Our classic first visit with an English-speaking guide: the Grand Mosque, the rim of Jebel Shams, Nizwa, a night in the Wahiba Sands and a night on the Daymaniyat Islands.
Essence of Oman is our classic private tour for a first visit. In nine days you travel from the Grand Mosque in Muscat to the rim of Jebel Shams, through the fort and souq of Nizwa, and into the dunes of the Wahiba Sands for an evening of Bedouin traditions. The trip ends by the sea, with a swim in Wadi Shab and a night on the protected Daymaniyat Islands.
Who it suits: Couples and friends on a first visit
We meet you at Muscat International Airport, help you through immigration and customs, and take you to your hotel.
Overnight: MuscatMorning at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, then a walk along Muttrah Corniche and through Muttrah Souq. In the afternoon, drive to a farm in Barka to help prepare Shuwa, Oman's slow-cooked feast, before sharing it with your hosts. A horse ride on Sawadi Beach can be added.
Overnight: MuscatDrive into the Hajar Mountains, stopping at Misfat Al Abriyeen, a village built into the cliffs above its palm groves. Walk the Balcony Walk along the edge of the canyon.
Overnight: Jebel ShamsClimb the round tower of Nizwa Fort, browse the souq for silver, pottery and halwa, and visit a date farm. On Fridays, watch the livestock market.
Overnight: NizwaMeet your Bedouin hosts, ride the dunes in a 4x4, share a traditional lunch and take a camel ride at sunset before a night at a desert camp.
Overnight: Wahiba SandsA short boat ride and a canyon walk lead to the turquoise pools of Wadi Shab and a waterfall inside a cave. In the afternoon, swim in the quiet pools of Wadi Al Arbeieen.
Overnight: Wadi Al ArbeieenTake a boat from Seeb to this protected marine reserve to snorkel with turtles and reef fish, then enjoy a barbecue dinner on the beach.
Overnight: Daymaniyat IslandsWake up for sunrise and a last snorkel, then return to Muscat for a free afternoon.
Overnight: MuscatTransfer to Muscat International Airport. Ask us about adding a beach day at the end.
The price includes an English-speaking guide. French- or Italian-speaking guides can be arranged on request, subject to availability.
Shuwa is Oman's festive dish: meat marinated with Omani spices, wrapped in leaves and slow-cooked for hours in an underground sand oven. You help prepare it at a farm in Barka and share it with your hosts.
Yes. We can add nights, upgrade hotels or slow the pace. Tell us what you would like and we will adjust the itinerary and the price.
October to April, when the mountains, the desert and the sea are all comfortable.
A self-drive road trip through mainland Oman, then a flight north to the fjords of Musandam. A guided version is available for an extra fee.
A guided road trip down the quiet south-east coast: turtles at Ras al Jinz, the white Sugar Dunes of Khaluf and three days in Dhofar.
Short drives and days children remember: a swim at the Bimmah Sinkhole, a night in the dunes, turtles at Ras al Jinz and a snorkelling trip.
Tell us your dates and interests and we'll suggest the best fit. We reply within one business day.
