Soul of Oman
7 Days Starting and ending in Muscat, Oman
Visiting: Muscat, Nizwa, Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, Sur
Tour operator:
Tour code:
834
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
- Get hands-on in a cooking class in a local fishing village
- Explore lush wadis and abandoned villages
- Wander through date plantations and mud-brick villages, drink fresh mountain water straight from the falalj
- Admire the natural beauty of Jebel Sham, Oman’s Grand Canyon
- Overnight under the stars in Wahiba Sands
- Mingle with the local Bedouin community over tea
- Witness turtles laying their eggs on the beach at night
- Swim in remote wadis and the Bimah Sinkhole
Oman is a melting pot of cultural traditions and hypnotising landscapes. Mix into this hazy heat some truly unforgettable wildlife encounters and swimming spots with a spattering of dramatic coastlines and Oman becomes a must-see on any traveller's bucket list.
Travel by 4WD through rugged landscapes, visit quaint mountain villages and witness turtles nesting on the stunning white sand beaches. Swim in desert oases, climb colossal sand dunes and take a thrilling ride over them with our experienced drivers. Mingle with the locals in their traditional homes and explore abandoned stone villages before exploring the bustling souqs with ornamental jewellery and intricately hand-carved daggers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival Muscat
Location: Muscat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Tulip or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Muscat! Scenically wedged between mountains and ocean, with old forts and excellent museums, an opera house and flower-filled parks, the gentle city of Muscat is a delight to visit. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel before enjoying a cooking class at the fishing village of Sidab.
Noontime Cooking Classes at Sidab Village
Enjoy cooking with the Sidab women whilst interacting with the locals and learning about their culture and traditions. You will be cooking traditional Omani food and have the opportunity to enjoy what you have prepared with the local women.
Muscat Half-Day Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Bait Al Zubair museum. This privately owned museum is located in the old town of Muscat and is known for its fine collection of traditional costumes, antique jewellery, weapons and other treasures. Embrace a photo opportunity at Al Alam Palace, the palace of the Sultan, before you visit the Mirani and Jalali forts (outside only). Move on to visit Muttrah Souq, which is one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back over two hundred years. Its history and antiquities only increase the extent of its beauty, magic and allure. The gold souk here is one of the highlights! Bargain with the locals and see what treasures you can uncover in the labyrinth of twisting and winding alleyways.
Meals
Dinner at Turkish Diwan Restaurant
Accommodation
Overnight in Royal Tulip or similar
Services
Airport transfer
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Sightseeing: Bait Al Zubair Museum, Ministry Area and Al Alam Palace, Mirani and Jalali Forts,Muttrah Souq
Travel time and distance
Royal Tulip to Sidab Village: Approx. 24km/ 23 mins drive
Muscat Airport to Bait Al Zubair Museum: Approx. 34 km/ 30 mins drive
Bait Al Zubair Museum to Ministry Area and Al Alam Palace: Approx. 3 km/ 10 mins drive
Ministry Area and Al Alam Palace to Mirani and Jalali Forts: Approx. 1 km/ 5 mins drive
Mirani and Jalali Forts to Muttrah Souq: Approx. 4 km/ 10 mins. Drive
Day 2 - Muscat - Jebel Akhdar
Location: Muscat
Accommodation: Resort, Resort
Accommodation Name: DusitD2 Naseem Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before departing on your Muscat city tour.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Your first stop will be the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Discover the grandeur of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, crafted from sandstone and marble. The mosque features a stunning Swarovski chandelier and a massive handmade Persian carpet in its main prayer hall. After an architectural competition to determine the mosque’s design, construction took six years. Please adhere to the dress code: women must cover their hair, arms, and legs, while men should wear long trousers and a shirt. Note that visits are not permitted on Fridays.
Off-Road Crossing of Wadi Bani Awf
Embark on a thrilling off-road adventure through Wadi Bani Awf, a dramatic mountain road spanning three hours. Along the way, you’ll encounter small villages and have the opportunity to stop and admire the panoramic views of Snake Canyon. Continue your journey to Bilad Sayt, a picturesque village that offers a glimpse into traditional Arabian life and is one of the most charming villages in Oman.
