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Trip	Discover Oman by Intrepid Travel 4.5 \| Great 4476 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	12 Day Explore Oman & Dubai by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 773 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	8 days	12 days
Price From	$ 3,111	$ 4,449
Price Per Day	$ 389	$ 371
Highlights	Stand on top of Oman, with the vast Grand Canyon at your feet and take the scenic route down through the mountains to Muscat. Walk through remote villages, tucked between mountains and at the bottom of valleys, lush with date palms and full of friendly locals, enjoy a visit to a local bee keeper and a hearty home-cooked Omani lunch. Scramble to the top of the Wahiba Sands dunes for incredible sunset and sunrise views, and experience traditional Omani hospitality over coffee and dates with a Bedouin family. Discover Oman's most phenomenal castles and mosques with guided visits to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Jabreen Castle. Step back in time with a night in Nizwa, staying in a heritage property in the heart of the old town, and stroll the souq for souvenirs. By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.	In the white walled city of Muscat visit the exquisite Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Stop at the Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with cool blue green waters A remarkable drive through stark seas of sand dunes in the desert wilderness of Wahiba Sands View Jabreen Castle in Oman, specially designed to imitate grand European palaces of the 1600s In Al Ain, tour one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements Embark on a city tour of Abu Dhabi that includes a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi In ultra-sophisticated Abu Dhabi, visit the Falcon Hospital, a pioneer in the rescue of these birds Enjoy buffet lunch and breathtaking views on a double-decker dhow boat cruise on the Gulf Discover Dubai, the quintessential land of striking opulence that stands beside mosques Visit the View at the Palm, offering stunning 360 degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Persian Gulf and beyond At Al Shindagha Museum, experience an inside-look at the nation's past and traditions Admire the glitter of the gold souk with its dazzling displays Visit the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa and enjoy panoramic views from level 124 of the building †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Small group tour	Small group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Standard
Physical Level	2- Easy	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural High Adventure	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	Oman	Oman United Arab Emirates
Cities and Attractions	Grand Canyon Muscat	Abu Dhabi Dubai Muscat
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Ground transport included
Activities	N/A	N/A
Meals Included	N/A	N/A
Description	Adventure from portside Muscat and Muttrah into the heart of Oman's richly coloured past. Discover the awesome Islamic forts, age-old mud-brick houses, and silver- and spice-filled souqs that make this Middle Eastern jewel such a feast for the senses. The treasures aren't all man-made: trip to the blazing remote landscapes of Wahiba Sands for a desert getaway with the Bedouins, and soak up breathtaking canyon views at Jebel Shams and Wadi Bani Awf before returning to the seaside capital.	2 Muscat, 1 Wahiba Sands, 1 Al Hamra, 1 Al Ain, 2 Abu Dhabi, 3 Dubai

Itinerary: Discover Oman

Day 1 Muscat

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Oman and the sprawling seaside city of Muscat. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm today. If you arrive with time to spare you may like to visit the Royal Opera House, a grand building that encapsulates contemporary Omani architectural style, or take a walk along the beach, dipping your toes in the Gulf of Oman. After the welcome meeting perhaps join your group at a nearby restaurant, serving up Omani favourites like shuwa, fresh salads and local breads.

Day 2 Muscat

Begin your explorations with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The largest mosque in Oman, it has capacity for 20,000 worshippers and the second largest carpet in the world, handwoven by Iranian women, taking four years to produce. Your next stop is the old part of Muscat, where you'll see the two 16th century Portuguese forts, Jalali and Mirani, guarding the entrance to the city. Drive down to the busy fishing harbour at Muttrah, with its wooden dhows and fishing boats, stop at the bazaar (souq) where you can pick up a local perfume or postcard. Visit the Sidab Women's Group and learn how they're empowering local women through the production and sale of reusable bags. After learning about the organisation, enjoy a selection of salads, sambusas and stews, cooked for you by our welcoming hosts. Your afternoon is then free to spend as you wish. An optional sunset cruise provides a spectacular viewpoint for the rocky coastline of the city.

