Oman’s wonders: A Journey Of Discovery

Day 1: Oman's wonders - Exploration of Muscat

Arrival and Grand Mosque Visit

Straightaway upon arriving at Muscat airport, your tour guide will welcome you and immediately take you to visit the famous Grand Mosque. Opened in 2001 after six years of construction, the mosque is certainly one of the largest in the world and is named after Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the father of modern Oman.

Lunch and Old Town Tour

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you will explore furthermore Muscat's Old Town, including a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum. This museum boasts particularly an extensive collection of ancient weapons, household equipment, and traditional costumes. The museum also features for instance a full-scale Omani village and souk outside.

Architectural Wonders and Historical Sites

You may find the Old Town of Muscat, nestled between rocky cliffs and a small bay, with its extraordinary architecture. Besides, Key sites include the National Museum and the building of the General Secretariat for Taxes. A short distance away, in the heart of the Old Town, lies the magnificent Quasr Al Alam Palace, the official residence of the reigning Sultan of Oman. After all the day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

Day 2: Oman’s wonders - Journey to Wahiba Sands

Departure to Wahiba Sands

After breakfast, you will depart from Muscat at 7:30 AM in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, heading towards Wahiba Sands. This journey of approximately 290 kilometers will take you through the scenic Wadi Tayyin and Wadi Dayqa.

The Sharqiya Sands Experience

The Sharqiya Sands, people know it as Wahiba Sands, is a desert region named after the Bani Wahiba people. It spans 180 kilometers north to south and 80 kilometers east to west, covering an area of 12,500 square kilometers. With its 'Middle East adventure' vibe, Wahiba Sands is evidently a must-visit for those seeking a 'Lawrence of Arabia' experience. Moreover, it is the most accessible and developed desert in Oman, offering a sense of isolation from civilization. You will spend the night at Alma Camp.

Day 3: Oman's wonders - From Wahiba Sands to Mahoot

Exploring the Desert and Coastline

After breakfast at the camp, you will journey through the white dunes, exploring the desert landscape. You will get lunch en route. Oman is particularly renowned for its stunning coastline, and traveling from Muscat to Salalah showcases correspondingly the country's diverse landscapes.

Discovering Mahoot Island

Mahoot Island, located in the Wilayat of Mahoot along the Arabian Sea coast, is an intriguing destination. You can generally enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and bird watching, spotting local species like flamingos, cormorants, and swallows. The day ends finally  with an overnight stay at a camp.

Day 4: Long Drive to Aghaftien

Through the World's Largest Sand Desert

At this time, prepare for a long day of driving, covering 420 kilometers over approximately 8 hours, through the vast expanse of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter). The overnight stay will be at a guesthouse in Atalgaftin.

Days 5-7: Oman's wonders: Rub Al Khali to Salalah

Exploring the Empty Quarter

During these three days, you will indeed travel 100-150 kilometers daily through the Rub Al Khali desert, staying at the Bourkana Empty Quarter Ecolodge. The Omani side of the Rub Al Khali is known for its pristine beauty and unspoiled nature. The towering sand dunes, some as high as 200-300 meters, offer a sense of endless silence. The rugged terrain deters human settlement, and even Bedouins prefer the desert's periphery for their camel economy.

Guided Desert Tours

Guided tours in the desert are highly recommended and ensure you have sufficient provisions. Witnessing the pristine sunrise or sunset in the desert, far from civilization's lights, is a unique experience. Be mindful of the significant temperature fluctuations, ranging from around 0° Celsius at night to 60° Celsius during the day.

Day 8: Return to Civilization

Visiting Ubar and Douka

Finally, as you leave the Rub Al Khali, you will visit the legendary site of Ubar, often people call it  the 'Atlantis of the Sands.' The ruins, found in the village of Shisr in Dhofar Region, are officially named Ubar, though their authenticity as the legendary city is still debated. You will stay overnight at the plantation of Douka, in  Souly Ecolodge.

Day 9: Oman's wonders - Departure from Salalah

Final Departure

Lastly, in the afternoon, you will be transferred from the Souly Ecolodge to Salalah airport. Salalah, the capital of southern Oman's Dhofar province, is known for its banana plantations, Arabian Sea beaches, and rich marine life. From here, you will catch your return flight.

Booking and Cancellation Policy:

Booking Policy:

1. Reservation Confirmation:

   • A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total tour cost is required to secure your booking.
   • The remaining balance must be paid in full 60 days before the tour start date.

2. Payment Methods:

   • You can make your payment via bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal.
   • All payments should be in Euros (€).

3. Late Bookings:

   • For bookings made less than 60 days before the tour start date, full payment is required at the time of booking.

4. Travel Insurance:

   • We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to cover any unforeseen circumstances.

Cancellation Policy:

1. Cancellation by the Traveler:

   • More than 60 days before departure: Loss of deposit (25% of the total tour cost).
   • 30 to 59 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost.
   • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost (no refund).

2. Cancellation by the Operator:

   • In the unlikely event that we have to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund of all payments made.
   • We are not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by you, such as non-refundable airline tickets, travel insurance, or other personal expenses.

3. Changes and Amendments:

   • If you wish to make changes to your booking (such as altering travel dates), you have to do your requests in writing and they will be subject to availability and any applicable fees.
   • We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control.

4. Force Majeure:

   • We are not liable for any delays, changes, or cancellations caused by force majeure events, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, war, civil unrest, or any other events beyond our control. In such cases, we will make every effort to offer suitable alternatives or reschedule the tour.

By booking with us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the above booking and cancellation policy. We recommend reviewing our terms and conditions for a comprehensive understanding of our policies and your responsibilities as a traveler.

• Transportation
• Accommodation (hotel and camping)
• Full board
• English speaking Driver/Guide

• International flights
• Tipps
• Personal belongings