Visit to Jibrin Castle
Explore Jibrin Castle, a large rectangular fortress with five floors and 55 rooms. This historic site is renowned for its intricate inscriptions and frescoes. The castle’s ceilings are adorned with paintings and Islamic inscriptions, and its doors are beautifully carved. A falaj (traditional water channel) runs through the middle of the castle.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner
Accommodation
3 nights in DusitD2 Naseem Resort or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Royal Tulip Muscat to Grand Mosque: Approx. 15 km/ 20 mins drive
Grand Mosque to Wadi Bani Awf: Approx. 100 km/ 2.5 hrs drive
Wadi Bani Awf to Snake Canyon: Approx. 15 km/ 30 mins drive
Snake Canyon to Bilad Sayt Village: Approx. 30 km/ 45 mins drive
Bilad Sayt Village to Jibrin Castle: Approx. 85 km/ 1 hour 45 mins drive
Jibrin Castle to DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jebel Akhdar: Approx. 40 km/ 1 hr drive
Day 3 - Jebel Shams To Jebel Akhdar
Location: Nizwa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: DusitD2 Naseem Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nizwa Livestock Market
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to the vibrant livestock market in Nizwa. Every Friday, farmers from across the country bring their cattle, goats, and camels to this bustling market. Nearby, the souq offers an array of local products including Omani daggers (khanjar), copper and silver jewellery, livestock, fish, vegetables, and traditional handicrafts.
Nizwa
Continue your exploration with a visit to Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. Discover the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, renowned for its impressive tower and stunning views of the surrounding oasis.
Enjoy some free time at your leisure to explore or relax.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner
Accommodation
DusitD2 Naseem Resort or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jebel Akhdar to Livestock Market, Nizwa: Approx. 120 km/ 2 hrs drive
Livestock Market, Nizwa to Nizwa Fort: Approx. 5 km/ 10 mins drive
Nizwa Fort to DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jebel Akhdar: Approx. 120 km/ 2 hrs drive
Day 4 - Jebal Akhdar
Location: Jebel Shams
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: DusitD2 Naseem Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit to Al Hamra and Bait Al Safa living
After breakfast, explore the village of Al Hamra, renowned as one of the best-preserved old towns in Oman and home to the Bait Al Safa living museum. Wander through the old abandoned buildings and mud houses, and visit the museum to discover Omani traditions through demonstrations of ancient practices by local men and women.
Photo Opportunity at Misfat Al Abriyeen
Capture stunning photographs at Misfat Al Abriyeen, where you’ll find impressive agricultural terraces, picturesque alleys, and traditional mud houses perched on solid rock foundations. The village features a unique falaj system—traditional Omani irrigation channels that divert water from underground sources to support both agriculture and domestic use.
Wadi Ghul
Visit the old village of Ghul to view the abandoned Persian ruins, offering a glimpse into the area’s historical past.
Arrival at Jebel Shams Grand Canyon
Arrive at Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak at 3,009 metres. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the “Grand Canyon,” a sight that is spectacular at any time of the day.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner
Accommodation
DusitD2 Naseem Resort or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jebel Akhdar to Al Hamra & Bait Al Safa Museum: Approx. 30 km/ 35 mins drive
Al Hamra & Bait Al Safa Museum to Misfat Al Abriyeen Village: Approx. 25 km/ 30 mins drive
Misfat Al Abriyeen Village to Wadi Ghul: Approx. 45 km/ 50 mins drive
Wadi Ghul to Jebel Shams Grand Canyon: 25 km/ 30 mins drive
Jebel Shams Grand Canyon to DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jebel Akhdar: 40 km/ 50 mins drive
Day 5 – Jebel Akhdar - Wahiba Sands
Location: Jebel Akhdar
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Arabian Oryx Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jebel Akhdar
Following breakfast, explore Jebel Akhdar, or the Green Mountain, a vast grey-brown massif covering over 1,800 square kilometres. Despite its name, it is not a single green mountain but a range with several peaks reaching nearly 3,050 metres. The area is dotted with Omani villages, where locals have created terraces for farming. Wadi Bani Habib is one of the intriguing villages on this expansive plateau. Jebel Akhdar is renowned for rose water distillation; only a few varieties of rose, such as the prized ‘damascina,’ produce the fragrant oil used in rosewater.
Photo Stop at Birkat Al Mouz
Visit Birkat Al Mouz, one of Oman’s most famous ruined villages. Surrounded by a large banana plantation and scenic landscapes, this site also features the old falaj irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a captivating stop that offers a glimpse into the past.
Visit Al Manzifat
Explore Al Manzifat, a ruined village with narrow alleys that highlight its traditional architecture. Historically, these features were designed to protect the village from raids and tribal conflicts during the Middle Ages.
