Northern Oman: Wadis, Mountains & Coasts

TOUR IN

17 Nov
-
25 Nov 2024
|
9 days

$4119

per person

Availability: 12 places

This 9-day tour introduces us to the highlights of Northern Oman as we travel along coastal roads and through ancient ports to the majestic landscapes of the Hajar Mountains, discovering tranquil oases, historic forts and colourful markets along the way.

We begin the tour in Muscat, a capital which offers a compelling blend of the old and new, before setting off along stunning coastal roads to the ancient port city of Sur. Set in the mouth of the Gulf of Oman, Sur was once a major port trading with Africa, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula, and here we can learn more about Oman’s seafaring traditions. Turning inland, we then head into the heart of Wahiba Sands where we will spend the night at a fixed camp and can enjoy some of the most spectacular stargazing in the world.

Our journey then takes us towards the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains and the highlight of our adventure. Here amongst the dramatic landscapes of the Green Mountain, we will discover villages steeped in the traditions of ages past, where ancient falaj water systems share the timeless vistas with imposing forts and wadis and oases that are amongst the most beautiful anywhere in eastern Arabia.

Day 1

DAY 1: Tour starts in Muscat

The tour starts from Oman’s International airport to coincide with the suggested Group Tour flights. We will head straight to the magnificent mosque of Sultan Qaboos, one of the largest in the Arab world, whose grand marble halls are capable of holding some 20,000 people. After which we will begin our guided tour of the city. One of Arabia’s most picturesque cities, Muscat lies within the protective embrace of a ring of horse-shoe mountains that run down into the glittering waters of Muscat Bay. We will drive along the engaging sea-front to the Al Alam Palace and the 16th century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. We will also have a chance to visit Muscat’s renowned Muttrah souk, one of the best in the region. There will be free time in the afternoon for those that want to explore independently, or time to rest and freshen up.

Day 2

DAY 2: Muscat - Bimmah Sink Hole - Wadi Shab - Sur

We set off south along the coast this morning, first visiting Bimmah Sink Hole, a depression filled with crystal clear turquoise water that some locals believe was formed by a meteor. We then head to Wadi Shab, one of Oman’s most spectacular wadis, which can be reached via a remote pathway, taking us over boulders and through streams, before reaching this stunning natural swimming pool where we can enjoy a dip. After enjoying lunch at the nearby restaurant, we continue on to the port town of Sur. Once a major port trading mainly with East Africa, this interesting town perfectly exemplifies Oman's seafaring traditions. Here we can enjoy a wander through a labyrinth of streets, home to many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows. Sur is most famous for its Dhow building, and so a visit to the shipyard will hopefully give us a glimpse of some of the craftsmen at work.

Day 3

DAY 3: Sur - Wadi Bani Khalid - Wahiba Sands

This morning we leave Sur and drive inland towards the deserts of the Wahiba Sands. En route we visit Wadi Bani Khalid, another of Oman's most beautiful wadis, a picture-perfect oasis with palms trees lying next to crystal-clear water. After a chance to explore on foot or have a swim, we then drive into the vast, open landscapes of the Wahiba Sands, over 10,000 square kilometres of shifting sands and towering dunes that are home to isolated settlements of semi-nomadic Bedouin. En route we stop at the home of a Bedouin family where we can enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch in the company of our welcoming hosts. Driving through an ever-changing landscape of colours and contours, we eventually reach our fixed camp in the heart of the desert.

Day 4

DAY 4: Wahiba Sands - Ibra - Birkat Al Mauz - Jebel Akhdar

The adventure turns west today, towards the Hajar Mountains and the limestone slopes of Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain). Stopping off at the old town of Ibra en route, we have a chance to visit the local women’s market, a colourful display of fabrics, exquisite embroidery, and handicrafts. Continuing on our journey into the mountains, we can soak up the rich natural and cultural diversity of village life in this area, with visits to Al Munisifeh and Birkat Al Mauz. A fascinating insight into local Omani culture, the day is filled with wonderful scenery, captivating villages, ancient labyrinthine water systems and orchards of walnuts, pomegranates and damask roses.

Day 5

DAY 5: Jebel Akhdar - Bahla & Jabrin Forts - Nizwa

This morning we enjoy a short walk through the nearby local villages. Beyond being scenically stunning, the area is rich with produce including Damask roses, pomegranates, walnuts, juniper trees, and more. We can learn about the traditional open-air water system known as ‘Falaj’, which winds its way around the villages, filling the area with the sound of running water. Following a brief photo stop to take in the UNESCO World Heritage setting of Bahla Fort, we move on to Jabrin, possibly the finest of Oman's 17th century fortresses, whose exquisite painted wooden ceilings provide an eloquent testimony to the skills of the fort's original builders. We end the day in the town of Nizwa, the historical and heritage capital of Oman.

Day 6

DAY 6: Nizwa - Al Hamra - Jebel Shams

This morning we experience the hustle and bustle of Nizwa’s Friday cattle market, the largest in Oman and an exciting way to see local life and learn about Omani culture. The souq is also in full swing on a Friday morning, and we will see many local Omanis and Bedouin communities travelling down from the mountains to sell their goats, bulls and the occasional camel. The livestock market is usually busiest between 7–9am, so expect an early start. From here we then visit the famous round tower fort of Nizwa, built in the 17th century to guard the Sumail Gap during the struggle between the Sultan and the Radical Imams. This fort is one of the best examples of defensive architecture in the country and it’s worth climbing to the top of the tower to get a great view of the city and surrounding date plantations. We continue on to Al Hamra and its incredibly atmospheric old town, where there are mud houses dating back 400 years that are still occupied. Here we visit a heritage house where we can enjoy lunch, before driving on to Jebel Shams via the ‘Grand Canyon’ viewpoint.

Day 7

DAY 7: Jebel Shams - 'Grand Canyon' Walk - Misfat Al Abriyeen

At over 3,000 metres, Jebel Shams (The Mountain of the Sun) is one of the highest points on the eastern Arabian Peninsula. Often called the 'Grand Canyon' of Oman, these mountains stretch in a 700-kilometre arc that is filled with hidden valleys and fertile oases. This morning we will embark on a spectacular walk along the rim of the canyon, enjoying the views out across Wadi Ghul and its fertile expanse of fig, apricot and pomegranate trees. We then continue to Misfat Al Abriyeen, an old mountain village and one of Oman’s prettiest, resplendent with its crumbling buildings and the atmospheric sounds of the open-air, falaj water systems. Here we can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the area before enjoying some downtime at our hotel later in the afternoon, a stunning spot high up on the mountain.

Day 8

DAY 8: Jebel Shams - Bilad Sayt - Wadi Bani Awf - Muscat

The drive back to Muscat today takes us through Wadi Bani Awf and Bilad Sayt, an idyllic mountain village with a wealth of picturesque terraces. We spend some time exploring this area with a walk around the village and in the canyon, before enjoying some lunch nearby and driving on to Muscat for our final evening.

Day 9

DAY 9: Tour ends in Muscat

The tour ends after breakfast today. Those on the suggested Group Tour flights will be transferred to the airport.