Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Heritage
Destinations
Oman

Oman, once a great power and prominence in the Middle East, all but disappeared off the radar during the 20th century. However, the country still retains its former glory in the form of bustling souqs, magnificent palaces, ancient forts - not to mention the county’s plethora of natural wonders such as deep valleys that cut into towering mountains (wadis) and vast deserts stretching for hundreds of miles. This nine-day tour of Oman promises to rediscover it all. After exploring the capital of Muscat, you’ll head cross country to Al Hamra, over mountains to the vast sand dunes at Wahiba, all before ending this memorable journey in the lush southern city of Salalah. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Desert Nights: Travelers can stargaze into the clear, quiet nights of the Omani desert and wake to partake in sandboarding or go dune-bashing in a 4WD.
  • History in Muscat: While staying in one of the ultra-luxe hotels of Oman’s capital, travelers can explore the history and spirituality of Muscat at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Al Alam Palace, and the whiter-than-white Royal Opera House Muscat.
  • Green Salalah: Known as khareef, from June to September Salalah turns green thanks to the dense fog and monsoon clouds from India, and during these months the brown countryside turns into a garden of Eden. All year round, though, the desert is alive with the picturesque wadis for which the region is so famous.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Muscat

Kick off this nine-day tour of Oman upon arrival in the capital of Muscat, where you’ll be met by your English-speaking guide at the airport. From there, it’s on to your hotel. The rest of the day has been set aside for recuperation – you can also get to know your new surroundings in the evening with a stroll around town or with a laid back dinner.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Al Bustan Palace is in a divinely-scenic location, nestled between the jagged Al Hajar mountain range and the sparkling Sea of Oman.

Services: Every whim is attended to here with a comprehensive and personal service, reflecting the Omani hospitality and cultural way of life.

History: Muscat has a rich history that is believed to date back to the 6th millenium BC. The authentic architecture found concealed down rustic winding roads are redolent of the past and a display of ancient cultural heritage.

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Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Facilities: The Jumierah Muscat has everything one could want from a seaside retreat, from relaxing spa treatments, three outdoor pools, and beach to salon, tennis courts, and a wide selection of food and beverage.

Cuisine: Unabashedly seafood-forward and elegant, the dining venues at Jumeirah Muscat marries its beachside location, cultural heritage, and stylish vibes on the plate.

Premium Amenities: Higher tier villas and summer houses are esconced on an exclusive stretch of white-sand beach and include luxurious amenities such as 24/7 butler service, private pools, whirlpools and Jacuzzis, private gym, and access to the Premium Leisure Lounge.

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Jumeirah Muscat Bay Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Overlooking the stunning turquoise water of the Sea of Oman, this incredible resort, which features three distinct luxury hotels, sits on 124 acres of rugged mountains and gorgeous beaches. And just 15 minutes from the bustling capital of Muscat, this resort combines the best of all worlds.

History: Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa opened in late 2005 and features Oman’s first family dedicated hotel, Al Waha.

Service: Throughout three hotels and multiple restaurants, the service at Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is nothing less than impeccable, in keeping with the high standards of the acclaimed Shangri-La brand.

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Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Muscat

Start your day with the hotel’s buffet breakfast before embarking on a full day’s sightseeing tour of Muscat. Your first stop is the highly-revered Grand Mosque, a highlight of the city that takes on a distinctly classical Arab appearance, despite being constructed as recently as 2001. From there, it’s on to Bait Al Zubair Museum, as well as trips to a bustling waterfront souq and the magnificent Al Alam Palace.

Muscat
Muscat

Day 3

Muscat

The Royal Opera House, a towering beacon portraying the long history of Muscat, awaits on the morning of this third day, as well as a look at the Stal Gallery. Afterwards there’s further cultural excursions to the Natural History Museum and Baushar archaeological site that dates back to the Iron Age. The afternoon takes on a completely new twist - and change of scenery: head to the Marina and embark on a private cruise around Muscat’s coastline.

