Oman Private Cultural Discovery Tour
Arabian Wonders from Muscat to Salalah
- Available: January, February, March, October, November, December
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels
Highlights
- Cross the rolling dunes of Wahiba Sands on camel and sleep in a Bedouin tent
- Visit Oman's most exquisite mosque, made to accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers
- Hike rugged Jebel Akhdar - Oman's premier outdoor hiking area at the center of the Al Hajar mountain range
Itinerary
Arrive in Muscat
Day 1
Welcome to Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, a millennial-old trading port between East and West. Meeting with your MT Sobek representative at the airport and transfer airport to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome group dinner and have an informative evening meeting with your guide at Bait Al Luban restaurant.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Muscat
Meals: Dinner
Tour Muscat & Take a Sunset Cruise
Day 2
Enjoy an action-packed city tour showcasing Muscat's exquisite Grand Mosque, built with sandstone and marble, and adorned with a Swarovski crystal chandelier and 27-ton handmade Persian carpet. Visit the magnificent Al Alam Palace, one of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos' six royal residences, and enjoy a visit to the National Museum. Here you will find a unique collection of Omani artifacts, some dating back to the earliest human settlement on the Oman Peninsula around two million years ago! Continue to Muttrah Souq, Muscat's famed market overflowing with fabrics, spices, and handicrafts. Weather permitting, take on a sunset boat ride along Muscat's spectacular coastline. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Muscat
Activity: Scenic drive and heritage tour, plus a traditional 2- hour dhow cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
View the Nakhl Fort & the Al Hajar Mountains
Day 3
Start the day at the traditional Barka fish market and then set off on a 75-mile drive from Muscat to the village of Nakhal, known for its hot springs and surrounding date palms. View the beautifully restored Narhal Fort, built atop a huge rock in the 16th century. Thrill-seekers can opt for a spectacular canyon drive through the dramatic Wadi Bani Awuf involving steep bends and bumpy roads through remarkable geological formations. Next, tour the charming mountain village of Bilad Sayt near Jebel Shams, Oman's highest peak, and stroll through Al Hamra-one of the best-preserved old towns in the country. Relax at the hotel and replenish over dinner.
Accommodation: Alila Jabal Akhdar
Activity: Scenic drives and village tours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hike Rugged Jebel Akhdar
Day 4
After breakfast, leave for Jebel Akhdar - Oman's premier outdoor hiking area at the center of the Al Hajar mountain range. Enjoy views of dramatic peaks as you traverse rugged landscapes, marveling at fruit orchards, ancient irrigation channels, wadis, and Omani villages along the way. Learn about the fragrant 'damascina' rosewater made from the region's prized rose varietals and visit Wadi Bani Habib, an interesting village located on the massive plateau.
Accommodation: Alila Jabal Akhdar
Activity: 3-4 hours/3-4 miles hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hike to Wadi Al Muyadin & Discover Nizwa
Day 5
Rise today for a hike through beautiful Wadi Al Muyadin with its vast orange cliffs, limestone boulders and pretty trees, nourished by water below the wadi. Next, head to Nizwa, one of Oman's oldest cities nestled between palm trees and towering mountains. Stroll through the bustling souq stands selling traditional khanjars (silver daggers). Stop at the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, and continue to the desert of Wahiba Sands- home to the traditional Bedouin tribe where red and white dunes rise up to 650 feet. This is evening experience you'll never forget: dinner under the stars and an overnight in Bedouin-style tents beneath the dazzling night sky.
Accommodation: Desert Nights Camp Omani Desert
Activity: Cultural market tour and scenic drives
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Wadi Bani Khalid & Ride a Camel
Day 6
Wake for breakfast at camp before driving to the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid. Its crystal-clear pools are cool and deep-just right for plunging in! Return to the desert camp, where you can enjoy a camel ride across the Wahiba Sands. The sands stretch over 80 miles and provide a real taste of the Arabian Desert, with their high dunes and traditional Bedouin encampments. Overnight again at Desert Nights Camp.
