Echos of Arabia: Discovering Timeless Oman

Nestled on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a land where timeless tradition meets breathtaking natural beauty. From the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands to the craggy peaks of the Al Hajar Mountains, the country offers a dramatic landscape that feels both ancient and alive. As you journey through its sun-drenched coastlines and lush date-palm oases, you will encounter a culture deeply rooted in hospitality, where the scent of frankincense lingers in the air and every welcome is heartfelt. Oman is a place where history whispers through the walls of old forts and the melodies of the oud drift across moonlit courtyards.

This trip is an invitation to explore a side of Arabia that is authentic and unspoiled. Whether you are wandering the labyrinthine alleys of Muscat’s Muttrah Souq, sailing a traditional dhow along the Musandam fjords, or sharing coffee and dates with Bedouins under a canopy of stars, Oman promises moments of quiet wonder and profound connection. Here, time slows, landscapes speak, and the spirit of discovery awakens—offering not just a destination, but a journey of the soul.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1. Muscat. Arrive in Muscat.

Day 2. Muscat. Start your exploration of this capital city with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a breathtaking masterpiece of Islamic architecture that houses the world’s second largest hand-woven carpet. It is a place that invites awe and reflection. Navigate your way through the iconic Muttrah Souq, a labyrinth of alleys brimming with the scent of frankincense, the shimmer of silver jewelry, and the hum of lively bargaining. Just outside the souq, Muttrah Corniche stretches gracefully along the waterfront, inviting you on a scenic promenade walk framed by the Gulf of Oman on one side and dramatic cliffs and old-world architecture on the other.

In the late afternoon, embark on a dhow cruise from Muscat’s marina and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Oman with a chance to spot dolphins along the way.

Day 3. Sur. Today embark on an overland journey that will take you to Shargiya, the southeastern region of the Arabian Peninsula. This iconic route offers a view of the Arabian Gulf Coast and the Eastern Hajar Mountains.

If you relish the idea of exploring and hiking along majestic mountain landscapes and pausing for a refreshing dip in pristine rock pools along thoughtfully curated trails, then the canyons, waterfalls and palm trees of Wadi Al Shab await you along the way.

Arrive in the town of Sur, once an essential center for commerce and culture and known for its world-famous dhow yards.

Day 4. Bedouin Camp/Wahiba Sands. Being the day early just before dawn and visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve for a chance to witness the baby turtles heading out to sea. After breakfast explore the coastal villages and beaches around Sur before making your way inland to Wahiba Sands, a mesmerizing expanse of rolling golden dunes, where the promise of Bedouin adventure lies just beyond the horizon. Spend the night in a desert camp.

Day 5. Bedouin Camp/Wahiba Sands. Today is all about learning about the life of the Bedouins including camel riding, sand-boarding, Omani cooking and stargazing at night.

Day 6. Jebel Akhdar. The first stop on today’s drive into the Al Hajar Mountains is the historic town of Ibra, famous for its women’s souk that takes place every Wednesday. Continue on through the terraced farms and rose gardens to Jebel Akhdar also known as the “Green Mountain”. Spend the afternoon hiking the trail known as W18b weaving its way through charming villages, vibrant orchards and blooming gardens.

Day 7. Muscat. En route back to Muscat stop at Nizwa, the cultural heart of Oman that was once its capital city. It is known as the “Pearl of Islam” and famous for its impressive 17th-century fort with its massive cylindrical tower offering panoramic views over the date palm oasis. Every Friday the city comes alive with its traditional livestock market.

The last visit on your way to Muscat will be Bhala, one of the country’s oldest and most atmospheric towns. Steeped in legend and tradition, it is best known for its massive Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 8. Departure.

Optional add-on: The Empty Quarter

Oman’s Empty Quarter is one of the most awe-inspiring and remote landscapes on earth – a vast sea of sand stretching across Oman’s southern reaches into Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the UAE. It is the largest continuous sand desert in the world where golden dunes rise like waves and silence reigns, broken only by the whisper of the wind. The sheer scale and stillness of the desert are both humbling and otherworldly, offering a sense of timeless isolation that is hard to find anywhere else.

Reaching the Empty Quarter is a journey in itself – part adventure, part pilgrimage. Starting in the city of Salalah the road gradually gives way to gravel tracks and eventually open desert, accessible only by experienced guides in powerful 4x4s. Along the way you will pass Bedouin settlements and fossil rich plains. The arrival in the Empty Quarter is unforgettable: standing atop a towering dune, with nothing but the horizon in every direction, you feel like you have reached the edge of the world, and the stargazing becomes a transcendent experience unspoiled by light or time.

Our Top-Choice Hotel Picks:

Muscat

  • The Chedi

  • Al Bustan Palace

  • Shangri-La Barr

Sur

  • Sur Plaza Hotel

Wahiba Sands

  • Canvas Club Luxury Tents

Jebel Akhdar

  • Alila Jabhal Akhdar

Best Time to Visit: 

  • October through April

Optional inclusions and activities:

  • Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner in one of Muscat’s world-class restaurants.

  • Take a helicopter ride above the capital.

  • Swim in the Salt Caves of Qantab.

  • Treat yourself to a stay at the Six Senses Zighy Bay that can only be reached via a thrilling 4x4 mountain descent, a scenic speedboat ride or even an adventurous paraglide.