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Oman is a Middle Eastern country located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and is bordered to the northwest by the United Arab Emirates, to the west by Saudi Arabia, and the southwest by Yemen.
This is not your usual country, and you will see why we say so as we dive deeper into the article. We will talk about the six best tours to discover the best of Oman easily, but before that, let’s get a glimpse of auspicious Oman.
A bit about its diverse landscape and natural beauty: Oman has unbelievable natural treasures ranging from the rugged Hajar Mountains in the north to the rolling dunes of the Empty Quarter in the south to its very diverse bird collection that seems to have come from three different continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a secret paradise for bird lovers and watchers looking for new species now and then.
But one of its best natural treasures is undoubtedly its people; Omanis are one of the most peaceful people in the world, and this is evident in the silent nature of most cities in the country, if not all of them. Do not be surprised when you are greeted with a bowl of fresh dates and an archy smile upon your arrival at your hotel.
Unlike many other Arab countries, Oman is gifted with miles of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic desert landscapes. It is like a perfect combination of the dunes of Dubai, the marvelous beaches of Mexico and the giant mountains of Japan. That’s a full package and even more!
In its capital city of Muscat, you will find charming Old Towns, with winding alleys and historic buildings, as well as a bustling market that sells everything from spices and textiles to gold and silver jewelry.
One of Oman’s most famous attractions that you will find so interesting and soothing to watch is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the heart of its capital city. This mosque is one of the largest in the world, with a capacity of over 20,000 worshippers. Well, this, to some extent, is not a surprise for a country that has 85% of its 5 million population as Muslims.
With all that we have said so far, we have not yet touched the history and culture of Oman. This ship-makers country is believed to have been one of the oldest habitats of mankind, with archaeological proof dating 100,000 years ago.
Yep, didn’t we tell you this is not your usual country? You can explore the city’s many museums and art galleries, including the Bait Al Zubair Museum and the Oman National Museum, to learn more about the history of the country in much detail.
And we can go on and on and on…
But we will leave the rest for your discovery and encounter. How about that?
For now, let’s tell you the biggest secret sauce to getting the most out of your trip to this tranquil country. The best way to get Oman’s deepest and most authentic experiences is to get on a group tour with friends and family, a partner, or even alone.
Experienced tour guides will lead your way to the best places, eventually giving you the best experiences you might have missed otherwise. From trouble-free preparations to comfortable explorations with your highly knowledgeable guides leading the way, you will surely have an epic time in Oman.
Without further ado, here are the six best tours to discover Oman with ease.
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Highlights of Oman
G Adventures
G Adventures allows you to see unique and unexpected locations cheaply. G Adventures evaluations demonstrate that all trip components received excellent marks from delighted consumers. Many adventure styles and itineraries are available to suit different interests in different areas; this time in Oman, they will lead you through the magnificent sights of Muscat, Bimmah Sinkhole, Sur, and Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve for an unforgettable experience.
G Adventures provides trips to guests from all over the globe, enabling you to travel with a diverse group of people with a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, viewpoints, and tales to share. With other like-minded travelers, you may seek new adventures, form lifelong friendships, and visit new places.
This journey will take you to stunning destinations in Oman that reveal its honest beauty and ancient history, and experience the magical essence of Wadi Nakhr, also called the Grand Bair Museum and the historic souk in Muttrah.
As you make your way to Old Muscat, you will have the opportunity to view the 16th-century Al-Mirani and Al-Jilani forts from outside, manifesting their medieval beauty. The rich history of Oman will come alive before your eyes as you explore these ancient structures; your guide will tell you stories of its past.
One of the highlights of your trip will be a visit to the Grand Mosque, located at the heart of the capital city, where you will witness the breathtaking beauty of this architectural marvel. Modesty is mandatory for everyone who visits the mosque, so men must wear long pants and shirts that cover their shoulders.
Women must be fully covered, including their heads, arms, and legs, and the dressing must not be tight, revealing the figure. Instead of thinking about the rules regarding the dress code as too demanding, please take it as a way to experience Muslim clothing. You might just be experiencing a day in the life of a Muslim woman or man.
Another unforgettable experience awaits you at the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Here, you will have the opportunity to observe the endangered species’ nesting process, an experience that few people ever get to witness. You might be lucky to be counted as one. But whatever happens, you will have the chance to watch these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
After a day full of worthy adventure, you will spend the night in a tent with a private bathroom but no AC (We hope you will adopt) in a desert lodge at Wahabi Sands. As you settle in for the night, surrounded by the beauty of the Omani desert, with the stars twinkling above you and the dunes stretching out as far as the eye can see, you will fall asleep without even realizing it.
This tour takes 16 people aged 12 to 90 years old and costs $2,799 per person for 8 days of lodging, meals, and transportation. It is also family-friendly and fully guided.
Tour Latifa | 6 Days Package
Day Tours
Day Tours is the place to go if you’re planning a vacation to the Middle East and want to find the best day tours, stopovers, shore excursions, and travel services. Day Tours, the region’s largest online firm, provides various specialized services to ensure your vacation is memorable, comfortable, and pleasurable.
