Muscat (Oman) | Nizwa (Oman) | Ras al-Jinz (Oman) | Wahiba Sands (Oman)
The following are Highlights Of Oman tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
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Arrive at any time.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Explore some of the highlights of the city including the Grand Mosque, the Bait Al Zubair Museum, and the historic souk in Muttrah, before heading to Old Muscat and view the 16th century Al-Mirani and Al-Jelani forts from outside.
Modesty is mandatory for everyone when visiting the Grand Mosque. Men must wear long pants and shirts must cover shoulders (if you have tattoos, they must be fully covered by your clothing). Women must be fully covered including heads, full arms and full legs. We recommend not wearing jewelry unless it is fully covered by your clothing. Proper Omani outfits for men and women can be rented should you wish, and our CEO will be happy to answer any questions or assist in preparing the correct outfits to visit the mosque.
Take a visit to one of Muscat's finest architectural sites, the Grand Mosque. Covering an area of 416,000 square meters, this mosque can accommodate 20,000 worshippers and offers visitors a labyrinth of grounds to explore.
Boasting one of the largest heritage art collections in Oman, the Bait al Zubair Museum is a must-see for those eager to learn more about Omani culture and history.
Take in the colourful sights, and perfumed scents of this winding marketplace. Opt to hunt for authentic Omani artefacts and handicrafts (you won't have to go far), or sip on an aromatic Omani coffee and gaze out at the local hustle and bustle.
Explore Old Muscat and take in the sights and sounds of this sleepy coastal area. View from the outside the forts of Al-Mirani and Al-Jelani to get some perspective on Omani history.
Leave Muscat behind and drive along the coast towards the picturesque Bimmah Sinkhole. Continue to Sur, renowned in the past for its dhow shipyards, before reaching Ras al-Jinz on the coast. After an early dinner, visit the turtle sanctuary, where green turtles come from thousands of kilometres away to lay eggs at night.
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Feast your eyes on one of the world's most breathtaking sinkholes. Surrounded by the sea and towering mountains, this sinkhole measures 40 meters wide and 20 meters deep. With its glittering turquoise waters, it isn't hard to believe the local folklore that maintains that the sinkhole was created by a falling star. Jump in and cool off.
Sur is the home of the last remaining fac-tory that builds Oman's traditional dhows. The production of these wooden boats have a 6000 year old history, which has established ancient Oman as a prosperous trading port in the region. Visit the shipyard and learn how these ships are made.
The unspoiled shoreline of the Ras al-Jinz turtle sanctuary the is a nesting home of the endangered green turtle (Cheloniamydas). Follow a guide out to the beach and witness the nesting process of these creatures from a safe distance. Observe the turtles digging and covering their nests in the sand. Learn all about the centre's conservation efforts in the area.
Drive towards Wadi Bani Khalid, a rocky oasis nestled in the East Hajar mountains filled with natural pools. Later, begin your desert adventure through the dunes towards the desert camp, just in time for a sunset, then enjoy a traditional dinner.
At Wahabi Sands we will stay at a desert lodge with restaurant and cafe. We will overnight in comfortable tents with beds and private bathrooms, there is no A/C in the tents.
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Drive through red rock formations and vibrant green plantations and take in the natural beauty of this oasis-like region. Running through this area are the natural blue-tinted springs that receive a constant water flow throughout the year, making it a lifeline for villages of this area. Enjoy lunch before taking free time to explore the area. Opt to take a easy hike to the surrounding waterfalls, or swim in the wadis (natural springs).
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Arrive at the desert camp just in time to enjoy the sunset. Enjoy a traditional meal at the camp restaurant and then spend the evening sitting under the stars, surrounded by the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands.
Leaving the desert behind, we head towards Ibra and visit the impressive Jabrin castle. Continue towards Nizwa, stopping at the historic fortress of Bahla along the way.
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Jabrin Castle is one of best-preserved castles in Oman. Built in 1675 by Imam Bil-arab bin Sultan, this fort was a centre for astrology, law, and medicine.
Take a visit to this impressive walled-city, with some of the oldest parts built as early as 500 BC. Gaining UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987, this complex is an grand example of ancient Omani architecture.
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Wake early to take part in the Nizwa cattle market. Watch locals buy and trade the best livestock, from goats to cattle directly from the herders. Continue to the town of Al Hamra and visit the renowned stone houses of Misfat Al Abriyeen and learn about the Falaj network, Oman's ancient water supply system. Return to Nizwa via Jebel Shams and take in view of Wadi Nakhr known as the Grand Canyon of Oman.
Jump feet first into the local hustle and bustle of the Friday morning cattle market.
