Oman & The Treasures of Dhofar

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OmanRound Tour
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Overview

  • Duration:13 days 12 nights
  • Travelers:1 - 50 guests
  • Tour Type:Round tour
  • Language:English, French, German, Italian
  • Destination:Oman
  • Departure Time:Flexible (based on booking)
Embark on a 13-day journey across Oman, from Muscat’s grand mosques and vibrant souqs to the rugged peaks of Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar, the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands, and the emerald wadis of the East Coast. Continue south to Dhofar, where Salalah’s tropical shores, incense markets, and dramatic cliffs await. This itinerary blends cultural encounters, desert adventures, ancient forts, and natural wonders for a complete discovery of Oman.
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Highlights

  • Explore Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Opera House & souqs
  • Visit Nakhal, Jabrin & UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort
  • Experience Bilat Sayt & Misfat Al Abriyeen’s timeless villages
  • Witness Oman’s Grand Canyon from Jebel Shams summit
  • Discover Jebel Akhdar’s rose-scented terraced valleys
  • Enjoy desert adventures & a Bedouin camp in Wahiba Sands
  • Swim in turquoise pools of Wadi Bani Khalid & hike Wadi Shab
  • Visit dhow shipyards in Sur & Al-Ayja old town
  • Explore Salalah’s incense markets, coconut groves & Al-Balid ruins
  • Admire Mughsail blowholes, Fazayah beach & Mirbat heritage homes

Itinerary

Day 1: MASCAT – Urban & Cultural Discovery

Arrival in Muscat in the morning. Warm welcome by your local guide, then an immediate city tour to discover the fascinating contrasts of the capital. Visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of spiritual art and mosaics; then marvel at the refined lines of the Royal Opera House. In the Old Town, Bait Al Zubair Museum reveals Oman’s artisanal soul. Next, view from the outside the Sultan’s Al Alam Palace set between two Portuguese forts guarding the bay. Stroll along Muttrah harbor, its lively fish market, winding alleys, and the fragrant incense-rich souq on the corniche by the sea. Overnight in Muscat.

Day 2: MUSCAT / BARKA / NAKHL / WADI BANI AWF / BILAT SAYT / AL HAMRA / GHUL / JEBEL SHAMS

Early morning immersion at Barka’s bustling fish auction, followed by a visit to Nakhal Fort, perched high amidst a sea of palm trees. Travel along the scenic mountain road of Wadi Bani Awf, weaving through wild terrain and crossing Snake Canyon. Pause at the traditional village of Bilat Sayt before discovering Al Hamra, famed for its ancient earthen houses. Ghul reveals its striking Persian ruins before the ascent to Jebel Shams (3009m), Oman’s highest peak, gazing out over the vast “Grand Canyon of Arabia.” Overnight in the mountains.

Day 3: JEBEL SHAMS / MISFAT / JABRIN / BAHLA / NIZWA / JEBEL AKHDAR

Stroll through Misfat Al Abriyeen, a timeless mountainside village with centuries-old houses and terraced orchards. Next, travel to Jabrin Castle to marvel at its elegant 17th-century architecture and painted wooden ceilings. Stop at Bahla to see its UNESCO-listed fortress and renowned pottery workshops, then immerse yourself in Nizwa, the old heart of Oman with its imposing fort and vibrant souq alive with dates, halva, and local crafts. Continue to the mysterious heights of Jebel Akhdar. Overnight in the mountains.

Day 4: JEBEL AKHDAR

Explore the secret villages and terraced landscapes of Jebel Akhdar, the “Green Mountain.” Wander through the ruins of Wadi Bani Habib and discover rosewater distilleries on a blossoming high plateau. Overnight in the crisp mountain air.

