Why visit Oman?

A land of lush wadis, sandscapes, mountainous backdrops and beautiful beaches, Oman remains one of the most untouched parts of the Arabian Peninsula. This is authentic Arabia whereby indigenous customs are maintained, forts and castles dominate the interior and unique Omani architectural styles are present throughout the country. With such a diverse range of landscapes and wonderful array of landmarks, we would recommend 10-15 days to explore the history, culture and natural beauty of Oman.

Things to see and do in Oman

Discover the ancient city of Nizwa

Isolated by the dramatic Hajar Mountains, the historic city of Nizwa serves as a bastion of Omani traditions and customs and is home to several important sites. Perhaps the most impressive is the Nizwa Fort, a formidable stronghold built on a subterranean stream that boasts an imposing circular tower which offers magnificent 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes. The city’s souq is one of Oman’s oldest where covered stalls are filled with aromatic spices, colourful pottery, frankincense and the silver khanjar, a traditional Omani dagger. Nizwa is also a great base for visiting nearby landmarks including Jabreen Castle and Bahla Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage overlooks the sprawling settlement of Bahla and features a remarkable architectural style of unbaked mud brick towers and stone foundations.

Explore the sights of Muscat

Oman’s capital Muscat is a picturesque, white-washed city that manages to successfully combine old and new Arabia. As an important 16th century trading port with a convoluted history of traders and occupiers, Muscat boasts numerous interesting monuments and landmarks. Visit the Grand Mosque and Bait Al Zubair Museum which delves into the country’s history or take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront to visit the colourful Muttrah Souq which sells everything from gold and spices to antiques and textiles. Also of interest is the wonderful Al Alam Palace, the official home of the Sultan, the Royal Opera house as well as the 16th century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani.

Stay at a desert camp in Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands is an expanse of desert terrain located in the heart of eastern Oman which is occupied by Bedouin tribes. Just over a two-hour drive from Muscat, visitors can stay overnight in the luxe desert camp of Desert Nights which is set between two 30-metre-high dunes which offers guests a feeling of peace, relaxation and authenticity. During a stay you may wish to explore the dunes by quad or 4x4, sample local cuisine and relax under the star-filled sky. The dunes themselves are very impressive where the towering piles shift colour between pale gold and coppery orange depending on the angle of the sun. Interestingly despite its barren appearance, Wahiba Sands is home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna.

Visit the Ras Al-Jinz turtle reserve

Situated on the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, Ras Al-Jinz is one of Oman’s most picturesque coastal locations. Aside from its dramatic beach scenery, Ras Al-Jinz is also known as an important nesting side for endangered green turtles and other species including hawksbill, loggerhead and olive ridley turtles also call this region home. En route to Ras Al-Jinz it is recommended to stop at Wadi Bani Khalid which is a serene desert oasis that boasts clear emerald pools, rugged ravines and swathes of swaying palms.

Our favourite Oman itineraries 

As a tailor-made tour operator, please note that our itineraries are suggestions which can be completely tailored to create a unique and individual itinerary.

Enchanting Oman

This 12-day itinerary using a private driver and guide is a great itinerary for first-time visitors to Oman. Starting your journey in Muscat, explore the capital’s impressive landmarks before passing through the beautiful Al Hajar Mountains to Oman’s interior. A region famed for its military architecture, visit Jabreen Castle as well as the UNESCO-designated Bahla Fort before continuing to the ancient town of Nizwa. Spend a night at a desert camp in the remarkable sand dunes of Wahiba Sands before travelling to the coastal town of Ras Al-Jinz. Finish your journey in Muscat before flying home.

For a detailed itinerary see Enchanting Oman