Essential Oman
Essential Oman
$1207
Essential Oman
6 Days Starting and ending in Muscat, Oman
Visiting: Muscat, Sinkhole, Wadi Shab, Sur, Wahiba Sands, Wadi Bani Khalid, Nizwa, Birkat Al Mawz, Jebel Akhdar, Jabreen, Jebel Shams, Bahla, Al Hamra
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential Oman" tour and immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of this captivating country. Begin your journey in Muscat, exploring its dazzling souks, the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and the historic forts of Jalali and Mirani. Travel along the breathtaking coastline to Sur, renowned for its traditional dhow craftsmanship, before venturing into the mesmerizing Wahiba Sands desert for an exhilarating 4x4 adventure. Discover the lush oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid and the ancient city of Nizwa, with its bustling souk and impressive 17th-century fort. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and seamless transportation throughout your journey. This small group tour offers an authentic and unforgettable experience of Oman's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Muscat Arrival
Location: Muscat
Accommodation Name: hotel
On arrival at the International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Muscat. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Muscat
Day 2: Muscat (70 Km) (B/L/D)
Location: Muscat
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day will begin with breakfast at your hotel. You'll have a briefing meeting to introduce yourself to the group and guide, followed by an overview of the trip. Afterward, youll embark on a tour of Muscat. You'll drive through the beautiful embassy quarter, heading to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a remarkable architectural masterpiece. As a contemporary place of worship, it serves as a spiritual landmark for modern Oman, reflecting the values and aspirations of the Omani people. The mosque strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics, culture, and deeply rooted Islamic tradition.After your visit to the mosque, you'll continue to the Opera House, a stunning edifice specially built by the late Sultan Qaboos. Lunch will be served in a local fish restaurant, where you'll enjoy a traditional meal with the locals.Post-lunch, you'll visit Old Muscat, nestled between steep mountains and flanked by twin 16th-century forts, ‘Jalali and ‘Mirani. Youll also see the Al Alam Palace, the former residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Next, you'll visit Bait Al Zubair Museum, a vital part of Muscats heritage. The museum was founded by Sheikh Al Zubair in 1914 and opened by his son Mohammad Al Zubair in 1998. It features traditional Omani weaponry, jewelry, costumes, and recreated urban and rural environments.You'll then drive through the scenic corniche, stopping at Muttrah, Muscats main port and commercial center, where you'll explore the vibrant historic souk. Here, youll wander through winding alleys, discovering stalls selling textiles, jewelry, traditional Omani perfumes (bukhoor), souvenirs, and antiques.After this full day of exploration, youll head back to your hotel. For dinner, you'll dine at a traditional Omani restaurant, where you'll experience Omani cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere, just like the locals do.
Overnight in Muscat
Day 3: Muscat – Sur – Wahiba (340 Km) (B/L/D)
Location: Muscat, Sinkhole, Wadi Shab, Sur, Wahiba Sands
Accommodation Name: desert camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you'll depart for an exciting adventure trip. Youll drive along one of the most thrilling sections of Omans 1,700 km coastline, with stunning views along the way. Your first stop will be the famous Sinkhole, a collapsed mountain filled with sea water, offering a unique and picturesque sight. From there, youll continue driving on the graded road via Fins, heading toward Wadi Shab. In Wadi Shab, youll have the chance to admire the marvelous natural surroundings and may even take a short walk to explore the area. Lunch will be served in Wadi Shab, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beauty of the place.Next, you'll continue to Sur, a sea-faring town and busy trading port, famous for the fascinating architecture of its old town and shipyards. Youll visit the shipyards, where traditional dhows have been built for centuries, and experience the hustle and bustle of the bay. After a short tour of Sur, you'll follow the coastal road, passing high cliffs and small fishing villages, making your way toward the desert of Wahiba Sands.By late afternoon, youll arrive at Wahiba Sands, one of the most mysterious and captivating regions of Oman. You'll board 4x4 vehicles to begin your desert adventure. The vast, shifting dunes are home to a variety of wildlife and host different types of flora and fauna, creating a breathtaking landscape. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes provide a perfect opportunity for photographers. The Wahiba Sands are also home to a few thousand Bedouins, who have lived in this inhospitable region for at least 7,000 years. Youll experience some thrilling dune bashing as your skilled drivers take you on an exciting ride across the dunes.In the evening, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner in a desert camp, where youll experience the authentic desert atmosphere. Youll then spend the night in a comfortable tent, fully equipped with beds and bathrooms, right in the heart of Wahiba Sands.
