At a Glance
Outshine your perception of the world, as you set out on an expenditure into Oman’s Muscat and The Gulf. A journey to the mountain villages and Bedouin desert leaving you traversed into the rich Arabian culture and traditions. Venture in the Middle East on these 7 days walking adventure across sand dunes, vibrant beaches, and lonesome historic villages.
Begin your venture with the exploration of Oman’s capital, Muscat, and be captivated by the extensive deserts, towering palms, and mighty peaks. Ride a camel to spectate the scenic vistas and discover the heart-warming invitations of locals to give you a great feast of freshly prepared cuisine garnished with native ingredients. Explore a centuries-old Omani village perched high in the Jebel Shams mountains and uncover rose water factories. Bait Al Safah living ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfers
- 6 nights’ accommodation in hotels in luxury hotels a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking, activities and sightseeing as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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Level 2, Approx. 8km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 458m (1500ft) Start your tour in white-walled Muscat, a city between the mountains and the sea. Hike your way through the palms to explore the mighty desert seeming like powdered cinnamon transcending the horizon. Spot a turquoise oasis tucked away in a narrow gorge. Lay your eyes on the rocky edges, silent beaches, and soft sands as you trail along the rugged surfaces and dusty grounds. You will be served a local lunch at the threshold of the mighty Arabian sea. After a satisfying local meal, spend an afternoon strolling along with the gratifying views of rocky peaks and Muscat port. The arresting sight of desert sunset is something you can’t afford to miss this evening. You’ll embark on a camel ride for a traditional Omani experience on the sand. |
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You will stay in Desert Nights Camp, the only luxury desert camp in Oman, surrounded by distant jagged mountains, vast dunes, and crystal-clear wadis. The camp occupies a 10-acre expanse of silky sands and is tucked away 11 kilometers into the immense seclusion of the Omani desert. Relax in the Omani styled majlis, and enjoy fresh Omani dates and “khawa” traditional Arabic coffee. |
Oman Hotels Desert Nights Camp (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 2: Day 3: Embrace the warmth and kindness of the people by venturing on an adventure around the Middle East. The Jebel Shams mountains are home to a long-established Omani community. The Jebel Shams, the country's highest point and the first place to see the sun each day offer breathtaking views. Discover the desert's bounty of fruits and palms, such as papayas and mangoes. Relish the culinary traditions of the region while taking in local artists' displays of henna painting, which has been considered a lucky charm in Arab culture for more than 5,000 years. In Al Hamra's well-preserved historic center, you will be astonished to see a townscape dominated by mud-brick buildings and lush palm palms. Indulge in some Omani culture by strolling through the small streets and visiting the Bait Al Safah living museum. Follow abandoned irrigation systems as you traverse the steep hills of al Hamra. The mountaintop resort provides the perfect opportunity to relax and have a cup of tea while taking in the breathtaking views of the canyon below. You can also opt for a traditional Middle Eastern steam bath of the hammam. Follow the winding path along the craggy cliffside, exhibiting you the appealing scenes of roses and pomegranates. Take up the lunch invitation into a local’s home and relish the traditional delicacies garnished with in-house ingredients. Inhale the sensual aroma of roses and discern the rose-water making process at a rose-water factory which is one of the prominent exporters of rose waters. |
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You will be staying at the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, which is perched on the legendary Green Mountain and provides Omani splendor in the most magnificent of natural surroundings. Indulge in spa and hammam services or simply take in the serenity of the stars from the platform where Princess Diana once stood. Sip a calming coffee in the fresh mountain air and, as the sun sets behind the rocks, have a romantic dip in the tub or nightcaps beneath the stars. |
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 4: Day 5: Explore Omani village at your own pace, making use of the amenities provided at your place of stay. Your trip starts with unearthing the abandoned Omani village fenced in by the corpse of overgrown walnut trees. Rivet your eyes on the pomegranate and apricot orchards near the ruins of Wabi Bani Habib, an isolated town resting within the mountains of Jabal Al Akhdar. The lonely hamlet's crumbling cottages and broken stairs can be explored further. In comparison to the heat outdoors, the crumbling interiors constructed of stone or mud are cold. The pleasant Mediterranean environment and 3000-meter-high terraced orchids of Jabal Al Akhdar make the ascent worthwhile. Collect some leisurely memories and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Pick from a range of activities like diving into the mountaintop pool, or easing off at the spa with the aromas of frankincense and juniper berry to enrich your treatment. Engage in the hammam rituals or simply breathe in the fresh air of the Arabic wadis. Practice yoga in a welcoming environment or just fall asleep under the covers. Hike the trails that traverse these towering peaks, passing through abandoned stone huts perched precariously on the steep cliff faces. One of Oman's most popular tourist destinations, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, offers hikers the opportunity to see abandoned settlements, natural caverns, and fossil waterfalls. Lend an ear to a piece of traditional Omani music from a live musician. You can loosen up in the premium luxuries of your lodging like a spa or choose to go out with ropes and harnesses to spectate the nearest canyon. |
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You'll stay in Alila Jabal Akhdar Oman located in the central section of the Al Hajar Mountains which offers a gateway to the area’s incredible history, culture and nature. Away from the hustle and bustle of contemporary life, the location provides an escape to serenity, nature, and the most breathtaking panoramic vistas. As you gaze over the mountain skyline, savor a global menu influenced by the golden period of Arabic cuisine. Relax at the spa wellness center complete with a steam room and jacuzzi, laze by the outdoor patios or refresh with a dip in the pool. |
Alila Jabal Akhdar Oman (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Set your eyes on one of the ancient gems of Oman, Nizwa, where you can stroll through the stone-walled lanes. The old city's legendary fort, historic ruins, and magnificent mountains will astound you as you emerge from the void. Explore the turbulent history of ancient Nizwa, which has withstood attacks for ages. Discover one of the oldest souks in Oman, where you can get everything from silver jewelry and coffee pots to fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. The market is renowned for its silver khanjar, also referred to as a classic curved dagger. Keep an eye out for gorgeous antiques and handicrafts made by local artisans. Try the region's specialty, locally grown dates, which your friends are most looking forward to when you return from your trip. Admire the giant construction of the Nizwa fort built in the 17th century, and get a wonderful view of date plantations from its top. The modest yet aesthetically pleasing design of the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the second biggest mosque in the country, mind-blowing delight to your eyes. Luxuriate at our amazing hotel on the edge of the Gulf of Oman and take a dip in one of three swimming pools or enjoy a personalized treatment in an oasis by the beach. Witness the culinary skills of Omani chefs by satisfying your appetite at the restaurant showcasing an Omani-style architecture. |
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You'll stay in the Chedi Muscat nestled amidst an exquisitely designed 21-acre garden paradise. The 5-star luxury beach resort is Oman's first modern beach hotel that reflects the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Oman. Take a dip in one of three swimming pools or enjoy a personalized treatment in an oasis by the beach. Witness the culinary skills of Omani chefs by satisfying your appetite at the restaurant showcasing an Omani-style architecture. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
The Chedi Muscat (5*) - Night 6 onlyBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Lunch and dinner is for Day 6 only)Accommodation
Dates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Muscat
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Muscat.
Spring and fall are pleasant times to visit Oman, although you can expect daytime temperatures to be quite warm, and desert heat can still be intense in the months of May and September/October. Rest assured we do our best to limit exertion when the sun is highest and seek out cool escapes whenever possible.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km (6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
