Oman is a mixture of age-old traditions and contemporary resorts, a wave of ochre coloured sand dunes and deserted beaches, and an intoxicating blend of antique culture and luxurious service. Whether you’re reclining on sumptuous Persian rugs on board a wooden dhow, sailing towards the hazy heat of the majestic Musandam peninsula, riding a camel through the burnt sienna Wahiba desert, or kayaking with pods of dolphins as the sun rises over Muscat, holidaying in Oman brings ancient Arabia to life.
Rise at 4am to watch endangered green turtles nest and hatch their eggs, visit the ethereal Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and take a breathtaking walk through Wadi Bani Khalid, a valley surrounded by small villages embedded in the mountains, characterised by a series of stunning turquoise pools. Spend some time exploring Muscat and discover the fragrant Muttrah Souk where you can buy everything from frankincense and coffee to perfume and jewellery, and the magnificent Mirani forts that stand at the entrance to Muscat Bay. To the south west of the capital you’ll find the historic forts of Nizwa, Jabrin and Bahla, along with Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman, where you’re surrounded by near vertical rock faces that reach up into the bright blue sky.
Dining in Oman will undoubtedly set your senses on fire as a medley of hot spices, garlic and lime marinate with chicken and lamb in underground wood fired ovens. The Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat delivers authentic Arabian dishes, the Al Khiran Terrace at Al Bustan Palace hosts an amazing buffet with live cooking stations that will leave you spoilt for choice, and for a truly spectacular meal dine at Sense on the Edge at Six Senses Zighy Bay, where you'll enjoy a magnificent evening of mountain-top fine dining.
AMAZING OMAN
7-NIGHT PRIVATE TOUR
Oman is often a forgotten destination as a touring escape. From coloured sand dunes to deserted beaches, age-old traditional villages and the hazy heat of the majestic mountains, we believe Oman is the perfect escape for a tailored tour.
Experience Amazing Oman on this private tailored tour. Start the tour in style with VIP fast-track for a smooth arrival before the drive to Jabal Akhdar via Nizwa and Jabrin.
Nizwa Fort is Oman’s most visited and most famous monument and fort. Unlike its counterpart the Bahla Fort, which you can also visit, this 17th century fort has not yet been included as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. While here, you can also visit the Souq and if it’s a Friday, don’t miss the cattle market of Nizwa.
After a restful night's sleep, a day of sightseeing awaits in Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountains). The lush greenery and the cool climes show why it is called the green jewel of the Al Hajjar mountain ranges. Jebel Al Akhdar is famous for its Fruit Orchards, laid out in a step farming or terrace plantation style along the slopes and is one of Oman’s most spectacular areas. It’s part of Al Hajar Mountains and soars up to the highest point at 3000 meters (9800 feet), it is the highest point in Oman and all of eastern Arabia. Enjoy a short walk around the villages of Saiq Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) and Al Ain that dot the landscape. These villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. You may also see rose water distilled in the homes of the villagers.
On day three, head to Wahiba Sands, a must-see in Oman. On the way, you will visit Birkat Al Mauz which is situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar. Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations. Then, continue your drive to Wahiba and upon reaching Bidiyah, take a small deviation to Wadi Bani Khalid. It’s another mind-blowing wadi, located in the Al Sharqiya region. The Wahiba Sands is a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes rising to 200 meters. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. Here you can also visit a traditional Bedouin house. Considered among the most beautiful camping areas in Oman, the Sharqiya Sands is a unique area that extends over an area of up to ten thousand square kilometres.
Departing Wahiba the following day, the drive along the coastal route is a real treat and includes a visit to Sur, a city that is best known for the craftsmanship associated with boats or traditional ‘Dhows’.
No tour to Oman is complete without a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, the largest mosque in Oman. It can accommodate up to an incredible 20,000 worshippers at a time. The structure features a blend of various architectural styles, which is highlighted by its beautiful décor, the spectacular crystal chandeliers and handmade Persian rugs, which again are some of the largest in the world. Spend your last few days at leisure, relaxing at your hotel.
Your tour includes:
- 2 nights in Jabal Akhdar at either Anantara Jabal Akhdar or Alila Jabal Akhdar. - 1-night in Wahiba Sands staying at the Desert night Camp. - 4 nights in Muscat at the Chedi Muscat Hotel.
7 NIGHTS FROM £3,899 PER PERSON INCLUDING BREAKFAST.
Includes return scheduled flights, 7 nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast, private transfers, a private guide and sightseeing.