Oman’s Landscapes and Coastal Gems

Set off to sea on a dhow (motorized rustic boat) cruise on this full day tour. Cruise towards Musandam Peninsula’s longest and most spectacular fjord, often referred to as ‘Norway of the Arabia.’ Soak up the sights of the glittering blue waters dotted with stark white limestone cliffs. Keep an eye out for pretty fishing villages on the coast and dolphins in the water, if you are lucky. When the dhow anchors in the vicinity of the famous Telegraph Island, jump into the sea for a swim. You could also choose to stay on board and enjoy a refreshing drink while gazing at the mountains in the distance. As the dhow sets sail, have a delicious lunch before stopping again. Take another dip in the sea or go snorkeling to explore the exotic underwater life before heading back to Khasab. (Duration: Full Day; Shared Activity with Transfers; Included: Guide; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring your swimwear, sunglasses & hats; Don’t forget to bring your camera.)

Explore the heart of the desert on this full day tour. Your first stop will be Jebel Harim or ‘Mountain of Women,’ the highest mountain in Musandam. On the way, soak up the sights and tranquil atmosphere of the Bedouin village of Sayh at 1100 m. After reaching Jebel Harim, capture panoramic views of the mountains, which hold a treasure trove of prehistoric fossils. Embrace the beauty of the Musandam region stretching out in front of your eyes. Proceed to Rowdah village to see a pre-Islamic period graveyard, before heading to Khawr Najid to stop for stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Your last stop will be the natural park of Khalidiya. Enjoy a moment under the lush green acacia trees before your return journey to Khasab. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity with Transfers; Included: Driver & Guide; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that you will need to walk some distance; Please bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses & hats; Don’t forget to bring your camera.)

Set off for some outdoor fun on this exciting tour of Wahiba Desert and Wadi Bani Khalid. Settle into a sturdy 4×4 vehicle and enjoy the adrenaline rush as your driver expertly navigates across the soaring dunes. Stop to explore a traditional Bedouin home and take stunning images of the undulating sand dunes as well as endemic species of flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you might chance upon the delightful sight of Bedouins and nomads traveling across the desert with their camels in tow. Drive on to the beautiful river canyon of Wadi Bani Khalid, with its serene, palm-fringed pools that invite you to jump in! You could enjoy a refreshing dip in the clear waters and relax in the shade. Enjoy views of the remote hamlets tucked into the rugged mountainside before it’s time to return. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy. Please wear light clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Do bring along swimwear. Optional camel ride available.)

Driving from Muscat, explore some landmark attractions in and around the historic town of Nizwa. Start with a glimpse of ancient Omani architecture in the 17th century Nizwa Fort. Take in panoramic vistas of the lush townscape and the rugged Hajar Mountains around. Continue towards Bahla, which lies at the foot of Jebel Akhdar mountains, to visit the magnificent Jabreen Castle. Learn about its significance in Omani science, art, and education. Its many halls, adorned in rugs and cushions, showcase painted ceilings, calligraphy. and lattice windows. Past the courtyards, enjoy fantastic views of the landscape around. Finally, take a detour to the Bahla Fort. The wind towers, wells, maze rooms, and mosques make for great photo ops. Learn about the Banu Nebhan tribe who built the fort. See medieval Islamic architecture in the traditional irrigation channels beside mud-brick houses nearby. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Dive into the culture, history, and heritage of Muscat City on this full day tour. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and take you to the Grand Mosque to see its stunning architecture. From there, drive to Muttrah souk, a traditional Omani market in the old part of the city. Browse the wide range of goods for souvenirs such as frankincense, the Omani dagger, or Khanjar, and Pashmina shawls. Visit the Sidab Women Group, located in the village of Sidab. See their range of colorful fabrics made in traditional designs and learn how the group works to bridge cultures. Proceed to Bait Al Zubair Museum, a converted small-town house that displays archaeological findings, national costumes, and jewelry. Then proceed to the Sultan’s Palace, which is surrounded by the Mirani and Jalali forts that were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Along the way, stop for lunch. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Royal Opera House, considered to be one of the world’s finest acoustic spaces. The opera house is open to the public in the mornings, so you can arrange your own visit to see its architecture and interior decoration, if you like. (Duration: full day; Time: 0800 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please note video recording is prohibited in the Sultan’s palace; Not available on Fri & Sat)

Accompanied by your expert local guide, soak up the sights and sounds of Salalah, a subtropical city on the southern coast of Oman. Begin with a visit to the Museum of Frankincense Land, located next to the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. Travel back in time while browsing exhibits that showcase the Sultanate’s flourishing frankincense trade and rich maritime history. Next, navigate the old waterfront neighborhood of Hafa, where streets are flanked by orchards and plantations. Abandoned houses belonging to generations of merchants and fishermen stand next to modern buildings. Later, stroll through the bustling Hafa souk to observe local life amid the aromas of frankincense, and Dhofari souvenirs. Head to Dhofar region’s largest mosque, called Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, set amid manicured gardens. Apart from the intricate Islamic architecture, look out for its elegant interiors featuring carpets and chandeliers. Finish off with a visit to the coconut gardens that surround Al Hosn Palace, before dispersing. (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Explore the West Salalah region during this scenic drive into the mountains. Travel in a private vehicle, along winding roads lined with frankincense trees. Pass secluded hamlets, herds of camels and grazing cattle as you head to the ancient tomb of Prophet Job, located in the verdant Al Qara mountains. This is a popular pilgrimage site in the Dhofar region. The prophet is also known as Nabi Ayub, and is mentioned in the Old Testament and the Holy Qur’an, making him important to Christians, Muslims and Jews. Your last stop is Mughsail Beach, famed for its natural blowholes. Take in the spectacular sight of the waves bursting through the blowholes at high tide, before the tour wraps up. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; This tour involves walking over rugged and inclined terrain; Please do not wear sleeveless outfits or shorts; Ladies must cover their head with a scarf when visiting Job’s tomb and all visitors are required to remove their footwear; Best time to travel: Oct – Mar)

Experience the magic of the desert on this fascinating tour of southern Oman’s untouched sand dunes. Get picked up from your hotel in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle and drive out to the Oara mountain range. Enjoy scenic views of the Salalah Plains and take a short break at the erstwhile Bedouin settlement of Thumrait. Travel across the desert of Al Nejd to the UNESCO-listed legendary ‘Lost City of Ubar’ that was once a hub of the frankincense trade. Walk around the ancient city that lay buried under sand for centuries. Afterwards, get an adrenaline rush as you drive over the dunes in the Empty Quarter. In the fading sunlight, take in gorgeous views of the sprawling desert from the top of the dunes. On your way back to Salalah, get a glimpse of the frankincense plantation at Wadi Dawkah. (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Group Size: Max 4 Guests; Fitness Level: Moderate as there is some walking over rough and inclined routes. This tour is not suitable for guests with injuries or other health conditions that can be affected by the bumpy ride. Please wear comfortable clothes and avoid jewelry or expensive watches. There is no need to bring along a cell phone as there is no signal in the desert. Only basic toilet facilities available. Dinner included)