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What to expect

Muscat

Muscat

Explore with a city tour & sunset cruise

Sharqiyah Sands Desert

Sharqiyah Sands Desert

Enjoy an immersive desert experience

Bahla Fort

Bahla Fort

Discover this ancient World Heritage Site

Coastal town of Salalah

Coastal town of Salalah

Relax on a beach stay finale

About this trip...

About the trip

Embark on a fantastic escorted group tour through Oman, a hidden gem in the Middle East, where each day promises new and exhilarating experiences. Begin your journey in Muscat with a half-day city tour and a breathtaking sunset cruise along the coast. Marvel at the striking Bimah Sinkhole, explore the evergreen Wadi Tiwi, and witness the enchanting Sur with its traditional dhow factories. Dive into the vast expanse of Sharqiyah Sands desert, where you'll discover hidden treasures, encounter rare wildlife, and enjoy a magical sunset on the dunes. Uncover the ancient city of Nizwa and the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bahla Fort. Relax in the serene beauty of Salalah's beaches, surrounded by tropical gardens, mountains, and cascading waterfalls. With each moment filled with cultural wonders, natural beauty, and luxurious comforts, this journey through Oman is a vibrant tapestry of unforgettable adventures.
Activity Level: Activity Level Rating
What's this?

What's included?

  • Return flights & transfers
  • Airport taxes & charges
  • Room for sole occupancy
  • Daily breakfast, eight lunches and nine dinners
  • Welcome drink
  • Beach stay in Salalah
  • Bimah Sinkhole and a walk in Wadi Tiwi
  • City tour of Muscat with sunset cruise
  • Explore Sharqiyah Sands desert and overnight camp
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Bahla Fort
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully Financially Protected

Itinerary

  • Arrive into Oman
  • Muscat City Tour and Sunset Cruise
  • Bimah Sinkhole and Wadi Tiwi
  • Sharqiyah Sands Desert
  • Ibra and Nizwa
  • Nizwa and Bahla Fort
  • Muscat and the Grand Mosque, Nakhl and Ain Thowarah
  • Flight to Salalah
  • Salalah
  • Depart Oman

What you'll be doing

Day One: Arrive into Muscat

Day One: Arrive into Muscat

This morning we arrive into Oman in the early hours of the morning and transfer to the hotel to check-in and rest up. Later this morning, we enjoy a fascinating half-day tour of Muscat. We pass the embassy quarter and enjoy a guided tour through the beautiful Royal Opera House, and drive along the corniche to Muttrah Souk - the oldest souk in Oman. We then continue to Al Alam Palace for a photo stop, which is flanked by two Portuguese Forts, called Al Mirani and Al Jalali. We stop for lunch before transferring to Marina AL Bandar to enjoy a sunset cruise alongside the coastline of Muscat. Then it's off for a welcome dinner at a local house with an Omani family.
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Two: Bimah Sinkhole, Wadi Tiwi & Sur

Day Two: Bimah Sinkhole, Wadi Tiwi & Sur

We leave Oman to explore the stunning beauty of this country. Our first stop will be the impressive Bimah Sinkhole and then the evergreen Wadi Tiwi. From here, we head to the port city of Sur, enjoying mesmerising views over the Indian Ocean and Oman’s beautiful white beaches. While in Sur, we have the chance to visit one of the few remaining traditional dhow factories, an open-air dhow museum, and enjoy a walk through Al Aygah with its beautiful old wooden doors. In the evening, we have the chance (depending on the season) to visit the turtle beach where turtles can be seen laying their eggs as well as baby turtles leaving their nest.
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Three: Sharqiyah Sands Desert

Day Three: Sharqiyah Sands Desert

Today we leave the coast behind to discover the beauty of Oman’s Sharqiyah Sands Desert. Firstly, however, we discover some of the hidden treasures of Oman. In the small town of Al Kamil, we visit the forts’ museum, which has been beautifully renovated. After that, we proceed to a gazelle sanctuary to discover some of the rare fauna in Oman. We will soon see the first dunes and enter the desert. As a group, we enjoy a sunset on the dunes and a traditional dinner at the camp.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day Four: Ibra to Nizwa

Day Four: Ibra to Nizwa

Today we enjoy breakfast in the desert and then head of to explore more of Oman. Our first stop will be Ibra - one of the oldest cities in Oman and once a centre of trade, religion, education and art. We discover the old part of the city before heading onto the ancient city of Nizwa, known for its rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, vibrant souk, and the stunning backdrop of the Hajar Mountains.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
 