Day 3 Ras al Hadd

Drive through Oman's rugged landscapes to Hawiyat Najim Park, the location of the Bimmah Sinkhole. This picture-perfect sinkhole was formed through limestone erosion. The turquoise waters make an excellent stop to paddle the feet before travelling onwards. Your next stop, Wadi Tiwi, is known as the wadi of nine villages, with each community linked by date plantations and the flow of water through their falaj system. Spend time learning about dates, how they're grown and harvested, and their importance in Omani hospitality, and stretch your legs on a short, downhill walk through these communities. Continue driving to Ras al Hadd and check into your beachside resort where you'll be able to enjoy a lovely relaxed evening at the property.

Day 4 Wahiba Sands

After breakfast, we make a stop in Sur, an important city of Oman's maritime past. Sur has long been known for its tradition of dhow building. These mighty vessels formed an important part of Omani culture and trade over the years. Visit a dhow factory to see how they are built and be joined by a local worker who will explain the making of the dhow, the materials used and the time taken to built the vessel. Drive through the Eastern Hajar Mountains, enjoying incredible views of villages embedded in the mountains as you take this winding road to the peaceful Wadi Bani Khalid. Cool off with a swim in the wadi, surrounded by palm trees and mountains. Drive onwards to the beautiful Wahiba Sands, where you'll spend the night. Rolling dunes, some as high as 150 metres, stretch as far as the eye can see and are constantly shifting. Sunset from atop a dune is a must. After dinner back at the camp, relax under the stars with music, tea and maybe even some dancing.

Day 5 Nizwa

If you're a morning person, you have the option to climb the dunes and enjoy watching them change colour as the sun rises over them. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxed start to the day before driving further into the dunes to visit a Bedouin family. Wahiba Sands is named after the Wahiba tribe and the region is home to families that have lived and worked in the area for generations. Enjoy coffee, dates and a chat with our welcoming hosts. Leaving the desert behind, make tracks for Nizwa. On the outskirts of the city, visit Jabreen Castle, considered one of the finest and most picturesque in the country. Built in 1675, this cleverly designed residence was home to Imam Bil-Arab Bin Sultan and many subsequent generations. A local guide will share the castle's secrets and expansive viewpoints with you. It's just a short drive to Nizwa, where you'll spend the night in the old town, staying in a heritage property. Enjoy a free evening to explore the old town or relax at a rooftop cafe with a cool drink.

Day 6 Jebel Shams

Take a walk with your leader through the labyrinthine streets of Nizwa's old town this morning, before exploring the souq and its various specialty areas for halwa, vegetables, spices, ceramics. You'll have some free time during which you might like to visit Nizwa Fort. With a massive circular cannon tower and built to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons, it's one of the most impressive forts in Oman. Depart Nizwa for Misfat Al Abyreen, a mountain village located 1000m above sea level and recognised by UNWTO as one of the world's best tourism villages for its preservation of Omani culture. Walk through the village and see how their agricultural and irrigation systems are as productive as they were centuries ago. Visit a local beekeeper and find out about their bees and the ways they produce different types of honey - with some sampling too, of course! Then enjoy a home-cooked Omani feast with your host for lunch. Omani people are famous for their hospitality and you’ll get to try some exciting home-cooked flavors including Qabuli (Omani spiced rice with either goat/fish/chicken), hummus, Omani bread (Kubz Al Rakhal) with local honey, Omani coffee and tea with dates, etc. Carry on your journey higher into the mountains to Jebel Shams, which translates as 'Mountain of the Sun'. Check into your hotel before heading out to take in the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon and, weather allowing, a brilliant sunset.

