8 Day Oman Uncovered Premium Small Group Tour

Welcome to Oman! On arrival you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Muscat. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a fascinating coastal city where ancient heritage meets understated modern elegance. Framed by rugged mountains and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, Muscat is known for its whitewashed buildings, grand mosques, and traditional souks. Explore historic forts, stroll along the scenic Corniche, and experience warm Omani hospitality, all while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the country's rich culture and seafaring past. Special Information Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

After breakfast, meet your guide and fellow travellers and begin your journey to the seaside Seeb Fish Market, where the day's fresh catch offers a glimpse into local life. Continue through lush date plantations to the tranquil Nakhl Springs, where gently warm waters feed the ancient falaj irrigation system. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the village, observing daily life among the palms. Next we visit the dramatic Nakhl Fort, perched high on a rocky outcrop. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before returning to Muscat. Later, explore the atmospheric old quarter of Muttrah, the older part of town. Here you can experience a traditional souq selling handicrafts, fabric, Omani clothes, spices, jewellery and all sorts of hardware, and is far more aimed at locals than tourists. Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years. Following your tour return to your hotel with time to relax. Inspiring Highlights Nakhl Fort Muttrah Souq

This morning we will visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman. Accommodating up to 20,000 worshippers at a time, the structure features a blend of various architectural styles. Impressive features include spectacular crystal chandeliers and handmade Persian rugs, which are some of the largest in the world. Leave Muscat behind as we take a scenic coastal drive with sparkling sea views as we head to Sur. Along the way, stop at Bimmah Sinkhole, a striking turquoise pool where fresh and seawater meet, inviting a refreshing swim. Our journey continues with a photo stop at Wadi Tiwi before arriving at our overnight destination of to Sur, renowned for its traditional harbour, fish jetty and dhow factory. Enjoy early dinner at the hotel before visiting the Ras Al Jinz Scientific Centre where we are escorted to the beach by trained guides to watch the turtles coming in to nest on the sands. Inspiring Highlights Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Bimmah Sinkhole Turtle Viewing* Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Ladies visiting the mosque are required to cover their head with a scarf and wear long sleeves and long pants or long skirts. Men are also to be full covered, though short sleeve shirts are allowed for men. Shoes must be removed to enter the mosque. Overall, the best time for turtle watching in Oman is during the summer months from May to August. However, turtles are often spotted during winter, and there are good chances of sightseeing turtles at any time of the year at Ras al-Jinz, although it cannot be guaranteed.

After breakfast, depart your hotel and journey toward the desert, stopping at the spectacular Wadi Bani Khalid. Framed by rugged mountains and traditional villages, this stunning oasis features crystal-clear pools, flowing year-round and dotted with hidden caves. We will transfer to 4WD vehicles to continue to the dramatic Wahiba Sands, where rolling red-and-white dunes rise up to 200 metres. The region hosts a variety of desert adapted flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer's delight. In the evening, enjoy sunset in the desert before a delicious dinner. Inspiring Highlights Wadi Bani Wahiba Sand Dunes Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast, we depart the desert to visit Jabreen Castle. Built in the late 17th-century in the city of Bahla in Al Dakhliya, what distinguishes Jabreen Castle from other forts, is that it was built during peace times, so it was not founded as a fortification palace, but as a centre of knowledge. It presents decorated wooden balconies and windows. It also features arches with engraved Arabic calligraphy, and spectacular artwork on its ceiling. The palace has two towers, several dining rooms and reception areas, a court room and a library, and classrooms. We will then head to Nizwa with a photo stop at Bahla Fort. Located at the foot of the highlands of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (The Green Mountain) it was built in the 13th and the 14th centuries. After checking into your hotel you will have time at leisure before dinner. Inspiring Highlights Jabreen Castle Bahla Fort Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 ½ hours.

After an early breakfast, today we will travel by 4WD vehicles into the mountains where we will be treated to vistas of spectacular canyons and mountain views. Often called the Grand Canyon of Arabia, the dramatic Grand Canyon of Oman lies near the village of Ghul, northwest of Al Hamra. Set beneath towering Jebel Shams in the Hajar Mountains, this immense canyon plunges up to 1,000 metres deep, offering one of Oman's most breathtaking natural landscapes. Next stop is a visit to Al Hamra village, a 400-year-old town in the region Ad Dakhiliyah. We will take a break for lunch inside Bait Al Safah museum. Our final stop of the day is Misfat Al Abriyeen, a unique mountainous village located 1,000 m above sea level. The village boasts amazing agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys and old houses built into the rocky landscape. Following our visit, return to Nizwa where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Jebel Shams & Oman's Grand Canyon Al Hamra village Misfat Al Abriyeen village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, we will explore the highlights of Nizwa. Our first stop will be the bustling Nizwa Souq, one of the oldest souqs in Oman. Situated by the crenelated walls of the fort, this is very much a market for the local people, dedicated to fresh produce and household items. We will then visit the impressive Nizwa Fort, established in the 17th century and taking approximately 12 years to build. Its main part is a 30 meter (98 feet) tall tower, which has incredibly thick walls to endure the barrages of mortar fire. There are two cannons at the fort's entrance that were used to protect the city in war times. Inside the fort, there is a maze of rooms, narrow staircases and corridors, high-ceiling halls, doorways and terraces. It's then time to depart Nizwa and return to Muscat. Along the way stop at Birkat Al Mauz and enjoy a walk through the oasis and date plantations. This evening join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. Inspiring Highlights Nizwa Souq Nizwa Fort Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your adventure. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.