Oman Tours & Vacations
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Vacations
To view images fullscreen please turn device
Overview
A small group tour to Oman is the best way of combining breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural heritage. Peaceful and tranquil, Oman occupies the south-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, where it has long been an important gateway for trade between Africa and Asia. Our group tours and adventure holidays in Oman are one of the best ways to explore what is arguably the ...
A small group tour to Oman is the best way of combining breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural heritage. Peaceful and tranquil, Oman occupies the south-eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, where it has long been an important gateway for trade between Africa and Asia. Our group tours and adventure holidays in Oman are one of the best ways to explore what is arguably the Middle East’s most underrated destination.
A land of ancient seafarers and home to the legendary Sinbad, historically Oman was closed off to the outside world and, even today still exudes a captivating aura of myth and mystery. A compelling blend of the old and the new, its impeccably maintained capital, Muscat, combines traditional Arabic and Islamic styles with ancient fortifications and architectural treasures that sets it apart from many other oil-rich modern cities in the Middle East.
Outside the cities, visitors can immerse themselves in Oman’s spectacular desert scenery, riddled with rugged mountains, hidden oases and a coastline of quite staggering beauty. Perhaps surprisingly, Oman is home to the world’s largest population of loggerhead turtles and the endangered green turtle.
Heading north, travellers might be surprised to come across fjord-like enclaves of the Musandam Peninsula, a small area separated from the main body of Oman by the UAE. Towards the east sits the ancient town of Nizwa, once the capital of the Imamate of Oman which grew rich from its position on the nearby trade routes. Nizwa Fort, an impressive 17th-century fortification, dominates the town and is definitely worth a visit.
To the south, beyond the Qara Mountains, lies the city of Salalah, a surprisingly lush Eden, whose waterfalls and frankincense trees benefit from the annual fruits of the monsoon rains. In a country that is 80% desert, Salalah is a real treat and every trip to Oman is completed by the hospitality of its welcoming people, who are visibly proud of their unique country.
Today, Oman enjoys a reputation as a forward-thinking Arabic country with luxury hotels and a stable government, but it still manages to retain much of its old desert traditions and proud history – something we endeavour to showcase on all of our Oman tours or Tailor-Made Oman holidays
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Oman with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of private tours we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
EXAMPLE ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF OMAN
BEST EXPERIENCES
Surf the dunes on 4WD at sunset
The Empty Quarter offers the iconic rolling dunes you'd expect of the desert. For those who like to get the adrenalin pumping, take your 4WD 'off-road' and surf the sand until you find your own isolated spot to enjoy the setting sun over the dunes.
Seek out dolphins in Muscat Bay
You will hopefully see some of the many dolphins that live in and around Muscat Bay during a morning boat tour where it’s possible to see spinner, bottlenose and common dolphins. Then travel to Bandar Khiran bay, one of the best snorkeling spots in Oman.
Enjoy a homecooked meal with locals
Connect with local Omanis through the most ancient of pastimes, eating! Be welcomed into the home of a Muscat local for a delicious homecooked meal and cultural exchange experience. This supports families who wish to show visitors daily Omani life.
Camp under the stars
One of the country’s most isolated desert areas where majestic wind-blown dunes tower above the desert floor and the sun turns them a multitude of ever changing hues. This is a fantastic place to go to camp in the silent beauty of the desert.
Experience Wadi Ghul
Wadi Ghul, located at Jebel Shams, is colloquially known as 'Oman's Grand Canyon' and for very good reason. The 1000m sheer drops are not for the faint of heart, but those okay with heights will be rewarded with breathtaking views and truly memorable walks.
Discover the mysteries of Bahla Fort
Believed to be the home of genies, Bahla is steeped in legend and witchcraft. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is set within the oasis town of Bahla, flanked by high mountains, and was built by the Banu Nebhan tribe in the 12th century.
Admire the Hajar Mountains
Rising over 2000 metres above the surrounding countryside, the Hajar Mountains hide within them a rugged network of wadi channels that have carved an array of dramatic canyons and caves, some of which have cliff dwellings along the canyon rim.
Discover a beautiful desert oasis
A short drive from the heart of the desert brings you to Wadi Bani Khalid. A picture perfect oasis located in a canyon, surrounded by date palms and crystal clear natural swimming pools. Have a wander or do some canyonning if you're feeling more adventurous.
Discover the Lost City of Ubar
Visit the 'Atlantis of the Desert' that caught the attention of great explorers like Betram, Lawrence and Thesinger. There is not a great deal to see here, but the reality of being able to visit a place so shrouded in mystery makes it quite an exciting visit.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
Empty Quarter
Rub' al Khali directly translates to "Quarter of Emptiness" and it is no surprise as it is the largest sand desert on Earth. The arid sands span 250,000 square miles, covering much of the southern Arabian ...
