelers or larger private groups can be provided upon request. The tour itineraries can be easily modified & customized based on interests & budgets. Check with your travel consultant for more details.
Tour Fitness Level
Moderate: Fits all age groups with good health, some fitness level, and a sense of adventure. There will be some long walking days and a bit of standing while touring. Access to some of the sites and attractions will require walking on uneven terrain or steep staircases. Few elevations, a pleasant but busy schedule, and several long overland drives during the tour. Feel free to discuss the details of the trip with us.
Lodging Level
Comfortable (3/4-stars): Lodges and hotels that provide a decent size room & an ensuite bathroom. A limited range of enhanced services, some of the onsite amenities, and a level of service that is acceptable by international standards.
Visa & Passport
U.S. citizens require an Oman visa which can be obtained online. Further details related to the visa application process will be sent out sixty (60) days before the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for visas.
Tour Includes:
One-on-one virtual tour briefing prior the tour.
The final documents packet will be mailed before the trip.
Transfers between airports and hotels at the destination for tour participants arriving & departing with the group.
Seven (7) nights of accommodation at 4* hotels as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
Service of a licensed local English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are as per the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tour Does Not Include:
International air USA – Muscat - USA.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Consular visa fees for an Oman visa (Obtained online).
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, &, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Baggage handling at airports in the US and overseas.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Portage at the hotels.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, and waiters.
Useful Details to Know & Tour Map:
This trip will require long driving distances overland. The roads are paved and in a good condition. For the comfort of the travelers, air-conditioned transportation will be provided throughout the trip. We will be making several restroom stops, stretching our legs, and enjoying the scenic views on the way. During the sightseeing days, travelers must be able to walk a minimum of two to three miles to keep up with fellow travelers. Walking to and from sites could be on uneven surfaces or unpaved paths. Please note that elevators are not available at tour sites. We may have a few drives on poor-quality roads which are required to access the historical and archeological gems of the country. Please make sure to have a comfy outfit and shoes for the sightseeing days. By signing up for this tour, participants agree that they have read and understood all the terms and conditions and that they are in good physical and mental health and have an open mind, a sense of adventure, and the ability to be tolerant and patient for the entire period of the tour. To ensure that the itinerary runs efficiently and for the comfort and/or safety of travelers, Undiscovered Frontiers reserves the right to modify the order of the sightseeing activities at any time before departure or after the tour begins, or cancel the tour if the planned itinerary is not possible to operate in the event of Force Majeure.
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