Day 7 Muscat

An early morning hike is on offer today. The balcony walk follows the Grand Canyon, so you can expect epic views as you walk. After breakfast at your hotel, settle in for a memorable drive to Wadi Bani Awf, the end point of the canyon and known as Snake Gorge. Break up the drive with a walk through Bilad Sait, a remote fortress village in the heart of the mountains, lush with palm trees. After leaving the mountains, you'll drive back to Muscat, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is free to spend as you wish, perhaps gather your group together for a meal to celebrate your adventure.

Day 8 Muscat

After breakfast, you are free to leave at any time, as there are no activities planned today. If you would like to spend some more time in Muscat, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Itinerary: 12 Day Explore Oman & Dubai

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Oman
Depart for Muscat in Oman

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Muscat
Arrive in Muscat, the ancient capital of Oman, characterized by a unique civilization that reflects both Arabic and Islamic influences. Transfer to the hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Muscat

DAY 3, Tuesday - Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Muttrah Quarter, Dinner & Discussion
The discovery of the white-walled city of Muscat begins at the exquisite Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque- considered an architectural masterpiece! Admire the magnificent blend of Islamic, Middle Eastern, and Omani architectural styles along with the world's largest handmade Persian rug. Here, an Omani guide offers an overview of Islamic culture as you walk through the mosque that holds over 20,000 worshippers. View Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of His Majesty the Sultan in the heart of the Old Muscat, surrounded by two 16th century Portuguese fortresses, Al Jalali and Al Mirani. After lunch at a local restaurant proceed to the Beit Zubair Museum that celebrates the culture and heritage of Oman with extensive permanent collections and jewelry and costumes from different regions of Oman. A drive along the corniche takes you to Muttrah, a delightful quarter of the city with ancient buildings, narrow winding streets, Arabesque gates and beautiful engravings, evoking a unique medieval charm. Time to explore the picturesque narrow alleyways of the souk, filled with locals busy with daily shopping, dressed in typical Omani style and enjoying the air filled with scents of sandalwood. Later, return to the hotel and participate in an informative lecture and discussion on the heritage, culture, and status of women in Omani society. In the evening, attend an orientation meeting your Tour Manager
Overnight: Muscat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Wednesday - Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadis of Oman, Visit a Bedouin House
Depart Muscat this morning. and stop at the unique Bimmah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with inviting cool blue-green waters. Then to Wadi Tiwi, with its string of emerald pools and thick plantations, known as the "Wadi of Nine Villages". From here, drive to Sur for lunch at a local farm house. Afterward, the drive takes you between the contorted slopes to the desert paradise of Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis of shaded palms and stunning water pools. Proceed to your desert camp. En route, stop to visit an authentic Bedouin house in the desert and meet the proud tribespeople who embrace their ancient Bedouin traditions and culture. Arrive in the stark desert wilderness of the Wahiba Sands, a vast mass of undulating red and white seas of sand and dunes that rise over 650 feet. After settling in at your desert camp, enjoy the glowing sunset and a traditional barbecue dinner
Overnight: Wahiba Sands Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Thursday - Nizwa Souk and Fort, Jabreen Castle, Al Hamra
This morning, drive to the town of Nizwa, nestled on a stark plain surrounded by a thick palm oasis and some of Oman's highest mountains. At the souk, stroll the narrow lanes past vendors selling their colorful wares. Next, on to the striking 17th century Nizwa Fort, with its 125 foot round tower offering panoramas of the Hajar Mountains! After a home-hosted lunch with a local Omani family, visit Jabreen Castle, designed to imitate the most beautiful grand European palaces of the 1600s. In the Sun and Moon Room, reserved for important visitors, admire the majestic Islamic calligraphy, colorful eye drawings and rows of decorative windows. Afterward, a photo stop in Bahla, best known for its gigantic ancient fort with towers of unbaked bricks, a remarkable example of this type of fortification that sits adjacent to the Friday Mosque with its decoratively sculpted prayer niche dominating the surrounding mud brick settlement and palm grove. Continue to the hotel located in the hills above the town of Al Hamra, with views of the entire countryside. Tonight, gather together for dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Al Hamra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Friday - Border Crossing, Travel to Al Ain
