Oman Behind the Scenes Group Tour

Fly from the UK to Muscat.

Arrive in Muscat and transfer to the hotel for an early check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You could go for a short stroll along the famous Corniche – a promenade along the seafront – or brush up on your history of the Middle East by visiting the Zubair Museum or Bait al Baranda – the Muscat Aquarium.

Meet your fellow travel companions in the evening. (B)

Over the years, Oman has made a remarkable transformation from a small maritime city to a modern city, while still preserving its traditional charm. There are no skyscrapers and new buildings have to conform to strict rules, which is why ancient and modern structures can be found side by side.

Accompanied by a guide, you first visit the modern Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, built in a modern Islamic architectural style and featuring a magnificent main prayer hall. Continue via the Opera House, the first monument linked to art and culture in Oman, towards Alam Palace. Finish the day with a stroll along the Corniche or the Souk, where you can immerse yourself in its intoxicating atmosphere. (B,L)

Today, leave the city and make a slight detour to Muscat's fish market. Here, local fishermen sell their freshly caught fish. Afterward, you head south towards Sur. Our first stop will be Wadi Shab, a beautiful oasis nestled in the heart of an arid landscape. You take a small boat across the river (approximately two minutes) and then walk through a dry riverbed to reach natural pools. Here, you can swim and sunbathe - and for those who wish to explore further, there's a small cave and small waterfall to discover.

After your time at Wadi Shab, continue towards Sur - an ancient town with a rich history and diverse cultural influences due to its past maritime trade. Sur is also known for its beautiful wooden doors and the manufacturing of dhows (traditional sailing vessels). These dhows have a long history of transporting spices and incense between Asia, Europe and Africa. It will for sure be a fascinating journey! (B,L,D)

There will be a change of scenery as you leave the coast behind and travel inland to the Wahiba Desert. En route, a spectacular road leads to Wadi Bani Khalid through a landscape of ochre-coloured rocky hills. The natural pools of this wadi attract many locals during the weekends, and it’s a perfect stop for a swim - providing a welcoming break during a hot day.

After lunch, the desert awaits. Your desert experience begins at Bidiya, the gateway to the desert, where you enter a completely different world of undulating ochre-coloured sand dunes. From your camp, watch the landscape transform during sunset and make way for complete darkness and a most spectacular starry sky. (B,L,D)

Early risers can experience a different atmosphere during dawn, as well as gradual changes in temperature. The journey starts by leaving the hot desert for the coolness of the Omani mountains, with the first stop being Birkat al Mawz. Birkat al Mawz is renowned for its abundance of banana plantations and a centuries-old irrigation system (falaj) that allows palm groves to thrive, providing a pleasant shaded walk for locals and visitors.

A short drive away is Bahla Fort, the country's first UNESCO World Heritage-listed fort, which consists of three main parts and was the centre of Ibadism, a branch of Islam. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, it features thick mud walls, watchtowers and a sentry walk, making it a must-visit destination (entrance fee not included). The nearby city of Nizwa is surrounded by an oasis of palm trees and the highest mountains, which used to be the capital of the Sultanate. Do not miss its souk, where you can find a variety of treasures for sale, including the iconic Khanjar (curved knife). (B,L,D)

On Fridays, farmers from the surrounding area wake up early in the morning and head to the livestock market near the city walls. Visitors can join the locals to experience the bustling atmosphere of bargaining and trading cows, donkeys, goats and other livestock. After the market visit, you have the chance to explore the tranquil town of Al Hamra, with its charming 400-year-old Yemeni-style mud-brick houses. The warm colours of the houses blend beautifully with the mountainous landscape.

Leaving the town behind, you embark on a beautiful hike known as the Balcony Walk, one of the most thrilling hikes in the Sultanate. The path offers stunning views of the mountain range on one side and unique views down the great canyons of Oman. After this exhilarating walk, you return to Muscat. In the evening, you all gather together again for a last dinner as a group. (B,L)

It's time to bid farewell to Oman. After a leisurely breakfast, your driver will pick you up for your transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK. (B)