With Day Tours, you can be confident that you’re getting the finest prices and service possible. They have professional tour guides who will take you to the most beautiful and intriguing destinations in the Middle East, and they will transport you in comfortable air-conditioned motor cars.
Day Tours, with its expert guides and well-balanced tours, has you covered whether you’re searching for a quick stopover or an all-inclusive package. So why not let them handle everything while you sit back, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of Oman?
This tour begins in Muscat, where you will journey to Ras al Hadd. As you take in the breathtaking scenery, the first stop will be at the Bimmah sinkhole, where you can take some stunning photos for your Facebook and Instagram feeds and even swim in the refreshing water if you are brave enough. Let’s see what happens.
We imagine your journey will begin with a relaxing swim and end at the enthralling Beach of Fins. If you miss swimming at Bimmah, why not try again here or walk along the long white sandy beach? The crystal clear waves of the Indian Ocean will make you want to dive in. The beach is ideal for enjoyable activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. You can also try your hand at those.
We are confident that you will enjoy your time at the beach, but now it is time to go on to the wonderful Wadi Shab. The canyon gorge is a natural wonder, with palm palms and the sound of water falling from the mountains providing a tranquil ambiance that you will remember for the rest of your life. You can explore the wadi and climb its secret waterfalls to observe nature’s majesty.
The journey continues to the gorgeous site of Ras al Hadd, where you will be taken on an exciting tour of the Turtle Sanctuary in Ras Al Jinz. As you walk along the beach at night, you can witness one of nature’s most incredible phenomena: the nesting of giant sea turtles. You’ll wonder when you see these amazing creatures emerge from the sea and lay their eggs on the sand. These moments might be priceless, but they are usually witnessed by chance.
The next morning, you’ll have the chance to tour Sur, where you’ll be transported back to the age of the Arabian Dhow Factory. Traditional wooden Dhows are being built, and the historic strongholds are a true tribute to Oman’s rich history and culture.
This tour takes 4 people aged 15 to 80 years old and costs $1700 per person for 6 days of accommodation, meals, and transportation. It is also family-friendly and fully guided.
Mountains, Deserts and Coast of Oman
Explore!
With stunning 500 trips to over 120 countries encompassing every nook and cranny of the globe, Explore! has been sending small-group tourists on exciting adventures. They have a passion for travel and have designed a selection of one-of-a-kind and custom-made activities that provide their customers with an unforgettable experience.
You may rely on Explore! With small groups of typically 12 persons for your journey because they will be better able to respond to your needs than if they took a larger group. This is advantageous because your desires may be addressed holistically, providing you with the finest possible experiences.
Your adventure begins in Muscat, a hidden gem in the Gulf that boasts of its old walled town and stunning mountain views. Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a journey through this captivating city, showing you its best-kept secrets, including the Bait Al Zubair and the National Museum.
As you leave Muscat and head towards the coast, your journey will continue to Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi, two breathtaking oases in the heart of Oman. Wadi Shab’s freshwater pools offer the perfect backdrop for a photo opportunity, while Wadi Tiwi invites you to walk through its lush vegetation and incredibly beautiful palms.
The vibrant colors of nature surrounding you and the sound of the cascading waterfalls in this old town will leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for more adventure.
In that spirit, you will get to Fins Beach, where you can experience wild camping under the starry night. The soothing sound of waves crashing onto the shore lulls you to sleep as you lie in your cozy tent refilling your energy tanks for tomorrow’s adventure. There are many camping encounters on this tour; you will love the authentic experience you will get. If we must put it this way, you will camp till you drop!
But there is more to this Omani experience than just camping in the desert. The coast of Oman, a hidden gem, offers a rugged and wild beauty that is truly breathtaking and so soothing to watch. As you travel along the coast, deserted white beaches and small traditional villages interspersed, you will make the journey a unique experience at every step of the way.
This tour takes 18 people ranging in age from 16 to 85 years old and costs $2230 per person for 8 days of accommodation, meals, and transportation. It is also family-friendly and fully guided.
City, Wadis and Desert
GidOman
GidOman is Oman’s premier provider of day tours and excursions, offering a wide range of excursion programs that will pique your curiosity and leave you with lasting memories.
The Sea Day with Dolphins is one of GidOman’s most popular excursions, allowing you to enjoy the sea while getting up close and personal with these amazing creatures. You’ll also have the chance to visit the local sites around Muscat’s coastline zone with local guides who grew up walking these routes.
GidOman’s Sightseeing Tour of Muscat will be a perfect fit if you’re more interested in history and culture. They know the best hotcakes in cities and isolated areas and may share them with you to enrich your vacation experience.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of world architecture and an enormous religious icon that will leave you speechless will be the first stop on this journey. The mosque, built of sandstone and marble, has five minarets and an incredible interior design, rich in mosaics that match the stunning handmade Persian carpets and crystal chandeliers.
