Discover Oman

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
Discover Oman
8 Days
From AUD $4355
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(17 reviews)

Discover Oman

Discover Oman

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Adventure from portside Muscat and Muttrah into the heart of Oman's richly coloured past. Discover the awesome Islamic forts, age-old mud-brick houses, and silver- and spice-filled souqs that make this Middle Eastern jewel such a feast for the senses.

Highlights

  • Stand on top of Oman, with the vast Grand Canyon at your feet and take the scenic route down through the mountains to Muscat.
  • Walk through remote villages, tucked between mountains and at the bottom of valleys, lush with date palms and full of friendly locals, enjoy a visit to a local bee keeper and a hearty home-cooked Omani lunch.
  • Scramble to the top of the Wahiba Sands dunes for incredible sunset and sunrise views, and experience traditional Omani hospitality over coffee and dates with a Bedouin family.
  • Discover Oman's most phenomenal castles and mosques with guided visits to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Jabreen Castle.
  • Step back in time with a night in Nizwa, staying in a heritage property in the heart of the old town, and stroll the souq for souvenirs.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Mini Bus, 4x4

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Muscat, Oman

Finishes

Muscat, Oman

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Muscat
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Oman and the sprawling seaside city of Muscat. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm today. If you arrive with time to spare you may like to visit the Royal Opera House, a grand building that encapsulates contemporary Omani architectural style, or take a walk along the beach, dipping your toes in the Gulf of Oman. After the welcome meeting perhaps join your group at a nearby restaurant, serving up Omani favourites like shuwa, fresh salads and local breads.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Muscat
Begin your explorations with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The largest mosque in Oman, it has capacity for 20,000 worshippers and the second largest carpet in the world, handwoven by Iranian women, taking four years to produce. Your next stop is the old part of Muscat, where you'll see the two 16th century Portuguese forts, Jalali and Mirani, guarding the entrance to the city. Drive down to the busy fishing harbour at Muttrah, with its wooden dhows and fishing boats, stop at the bazaar (souq) where you can pick up a local perfume or postcard. Visit the Sidab Women's Group and learn how they're empowering local women through the production and sale of reusable bags. After learning about the organisation, enjoy a selection of salads, sambusas and stews, cooked for you by our welcoming hosts. Your afternoon is then free to spend as you wish. An optional sunset cruise provides a spectacular viewpoint for the rocky coastline of the city.

Included Activities:

  • Muscat - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
  • Muscat - Sidab Women's Group visit with lunch

Optional Activities:

  • Muscat - Sunset Cruise in Muscat Harbour (appx 2 hours including transfers) (55 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Ras Al Hadd
Drive through Oman's rugged landscapes to Hawiyat Najim Park, the location of the Bimmah Sinkhole. This picture-perfect sinkhole was formed through limestone erosion. The turquoise waters make an excellent stop to paddle the feet before travelling onwards. Your next stop, Wadi Tiwi, is known as the wadi of nine villages, with each community linked by date plantations and the flow of water through their falaj system. Spend time learning about dates, how they're grown and harvested, and their importance in Omani hospitality, and stretch your legs on a short, downhill walk through these communities. Continue driving to Ras al Hadd and check into your beachside resort where you'll be able to enjoy a lovely relaxed evening at the property.

Included Activities:

  • Hawiyat Najim Park - Bimmah Sinkhole
  • Wadi Tiwi - Visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Wahiba Sands
After breakfast, we make a stop in Sur, an important city of Oman's maritime past. Sur has long been known for its tradition of dhow building. These mighty vessels formed an important part of Omani culture and trade over the years. Visit a dhow factory to see how they are built and be joined by a local worker who will explain the making of the dhow, the materials used and the time taken to built the vessel. Drive through the Eastern Hajar Mountains, enjoying incredible views of villages embedded in the mountains as you take this winding road to the peaceful Wadi Bani Khalid. Cool off with a swim in the wadi, surrounded by palm trees and mountains. Drive onwards to the beautiful Wahiba Sands, where you'll spend the night. Rolling dunes, some as high as 150 metres, stretch as far as the eye can see and are constantly shifting. Sunset from atop a dune is a must. After dinner back at the camp, relax under the stars with music, tea and maybe even some dancing.

