This tour offers you a wonderful experience of Oman’s history and the culture. Oman boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, which can still be witnessed in many parts of the country. Their cultural legacy is still practiced and present among the local communities. You will experience their customs and traditions, as well as the monuments of historical value and the remnants of the ancient trail of frankincense during this tour.
Arrival in MCT international Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Muscat.
Start a full day city tour in Muscat. Visit the highlights of the city including Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat Opera House, Bait Al Zuabir Museum and Muttrah souq. You will learn the history of the city, its traditions and about the local communities during this tour. Enjoy a traditional Omani lunch in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Muscat.
Continue the journey to Nizwa in the morning after breakfast. Nizwa is one of the oldest cities and the former capital of Oman. Visit the traditional Bazar and the Fort of Nizwa. On Fridays, it is worth to visit the local livestock market held once week adjacent to the Nizwa fort. View the oldest fort in Oman in Bahla with its 12km (seven miles) wall. Bahla is famous for its handicrafts and you will have the opportunity to experience the traditional pottery. The Castle of Jabreen, situated within a short distance of Bahla is one of the most beautiful stone castles of Oman. Return to your hotel in the evening.
Overnight in Nizwa.
Drive to the Eastern Desert of Oman and visit a local Bedouin family. Sit with them for a local coffee and learn about their customs and traditions. Enjoy a lunch made by them before you leave for your domestic flight. Arrive in Muscat and take the flight to the southern capital of Oman; Salalah in Dhofar region. We will welcome you at the airport and drive to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Start a Journey along the footprints of the ancient Frankincense Trail. Drive to the old fishing village of ‘Taqah’, famous its century old ‘Taqah Castle’. Continue onto the ancient ruins of the once famous city of Sumharam (Khor Rohri). Khor Rori was an important port on the coast of Dhofar, and one of the major trading cities with frankincense, believed to have been the hub & harbor for the shipping of Frankincense (UNESCO World Heritage site). A picturesque drive then leads you to ‘Mirbat’, the ancient capital of Dhofar and the beginning of the ‘Frankincense trail’. Stroll through the streets lined with old Omani houses & visit the ‘twin-domed Bin Ali’s Tomb’ as a photo stop …a classic example of medieval architecture.
Visit “The Museum of the Frankincense Land”. Opened in July 2007 at Al Balid Archaeological Park, a UNESCO heritage site located in Salalah, the Frankincense Land Museum is the latest addition to Oman’s heritage and cultural scene.
Drive through lush green plantations of vegetables & fruits. Make a brief stop to experience the locally grown fruits and vegetables at fruits and vegetable stall.
In the morning after the breakfast, set off for a short picnic on Ittin Mountains. Sit together with your local guide and listen to the story of Frankincense while having a hot cup of tea/coffee. Start the journey to the desert in the afternoon. The stunning desert of Ar Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) is Dhofars most remarkable and popular site with its untouched and magical sand dunes. Visit the legendary ‘Lost City of Ubar’ enroute. Visit a camel farm in the desert. A breathtaking sunset awaits you thereafter on the top of the dunes.
Overnight in the desert camp.
Start the return journey back to Salalah after the breakfast at the camp. On the way back to Salalah, drive into Wadi ‘Dawka’ (UNESCO World heritage site) known as the ‘Frankincense Wadi’, which is also well known as the biggest collection of the naturally grown Frankincense trees in the region. In the afternoon a brief city tour in Salalah including the Frankincense souq. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with local specialties.
Overnight in Salalah
Today we are traveling all day to the west towards the very end of Western Dhofar. Stop at the beautiful bay of Mughsail before we continue our journey into the mountains.
Enjoy the landscapes on a breathtaking mountain road via hairpin bends and you reach the highest plateau of Jebel al Qamar with fantastic views of the coast and the sea.
The road leads us through a wide Wadi, where you can see the historical ‘Frankincense trees’ growing in their natural habitat. On the stretch of the hilly plateau, we encounter herders with their camels. Learn and experience the camel herding before we drive again down through the mountains and lush vegetation. We come to the coastal area and visit the fishing village of Dhalkut. Experience the daily life in a remote fishing village of Oman. Visit an ancient cave, where you will admire the centuries old cave paintings.
Say good-bye to your memorable stay in Oman. Transfers are arranged to bring you to the airport for your departure flight.
Tour Code:R/O/893
Minimum participants: 01
Tour starts: Daily from Muscat
Duration: 9 Days (8 Nights)
Availability: January – April / September – December
Guided Tour? Yes
Languages: English. (German, French, Italian on request for private tours)
Transport: Tours and transfers on day 1, 2, 5 and by Saloon car/ Micro Van/ Mini Bus/ Coach. 4WD Jeep tour on day 3 – 4 & 6 – 8
Sun screen Steady shoes Hat
This tour involves walking over rough and inclined ground
Taking photographs/filming inside the museum is not permitted
Sultan Qaboos Mosque/ Grand Mosque is only opened for visitors from Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 – 11:00 am.
Dune bashing during the desert tour is an adventures activity. Guest may participate this event at their own risk.
One night in The Sands camp in Rub Al Khali desert. Camp is basic with simple tents with solid beds. Bed linen is provided. Toilets (not attached), piped water and electricity available. Buffet dinner with local specialities and simple breakfast will be provided.
This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 6 may not participate
Sometimes, there will be no basic facilities during this tour; such as public toilets, mobile phone connection, pharmacies or electricity in remote areas.
Please ensure you dress respectfully. Knees and shoulders should be covered during visit of religious places. Please pay attention to the specified dress code by visiting Sultan Qaboos grand mosque from inside.
We can provide you visitors’ visa to Oman (conditions may apply)
We can help select your international and domestic flights
Extensions / Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged with supplementary charges
Airport transfers are included. We will pick up / drop off you at Salalah International airport