Day 4

Al Hamra

Watch as the scenery evolves into the stunning natural beauty of Oman’s desert terrain as you make your way along the meandering 50-mile route from Muscat to the village of Al Hamra. Pass sparkling springs, ancient forts and slowly roll though isolated mountain villages. The day’s final destination, Al Hamra, is famous for its date plantations as well as beekeeping; there’s ample opportunity to see both of these ancient productions still thriving in the village today.

Hotel Options
About

Located on the rocky slopes of Jabal Shams mountain, The View in Al Hamra boasts breathtaking views from its elevated platform of 4,593 feet. As the very first eco-luxe retreat of its kind in Oman, it features 30 unique and distinctively designed pod-style rooms, all enveloped in refreshingly exotic vegetation.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Al Hamra
Al Hamra

Day 5

Al Hamra

A whole host of cultural visits await on this fifth day. After breakfast, head out to Jabrin, one of the finest of castles in the country, dating back to the 17th century. There’s a photo stop at Bahla Fort before the trip proceeds to a quaint pottery village where there’s a chance to try your hand at the local art alongside local professionals. After lunch, hit the road again with a visit to the oasis fort of Bahla before returning to the superb ‘The View’ hotel, overlooking the mountains of Al Hamra. 

Day 6

Wahiba Sands

A morning drive departs Al Hamra, making the scenic journey to the 17th-century ‘Round Tower Fort’; here you’ll be able to explore the ancient building and its surrounding ‘souq’, selling everything from cattle to intricately hand-carved “Khanjars” (daggers) and ornamental silver jewellery. The remainder of the day is set aside for the journey to the famous Wahiba Sands, an incredible sea of red sand dunes - some of which rise as high as 500 feet. No hotels here, so bed down for the night in traditional Bedouin-style tents. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Remote Location: The camp is secluded in the desert, with endless silken sands in all directions and spectacular craggy mountains in the distance. Guests literally go off the beaten path to find this desert camp oasis which offers luxury in complete isolation.

Desert Experiences: A variety of experiences are offered to keep you busy, from sunset camel safaris and a visit to a Bedouin family’s home, to quad biking and dune bashing.

Family Friendly: A getaway to the middle of the desert can be fun for the whole family with exciting kid-friendly activities such as camel rides and sand boarding on the dunes, comfort food options at the in-house restaurant, and a children’s play area suitable for toddlers and recreation room for older children and teens.

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Desert Nights Camp Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Remote Location: Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands is situated right in the heart of Sharqiya Sands, a 40-minute drive from the nearest road. This seclusion immerses visitors in desert life and guests can enjoy a peaceful retreat in the "middle of nowhere."

Sustainability: Magic Camps has a number of eco-friendly and responsible initiatives, including minimal plastic use, solar and battery energy rather than using a generator, eco bath amenities and choosing local products, especially in design. Quad bikes and dune buggies are forbidden, as the camp aims to emulate an authentic desert experience akin to Bedouin nomads, who leave no trace in their environment.

Chic Design: Remote, authentic and sustainable doesn't mean that design can't be fresh, contemporary and homely. Decor uses neutral-toned palettes, juxtaposing textures (many from natural materials and artisan detailing such as textiles and weaving) and a distinct "rustic chic" theme.

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Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands Preferred Hotel
Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands

Day 7

Salalah

Set your alarm clocks for dawn to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the glowing red Wahiba Sands. Enjoy a campsite breakfast before journeying out towards the magnificent Wadi Bani Khalid, a deep valley that cuts into the mountainside with clear blue water lying beneath. A valley-top picnic precedes visits to a fish jetty and dhow factory, and there’s also time to stop by the pretty coastal town of Sur on the way back to the Muscat. From there, catch a plane to the southern city of Salalah and check in to your hotel.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Separated from the World Heritage-listed Al Baleed archaeological site by a freshwater lagoon and pressed up against a pristine, white-sand beach, the Anantara Salalah is a must for leisure guests.

Luxury: Guestrooms feature opulent accommodations while guests of the villas can while away days undisturbed from their private pools.

Family Friendly: Children will be reluctant to part with the Youth Club activities, providing their parents with time to concentrate on themselves, whether that means basking under the sun or enjoying a spa treatment.