The Muttrah Souq, a lively marketplace located right on the banks of the Gulf of Oman, is the next stop on your tour. You can immerse yourself in Oman’s culture while shopping for unique souvenirs and gifts. The marketplace is full of the sounds of traders and vendors, as well as the fragrances of spices and local produce; the hustle and bustle will attract you.
A tour to Muttrah would be incomplete without a stop at the Mutrah Fort, a historic stronghold dating back to the 1580s. The Portuguese built the fort as a military defense against its adversaries. The Portuguese have a lengthy history in Oman, which is beautifully depicted by this fort. During that time, you can expect to learn a lot about the region and the significance of the defense.
Following a delicious lunch in the Wadi, you will drive to Bidiya village, where you will meet a Bedouin family in the desert. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in Bedouin culture and learn about their way of life. You will be welcomed with open arms and can taste traditional Omani coffee and dates while spending time with the family.
This tour takes 8 people ranging in age from 4 to 70 years old and costs $800 per person for 5 days of accommodation, meals, and transportation. It is also family-friendly and fully guided.
Small Group Tour – Oman
Bavaria Fernreisen
With over 40 years of expertise in the travel sector, Bavaria Fernreisen has established itself as a leader in providing high-quality, tailor-made travel experiences for its diverse clientele.
Bavaria specializes in destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East and offers a variety of travel alternatives, including guided tours that let you discover the world on your terms and at your leisure. Their travel professionals are committed to providing outstanding service and assistance from when you begin arranging your trip until you return home.
The itineraries offered by Bavaria Fernreisen are meant to appeal to all types of tourists, whether they want adventure, relaxation, culture, or a combination of the three. From a luxury safari in Africa to an amazing ride through the desert of Oman, Bavaria Fernreisen is set to receive you with open arms.
This tour will transport you to the exotic lands of Oman, where you will start on an unforgettable adventure through the old souks of Muscat and Nizwa. Allow yourself to be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of these traditional markets, where you will find an array of spices, fabrics, and other centuries-old goods.
As you stroll through Muscat’s promenade, take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Oman and allow the warm breeze to carry you to the cafes and restaurants that await you. You can sample a selection of classic delicacies, each bursting with distinct flavors and aromas that will leave your taste buds tingling and craving more. Eat as much as you can because good food is life.
In the evening, your trip continues with a panoramic drive through the fishing village of Sidad, where you will see the lively activity of the Marina Rowdha harbor. As you pass by Majlis Muscat, Oman’s parliamentary building, your tour guide will explain some interesting facts about the country’s political scene.
The road now takes you to the Hajar Mountains, where you will see the amazing grandeur of Jabrin’s residence castle. This late-17th-century architectural marvel features exquisite carvings and detailed ornamentation that demonstrate the mastery of Omani craftsmen.
This tour takes 16 people ranging in age from 1 to 100 years old and costs $1635 per person for 7 days of accommodation, meals, and transportation. It is also family-friendly and completely guided.
Experience Oman’s Highlights (9 days)
ASI Reisen
If you’re looking for a tour operator that provides thrilling active, adventure travel experiences and prioritizes sustainable and responsible tourism, ASI Reisen is an excellent option. This family-owned business, founded in 1963, is one of the world’s largest travel service suppliers.
ASI Reisen provides over 4,000 travel experiences in over 100 countries, all aimed at bringing people closer to the environment and cultures through authentic and sustainable tourism.
ASI Reisen is dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind and amazing travel experiences that get you away from the masses and allow you to interact with nature and local cultures. You can be confident that your trip with ASI will be entertaining and responsible, thanks to professional guides and a focus on sustainability.
This excursion will take you to one of Oman’s most stunning and still-inhabited oasis valleys, the Wadi Bani Khalid. A short stroll will lead you to natural swimming pools that will urge you to have a refreshing swim and put your swimming skills to the test.
At this location, you will learn about the cultivation and irrigation of farms and gardens on the outskirts of the desert, as well as enjoy a Bedouin-style picnic surrounded by palm and mango trees. Isn’t this what heaven feels like?
The journey continues as you drive to the Hajar Mountains to discover Al Hamra, a clay hamlet, and visit Bai Al Safah to learn about Oman’s everyday life. Then you’ll travel to the oasis of Birkat Al Mawz, located at the foot of Jebel Akhdar, to see one of the oldest irrigation systems, the Falaj Al Khatim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the village’s ancient mud ruins.
This tour is jam-packed with so many places to visit that as the day ends, you’ll make your way to the airport and fly to Salalah, located in southern Oman. The tour will take you through stunning scenery as you travel through Oman’s harsh and awe-inspiring landscapes, seeing each scene from a panoramic perspective.
Salalah is a true Omani treasure that combines ancient and modern culture. The city is well-known for its frankincense trees, beautiful beaches, and lively traditional markets. There will be numerous opportunities to explore the city and learn about its rich history and culture.
This tour takes 12 people ranging in age from 16 to 80 years old and costs $3341 per person for 9 days of accommodation, meals, and transportation. It is also family-friendly and fully guided.
If none of these tours work for you in Oman, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.
Take a look at all the group tours in Oman now, which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.
