Highlights of Oman & Jordan

(14 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Muscat, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar (Al Hajar Mountains), Wahiba Sands, Amman, Jerash, King's Highway, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea

This private tour is ideal for travelers wanting to tour the incredible cultural and scenic highlights of Jordan and Oman. With your private expert guides, tour historic Muscat and Nizwa, visit spectacular Petra and Jerash, and see unforgettable natural landscapes, all while staying at the finest hotels.

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 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, drive through Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful valley dotted with villages, en route to Wahiba Sands (Sharqiya Sands). Spend a night in a desert camp amid spectacular sand dunes rolling for miles into the distance. Enjoy watching the sunset from the top of the sand dunes, and perhaps opt for activities such as meeting a Bedouin family, riding a camel and going for a thrilling four-wheel drive dune-bashing experience.

Return to Muscat along the coast of Oman, 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. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange an additional overnight at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve near Sur to see nesting green sea turtles (May–September).

Fly to Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During private touring, see ancient Roman ruins and the impressive 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex atop the Citadel, lively souks and shopping streets, and other cultural and culinary highlights of the city. Also explore Amman's best shops selling high-quality Jordanian crafts.

Next, take a private excursion into the verdant hills of northern Jordan to tour Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. See highlights such as Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the theater and the Cardo, a colonnaded stone street once lined with shops. If desired, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a homemade lunch of traditional Jordanian dishes prepared by local women.

Next, travel along the King's Highway, a historic route that passes through many fascinating cultural and natural attractions. During private touring en route, visit Mount Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses to see exquisite Byzantine mosaics and panoramic views stretching down to the Dead Sea. If desired, also visit local mosaic workshops. Next, stop in Madaba to see the fascinating 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, as well as the mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Jordanian cuisine at a local restaurant. Also participate in a private cultural activity such as henna painting or writing Arabic calligraphy. Continue through Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon, and stop at impressive Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress perched on a hill.

Continue to Petra, one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. The Nabataeans created this ancient city by sculpting monuments and tombs into beautiful red sandstone mountains in the desert. During private touring of this fascinating ancient wonder, see Petra's most famous ruin—the iconic Treasury—and explore the atmospheric Siq (gorge). Also see impressive Royal Tombs and Roman ruins, visit Little Petra, and learn about the history, beliefs and architecture of the Nabataeans while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, travel into Jordan's southern desert to explore the spectacular natural environment of Wadi Rum. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this UNESCO-inscribed landscape is filled with red sand dunes, dramatic stone mountains, rock bridges and petroglyphs. The otherworldly landscapes have been used as filming locations in Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and other movies. Spend a night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum to appreciate the beauty of the area as the light changes throughout the afternoon and evening.

En route to the Dead Sea, stop to take in breathtaking views over the hills and canyons of Dana Biosphere Reserve, a diverse landscape that's home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Continue to a luxurious resort overlooking the beautiful and mysterious Dead Sea. During your stay, enjoy the resort's lavish facilities, including a private beach that provides direct access to the Dead Sea where you can float in the mineral-rich water famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Also enjoy the resort's spa, swimming pools, restaurants and lush grounds that spread over acres.

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