Compare Highlights of Oman by G Adventures vs Oman self-drive tour by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,999 | $ 3,347 |
| Price Per Day | $ 375 | $ 372 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner | N/A |
| Description |
Oman remains one of the last great undiscovered parts of the Middle East. Here, ancient heritage melds beautifully with modern living. Overnight in the dramatic Wahiba Sands desert after visiting the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve to observe the endangered species’ nesting process. Still looking for something off the beaten path? Visit Wadi Nakhr, also known as the Grand Canyon of Oman, to get even deeper into Oman’s ethereal beauty — natural and otherwise. |
The Middle East’s best-kept secret, Oman combines unspoiled desert landscapes with a chance to experience authentic Arabian culture. Stable and international in its outlook, Oman has none of the ostentation of its sister states. Instead, you’ll find pristine beaches, golden deserts and mountain scenery, as well as traditional villages where goats roam freely through the narrow streets. Our specialists visit regularly so they can tailor your holiday to Oman to your interests. |
Day 1 Muscat
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Muscat
Explore some of the highlights of the city including the Grand Mosque, the Bait Al Zubair Museum, and the historic souk in Muttrah, before heading to Old Muscat and view the 16th century Al-Mirani and Al-Jelani forts from outside.
Modesty is mandatory for everyone when visiting the Grand Mosque. Men must wear long pants and shirts must cover shoulders (if you have tattoos, they must be fully covered by your clothing). Women must be fully covered including heads, full arms and full legs. We recommend not wearing jewelry unless it is fully covered by your clothing. Proper Omani outfits for men and women can be rented should you wish, and our CEO will be happy to answer any questions or assist in preparing the correct outfits to visit the mosque.
Day 3 Muscat/Ras al-Jinz
Leave Muscat behind and drive along the coast towards the picturesque Bimmah Sinkhole. Continue to Sur, renowned in the past for its dhow shipyards, before reaching Ras al-Jinz on the coast. After an early dinner, visit the turtle sanctuary, where green turtles come from thousands of kilometres away to lay eggs at night.
Day 4 Ras al-Jinz/Wahiba Sands
Drive towards Wādī Banī Khālid, a rocky oasis nestled in the East Hajar mountains filled with natural pools. Later, begin your desert adventure through the dunes towards the desert camp, just in time for a sunset, then enjoy a traditional dinner.
At Wahabi Sands we will stay at a desert lodge with restaurant and cafe. We will overnight in comfortable tents with beds and private bathrooms, there is no A/C in the tents.
Day 5 Wahiba Sands/Nizwá
Leaving the desert behind, we head towards Ibra and visit the impressive Jabrin castle. Continue towards Nizwá, stopping at the historic fortress of Bahla along the way.
Day 6 Nizwá
Wake early to take part in the Nizwá cattle market. Watch locals buy and trade the best livestock, from goats to cattle directly from the herders. Continue to the town of Al Hamra and visit the renowned stone houses of Misfat Al Abriyeen and learn about the Falaj network, Oman's ancient water supply system. Return to Nizwa via Jebel Shams and take in view of Wadi Nakhr known as the Grand Canyon of Oman.
Day 7 Nizwá/Muscat
Drive through Wadi Bani Awf and take in the beauty of the steep mountain cliffs before reaching the end point ("Snake Point") of the gorge. Continue to Muscat for the evening.
Day 8 Muscat
Depart at any time.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Muscat.
Day 2 : Muscat
You will be met at the airport by your driver on arrival and taken to your hotel where you have the rest of the day to relax. Once you've recuperated, you could head out to explore the city's souqs or sample some of the local food in one of the many restaurants.
Day 3 : Muscat
Your private driver will meet you at your hotel this morning ready for a tour of the city. This will help you orientate yourself as you discover the main sites and attractions of Muscat, including a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This is one of the largest mosques in the world, with a capacity of up to 20,000 people. You also visit the Royal Opera House, the fish souq and Muttrah Souq, where you'll find an array of handicrafts, spices and fabrics.
Day 4 : Nizwa
Your car hire starts today - you can pick up your 4WD vehicle this morning ready for your first drive to the interior of Oman. En route, you might want to visit the coastal city of Seeb, the historic fort of Nakhal and Wadi Bani Awf, where canyons, rock formations and rivers provide beautiful scenery.
Day 5 : Nizwa
A day at leisure to explore Nizwa and the mountains and forts of the surrounding area. We suggest visiting the 17th-century Jabrin Fort and exploring its labyrinthine interior, as well as Wadi Nakheer, known as the Grand Canyon of Oman due to its vast size and steep sides.
Day 6 : Wahiba Sands
Today's drive to your desert camp in the Wahiba Sands is an adventure in itself as you navigate sandy tracks in your 4WD. En route to the desert you may wish to visit the town of Izki, home to the oldest falaj (irrigation channel) in the country and the remains of a fort. You could also stop to browse Sinaw's souq, which sells everything from vegetables to jewellery.
Day 7 : Ras Al Jinz
Today you can stop at the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid as part of your journey from the desert to the coast. You have time to rest at your accommodation and have dinner before setting off for the beach with a guide. Here, depending on the time of year, you can watch green turtles laying their eggs under the sand, or see baby turtles hatching and making their way into the sea.
Day 8 : Muscat
Return to Muscat, driving for around three hours along the coastal road, past beautiful white sand beaches. Look out for sharks in the water and gazelles sprinting across the landscape. There are plenty of scenic places to stop for a picnic lunch, including the pretty seaside town of Sur. The town has a long history of dhow (boat) making, as well as being home to two forts. Spend the final evening of your trip in Muscat, visiting places you may have missed on your first visit and enjoying one last Middle Eastern meal.
Day 9 : International return flight
You'll take the short drive to the airport today, dropping your vehicle off in time for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