Day Five: Bahla Fort and back to Muscat

Day Five: Bahla Fort and back to Muscat

This morning, we venture around the souk of Nizwa and get to know more about its history at the fort. This region has a very long and powerful history, which you'll get a glimpse of during a photo stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Bahla Fort - believed to have been built between the 12th and 15th century by the Banu Nebhan tribe who inhabited the area at the time. We also visit the unique castle in Jabreen which dates back to the 17th century. We make our way back to Muscat, stopping at the Amouage factory. Producers of one of the finest perfumes of the world, we'll enjoy a tour of the factory and explore the diversity of the different ingredients and incenses.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
 

Day Six: Muscat Grand Mosque, Nahkl & Ain Thowarah Hot Springs

Day Six: Muscat Grand Mosque, Nahkl & Ain Thowarah Hot Springs

Today we visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - the largest Mosque in Oman and fifth largest in the world. There is a dress code for visiting the mosque, where visitors are required to dress modestly, covering arms and legs and avoiding tight clothing. After here, we leave the capital and make our way to the lively fish market in Seeb, where the local fishermen sell their catch of the night. This afternoon, we reach Nakhl and visit the beautiful fort built upon a high mountain. We drive through the old city, passing old mud houses and beautiful gardens before we reach the hot springs of Ain Thowarah, where we can take a walk along the palm trees and pool area.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
 

Day Seven: Flight to Salalah

Day Seven: Flight to Salalah

Today we have breakfast together before heading to the airport to take our flight to Salalah for a relaxing beach break. Salalah is known for its banana plantations, Arabian Sea beaches and waters teeming with marine ife. It's a very unique part of the world – not just in Arabia and the Middle East. Salalah has all you can imagine – desert, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, springs, sinkholes & caves.

  • Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Eight: Salalah

Day Eight: Salalah

Staying at the Crowne Plaza Salalah Hotel, the hotel is the perfect place for a relaxing end to our holiday in Oman. Surrounded by tropical gardens, and overlooking the Indian Ocean and sandy beach. The hotel has a large outdoor pool and a spa and wellness centre.

  • Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Nine: Salalah

Day Nine: Salalah

Today we have another free day to relax in Salalah. We can enjoy the beaches or explore this fascinating area further at our own pace.

  • Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Ten: Departure

Day Ten: Departure

Today we bid farewell to Oman and transfer back to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

  • Breakfast Included

Accommodation

Oman

We will be staying in a number of hotels on this tour. These are listed below, or will be a similar standard:
  • Muscat - Novotel Hotel
  • Sur - AL Asala Resort
  • Sharqiyah Sands Desert - 1000 Nights camp
  • Nizwa - Intercity Nizwa Hotel
  • Muscat - Movenpick hotel
  • Salalah - Crowne Plaza Salalah Hotel

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info Regional flights
14 Feb 2025 23 Feb 2025 9 £4999.00 Please call for regional flights

Frequently asked questions

Transfer Time
Transfer time from Muscat Airport to the hotel in Muscat is approximately 20 minutes. From the hotel in Salalah to the airport, it is approximately 20 minutes.
General Information
Please note: At the beginning of your trip, your Tour Leader will ask if you would be happy to sign a photo permission form. This means that any photographs taken during your holiday can be used by Solos to share what the Solos experience is all about. It also means you have lots of memories to go home with! Details will be given at your welcome meeting. WhatsApp Group: Just before the start of your trip, you will be sent an invite to the WhatsApp group which will put you in touch with your fellow Solos travellers and Tour Leader prior to your departure day. By choosing to join, you're consenting to share your contact details with other members of your group. However, if you prefer not to join, that's completely fine, and you can meet the group on your first day instead.
Dress Code
During the day when sightseeing, we recommend casual, lightweight cotton clothing, that covers the shoulders and knees (both men and women). You will find that smart casual wear is acceptable, even in the best hotels during the evening. We would recommend an umbrella or hat for protection against the sun. Comfortable shoes are a “must” for sightseeing. From time to time, your guide will advise you about observing local customs. On certain occasions it will be necessary to remove your shoes to enter temples so easily removable footwear (eg. trekking sandals) is recommended. Women are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that are too revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention in the streets of Muslem towns – loose fitting trousers or slacks are ideal. Women should also cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque and men should wear long trousers.
Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff, this at USD 15 for each staff. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.
Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements

Passport validity requirements
To enter Oman, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Visa requirements

You can visit Oman for up to 14 days without a visa. If you overstay or do not extend your visa or residency, the Omani authorities may fine and detain you. Fines can be up to 10 Omani rials a day, with a total maximum fine of 500 rials.

Entry requirements
At Omani border control, you must be able to show:

  • a ticket for return or onward travel
  • proof of your accommodation – for example, a hotel booking
  • proof of your travel health insurance
Health Requirements

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip: Go to TravelHealthPro to see what health risks you’ll face in Oman, including:
  • dengue
  • Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Oman. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. Extreme heat has caused deaths in Oman due to dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Currency
Omani Rial
Important Information
You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to take part in the included activities.

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