Muscat
The ancient city of Muscat, the capital of Oman, sits between crystal-clear blue waters and the Hajar Mountains, with the evocatively named Empty Quarter beyond. It offers the visitor an insight into ...
Nizwa
A palm oasis situated in a plain and surrounded by Oman’s highest mountains, Nizwa was the capital of Oman from 751 to 1154 AD and is still regarded as the country’s cultural centre. It was ...
Salalah
Salalah is the capital of Dhofar, Oman’s southernmost province, and is a vibrant, colourful place that has its roots in the profitable frankincense trade that proliferated in the region. An important ...
Wahiba Sands
The Wahiba Sands are one of the country’s most isolated desert areas where majestic dunes blown by the wind tower above the desert floor. As the sun moves through the sky the sands reflect a multitude ...
Jebel Akhdar & Jebel Shams
The limestone peaks of Al Hajar form the highest mountain range in eastern Arabia, paralleling the coast of the Gulf of Oman and stretching south-eastward in a 700 km arc. Rising up out of the surrounding ...
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
1000 Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands
1000 Nights Camp is the only one of its kind at Wahiba Sands, where you can travel further into the sands away from the main 'traffic' of this now quite busy area. The deluxe camp has 73 hand-made…
Al Bustan Palace, Muscat
Experience an Oman luxury hotel where you can enjoy in an array of water sports, savour exquisite cuisine and, just minutes away, discover the rich history and traditions of an Arabian nation. A recent…
Alila Jabal Akhdar, Jebel Akhdar
Built to fit in with the rugged and dramatic surroundings of the Al Hajar Mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar is an eco-friendly hotel with stunning views over the gorge and sumptuous grounds filled with…
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Jebel Akhdar
Al Jabal Al Akhdar is part of the fabled Al Hajar Mountains and is home to the highest 5 star luxury resort in the Middle East. 2,000 metres above sea level, the Anantara is placed on the edge of a…
Empty Quarter Wild Camp, Empty Quarter
Your wild camp will be set up this evening in a remote area of the desert in a truly epic location. And what an experience it will be... The size of the dunes, the colour of the dunes and the scale on…
Hud Hud Shared Camp - Wahiba Sands, Wahiba Sands
Despite being mobile tents the Hud Hud Camps are designed with luxury and sustainability in mind. No electric light, other than solar, is used throughout the night providing a romantic candle lit…
Khaluf Wild Beach Camp, Khaluf
Your camp will be in the desert dunes close to the coast. Watch the most stunning sunset, sit around a campfire and catch shooting stars, seemingly without another soul alive in the universe. This…
The Chedi, Muscat
The Chedi arguably Oman’s finest ‘design’ hotel. The minimalist style of the hotel's low-rise buildings, spread throughout the beautifully landscaped gardens, derives from traditional Omani…Discover more
WHEN TO GO
You should come prepared for hot sunny days and the heat is generally dry. As ever you can expect extremes in the desert, though temperatures should never be too hot or too cold. In the British summertime the heat can be extraordinary and our general advice if travelling then is get near some air conditioning!
Best Time To Visit Oman >
Meet the expert, Dan
Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map which highlights regions and countries which are potentially dangerous to LGBTQIA+ people, or Equaldex, which tracks the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights around the world.
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Oman though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Oman the official unit of currency is the Omani Rial (OMR).
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
Oman is a Muslim country, and it is important that, as guests of the country, we respect the local customs. When in Muscat we will visit the grand mosque of Sultan Quaboos. While at the mosque, both ladies and gentlemen will need to dress conservatively.
Ladies will need to cover their heads with a scarf and wear a loose fitting, long sleeved shirt that covers arms as well as long skirt or trousers. Gentlemen are asked to wear a long-sleeved collared shirt with long trousers.
Language & Religion
Arabic is the official language of Oman, and English and Asian languages such as Hindi, Urdu, and Baluchi are also widely spoken. Swahili is spoken by some, a legacy of Oman´s former East African presence. English is widely used in business.
Islam is the official religion, although other religions are tolerated under the country´s Basic Law. Muslims make up 86 percent of the population.
Three-fourths of the Muslims are Ibadis, a minority sect dating from the 8th century. Most of the remainder adhere to Sunni Islam and the rest to Shia Islam. Indian Hindus account for 13 percent of the population. There are also small numbers of non-Omani Christians.
Time
Oman is 4 hours ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
The food is mainly Arabic, Lebanese, Turkish, and Indian. Many Omanis make a distinction between "Arabic" food and "Omani" food, with the former being the description of the standard dishes found throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
Omani food tends to be less spicy and served in quite large portions - whole fish are not uncommon at lunch in some local restaurants. As benefits of a country with a long coastline, seafood is quite a common dish, particularly shark, which is surprisingly tasty.
Travelling Solo In Oman
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.