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Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Alila Hinu Bay is secluded on Oman's southwest coast, a stone's throw from the ocean, along a stretch of idyllic private beach.

Back to Nature: Dining is focused on Zenful energy, tranquil settings and homegrown farm-to-table cuisine, while the Alila Spa only uses pure, all-natural ingredients in treatments and therapies.

Unique Locales & Sustainable Values: The Alila brand is known for incorporating destinations into properties, bringing refreshing character to luxury spaces, while adhering to natural, physical, and cultural elements of responsible travel.

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Alila Hinu Bay Preferred Hotel
Salalah
Salalah

Day 8

Salalah

Wake up surrounded by the greenery of Salalah, the southern Omani city known for its lush vegetation and Mediterranean climate. An interesting visit to the fishing village of Taqa is first on the day’s programme, and here you can explore the old town’s castle, fort and traditional Taqa stone houses. Stop by Khor Rori creek, the site of the ruined city of Samhuram, before passing through Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar, and end the day with visits to the Biblical “Nabi Ayoub” Prophet Job’s Tomb, a real highlight of Salalah that is perched high up in the “Jebels” (mountains). 

Day 9

Departure

A morning flight, after breakfast of course, takes you from Salalah Airport to your original starting point, Muscat. Arrival in the capital marks the end of this nine-day trip, and guests are free to head on to their next destination of choice. 

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–3

Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Preferred Hotel

Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel

The rugged Al Hajar mountains make a rustic backdrop behind the fortress-like Al Bustan Palace, which overlooks a canopy of perfectly-manicured lawns and an expansive half-mile private beach. Authentic Arab influences run throughout the hotel and its 150 rooms to remind guests of the rich and ostentatious Arabian culture. Beautifully-designed interiors are an artistic combination of old and new, fusing local traditions and art deco hints to create a unique melange of Middle Eastern culture and art. Particularly notable is the spectacular 125-foot-high domed atrium lobby, which, along with the ornate wall covers and intricate carvings has earnt the hotel the extravagant reputation as the ‘Jewel of the Sultanate’. Its idyllic location and range of facilities gives guests the opportunity to indulge in a number of watersports or simply relax in one of the five outdoor pools. Four exquisite dining options from alluring beachfront restaurants provide guests with spectacular sea views while they savour exceptional flavors from around the world.

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Jumeirah Muscat Bay
Preferred Hotel

Jumeirah Muscat Bay

Nestled between mountains and sea, Jumeirah Muscat Bay offers true tranquility and a great sense of escaping the everyday. A sublime place to disconnect and indulge in relaxing days on the beach, adventurous hikes in the mountains or blissful moments diving in the Arabian Sea. While set in the secluded cove of Bandar Jissah between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, this exclusive resort is just 15 minutes south of Muscat city centre and 40 minutes from Seeb International Airport and an ideal spot to also discover Muscat’s rich cultural heritage. Explorers of all ages can venture out to discover several historical and archeological sights that shape Oman’s unique history and culture. Remains of ancient villages, old seaports, modern souks or the Royal Opera House are just a few of the highlights in easy reach.
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Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Just 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Muscat, Oman, the spectacular Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa sprawls over a rugged peninsula, reaching out into the crystal blue water of the Sea of Oman. Featuring a long, sandy beach and surrounded by mountains, this resort matches its spectacular natural environment with its exquisite design and architecture, calling back to times of Arabian Palaces and local markets. Guests may choose between three distinct hotels located across the property: Al Waha, “the Oasis,” a family-friendly hotel turned seaside paradise; Al Bandar, “the Town,” which serves as the shopping-and-eating hub of the resort, and the palatial Al Husn, "the Castle,” the most luxurious of them all. With world-class restaurants and seaside cafes and bars, a wide variety of water activities including sea kayaking and scuba diving, and –of course –CHI, The Spa, guests at Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa will lose themselves in fun, in adventure, in luxury, and in style.

