Oh My, Oman!
Wild wadis, dramatic mountains, spectacular deserts, quiet coastal towns and 16th century forts and castles ‐ Oman has it all! With one of the oldest civilisations on the Arabian Peninsula Oman, it offers a rich contrast of ancient traditions and modern hustle all entwined in a strong sense of cultural identity.
This hosted ‘Journey for Women’ begins in Muscat, which sits on the crossroads of the sea-trading world, and remains the commercial and administrative powerhouse of modern Oman. Discover the lavish Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Bait Al Zubair Museum of Omani antiques, and Qasr Al Alam – His Majesty’s Palace – before entering the vibrant Mutrah Souk where local merchants hawk their wares inside a labyrinth of well‐stocked alleyways and corridors.
Moving through dramatic mountain roads to Nizwa you’ll discover breathtaking scenery including Jebal Shams, the highest point on the Arabian Peninsula where you can enjoy views over the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’. Joining the crowds at lively goat market, losing yourself in Nizwa Souk and being hosted by your guide at their home for dinner provides authentic insight into Omani culture, and a dip at Birkat Al Mouz – meaning ‘Pool of Bananas’, a lush oasis at the base of the mountains – is the perfect way to cool off.
Finally, head to Sharqiah Sands, (formerly Wahiba Sands) to enjoy opulent Omani hospitality at Desert Nights Camp ‐ the only permanent luxury desert camp in Oman. Here the silence and beauty of a vast expanse of perfect desert, complete with towering dunes that curl and ripple into infinity, is just stunning.
This itinerary takes in the very best of Oman – from modern day city living to ancient traditions. What better way to experience it than in the company of a small group of like minded female travellers in signature ‘Journeys for Women’ style!
You will love
- Stunning accommodation
- Opulent Arabian hospitality
- Local village walks, markets and souks
- The silent beauty of the desert
- Culture, scenery & adventure
- Small group of female co-travellers
10 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
DAY 1 | ARRIVE MUSCAT | WELCOME TO OMAN!
Welcome to Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, where the ancient and modern exist effortlessly side‐by‐side. On the crossroads of the sea trading world Muscat is the heart of Oman, home to the breath‐taking Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the wonderful Mutrah souq and the Royal Opera House. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Grand Hyatt Muscat. Overlooking the Gulf of Oman the Grand Hyatt is a striking illustration of Arabian architecture and one of the largest & most opulent luxury hotels Muscat has to offer. This evening enjoy a fine dining, welcome dinner at Angham, located in the Royal Opera House Galleria.
Overnight : Grand Hyatt Muscat
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 | EXPLORING ENCHANTING MUSCAT
Undoubtedly the commercial and administraTIve powerhouse of modern Oman Muscat offers an absorbing snapshot of the country’s past. Today you’ll explore this enchanting port city visiting the lavish Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a modern architectural masterpiece of epic proportions. Built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone, the interior features include the second largest chandelier in the world and beneath it, a hand woven prayer rug that took a team of Persian weavers 27 months to complete. From the mosque visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum showcasing an incredible display of Omani antiques and pass by Qasr Al Alam – His Majesty’s Palace before entering the vibrant Mutrah Souk for a complete change of pace. Here local merchants hawk their wares inside a labyrinth of well‐stocked alleyways and corridors, providing the perfect opportunity for you to hone your haggling skills before enjoying lunch at Bait al Luban overlooking the Corniche. Return to the Grand Hyatt for the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Grand Hyatt Muscat
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 3 | MUSCAT TO MOUNTAINS
Depart Muscat this morning following the dramatic mountain road through terraced farming villages where the ancient Falaj irrigation system is still in use. Along the way stop in the historic walled town of Bahla, famous for its pottery and World Heritage listed Fort, and explore the spectacular castle at Jabrin, lauded for the inscriptions and frescoes that adorn its interior walls. Enjoy a picnic lunch before reaching Jebal Shams, the highest point on the Arabian Peninsula where you can enjoy views over the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’.
Continue to Jabal Akhdar, meaning “The Green Mountain” in Arabic, set high in the Al Hajar mountain range, one of Oman’s most spectacular regions. Spend three nights in the Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort, perched 2,000 metres above sea level.
Overnight: Alila Jabal Akhdar
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 4 | DAY TRIP TO NIZWA THE BIRTHPLACE OF ISLAM IN OMAN
Take a spectacular drive through the mountains down to the town of Nizwa, the birthplace of Islam in Oman and the country’s ancient capital. One of Oman’s most popular tourist destinations, Nizwa was once a centre of trade, religion, education and art due to its strategic location at the crossroads of key caravan routes, and is the site for many historic castles and forts.
