21 December 2025 - 05 January 2026 - price on application
Compulsory Christmas and New Years Eve Gala dinner charges apply
Private Holiday
8 Days ex Muscat
8 Days ex Muscat
Departs Daily
Notes:
- Accommodation at Turtle Reserve and Wahiba Sands may be lower standard than other hotel accommodations
Muscat (2) | Sur (1) | Wahiba Sands (1) | Nizwa (1) |Muscat (2)
This 8-day itinerary takes in many of the most unforgettable parts of Oman – a country fast rising on many travellers “must see” destinations list. With landscapes including imposing deserts, sparkling coastlines, and dramatic mountains, Oman is a fascinating and varied country which makes an unforgettable addition to Middle Eastern travel.
Highlights:
- 24/7 local operator support in Oman
- Experience the unforgettable sight of giant sea turtles laying their eggs, while hatchlings make their way to the sea
- Explore the mesmerizing Nizwa Souk marketplace in search of a bargain
- Discover age-old traditions as you sit with Omani families practicing their traditional way of life
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Information
Day 1: Muscat
Welcome to Oman! On arrival at Muscat International Airport, after proceeding through immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be met by your driver in the arrivals hall who will transfer you by private vehicle to your hotel for check-in and overnight. The remainder of the day is at leisure to unwind from your travels. (Please note: check-in time is from 2.00pm).
Day 2: Muscat (BL)
Following breakfast, depart approximately 9:30am for a Muscat city tour. Start your tour with a visit to the magnificent Grand Mosque, built with sandstone and marble. The main prayer hall features a beautiful handmade Persian carpet and a Swarovski crystal chandelier. From the Mosque, drive through the ministry area to the old part of Muscat. Stop and visit the Royal Opera House of Muscat, a gorgeous contemporary architectural masterpiece in Oman. It hosts numerous international and regional shows from September until May each year. The architectural beauty and special secrets of the Royal Opera House are revealed through guided tours. Its structural boldness, technical innovation; breathtaking decorative artistry with motifs derived from Islamic, Mughal, Oriental and European art and a collection of rare instruments. Your next stop will be the Muttrah souq one of the oldest preserved souqs in Oman. It’s a traditional Omani market which offers a wide range of goods and souvenirs such as silver jewellery and frankincense.
After a light lunch at one of the restaurants near the souk, visit the National Museum of Oman established by royal decree in 2013 and opened in July 2016. It is the Sultanate’s flagship cultural institution showcasing the nations heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula some 2 million years ago through to the present day. Afterwards continue to Al Alam Palace and the two 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali (outside only). Return to hotel by approximately 4.00pm.
Day 3: Muscat – Sur (Ras Al Jinz) (BLD)
This morning depart your hotel and take the coastal road to Sur. On the way, take a photostop at the Bimah sinkhole, a natural crater filled with water. Then stop again and hike into Wadi Shab, one of Omans most beautiful wadis. Continue to the coastal town of Sur to check in to your hotel.
After dinner drive to Ras Al Jinz Turtle reserve for Turtle watching at 8.30pm. This world-renowned turtle nesting site allows you to view turtles laying their eggs while freshly hatched youngsters make the journey to the sea.
NOTE: Turtles are in their natural habitat therefore sightings are not always possible. Visitors are required to keep silent and not to use flashlights. Photography is not permitted, in order to not disturb the animals.
Day 4: Sur – Wahiba Sands (BLD)
Following breakfast and check out, drive to Sharqiyah Region and Proceed to the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid. Drive past the village with its endless date plantations. Feel free to plunge in and experience the crystal clear waters of this idyllic oasis. After lunch, drive to the vast expanse of the Wahiba Sands. The great Wahiba sands are longitudinal dunes 200 km long and 100 km wide running south from the Eastern Hajars to the Arabian Sea. Here you can venture up the high dunes and witness the unforgettable desert sunset. Check in at the camp before having your dinner in the Arabian desert. Overnight stay in a desert camp.
Day 5: Wahiba Sands – Jebel Akhdar - Nizwa (BLD)
Drive to Nizwa region and proceed to Birkat Al Mauz and change vehicle. This pretty oasis has much to offer for sheer scenic value. The stratified rock formations behind the town gives it the nick name “The Rainbow City.” Proceed to Jebel Akhdar and take a sightseeing tour of the town, located 2000 metres above sea level on the Western Hajar Mountains. Due to the high altitude and moist atmosphere, the region is ideal for agriculture and farming. The villages in the region are blessed with greenery and vegetation, perhaps why these mountains are called the `Green Mountain’. Overnight at Nizwa.