Included Activities:

  • Wadi Bani Khalid - Visit and swim stop
  • Wahiba Sands – Desert dune sunset
  • Sur - Dhow factory visit

Accommodation:

  • Desert Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Nizwa
If you're a morning person, you have the option to climb the dunes and enjoy watching them change colour as the sun rises over them. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxed start to the day before driving further into the dunes to visit a Bedouin family. Wahiba Sands is named after the Wahiba tribe and the region is home to families that have lived and worked in the area for generations. Enjoy coffee, dates and a chat with our welcoming hosts. Leaving the desert behind, make tracks for Nizwa. On the outskirts of the city, visit Jabreen Castle, considered one of the finest and most picturesque in the country. Built in 1675, this cleverly designed residence was home to Imam Bil-Arab Bin Sultan and many subsequent generations. A local guide will share the castle's secrets and expansive viewpoints with you. It's just a short drive to Nizwa, where you'll spend the night in the old town, staying in a heritage property. Enjoy a free evening to explore the old town or relax at a rooftop cafe with a cool drink.

Included Activities:

  • Nizwa - Jabreen Castle
  • Wahiba Sands - Bedouin family visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Jebel Shams
Take a walk with your leader through the labyrinthine streets of Nizwa's old town this morning, before exploring the souq and its various specialty areas for halwa, vegetables, spices, ceramics. You'll have some free time during which you might like to visit Nizwa Fort. With a massive circular cannon tower and built to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons, it's one of the most impressive forts in Oman. Depart Nizwa for Misfat Al Abyreen, a mountain village located 1000m above sea level and recognised by UNWTO as one of the world's best tourism villages for its preservation of Omani culture. Walk through the village and see how their agricultural and irrigation systems are as productive as they were centuries ago. Visit a local beekeeper and find out about their bees and the ways they produce different types of honey - with some sampling too, of course! Then enjoy a home-cooked Omani feast with your host for lunch. Omani people are famous for their hospitality and you’ll get to try some exciting home-cooked flavors including Qabuli (Omani spiced rice with either goat/fish/chicken), hummus, Omani bread (Kubz Al Rakhal) with local honey, Omani coffee and tea with dates, etc. Carry on your journey higher into the mountains to Jebel Shams, which translates as 'Mountain of the Sun'. Check into your hotel before heading out to take in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and, weather allowing, a brilliant sunset.

Included Activities:

  • Misfat Al Abyreen - Village walk & beekeeper visit
  • Nizwa - Souq visit
  • Misfat Al Abyreen - Home-cooked lunch

Optional Activities:

  • Nizwa - Fort visit - Entry Fee (5 OMR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Muscat
An early morning hike is on offer today. The balcony walk follows the Grand Canyon, so you can expect epic views as you walk. After breakfast at your hotel, settle in for a memorable drive to Wadi Bani Awf, the end point of the canyon and known as Snake Gorge. Break up the drive with a walk through Bilad Sait, a remote fortress village in the heart of the mountains, lush with palm trees. After leaving the mountains, you'll drive back to Muscat, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is free to spend as you wish, perhaps gather your group together for a meal to celebrate your adventure.

Included Activities:

  • Jebel Shams - Grand Canyon scenic drive
  • Bilad Sait - Fortress villlage visit
  • Jebel Shams - Balcony walk (1 hour)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Muscat
After breakfast, you are free to leave at any time, as there are no activities planned today. If you would like to spend some more time in Muscat, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Optional Activities:

  • Muscat- Snorkeling Trip (2 Hours) (10am-1pm) (75 USD)
  • Muscat-Dolphin Watching Cruise (2 Hours) (8am-10am,10am-12pm) (55 USD)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,355
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Adventure from portside Muscat and Muttrah into the heart of Oman's richly coloured past. Discover the awesome Islamic forts, age-old mud-brick houses, and silver- and spice-filled souqs that make this Middle Eastern jewel such a feast for the senses.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 07 Mar 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Jessie
Traveled, March 2024

03/17/2024

I'm obsessed with Oman. The country is singular in its cultutral tradition and hospitality. Literally everything one could dream of is here... and if you get to see it with Said! You are truly fortunate... an amazing experience.

4.0
Hostar
Traveled, February 2024

02/29/2024

This trip was excellent, included a bit of everything from different areas to understand country, culture and people. Said was excellent leader with incredible knowledge and patience for everyone in the group.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989