Wahiba Sands
Arrive at the entrance of Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands. Stretching 200 km long and 100 km wide, these longitudinal dunes have been home to the Bedouin for 7,000 years. Climb the high dunes to witness an unforgettable desert sunset before a gentle drive through the dunes to reach your camp.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner at the Camp
Accommodation
Arabian Oryx Camp or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jebel Akhdar to Birkat Al Mouz: Approx. 55 km/ 1 hr 15 mins drive
Birkat Al Mouz to Al Manzifat: Approx. 15 km/ 20 mins drive
Al Manzifat to Wahiba Sands: Approx. 200 km/ 3 hrs drive
Wahiba Sands (entrance) to Arabian Oryx Camp: Approx. 30 km/ 45 mins. drive
Day 6 – Wahiba - Sur
Location: Sur
Accommodation: Resort, Resort
Accommodation Name: Turtle Beach Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast this morning is at your campsite. Witness the sunrise over the rolling dunes as the colours morph with the rising of the sun.
Wadi Bani Khalid
Drive through the village, passing endless date plantations, until you reach the magnificent Wadi Bani Khalid. The cool, deep pools here are stunning—take the opportunity to plunge into the crystal-clear waters.
Al Kamil
Stop in the charming town of Al Kamil, known for its intriguing old architecture, including a fort and watchtowers. This town, a key junction on the Al Ashkara Road and Muscat-Sur Highway, features local-style cafes and is one of the few towns in Oman surrounded by trees.
Arrival in Sur
Arrive in the coastal city of Sur and visit the dhow factory to witness the construction of traditional wooden boats in various designs and sizes. Capture a photo at Al Ayjah Lighthouse for a scenic snapshot. world-renowned for the nesting of the endangered green turtle, Chelonia mydas. The reserve is one of the most important nesting sites in the Indian Ocean.
Visit Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Explore the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, famous for being a crucial nesting site for the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas). The reserve is one of the most significant nesting locations in the Indian Ocean.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant, Dinner
Accommodation
Turtle Beach Resort or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Arabian Oryx Camp to Wadi Bani Khalid: Approx. 130 km/ 1.5 hrs drive
Wadi Bani Khalid to Al Kamil: Approx. 50 km/ 45 mins drive
Al Kamil to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve: Approx. 150 km/ 2 hrs drive
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve to Turtle Beach Resort: Approx. 30 km/ 30 mins drive
Day 7 - Sur To Muscat
Location: Muscat
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Wadi Shab
Enjoy a photo opportunity at Wadi Shab, where fresh water cascading from the mountains meets the briny sea water at its banks. This unique environmental diversity sets Wadi Shab apart from other wadis (valleys) in the Sultanate.
Bimah Sinkhole
Next, stop at Bimah Sinkhole, a deep natural depression filled with water. Local legend has it that a meteor struck this spot, creating the depression and forming a small lake.
Quriyat Fishing Village
Conclude with a photo opportunity at the fishing village of Quriyat, an ancient seaport known for its stocks of kingfish and tuna. This village has played a significant role in Omani history.
The remainder of the day is yours at leisure till your time to transfer to Muscat airport for your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast
Services
Airport transfer
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
What's Included
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Return airport transfers
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6 nights accommodation
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Meals as per the itinerary
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Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicle
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Services of a professional English-speaking guide for all transfers and excursions.
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Sightseeing as per the itinerary
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All taxes and services charges currently applicable by the government
What's Not Included
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International and domestic flights
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Visas
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Travel and medical insurance
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All services, meals other than those indicated above
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Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.
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All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
Transportation is provided in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort throughout the journey. Airport transfers and private vehicle services with an English-speaking guide are included for all transfers and excursions.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes 6 nights of accommodation at various locations such as Royal Tulip, DusitD2 Naseem Resort, Arabian Oryx Camp, and Turtle Beach Resort, offering a mix of luxury, resort, and camp experiences.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are provided as per the itinerary during the tour.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, a professional English-speaking guide is available for all transfers and excursions.
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What activities are included in the tour itinerary?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a cooking class in a local fishing village, exploring lush wadis and abandoned villages, admiring the natural beauty of Jebel Shams, overnighting under the stars in Wahiba Sands, mingling with the local Bedouin community, witnessing turtles laying their eggs on the beach at night, and swimming in remote wadis and the Bimah Sinkhole.
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Is there an opportunity to interact with local communities during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to interact with local communities, such as mingling with the local Bedouin community over tea and participating in a cooking class with the Sidab women.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Jebel Shams?
The highlight of the visit to Jebel Shams is enjoying the breathtaking views of the 'Grand Canyon' of Oman, which is spectacular at any time of the day.
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Will I have the chance to see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, you will have the chance to witness turtles laying their eggs on the beach at night at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, which is a crucial nesting site for the endangered green turtle.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.