Tour will begin at 8am. (subject to change) Please eat breakfast before, which is included with the hotel.

We will start at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, where we will explore for 2.5 hours. There are so many incredible things to see here, with my favorites being the main prayer hall, and the incredible intricate details and architecture.

There will be audio guides available (free)

It is mandatory that women are covered. We suggest a head scarf, an abaya, or clothing to cover your arms and legs. Men should wear long pants, and no tank tops. Shoes will need to be removed in prayer rooms, and placed in bins, so sandals and slip ons are a great idea. 

If you are interested, Lauren will be doing “Instagram photoshoots” for you, which is free, you just need to sign up. This sign up will be later, no need to worry now.

Next, we head to Bait Al Zubair, a museum, located on Al Saidiya Street in Old Muscat. It holds an extensive collection of ancient weapons, household equipment, and costumes. Outside the museum is an Omani village and souk.

Next, you will have an afternoon break at the hotel. You can rest, swim, eat lunch, 

go to the sauna or steam room, or get to know your fellow travelers more!

Around 4:30, we will head to Muttrah Souq, which is an old fashioned bazaar, where you can purchase souvenirs, oils, spices, clothing, and more. It is a maze of shops and hallways, so we suggest picking a buddy. Expect a lot of attention from shopkeepers, and it is normal to barter. Please have local currency with you., an ATM is available nearby.

It is right on the corniche, which is a seaside pedestrian walkway that we can enjoy as well, with even more shops, cafes, and views.

There will be a dinner included, but the location is TBD at this time.

Tour will begin at 8:30 am. (subject to change) Please eat breakfast before, which is included with the hotel.

To prepare, please have your swimsuit on under your clothes, and wear the proper shoes for a water hike (see below). Have a small bag ready with sunscreen, sunglasses, a little bit of cash, and a waterproof camera/ bag for your phone.

1.5 hour drive: Our first stop on this day is Bimmah Sink Hole, a big crater near the sea with a small lake at the bottom, which is believed to have been created by meteor. There are stairs to go down to the bottom, or you can look from the top. Yes, there are bathrooms here. We will also likely have a photo stop at the beach!

25 min drive to Wadi Shab, a gorgeous canyon gorge with turquoise water pools. There is a 2 minute boat ride, followed by a 35 minute hike, to the trail of water pools with a hidden waterfall at the end, and a 35 minute hike back. 

The hike is flat and not strenuous (no incline), but there are times you have to watch your step, and your head. The water pools have a variety of depths, from a few inches to over head. They can be very slippery, and shoes are a MUST. We recommend any water proof sandal with a grip on the bottom, or water shoes with a thicker sole.

Please e-mail me if you have a concern about the swim or the hike, and we can go over it.

There are bathrooms and changing areas in the parking lot, but NOT during the hike. Please be changed and prepared before arrival.

If you don’t want to swim, there is an area where the water pools begin, that you can sit and enjoy the nature. This is also where we will have to leave any belongings (clothes, bags, etc) so don’t have anything of value in there, and only swim with water proof items. Don’t worry, it’s fine. You can also bring a dry bag on the swimming portion, if you wish.

Towels aren’t really necessary, as the sun will dry you before we reach the parking lot again, and yes, you can hike in shorts, tank tops, or bathing suits. Being covered at this wadi isn’t necessary.

Consider a bag for your wet swimsuit for the ride back, but we will swim again tomorrow!

Lunch is available at the cafe after the Wadi tour. It is not included, but is extremely affordable.

We then have a 2+ hour drive to the desert, so feel free to take a little nap until it gets bumpy!

Around 4:30, we will check into our exciting desert camp, our home for the next 2 nights! 

We will have a gorgeous sunset on the dunes, and Lauren will be offering free desert photoshoots. Sign up required.

We will have a buffet dinner, and evening activities. Be sure to look up at the clear, starry sky!