Accommodation: Desert Nights Camp Omani Desert
Activity: Camel ride and visit to a Bedouin family
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Sur & Transfer to Muscat
Day 7
After breakfast travel 75 miles to the coastal city of Sur, known for its history of boat (dhow) making. See how dhows are crafted before heading to the pretty Al Ayjah lighthouse for a photo opportunity. The next stop is the Bimmah sinkhole, a deep natural depression filled with water. Legend has it that a meteor fell in this spot! In the afternoon, return to the Muscat Airport to fly to Salalah.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Salalah
Activity: Scenic drives and heritage tours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Tour Ancient Sites of Taqa & Salalah
Day 8
Explore the old fishing village and 19th-century castle of Taqah, with a stellar fort museum, then head to the capital of ancient Arabia's frankincense trade and site of the ruined Samhuram city. From there, head to Mirbat and visit the twin-domed Bin Alis Tomb and see the natural spring of Ayn Razat. Overnight in Salalah.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Salalah
Activity: Scenic drives and heritage tours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart from Oman
Day 9
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the Salalah airport for homeward-bound flights.
Transportation: Private 4WD transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
Leave it to MT Sobek to find excellent hiking and combine it with the cultural and historical highlights of the country.
MT Sobek experts guide intimate groups through some of Oman's most striking landscapes.
On this trip we combine luxury hotels with boutique eco-resorts and a desert camp.
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Looking for a private family adventure?
This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 16.
Private Trip Pricing:
2024 Pricing
3 to 8 guests from $7,395 per person double occupancy
2025 Pricing
3 to 8 guests from $7,695 per person double occupancy
*Seasonal rates may apply.
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $230
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
January, February, March, October, November, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Qais A.
Qais has been a guide for over 25 years and has extensive knowledge of Oman's history and culture. His favorite part of guiding is getting to meet so many different people from all over the world and learning about their cultures. He prides himself in providing the most enriching learning experience and warm hospitality on all his tours. Qais looks forward to sharing his beautiful country with you!
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. Scenic drives, local market visits, archeological tours, and desert adventures featuring camel rides, Bedouin tribe encounters, and camping under the stars.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Scenic drive and heritage tour, plus a traditional 2- hour dhow cruise
Day 3
Scenic drives and village tours
Day 4
3-4 hours/3-4 miles hiking
Day 5
Cultural market tour and scenic drives
Day 6
Camel ride and visit to a Bedouin family
Day 7
Scenic drives and heritage tours
Day 8
Scenic drives and heritage tours
Accommodations
Luxury resorts and boutique hotels provide high-class amenities and services, while Bedouin-inspired camping offers extraordinary lodging in deluxe desert camps.
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Nestled in the Al Hajar Mountains with breathtaking views, the Alila Jabal Akhdar Hotel has the feel of an upscale mountain cabin. Head out for hikes through the mountains, enjoy morning and sunset yoga sessions, and refresh in the outdoor infinity pool. The Juniper Restaurant serves delectable meals, while the Rose Lounge provides more casual food and cocktails.
Desert Nights Camp Omani Desert
The luxurious Desert Nights Camp offers spacious Bedouin-style tents with A/C, sitting rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and Arabic-styled furnishing. Guests enjoy dune bashing, quad biking, sand boarding, camel riding, and sunset watching. Traditional cuisine including "Shuwa," Omani lamb barbecue, is served alfresco and accompanied by live traditional Arabic music.
Crowne Plaza Salalah
The Crowne Plaza Salalah is located on over 40 acres of gardens and coconut groves with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The property also offers a sizeable stretch of white sand beach. Onsite, guests have several options to unwind including two restaurants, a pub, lounge, and nightclub. The Crowne Plaza also has a fitness center and a large selection of leisure activities. This accommodation has all the amenities to make it a comfortable stop on an MT Sobek adventure.
Crowne Plaza Muscat
The Crowne Plaza Muscat is centrally located and only 20-minutes from the international airport. Each room is comfortably outfitted with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi. Relax at the outdoor pool and sauna or dine at one of the four on-site restaurants.
Weather
Weather is warm with little annual rainfall. Temperatures range from the high 60's to high 90's F on the coast and cooler in the mountains
Know Before You Book
This trip has special seasonal pricing for the peak season specified below, so please call for an exact quote. The trip pricing applies to the rest of the year outside the peak season.
Peak Season: October 1 - January 5
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
An MTS representative will meet you on arrival at Muscat International Airport in Muscat.
Do I need a visa to travel to Oman?
Yes, American citizens need a visa to travel to Oman. You can obtain an e-visa online for travel to Oman.
How do I get to Oman?
Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Qatar Airlines fly to Oman.
Do I need to follow a special dress code for Oman?
No, but we advise you to dress conservatively—wear long sleeved tops and pants or long skirts and only wear swimsuits on the beach.
Is there Wi-Fi at all the accommodations?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi at all of the accommodations on this trip.
Is Oman Safe to visit?
As crime and acts of terrorism are nearly nonexistent in Oman, it is considered a safe destination for travel.
