Arabian Deserts, Oases & Beaches Tour

The Sultanate of Oman on the Gulf of Arabia is a country of dramatic landscapes, with rugged mountains, arid deserts, lush green plains, and beautiful beaches. It is a land steeped in history with a fascinating culture that the whole family will enjoy! Our Oman family adventure begins in the historic city of Muscat and takes us to explore ancient forts and castles, desert oases and colourful souqs. We watch for turtles nesting and laying their eggs, and stay overnight at a desert camp, with a visit to a Bedouin house, Desert Bashing” across the stunning dunes of Wahiba Sands, and also the chance to ride a camel. We explore Nizwa Fort, the old village of Misfah with its old mud houses, Al Hoota Cave with its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, and Jabal Al Akhdar high in the mountains. Next stop Barka, with time to relax on the coast before we return to Muscat for a final night and the end of our family adventure.

Arabian Deserts, Oases & Beaches At A Glance

Itinerary
Day 1
Muscat. Arrive at Muscat Airport. You will be met on arrival, and transferred to the joining hotel.

Please ensure that you have provided us with your flight details to enable us to organise this transfer.

The pre departure meeting is at 6pm today to meet your Local Guide and fellow travellers. The remainder of the evening is free for you to relax or explore a little.

Day 2
Muscat.  After breakfast we will proceed for a half day tour of Muscat.  We will include a visit to the Natural History Museum. Also an orientation tour through the Modern Muscat and the embassy area. Then we tour the old parts of Muscat. We visit Bait Zubair Museum, one of the private museums with a rare collection of the by gone era. We have a photo stop at Al-Alam Palace, the 16th century built Mirani and Jalali.

Finally we visit the lively Muttrah Souq and return to the hotel by about 1300 hrs. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Day 3
Muscat – Sur – Turtle Watching. After breakfast at the hotel, we depart by 0830 hrs by 4WD to Sur via the scenic and rugged coastal route. This tour offers breathtaking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset by pristine white beaches. After we drive past the fishing village of Quriyat, our first stop is the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom, where you may like to take a dip. We then stop at Fins Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of the area, another swimming opportunity.

We continue to Wadi Tiwi. The road to Tiwi winds between houses. The sight is remarkable with its lush green plantations with water flowing all year around. A picnic lunch will be served at a convenient place.

On reaching Sur, we check into our hotel. In the evening, usually around 8pm, we proceed to Ras Al Jinz to watch the Green Turtles nesting. Later we drive back to Sur.

Day 4
Sur – Wahiba Sands.  After breakfast at the hotel, we set our to Wadi Bani Khalid  an oasis spot in the middle of the barren and dry mountains, and then continue on to Wahiba  the great Arabian Desert with sightseeing en route.

We visit a Bedouin house, & take a sand dune drive while at Wahiba. There are also optional camel rides available. You may even see herds of camels pass by as you drive across the Wahiba. Later we check into our Desert Camp, where dinner is included.

Day 5

Arabian Deserts, Oases & Beaches Map

Wahiba Sands – Nizwa. Breakfast is taken at the camp and then we depart from the camp for the drive via Ibra to Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman.

If open, we will visit the Al Hoota Cave, one of the largest natural caves, more than 5kms long. You will see beautiful natural formations such as stalactites, stalagmites and crystals. The main cave has an underground lake, with rare blind fish. We overnight in Nizwa.

Day 6
Nizwa – Jabal Akhdar  Nizwa. After breakfast we start the day with a visit to Nizwa Souk, where pottery, gold & silver wares are sold. The souq is renowned for carved silver khanjars (daggers). Then we visit the famous round tower fort of Nizwa, probably the best fort architecture in Oman, and where there is an excellent museum.

Later we drive to Jabal Akhdar, where we have lunch. We visit Wadi Bani Habib, Diana Point and other places of interest, and later head back to Nizwa.

Day 7
Nizwa  Wadi Bani Awf  Barka. After breakfast we check out of the hotel and drive to Barka. En route we drive past the mountain village of Bilat Sait and Wadi Bani Awf. We stop in Nakhl where we visit the fort.

Whenever possible we will be staying at the Al Sawadi Beach Resort. This resort is set on one of the most tranquil beaches in Oman, overlooking the Sawadi Isles. There are plenty of watersports available, as well as boat trips.

Day 8
Barka.  Today is a free day at the resort giving you time to relax.

Day 9
Barka – Muscat.  After breakfast we check out of the hotel and transfer to Muscat. En route we will visit Barka fish market and Bait Na’man.

On arrival at our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to enjoy the hotel facilities.

Day 10
Muscat.The tour finishes today after breakfast. You will be transferred to Muscat Airport for your flight home. Please ensure that we have been provided with your flight details.

Day Highlights of Oman
Muscat
Natural History Museum
Bait Zubair Museum
Al-Alam Palace
Muttrah Souk
Bimah Sinkhole
Fins Beach
Wadi Tiwi
Turtles at Ras Al Jinz
Wadi Bani Khalid Oasis
Wahiba Sands
Bedouin House
Sand Dune Drive
Desert Camp
Al Hoota Cave
Nizwa Souk
Nizwa Fort
Jamal Al Akhdar
Misfah Village
Haat
Wadi Bani Awf
Nakhl Fort
Barka (Resort Stay)
Gulf of Oman
Fish Market
Bait Naman

What’s included
9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary
Escorted Tour  Local Guide
Airport Transfers
Overnight at Desert Camp
Sand Dune Drive Wahiba Sands
Turtle Spotting

For more information about this tour or to contact an agent to confirm this vacation please call 1.888.461.0231 or fill out the form below.