Discover the Arabian Tropics of Oman
Oman couldn't be more welcoming! An exceptional destination for a luxury holiday.
10 day itinerary
Approx £3,800pp (based on October departures - 2 adults, 1 child)
Day 1 - London - Muscat (approx 6 hours)
Day 2 - Muscat - Salalah (approx 2 hours)
On arrival in Salalah you will be welcomed to Oman by your local guide and be transferred by Mini-Van to Al Baleed By Anantara where you will stay for 4 nights
SALALAH: One of Oman’s surprises is the green countryside of the southern regions. Papaya and banana plantations thrive by virtue of the climate. There are fantastic beaches and an interesting cultural mix, as well as a range of cultural sights and colourful souqs.
Overnight at Al Baleed By Anantara: Nestled between a private beach and a lagoon in Salalah this hotel offers a contemporary yet traditional design with excellent service and a wide range of experiences.
Day 3 - EXPLORING SALALAH CITY - Your exploration of Salalah city begins with a visit to the Museum of the Frankincense Land, where you can learn about the ancient incense trail and Oman’s rich, fascinating history. Driving through fruit and vegetable plantations, stop to sip on some refreshing coconut water at the fruit stalls near Salalah’s old town, Haffah. You can visit Sultan Qaboos Mosque as well as take a peek at Al Husn Palace, the official palace of the Sultan. Go for a wander through the old Haffah souq.
Day 4 - DAY AT LEISURE
Day 5 -MOUNTAINS, WADIS AND BEACHES BY 4WD - Jabal Qara Mountains, stopping at the serene Ayn Sahalnoot to take in the birdlife, natural limestone formations and springs. Wadi Ayun is especially photogenic, with its green and blue hues of water surrounded by vegetation. Winding up higher into the hills, passing cattle and camels, your next stop is the ancient tomb of Job the Prophet, sitting amongst the emerald mountains. Explore the coastline, stopping to relax on the white sands of Mughsail beach where the Indian Ocean skirts around its shores.
Day 6 - SALALAH TO EMPTY QUARTER- The Empty Quarter is a true sight to behold. What better way to experience this vast expanse than by spending a night wild camping in the dunes of the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert?
EMPTY QUARTER: The legendary Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), which starts in Oman and stretches up into the western UAE is the world's largest and most famous sand deserts. The highlights, apart from the remoteness and breathtaking silence, are the enormous dunes - often 200m in height. Today's travellers follow in the historic footsteps of explorers like Lawrence of Arabia and Wilfred Thesiger, who described how this calming landscape gave him a 'freedom unattainable in civilisation.'
Overnight at Freedom Camping - A basic camp with simple camping facilities erected amongst the expansive Omani Desert.
Day 7 - EMPTY QUARTER TO SALALAH - Visit the World Heritage site known as the Lost City of Ubar. This ancient kingdom existed in one of the world’s most hostile climates before, according to myth, the desert sands swallowed it whole.
Overnight at Alila Hinu Bay -A modern hotel inspired by local architecture, the Alila Hinu Bay enjoys a spectacular rugged coastline in the charming historical town of Mirbat.
Day 8 - DAY AT LEISURE
Day 9 - HISTORICAL SIGHTS OF EAST SALALAH- Visit Taqah, an old fishing village well-known for its old traditional Dhofari homes and dried sardines. Stop to take in the former residence of the region’s Wali (Governor), the 19th century Taqah Castle, where you will get a great insight into the area’s fascinating history.
The UNESCO World Heritage site, the ancient ruins of Sumharam city in Khor Rohri and once the most easterly outpost on the incense trading route. Explore the excavated and, in places, restored ruins in their lovely natural setting between the coast and the hills.
Overnight at Alila Hinu Bay
Day 10 - TRANSFER - SALALAH - MUSCAT, MUSCAT - LONDON
Included:
*Private Tour - Exploring Salalah City
*Private Tour - Mountains, Wadis and Beaches in 4WD
*Private Tour - Historical Sights of East Salalah
Included in estimated cost:
*Any flights specified on the itinerary in the class of travel shown.
*Accommodation & meals as stated including local tax and service charge.
*Services of experienced English speaking local guides for sightseeing.
*Transfers as per the itinerary.
*Services and the assistance of the Experience Travel Group agents and representatives in all countries visited.
*Entrance fees for the sightseeing described in the itinerary.
Independent Travel Agent for Full Circle Travel. A member of The Co-operative Travel Consortium, The Midcounties Co-operative Limited.