Start your visit at the lively Friday Goat Market where local farmers gather early in the morning to trade livestock – mainly goats, cows and sheep – by auction. Join the crowds for a truly unique opportunity to observe this traditional
local custom before visiting the imposing 17th century Nizwa Fort that is the largest fort in the Arabian Peninsula, offering stunning views of the city and surrounding plantations from its circular tower. Then lose yourself in Nizwa Souk a great place to buy ornamental silver jewellery and intricately hand‐carved ‘khanjars’ (daggers) amidst vendors selling everything from fresh produce and spices to pottery and leather goods. Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading back to the resort, stopping along the way at the village of Birkat Al Mouz, meaning ‘Pool of Bananas’. In this lush oasis at the base of the mountain, bananas as well as date palms grow in abundance and you can walk through the ruins of old houses that appear to emerge right out of the rocks.
Enjoy dinner at Alila Jabal Akhdar this evening.
Overnight: Alila Jabal Akhdar
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
DAY 5 | DAY AT LEISURE AT ALILA JABAL AKHDAR
Spend a day at leisure in the Al Hajar Mountains. At Alila Jabal Akhdar you are well placed to explore one of the most fascinating regions in the world. Venture out on cultural and culinary visits to nearby villages, explore nearby caves or undertake a canyon walk. You may choose to set out in one of the resort vehicles, accompanied by a guide, on an optional excursion down on to the Saiq Plateau where you can visit the picturesque abandoned village of Wadi Bani Habib and marvel at the traditional way of life as you follow the old farm trails through the wadi and farmlands growing walnut trees and pomegranate bushes, and, during the months of March‐May Oman’s famed damask roses are in flower. Marvel at the swathes of pink petals carpeting the hills and delight in sourcing the freshest Omani rosewater, a staple in every Omani household.
Alternatively you may wish to relax by the heated outdoor infinity pool, offering spectacular views into the gorge, take a refreshing dip in the indoor plunge pool, or indulge in Spa Alila ‐ a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to pampering you from head to toe to restore a sense of total well‐being.
Overnight: Alila Jabal Akhdar
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 6 | DRIVE TO WAHIBA SANDS AND LUXURY DESERT CAMP
Descend from the mountains to Sharqiah Sands, formerly known as Wahiba Sands, a vast expanse of perfect desert landscape where towering dunes curl and ripple into infinity. Enjoy traditional Omani hospitality in the home of one of your guides before continuing to Desert Nights Camp ‐ the only permanent luxury desert camp in Oman.
Arriving in time for sundowners, climb the surrounding sand dunes to watch the sun silently sink below the horizon before feasting on traditional Omani fare around a campfire listening to a band of Bedouin musicians.
Overnight: Desert Nights Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 7 | WAHIBA SANDS TO MUSCAT
Awake in time to watch the sunrise over the dunes before joining an optional, thrilling 4WD dune bashing adventure or a more sedate camel ride in the dunes this morning. Depart the desert via a traditional Bedouin home where you can
enjoy mint tea en‐route to Wadi Bani Khalid – without a doubt one of Oman’s most spectacular swimming spots. This is a genuine desert oasis of green palm trees and shimmering water rising out of the landscape. Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch, and a refreshing dip if you dare, before heading to the coast to return to Muscat via the village of Qalhat and the spectacular limestone Bimah Sinkhole. Evening at leisure in Muscat.
Overnight: Shangri‐La Al Husn
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 8 | QANTAB FISHING & AUTHENTIC COOKING EXPERIENCE
Travel to the fishing village of Qantab, for an authentic Omani cooking & dining experience in the village house of Bait Al Bilad. Learn to prepare local specialities like coconut kingfish curry, okra and tomato curry, traditional flat bread, and the tiny and deliciously honeyed dessert of lokhaimat – and then feast on your creations overlooking the sea! Return to the Shangri‐La for an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Shangri‐La Al Husn
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch
DAY 9 | EXPLORE MUSCAT
You’ll have the day free today to explore Muscat at leisure, relax on Al Husn’s private beach or pamper your body and soul in CHI, the Shangri‐La’s luxury spa.
Late this afternoon embark on a relaxed dhow (traditional wooden Omani boat) cruise. Cruise the Muscat coast, coves and inlets, just like the ancient Omani mariners who plied this route for centuries. Enjoy cruising the natural coves to admire the coastal beauty and view the spectacular Al Bustan Palace Hotel.
Return to the Shangri‐La for a farewell dinner hosted in Bait al Bahr. Working together with the nearby fishing community the experienced chefs at Bait al Bahr procure daily fresh catches and prepare signature dishes with traditional spices and flavours of Oman. Enjoy this final celebration by the beach this evening.
Overnight: Shangri‐La Al Husn
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 10 | TIME TO SAY GOODBYE...
Today you’ll be driven to the airport to depart on your international flight home.
If you are keen to extend your exploration of the Middle East you may wish to take a look at our pre-tour journeys ‘Treasures of Egypt’ and ‘Jewels of Jordan’
Detailed itineraries for all our departures are available on request – please click here