Private Tour Highlights
- Shop in Muscat's unique souks to find the best of Omani goods.
- Learn about Muscat's rich culture and history. Explore many historic forts and visit museums.
- See the exciting landscape of wadis, mountains, desert, and canyons in an off-road vehicle.
- Visit the desert and get a glimpse into the Bedouins way of life.
- Enjoy the unique Islamic architecture of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Tour Overview
Enjoy an Introduction to Oman! Oman, rich in history and culture, is also filled with a diverse landscape. Explore the land in an off-road vehicle, seeing the desert dunes, the Hajar mountains, many wadis, the Nakhl oasis, canyons, plains, warm springs, and jebels.
Although the country is full of natural wonders, the city of Muscat also has plenty to offer. See the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat. Enjoy the unique Islamic architecture of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Visit Muttrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat. Step into the fish market, stroll along the Corniche to experience the shopping in its busy souk, well known for its silver craft shops, perfumes, souvenirs and much more to buy.
Learn about the history and culture of Oman. Visit the Old Town to stroll around Portuguese forts Jalali and Mirani and Qasr Al Alam, the Palace of HM Sultan Qaboos. See many other forts and castles during the trip including An Naman Castle, a fortified house where the Imams used to overnight during their journey to the interior. Explore the Bait Al Zubair Museum, full of information and exhibits on the country’s culture, tradition, and heritage. Enjoy a visit to a camel camp and gain an unforgettable experience of the Bedouins way of life.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From £$ 2167
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Oman and Explore Muscat
Arrive read more...
Arrive in Oman, be greeted with airport reception, transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle.
Visit the Royal Opera House Muscat, a towering beacon shedding light on the various trends of the Renaissance march towards growth. Proceed to Shatti Al Qurum and visit the Omani Heritage Gallery which is a unique outlet through which native artisans can market their goods. A variety of distinctive Omani crafts are available, including Bedouin rugs made with natural dyes, terracotta pottery, basketry, copper pots, silver jewelry, and frankincense from the Dhofari region of Oman. Visit the Bateel date store with an impressive variety of date products on display, chocolate dates, date filled biscuits, dates with nuts and dried fruits, bottled sparkling date juice, date balsamic vinegar and a variety of other items available for purchase. Visit Bait Al Adam Museum and witness the unique collection of currency, paintings, photographs, guns etc. Explore the venue with the owner of the museum and enjoy a coffee with the curator. On the outskirts of Muscat, visit the House of Amouage. After, return to the hotel in Muscat. ...read less
Jebel Akhdar and Muscat at Night
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Depart Muscat and travel to Nizwa, capital of the interior, is the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Nizwa boasts of the famous Round Tower Fort, built in the 17th century, and its Souq renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved "Khanjars" (daggers) & ornamental silver jewelry. Drive to the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz. Enjoy a walk through the lush green date plantations. Proceed to Wadi Al Madeen where there is a check post. From here a 36 km stretch of winding road takes one to Jebel Akhdar (2000 mts above sea level) the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain ranges, a truly unique spot in the Arabian Peninsula. Enjoy the cool climate up in the mountains. Al Jebel Al Akhdar is famed for its fruit orchards typically laid out terrace style along the slopes of mountains, which are endowed with natural springs and aflaj. The villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) visit to village rose & Al Ain dot the landscape. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. The roses of Jabal Al Akhdar fill the air with fragrance when in full bloom (March / April). Rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers. Lunch at the Sahab hotel in Jebel Akhdar.
At night, go to the Muttrah. Drive along the waterfront corniche and take the first stop at the bustling Muttrah souq. The colorful souq will take you at least a century back. After having enjoyed time at the Souq, have a short walk along the corniche with lots and lots photo opportunities. The "Frankincense burner" is a delight to watch in the night with its full illumination. Proceed for a photo stop to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani & Jalali. Head towards Kargeen restaurant for a Delicious Middle Eastern dinner. Don't forget to try the Lemon Mint, which is the highlight of their menu. (No alcohol served) After dinner, transfer back to the hotel at around 2130 Hrs. ...read less
Oman's Desert and Wadis
The Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 meters are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight. Visit a Bedouin house in this wilderness. In stark contrast to this is Wadi Bani Khalid. It comprises of small pretty villages embedded in the mountains. The Wadi has clear deep blue water. Return to the hotel in Muscat.
The Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising up to 200 meters are also host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight. Visit a Bedouin house in this wilderness. In stark contrast to this is Wadi Bani Khalid. It comprises of small pretty villages embedded in the mountains. The Wadi has clear deep blue water. Return to the hotel in Muscat.
Oman's Grand Canyon
Drive read more...
Drive to the foothills of the Jebel Akhdar mountain range. The first stop is at the Nizwa Souq famed for its Antiques and silver jewelry. A brief photo stop at the Round Tower Fort before proceeding ahead. The next stop takes us to Wadi Nakher located in the depth of the deepest canyon. Visit Misfah a pretty mountain village with stone dwellings still in existence. While heading for Jebel Shams stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul. In the Jebel Akhdar range Jebel Shams the highest peak offers a spectacular view. (It is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes). Return to the hotel in Muscat. ...read less
Depart Oman
At the appropriate time, be met at the hotel to transfer back to the Oman airport for the departing flight.
At the appropriate time, be met at the hotel to transfer back to the Oman airport for the departing flight.
Muscat, Muscat Governorate, Oman
Nakhal, Al Batinah North Governorate, Oman
Hajar Mountains, Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, Oman
Places You'll See
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Muscat
Muscat is the capital and largest city of Oman. The city of Muscat is the combination of three smaller towns that have blended together over time. There are three distinct sections of the city because of this. What used to be the smaller town of Muscat, referred to as “the walled city”, was home to the royal palaces. Matrah was a fishing village. Ruwi was and still is the commercial and diplomatic center of the city.