Day 6: Nizwa Tour – Al Hamra – Bait Al Safah – Muscat (BL)
Visit the Nizwa Souk, an expansive marketplace showcasing a wonderful array of handicrafts. Then proceed to Nizwa fort. Drive to Al Hamra and visit Bait Al Safah to view demonstrations of old Omani traditions in a restored mudbrick house. Proceed to Misfah Old House located in the middle of the old village of Misfat Al Abryeen. Traditional Lunch will be served, cooked by women in the village. After experiencing the life of Omani People, drive back to Muscat and check in to your hotel.
Day 7: Muscat - Barka - Al Hazm Fort - Muscat (BL)
The main purpose of the History of Science Centre is to encourage learning and education at all ages. The centre aims to introduce younger generations to science in an engaging and interactive way. Visitors can experience the wonder of science in the Islamic world through inspiring exhibitions, films and events. Visit Barka fish market, a traditional local Omani fish market situated in Barka. Here you will see many varieties of fish - tuna, prawns, kingfish and many more, being sold in traditional Omani environs. Visit the Al Hazm Fort, one of the most beautiful Omani forts. The fort does not contain any ceiling rafters with the roofs being are held up by columns. The width of each wall is no less than three metres. Visit Rustaq fort (photo stop only) built four centuries prior to the dawn of Islam in Oman. The fort is an imposing structure built on three levels, containing separate houses, an armoury, a mosque and four towers. The tallest tower stands over 18.5m high and has a diameter of 6m. Overnight at Muscat hotel.
Day 8: Muscat (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Muscat Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Oman
- Private airport transfers with English-speaking driver
- 7 nights’ hotel accommodation as specified (or similar)
- Breakfast daily
- 6 local lunches
- 3 dinners
- Transportation in A/C vehicle and 4WD (where necessary)
- Sightseeing and entrance fees
- English speaking driver/guide for sightseeing tours
- Drinking water during excursions
- Oman Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
-
International airfares
-
Optional tours and excursions
-
Porterage
-
Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
-
Personal Expenses
-
Departure taxes
-
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
-
Visas (unless specified)
-
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below (or similar):
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.
Accommodation at Turtle Reserve and Wahiba Sands may be lower standard than other hotel accommodations.
Accommodation at Turtle Reserve and Wahiba Sands may be lower standard than other hotel accommodations.
Muscat
Grand Millennium
Sur
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (best available)
Wahiba Sands
Desert Nights Camp
Nizwa
Golden Tulip
Ramadan (evening of Tue 17 Feb 2026 - Thu 19 Mar 2026)
Please find below some rules and important information for tourists during Ramadan:
During the month of Ramadan Muslims will not eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset. Although Non-Muslims are not expected to fast, they have to obey the laws regarding eating, drinking and smoking in public and should respect the local culture.
- It is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours during Ramadan.
- Cafes and restaurants are closed during the day, and hotel beaches and pools also instate the no eating, drinking, and smoking rule.
- Some hotels have screened-off areas for Non-Muslim guests where food and beverages are served during the day. Room service will also be available in most hotels.
- In case there are lunches included in tours and round trips, they will be mainly in form of picnic lunch boxes and guests have to eat in the vehicle.
- If travelling with an Omani driver/guide, please avoid drinking or eating in their presence. (Breakfast and dinner at the hotels will take place normally).
- Alcohol will only be available in 5* hotels and only in selected outlets (if any). Otherwise alcohol will not be available (guests can take from home/duty free shop and consume in the privacy of their hotel room).
- Public life/services in hotels and elsewhere can be very slow and often patience is required even for getting simple service.
- All members of society are expected to dress modestly, women making special efforts to limit the amount of make-up worn and cover arms, legs and shoulders.
- Working hours are reduced as a rule during this time period. The normal workday of 8am to 5pm changes to 8pm to 2pm in most companies.
- Retail shops are usually only open in the morning hours and after 4pm, if at all.
- Supermarkets remain open from around 10h00 – midnight and some stores will deliver also (mainly Muscat area).
- No music or dancing is allowed during Ramadan. Please turn your car stereo down and be mindful about playing music loudly even in the comfort of your room.
- Hotels sometimes use the quieter month of Ramadan to carry out minor repairs or maintenance work which can cause inconvenience for the guests.
Turtle Viewing
Turtles are in their natural habitat therefore sightings are not always possible. Visitors are required to keep silent and not to use flashlights. Photography is not permitted, in order to not disturb the animals.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