Overnight in Wahiba Sands
Day 4: Wahiba Sands – Nizwa (200 Km) (B/L/D)
Location: Wadi Bani Khalid, Nizwa
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you'll have one last opportunity to enjoy the desert and its secrets before boarding your 4x4 to head back to civilization. Your next destination is Wadi Bani Khalid, a lush green valley surrounded by rugged mountains. Youll take in the incredible views and have the chance to capture the scenic beauty with your camera. You'll then take a walk in the wadi to explore the surrounding area on foot. Around noon, you'll depart for Nizwa, making a stop along the way for lunch. Afterward, you'll continue your journey, arriving in Nizwa after approximately 2 to 3 hours. Once in Nizwa, you'll take a quick orientation tour of the city. As the ancient capital of Oman, Nizwa holds a significant place in the countrys history. It was once a center of learning and the birthplace of Islam in Oman. The 17th-century souq, famous for its silver jewelry, is one of the major attractions, along with the popular cattle auction that takes place every Friday. Youll also visit the towering fort, built on a solid base of rock, designed to withstand the vibration from 24 cannons. Afterward, youll visit the souq and take a stroll through the old city, discovering its charm and history.
Overnight in Nizwa
Day 5: Nizwa – Muscat (B/L/-)
Location: Nizwa, Birkat Al Mawz, Jebel Akhdar, Jabreen, Jebel Shams, Bahla, Al Hamra, Muscat
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we will continue the visit of Nizwa. Our first sop will be the charming ancestral village of BIRKAT AL MAWZ at the bottom of the GREEN mountain, JEBEL AKHDAR. Then we will proceed to the Jabreen Fort. The Jabreen Castle, built in 17th century, is one of the finest of its kind. Its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceilings makes this castle amazingly different. After we visit the Jabreen castle, we will drive back towards Nizwa passing the JEBEL SHAMS part of the most famous Hajar mountains chain in OMAN. We will pass by the oldest small towns of Oman Bahla with its fort (outside visit). We will stop at the palm groves at Al Hamra to see its Falaj system. we will stop on our way for lunch. After the visit, we will proceed to Muscat.
Overnight in Muscat
Day 6: Muscat (B/-/-)
Location: Muscat
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to the Muscat International Airport for your flight back to home.
What's Included
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05 Nights accommodation
05 Nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotel or similar.
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Daily buffet breakfast
Daily buffet breakfast at the hotel.
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03 Lunches
03 Lunches are included in the tour.
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03 Dinners
03 Dinners are included in the tour.
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Arrival and departure transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are provided.
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Transportation
All transportation in a Deluxe AC vehicle is included.
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Sightseeing and entrance fees
All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.
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Full day tour of Muscat
A full day tour of Muscat is included.
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Visit Wadi Shab & Wadi Bani Khalid
Visits to Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid are included.
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Visit of Sur & Wahiba Sands
Visits to Sur and Wahiba Sands are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Items of personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
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Unmentioned items
Items not mentioned as included are excluded.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with all transportation provided in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle, including arrival and departure transfers, and thrilling 4x4 jeep rides through the Wahiba Desert for an unforgettable adventure.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights of superior accommodation on a twin-sharing basis, with daily buffet breakfast, in carefully selected hotels and a comfortable desert camp in Wahiba Sands, offering a unique and authentic experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights of accommodation on a twin sharing basis at a listed superior hotel or similar.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes daily buffet breakfast at the hotel, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All transportation is provided in a Deluxe AC vehicle, and there is a transfer to the Wahiba Desert by 4x4 Jeeps.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, all sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary are included in the tour.
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Is there a guided tour of Muscat included in the itinerary?
Yes, there is a full day tour of Muscat included in the itinerary.
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Will there be any opportunities to explore the desert during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Wahiba Sands, where you will experience a desert adventure with 4x4 vehicles and spend the night in a desert camp.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, and the Jabreen Fort.
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Is there a visit to a traditional market included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the traditional Nizwa souk and the busy cattle market.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.