Day 5: JEBEL AKHDAR / BIRKAT AL MOUZ / AL MANZIFAT / WAHIBA SANDS DESERT

Descend to the banana plantations of Birkat Al Mouz and its ancient UNESCO-listed falaj irrigation channel. Stop at the fortified ruin of Al Manzifat, with its narrow alleys and watchtowers. Then, in a 4x4, venture into the Wahiba Sands desert—waves of golden dunes more than 6,000 years old—arriving at a Bedouin camp for an enchanting night under the stars.

Day 6: WAHIBA SANDS / WADI BANI KHALID / SUR

Watch sunrise over the dunes, then set out for Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman’s most beautiful wadi, filled with turquoise pools, ochre rocks, and lush palms. Continue to Sur, the legendary maritime town, to visit dhow shipyards and stroll among the charming backstreets of Al-Ayja. Overnight in Sur.

Day 7: SUR / WADI TIWI / WADI SHAB / BIMAH / MUSCAT

Travel the coastal road back to Muscat, flanked by mountains and ocean. Discover the breathtaking gorge of Wadi Tiwi, then stop at Wadi Shab for a walk amongst lush gorges and perhaps a restorative swim in natural pools. Before reaching Muscat, take a break at Bimmah Sinkhole, a dazzling azure crater lake. Overnight in Muscat.

Day 8: MUSCAT

Free day for exploration, relaxation, shopping, or enjoying your hotel’s amenities. Overnight in Muscat.

Day 9: MUSCAT FLIGHT TO SALALAH

Flight to Salalah, the “incense capital,” where coconut beaches and green mountains await. Upon arrival, discover the blending contrasts of the Dhofar capital. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque (exterior if arrival is late) and stroll through Haffa souk, renowned for incense and vibrant stalls. Visit the Museum of Frankincense to learn about the “white gold” of Arabia. Settle at your hotel. Overnight in Salalah.

Day 10: SALALAH / WESTERN DHOFAR EXCURSION

Visit the spiritual Tomb of Prophet Job, high on a panoramic promontory. Discover the oasis springs of Ayn Razat and Ayn Sahalnoot. Then, marvel at the dramatic cliffs of Mughsail and their natural blowholes projecting sea spray skyward, followed by a drive to the gorges of Shaat with exceptional views over the Indian Ocean. Return and overnight in Salalah.

Day 11: SALALAH / EASTERN DHOFAR EXCURSION

Head east to Al-Balid, an ancient UNESCO-listed port, and continue to Taqah village with its unique fort and fishermen’s houses. Continue to Mirbat, famed for its carved doors and medieval homes. Relax on the stunning sand of Fazayah beach (or nearby, depending on the season). Return and overnight in Salalah.

Day 12: SALALAH – Day of Leisure

A full day to enjoy the seaside pleasures of Salalah: pool, private beach, spa, or optional activities like snorkeling, diving, or dolphin watching. Overnight in Salalah.

Day 13: SALALAH INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to Salalah Airport for your international departure.

Includes/Excludes

  • 12 nights accommodation (hotels, mountain lodges, desert camp)
  • Daily breakfast + selected dinners in desert camps/lodges
  • Private 4×4 or A/C vehicle with driver-guide
  • Domestic flight Muscat – Salalah
  • Entry fees to listed sites and forts
  • Guided excursions & cultural experiences
  • Airport transfers (Muscat & Salalah)
  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Personal expenses, tips & optional activities

Frequently asked questions

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s family-friendly, with options to adapt hikes and activities for children.

Do I need a 4×4 to drive this route?

Yes, especially for mountain roads like Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, and Wadi Bani Awf. A driver-guide is included for safety and comfort.

What’s the best season for this tour?

From October to April for cooler weather. Dhofar is also beautiful in summer (June–September) during the Khareef season when the mountains turn green.

Can I extend my stay in Salalah?

Absolutely – beach resorts and wellness retreats make it a perfect extension.

Extra Services

Vip Trip

Vip Trip

Go VIP: Upgrade to luxurious 5★

€450.00/person
from€3,500.00 /person
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