Essence of Oman

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Muscat & Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar (Al Hajar Mountains), Wahiba Sands

This private Oman tour is ideal for travelers wanting to combine the culture of historic Muscat and Nizwa with some of the sultanate's most impressive hotels and unforgettable landscapes: beautiful desert valleys, the rugged coastline, the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and the breathtaking dunes of Wahiba Sands.

Begin in Muscat, the seaside capital of Oman. During touring with your private guide and driver, visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the landmark Royal Opera House and museums dedicated to Oman's rich cultural heritage. In Old Muscat, see Al Alam Palace (one of several used by the Sultan of Oman) and hilltop fortresses overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Walk along the waterfront corniche in the Muttrah district, and browse the Muttrah Souk (market) for Omani frankincense, jewelry, ceramics, antiques and more.

Next, visit Nizwa, a historic oasis town in the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains. Walk along the ramparts of atmospheric Nizwa Fort, take in views of the expansive palm groves, and visit the souk to browse for pottery, textiles and other local handicrafts.

Continue into the mountains to the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) region and a luxurious mountain resort with spectacular views of the dramatic desert landscapes. During private touring, visit local villages in the surrounding Saiq Plateau, and see gravity-defying cliffside agricultural terraces—the roses, pomegranates and other crops grown here are considered the finest in Oman. During leisure time, enjoy the resort facilities and its incredible views.

One day, take a private excursion to Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain), the highest peak in Oman. En route, visit mudbrick villages set among palm oases, venture into deep desert wadis (valleys), learn about the UNESCO World Heritage-designated aflaj (irrigation canals) that carry water from the mountains to local farms, and perhaps opt for guided hikes such as the legendary Balcony Walk along the steep slopes of Wadi Nakhr.

Next, visit Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful river valley dotted with villages, en route to Wahiba Sands (A'Sharqiyah Sands). Spend a night in a desert camp amid spectacular sand dunes rolling for miles into the distance. Enjoy options such as visiting Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful river valley dotted with villages, meeting local Bedouins, riding a camel and watching the sunset from the top of the sand dunes.

Transfer along the coast of Oman back to Muscat, stopping en route in Sur, a whitewashed port town with a long and interesting history, as well as at the unusual Bimmah Sinkhole and wadis carved into the rugged coastal mountains.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world