Spend free time in the morning at the hotel before departing for the UAE. After crossing the border, arrive in the oasis city of Al Ain, the largest inland city in the Emirates. Check into your hotel with time to settle in before dinner this evening
Overnight: Al Ain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Saturday - The 'Garden City' of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Abu Dhabi
Visit the garden city of Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was once a vital green oasis on the caravan route. Al Ain's World Heritage locations include its six oases and the archaeological sites of Bida bint Saud, Hafeet and Hili, all testimonies to the human occupation of this desert region dating back to the Neolithic period with vestiges of many prehistoric cultures. Here, tour the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum, the residence of the Sheikh and his family, and the Al Ain National Museum, housing artifacts discovered around the city, ancient Arabic manuscripts and royal treasures. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Al Hili Archaeological Park. It's a public garden and excavation site of a Bronze Age settlement, with discoveries dating back over 4,000 years! Later, continue to Abu Dhabi for overnight
Overnight: Abu Dhabi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Sunday - Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Etihad Tower Observation Deck
An exciting day awaits you in ultra-sophisticated Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE - an intriguing city that combines a hospitable mix of new and old! Begin at the opulent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers, featuring 82 domes, over 1,000 columns and 24 karat gold gilded chandeliers. Stand before the gorgeous reflective pools surrounding the mosque, amplifying its beauty. Then, head to the Date Market to view all the different varieties of dates from across the Middle East. Afterward, admire cultural art at the Arab World's first universal museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Later, head to the Etihad Tower Observation Deck for uninterrupted bird's eye view of the city's skyline. On the way back to your hotel, a photo stop at Emirates Palace
Overnight: Abu Dhabi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Monday - Abu Dhabi, Futuristic Masdar, Dhow Boat Cruise, Dubai
Morning visit to the renowned Falcon Hospital, a pioneer in the nurturing and rescue of these super-intelligent birds. Gain insight into the traditions of falconry, a deeply revered tradition of the country. Then, a photo stop at the futuristic eco-city of Masdar, the world's first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city powered entirely by renewable energy built on inhospitable terrain, similar to living on the moon. Continue to Yas Island, known for being the home of the biggest Ferrari theme park and the famous F1 Yas Circuit, and board a traditional double-decker dhow boat that takes you on a cruise around the city -- enjoy breathtaking views and a lavish buffet lunch. Disembark and travel to Dubai for overnight
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10, Tuesday - A Day of Discovery in Dubai
Begin with a photo stop at Dubai's signature landmark, Burj Al Arab, the celebrated sail-shaped hotel facing the Persian Gulf. Proceed to Souk Madinat Jumeirah and stroll through the bustling alleys of the souk, allowing the mystical aromas of numerous spices tantalize your senses. Then, head to Jumeirah Palm, a man-made island, which was built in the shape of a palm tree, known for its posh residential buildings, villas, and luxury resorts. Upon entering the island, board the Palm Monorail and visit the View at the Palm, offering stunning 360 degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Persian Gulf and beyond. Later, continue the ride to the far end of the palm. After a photo stop at Pointe at the Palm, have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take an hour cruise on a traditional Dhow on the waters of Dubai Marina. Return to your hotel
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Wednesday - Al Shndagha Museum, Spice & Gold Souks, Burj Khakifa
This morning, visit the Al Shindagha Museum, and experience an inside-look at the nation's past and traditions. Afterward, head to the spice and gold souks and walk through the maze of narrow alleys. The jewelry on sale, mostly in gold with astounding quality, varies from traditional to the latest designs. After lunch, attend a calligraphy session. Later, visit the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa. While at the top, a guide will help answer all your questions from your vantage point on level 124 of the building. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager during dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Dubai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Thursday - Depart the United Arab Emirates
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 8 and will require a transfer on Day 7. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 5 hours prior to flight time
Meals: Breakfast

Compare Discover Oman by Intrepid Travel vs 12 Day Explore Oman & Dubai by Gate 1 Travel

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