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
This water network is made up of ancient channels that used gravity to carry the water from the source to farms and mosques, since 500 AD. This complex system is representative of a system that is still in use in Oman today.
Built into the mountainside of the Al Hamra region, this authentic Omani village is known for its unique residential architecture. The homes are constructed using rocks excavated from the mountain and plastered together with mud, making the structures look as though they are part of the mountain. Some houses are still being lived in. Learn about this building method that has allowed this community to stand the test of time.
Drive through Wadi Bani Awf and take in the beauty of the steep mountain cliffs before reaching the end point ("Snake Point") of the gorge. Continue to Muscat for the evening.
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Highlights Of Oman tour:
Sultan Qaboos Street
Al Khuwair
Muscat, Oman-PC 133 939
Street 21
Nizwa, Oman-611
Ras al-Jinz, Oman
Safari desert camp
Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Highlights Of Oman tour:
Max 16, avg 12.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Muscat city tour. Bimmah Sinkhole and Sur dhow shipyard visit. Ras al-Jinz turtle sanctuary night walk (seasonal). Wahiba Sands desert camp. Nizwa cattle market. Mud houses of Misfat al Abyreen walk.
Time to explore the city highlights of Muscat, Visit a turtle sanctuary, Watch the sunset from a desert camp, Visit the cattle market in Nizwa, Marvel in the canyon views of Jebel Shams
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Wadi Bani Khalid- Hiking and Swimming in Wadi Bani KhalidNizwa- Nizwa Fort Visit (5OMR per person)
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Hotel (6 nts), desert camp (1 nt).
On this trip you can expect to stay in small local hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights.
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Walking, private bus, 4x4 vehicle.
On this trip we will travel by air-conditioned private minivan and for most of the journeys. When travelling through the desert we will be using 4x4 vehicles.
We believe solo travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.RAMADANAccording to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.ELECTRICAL SOCKETSPlease note that the electricity sockets in Oman are three pinned (like the UK).WOMEN'S CLOTHINGTo respect the Islamic culture in Oman and to honour your gracious hosts, women should cover from shoulders to knees. Mid-calf pants and skirts with short sleeved tops are a great option for this. When visiting mosques, long sleeves and a scarf to cover your head are mandatory. They can be removed once you leave the mosque grounds. Please note on Days 3 and 4 when swimming options are available we suggest wearing capri length yoga pants and a t-shirt as a modest bathing suit.
OMR 5 must be paid upon departure if not collected at ticket issuance.
The currency in Oman is the Omani rial (OMR)There are plenty of banks that can be found in Oman. ATMs are found within main cities (mostly in shopping malls and airports) in Oman and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible as while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card. Please note, your bank will change a fee for overseas withdrawals. Smaller shops and restaurants will mostly only accept cash.Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds and US Dollars are all easy to exchange to the Local currency. Please note that you should bring some cash with you for emergency situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 1996, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Tipping is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the low salary and wages of the Middle East region.While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tipping at restaurants in Oman is expected at the rate of 10%. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.To make things as easy as possible and avoid embarrassing situations, G Adventures has developed a tipping kitty system where your CEO will collect a contribution from everybody at the start of your tour and use this kitty to tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. A guideline for tipping is about $5-10 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your G Adventures CEO). On Day 1 of your tour, your CEO will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip. You can pay in USD or the equivalent local currency (preferably local currency). The CEO will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currencyIf at any time you feel that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your CEO so a deduction of tips can take place.At the end of your trip if you felt that your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however $35-40 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.
If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.It is important to pack clothes for warm to hot days and cool evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.
Conservative Dress:• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)Documents:• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)• Passport (required) (With photocopies)• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)• Binoculars (optional)• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)• Cash, credit and debit cards• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)• Ear plugs• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)• Fleece top/sweater• Footwear• Hat• Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)• Locks for bags• Long pants/jeans• Moneybelt• Outlet adapter• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)• Reusable water bottle• Shirts/t-shirts• Sleepwear• Small travel towel• Sunglasses• Swimwear• Watch and alarm clock• Waterproof backpack cover• Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)• Hand sanitizer• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:• Sandals/flip-flops• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)• Sturdy water shoes/sandals• Sun hat/bandana• Swimwear
Conservative Dress:o Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)o Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn't wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative and as a matter of respect we ask that both men and women are aware of this and recommend loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.To respect the Islamic culture in Oman and to honour your gracious hosts, women should cover from shoulders to knees. Mid-calf pants and skirts with short sleeved tops are a great option for this. When visiting mosques, long sleeves and a scarf to cover your head are mandatory. They can be removed once you leave the mosque grounds. Please note on Days 3 and 4 when swimming options are available we suggest wearing capri length yoga pants and a t-shirt as a modest bathing suit.
Standard: Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
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