Adventures in the Land of Frankincense and Myrrh
Desert Kingdom of Oman
Overview
With its jagged peaks, dazzling white mosques, mystical ruins, and lively souks laden with incense and oil, it's easy to fall under the spell of Oman. On our captivating expedition with Trip Leader Annie Hawkins—WT's consummate desert explorer—you'll uncover the wonders of this enchanting realm. Our journey brings you from opulent Sultan's palaces and historic Islamic forts to the towering Hajar mountains, where timeless mudbrick villages sit nestled in emerald palm forests, and ancient irrigation channels spiral magically through the arid landscape. We'll ply the Arabian Sea coast aboard a traditional dhow, mingle with village traders at a spirited goat auction, visit a sea turtle sanctuary, and savor a rich local cuisine of succulent kebabs, saffron-infused rice, and cardamom coffee served with sweet dates. Oman's dramatic wadis and their cool turquoise pools provide perfect natural oases, and our overnight in spectacular Wahiba Sands carries you back in time (in classic WT style!), for a camel ride amid the dunes. All along the way we'll experience the generous spirit of the Omani people and hear intriguing tales of their tribal ancestry and seafaring heritage. Join us for a true adventure into the heart of this mesmerizing land!
Arrive: Muscat, Oman
Depart: Salalah, Oman
Highlights
- Visit colorful fishing harbors and ancient trading ports, meet a local archaeologist
- Explore golden sand dunes by camel and 4WD vehicle
- Roam the narrow alleys of Oman's traditional markets, enjoy a private dhow cruise
- Explore the cliff-hugging villages, lushly terraced gardens, and historic forts of the Hajar Mountains
- Visit the Nizwa Goat Market
Itinerary
After exploring Muscat, head to Sur, where we visit a turtle reserve and enjoy a cruise aboard a classic dhow, the vessels that once carried frankincense as far as India and Africa. At Wahiba Sands, we'll experience the life of a nomad—in WT style!—with camel rides amid the golden sand dunes, visits to Bedouin tribes, and an unforgettable evening under the stars, with the hypnotic sounds of Bedouin musicians transporting you back in time.
In the rugged Jabal Akhdar, where traditional cliff-hugging villages sit amid gardens and date palm forests, we explore historic forts and see village life at Birkat Al Mouz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its mud-brick fortress and the ancient Falaj irrigation system of water channels. We also visit the famed Friday morning cattle auction in Nizwa's wildly exciting souk.
Along Oman's Frankincense Trail, we'll join an archaeologist in Salalah for in-depth discoveries of the nearby mythical ruins of Al Baleed, explore Nabi Ayub, storied resting place of the prophet Job, and visit isolated Al Fiazayah Beach. Depart on Day 12 via Muscat.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2/3, Easy to Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It combines cultural exploration with walking tours and light hiking, and opportunities for desert camel riding. Our expedition includes several half-days of rugged road travel.
Each participant should be in excellent health and physical condition. Daily walking or hiking, jogging, or stair-climbing are excellent for preparing for the trip.
Oman has a dry and sunny desert climate, with a wide range of temperatures between day and night, and varying climate between the coastal and interior regions. In January the daytime temperatures average in the high 70's to low 80's. Nights and early mornings in the desert can get cold. Rain is unlikely.
We'll overnight in a variety of accommodations, from deluxe seaside hotels and chic bungalows perched high in the mountains, to a simple tent accommodation with incredible access to the turtle nesting beach, and of course Desert Nights, Oman's finest tented camp.
Oman is a Muslim country whose friendly people are anchored firmly in their traditions. As guests of the country, we will be welcomed warmly and asked to respect the local customs, dress modestly, avoid alcohol consumption outside of authorized premises (alcohol will be available in hotels and restaurants), and adhere to Omani codes of etiquette for greeting others, taking photographs, swimming, and visiting mosques. More information will be provided in your confirmation materials.
Client Testimonials
"This was a great trip to a fascinating part of the world."
Charlotte F.
Redwood City, CA
"Oman was a one-of-a-kind adventure. I brought home images of beautiful, hardworking, kind, religious people, and a deeper appreciation of the Muslim community and their traditions of modesty and family."
Linda S.
Los Angeles, CA
"This was a wonderful trip. It was well planned to give experience in different parts of Oman and different aspects of its history and modern life."
Margaret H.
Washington, DC
"This trip exceeded my expectations. It was the kind of immersive cultural experience that is rarely achieved. The diversity of experiences made it exceptional."
Randi T.
Pinecrest, FL
"I was thrilled to have opportunity to visit such a hidden gem of a country."
Vivian L.
Georgetown, TX
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.