Tour will begin around 8:30 am. (subject to change) Please enjoy the sunrise on the dunes, and a buffet breakfast at the camp

1 hour drive: Our first stop is Wadi Bani Khalid, which is a natural oasis, similar to Wadi Shab, but less hiking, and larger pools. There is a paved walkway, and plenty of deeper pools. The first pool is only 3-5 minutes from the car! 

Here, we do suggest covering up more, and opting for rash guards and leggings or long shorts. There are a lot of locals at this spot, and shorts/tank tops/bikinis are not welcomed. 

There are restaurants and bathrooms there. We do suggest changing after swimming, and bringing a bag for your wet swimsuit, because we are onto our next adventure!

It’s time for an adventure in the desert.! We have the option to do quad biking, sand boarding, and camel rides. If not, please take this time to relax and enjoy Bedouin hospitality with coffee and dates. 

Options, duration & Cost:

Quad Bike – 19 OMR per person for around 30 minutes

Sand Boarding – 5 OMR per person for around 1 hr.

Camel Ride – 3 OMR per person for around 7-10 minutes 

We then arrive back to camp, where we can enjoy another desert sunset, another 

delicious buffet dinner, and an another entertaining evening under the stars.

There will be another evening of sunset photoshoots. Again, it is complimentary, but a sign up is required.

Tour will begin around 8:30 am (subject to change) Please enjoy the sunrise on the dunes, and a buffet breakfast at the camp

2 hour drive: Our next stop is the Zukait Tower Tombs in Izki. It is a stunningly well-preserved site that was declared by UNESCO to be an “array fossilized bronze age landscape”, acting as a time-capsule for the BCE era. The rich landscape that is home to beehive tombs was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1988 and has continued to win plaudits for the treasure trove of data it has provided archaeologists from around the world. 

2 hour drive: Our next stop is Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain) which is part of Al Hajar Mountains range. It rises to a height of 2,980m and encompasses the Saiq Plateau at 2,000 meter above sea level. 

Then we have a lunch break, not included in price.

Then we have another 2 hour drive, but it is broken up with stops at Birkat Al Mouz, a unique village nestle into a mountain face, and a stop to see the Irrigation system of Al Kattmyn, which was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites

We will then check into our hotel in Nizwa, and have dinner. 

Tour will begin at 9am. (subject to change) Please enjoy breakfast at the hotel first.

10 minute drive to the Nizwa Fort and Castle. The fort was built in the 17th century, and it is Oman’s most visited monument. It’s main tower has winding staircases, 360 degree views, and a gorgeous setting for photos.

The castle was built in the 9th century, and renewed in the 17th century. The architecture is breathtaking, and you are surrounded by a beige maze of walls, doorways, staircases, and rooms, that have become a museum.

This is one of my favorite spots to photograph. It is so unique. 

Next to the fort is the Nizwa souk, with a series of separate indoor and outdoor buildings for spices, produce, sweets, pottery, souvenirs, and more.  We will have some free time to shop, and taste local sweets!

After the fort tour, we will be having lunch on a gorgeous local farm (included)

If there is time, we will stop at an old village of mud houses before before driving through the winding mountains to the Grand Canyon of Oman, which is a 3000m+ canyon, and we will be at the top, looking down. 

Then, we drive back to Muscat, which is a 3+ hour drive.

Dinner on this day will likely be on your own, because of the large late lunch, and potential arrival time back to the city.

Tour will begin at 9am (subject to change). Please enjoy breakfast at the hotel first.

20 minute drive to the Marina, where we will get on a boat to enjoy a day at Daymaniyat Islands, where you can spot dolphins, relax on the beach, swim in the water, or snorkel. This is a gorgeous place to visit, with beautiful water. Some call it “The Maldives of the Middle East” Snorkels and masks will be included.

We will be done with the tour around 3, and later head to our final dinner as a group, at a local home. 

You will depart anytime on the 16th, and your airport transportation is included.