A cultural jewel in the Middle East, our 'Deserts & Dunes of Oman' tour is designed to offer you the very best that the country has to offer, from its vast history and varied landscapes to its delicious cuisine and wonderful locals. Begin in Muscat, visiting the famous Grand Mosque and venturing across the bay in a traditional Arabic dhow. Travel across arid wadis, along desert dunes and through dramatic mountain landscapes en route to Jebel Shams, Oman's highest peak. Stay in the magical Nizwa Mountains, exploring dusty old forts and its ancient souq on this mesmerising tour.
Our Deserts & Dunes of Oman Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Experience sunset from the deck of a traditional Arabic 'Dhow'. These were once used as trading vessels and now sail along the coastline giving you exceptional views of forts as well as a look into rural life as you pass local fishing villages.
Enjoy an exceptional experience with authentic Turkish and Arabic food, set atop a man-made cave carved into a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. During dinner you will be entertained by local Arabic singers and musicians while the sheesha fragrances fill the air.
Today you will fly overnight via Dubai to Muscat. On arrival you will transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon travel to the Marina to board an Arabic Dhow for a journey by sea across the Bay of Muscat. These traditional wooden boats were once used to travel from Oman across the Gulf of Oman by ancient seafarers who plied this route. Enjoy a brief stop at a cove along the coast and have an opportunity to take a photo of the spectacular Al Bustan Palace Hotel before returning to the pier for your transfer back.
This morning, visit the magnificent Grand Mosque before heading to Marina Bandar to board a boat in search of dolphins. Continue the sightseeing with a visit to Bair Al Zubair Museum, a collection that houses fabulous Omani heritage works. Finish the day with a drive along the corniche to visit Muttrah Souq, a vibrant inner city market where locals and tourists barter over gold, incense and exotic eastern spices.
Departing Muscat this morning, you will have a short stop at the Amouage Visitor's Centre before a 4WD journey to Wadi Bani Khalid, a desert oasis. Journey to Wahiba Sands and visit a local Bedouin family before ending the day with a traditional barbecue at your atmospheric desert camp where you'll spend the night.
Rise early this morning and journey to Nizwa. Arriving in the mountains, you will visit the famous souq and cattle market. A walk to the iconic Fort of Nizwa is followed by a visit to Jabrin Castle, a perfect example of Islamic architecture set within a beautiful landscape. Visit the popular attraction, Bait Al Safah, and within this complex you will gain a glimpse into local life by watching handicraft preparations and learning about local customs.
Journey to the oasis village of Bahla, a centre of pottery art in northern Oman. The village is surrounded by a 12km-long mud wall that shelters the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bahla Fort. Embark on a tour of the fort. Depart for Wadi Nakher in the depths of a deep canyon followed by a visit to the picturesque town of Misfah. Stop in the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul en route to Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman. Witness the majestic views across the valley below before making your way back to Nizwa.
Today you will be driving through scenic mountains, making your way to Wadi Bani Auf. This dusty canyon takes you to the quaint old-world village of Bilad Sayt. View the patchwork of terrace farming and traditional houses laid out against the rocky slopes. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the village followed by a drive to Snake Gorge where you will enjoy a final walk through the stunning mountains of Oman. Overnight in Muscat.
Fly to Australia, arriving home the following day.
Places Visited: Muscat (2N+1N) - Wahiba Sands (1N) - Nizwa (2N)
All of our tour departures (Excluding Antarctica and Australia tours) include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