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Suggested Hotel For Days 4–5

The View in Al Hamra

The View in Al Hamra


Located on the rocky slopes of Jabal Shams mountain, The View in Al Hamra boasts breathtaking views from its elevated platform of 4,593 feet. As the very first eco-luxe retreat of its kind in Oman, it features 30 unique and distinctively designed pod-style rooms, all enveloped in refreshingly exotic vegetation. They offer a tranquil sanctuary, overlooking the expansive valley below and feature a private balcony where guests can unwind and marvel at the compelling mountainous scenery. Nature takes pride of place here and pure, unrefined beauty is a theme that runs throughout the retreat. A temperature-controlled infinity pool is another attractive element, featuring a stunning backdrop as it ‘drops off’ into the valley below. By night, wooden fires are lit, creating an intimate setting to share experiences and adventures while admiring the distant glow of Al Hamra village deep down in the valley.


Suggested Hotels For Day 6

Desert Nights Camp
Preferred Hotel

Desert Nights Camp

Rising like a surreal mirage out of the colorful Wahiba Sands, Desert Nights Camp is an exclusive five-star hotel in Oman. The fragrance of frankincense and myrrh greet guests upon arrival for a journey into an alluring Arabian world. Offering luxurious comfort in the form of Bedouin-style tents under a blanket of Arabian stars, the camp is an exceptional destination with exclusive air. Red sand dunes create a romantic backdrop for these intimate air-conditioned tents, complete with Omani-style decor and furnishings. An extravagant bathroom is the highlight of the room, featuring world-class amenities and golden tiles for a lavish and airy feel. All rooms open out to encompass panoramic scenes over the silken desert sands, offering serene and picturesque views.

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Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands
Preferred Hotel

Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands

Magic Camps Wahiba Sands is an intimate and remote luxury camp that echoes the Arabian folktales of One Thousand and One Nights. The spacious canvas bedroom tents come with earthy interiors including cotton sheets, natural wooden furniture and artisan design pieces. Nearby is your private bathroom tent, which is comprised of a portable toilet, an earthenware basin, a shower, fluffy towels and eco-friendly amenities. Elsewhere in the camp's desert oasis you'll find the cozy majlis seating area, dining tent, campfire and sunset lounge - the best place to watch the sky turn the same colors as the sand. Meals are prepared by an experienced chef, with dishes of both local and Lebanese origin, such as spiced lamb and marinated fish sourced from the Gulf of Oman.
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Suggested Hotels For Days 7–8

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
Preferred Hotel

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Situated along the white-sand beaches of Oman, this stylish resort features luxurious guestrooms and a collection of spacious villas that boast private pools. Perfect for romantic getaways and pleasure trips, the Anantara Salalah also houses three gourmet restaurants which serve a variety of flavors and an opulent spa that ensures guests can find a premium state of relaxation. Additionally, the resort's youth clubs make it an excellent destination for families as well.

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Alila Hinu Bay
Preferred Hotel

Alila Hinu Bay

A beachfront location on the lapping shores of the Indian Ocean, tucked away on Oman's southwest coast, Alila Hinu Bay offers a private and tropical oasis in Dhofar. Comprised of 96 guest rooms and 16 pool villas decorated in clean, contemporary styles, Hinu Bay is about artisanal living, indulgence and sophistication. Enjoy the stretch of unspoilt coastline, as well as Dhofar's attractions, including the lush Wadi Darbat valleys and fairy-tale waterfalls, Mirbat Castle and its surrounding historic merchant houses, Sumhuram Archaeological Park and Khor Rori, the largest natural reserve in the region.
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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

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What Others Say

Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A family from Mexico

A family from Mexico

We had a trip that was truly unforgettable and perfect in every sense. Thank you to Remote Lands for all the time, care and dedication that was invested to make it come true. Remote Lands is really an outstanding travel company!!!

UAE, Oman

Couple from New York City

Couple from New York City

All of our guides were personable, knowledgeable, and well spoken.

India, Sri Lanka, Singapore

A couple from San Francisco - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016

A couple from San Francisco - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016

If we had traveled independently, we could never have done this level of planning. This is the only way to travel.

China, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka

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