Tour Whispers Through The Empty Quarter

Transport

Return airport transfers Air conditioned 4WD transportation with English-speaking local driver-guide

Guide

English speaking local guide

Others

Cooking class in Muscat Entrance fees to all attractions as per itinerary

Meals

Meals as mentioned above

Accommodation

8 nights’ Accommodation as per the itinerary Full camping gear, additional crew for set up and break down camp prior to arrival on site Use of standard Coleman tents (big) with comfortable beds and mattresses, toilet and shower

Not included:

Insurance

Full Comprehensive Travel Insurance is mandatory for this tour

Flights

Others

International flights Drinks unless otherwise mentioned Visas Travel Insurance Tips Inoculations Items of a personal nature Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival Muscat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival Muscat

Welcome to Muscat! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Bait Al Zubair Museum
Begin your day with a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, a privately owned museum nestled in the old town of Muscat. Renowned for its exquisite collection of traditional costumes, antique jewellery, weapons, and other treasures, this museum offers a fascinating insight into Oman’s rich cultural heritage.

Ministry Area and Al Alam Palace
Pass through the Ministry area and take the opportunity to capture photos at Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial palace of the Sultan, known for its striking architecture and historical significance.

Mirani and Jalali Forts
Next, admire the exterior of the Mirani and Jalali forts, two of Muscat’s most iconic landmarks, guarding the harbour and standing as testaments to Oman’s storied past.

Muttrah Souq
Conclude your tour with a visit to Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back around two hundred years. The souq’s history, antiquities, and vibrant atmosphere add to its unique charm and allure, making it a must-see for any traveller.

Meals
Lunch

Accommodation
2 nights Shangri-La Al Bandar or similar

Services
Airport transfers
Meet & Assist at the airport after luggage collection
Muscat Half-Day Tour

Travel time and distance
Muscat Airport to Bait Al Zubair Museum: Approx. 34 km/ 30 mins drive
Bait Al Zubair Museum to Ministry Area and Al Alam Palace: Approx. 3 km/ 10 mins drive
Ministry Area and Al Alam Palace to Mirani and Jalali Forts: Approx. 1 km/ 5 mins drive
Mirani and Jalali Forts to Muttrah Souq: Approx. 4 km/ 10 mins. Drive
Day 2 Day 2: Muscat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Muscat

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural exploration.

Cooking Classes at Sidab Village
At midday, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Oman with a cooking class at Sidab Village. Engage with the Sidab women, learning to prepare authentic Omani dishes while gaining insight into their unique culture and traditions. After the class, savour the flavours of your creations in the company of the women who guided you through the experience.

Free Time at Leisure
Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace or relax and unwind, taking in the serene surroundings.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at cooking class

Accommodation
Shangri-La Al Bandar or similar

Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide-driver
Cooking class at Sidab

Travel time and distance
Shangri-La Al Bandar to Sidab Village: Approx. 13.6 Km/ 16 mins drive
Day 3 Day 3: Muscat To Jebel Shams
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Muscat To Jebel Shams

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Explore the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, built with sandstone and marble. The mosque features a stunning Swarovski chandelier and a massive handmade Persian carpet in the main prayer hall. Note that the mosque’s construction took six years following an architectural competition. Please adhere to the dress code: women must fully cover their hair, arms, and legs; men must wear long trousers and a shirt. Visits are not permitted on Fridays.

Photo Stop at Birkat Al Mouz
Capture the beauty of Birkat Al Mouz, a renowned village in ruins surrounded by a large banana plantation. The site also features the old falaj irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a charming glimpse into the past.

Visit to Al Hamra Village to Ghul Village
Discover the well-preserved old town of Al Hamra and visit the Bait Al Safa living museum. Wander through the old abandoned buildings and mud houses, and learn about Omani traditions as local men and women demonstrate ancient practices. Visit the old village of Ghul to view the abandoned Persian ruins.

Arrival at Jebel Shams
Arrive at Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak at 3,009 metres. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the “Grand Canyon,” a sight that is spectacular at any time of the day.

Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the hotel

Accommodation
2 nights at Jebel Shams Resort or similar

Services
Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-Speaking driver-guide
Sightseeing: Grand Mosque – Birkat Al Mouz village – Al Hamra & Bait Al Safa museum – Wadi Ghul – Jebel Shams Grand Canyon

Travel time and distance
Grand Mosque (Muscat) to Birkat Al Mouz village: Approx. 120 km/ 1.5 hrs drive
Birkat Al Mouz village to Al Hamra & Bait Al Safa museum: Approx. 22 km/ 25 mins drive
Al Hamra & Bait Al Safa museum to Wadi Ghul: Approx. 40 km/ 45 mins
Wadi Ghul to Jebel Shams Grand Canyon: Approx. 22 km/ 40 minutes (due to mountainous terrain)
Day 4 Day 4: Jebel Shams
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Jebel Shams

Arrive at Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest point at 3,009 metres. This stunning location offers an incredible view of the “Grand Canyon,” providing a majestic sight at any time of day.

Scenic Canyon Walk
Embark on a captivating easy walk along the steep canyon walls to an ancient village, transporting you back hundreds of years. Starting from Al Khatim village, the dramatic scenery includes a vast natural amphitheatre, the tiny village of Nakhar nestled in the shadowy depths of the canyon, and the impressive Egyptian vulture with its striking black-and-white-striped wings.

Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner at the hotel

Accommodation
Jebel Shams Resort or similar

Services
Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-Speaking driver-guide
Sightseeing: Jebel Shams Grand Canyon – Jebel Shams trekking Balcony Walk

Travel time and distance
Jebel Shams Hotel to Jebel Shams Grand Canyon: Approx. 30 km/ 45 mins drive
Jebel Shams Grand Canyon to Jebel Shams Trekking Balcony Walk: Approx. 10 km/ 20 mins drive
Jebel Shams Trekking Balcony Walk to Jebel Shams Hotel: Approx. 20 km/ 30 mins drive
Day 5 Day 5: Nizwa And Wahiba Sands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Nizwa And Wahiba Sands

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

Photo Stop at Wadi Nakhar
Capture the stunning beauty of Wadi Nakhar, renowned as one of Oman’s most picturesque valleys. This deep valley, with its several branches, offers excellent opportunities for mountaineering and hiking.

Visit to Nizwa
Explore the historic city of Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. Visit the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the oasis from its grand tower. Wander through the bustling souq nearby, where you’ll find a variety of local products including Omani daggers (khanjar), copper and silver jewellery, livestock, fish, vegetables, and handicrafts.

Wahiba Sands
Arrive at the entrance of Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands. Stretching 200 km long and 100 km wide, these longitudinal dunes have been home to the Bedouin for 7,000 years. Climb the high dunes to witness an unforgettable desert sunset before a gentle drive through the dunes to reach your camp.

Enjoy a night under the stars at the Wahiba Desert Camp, immersing yourself in the serene desert environment.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant, Dinner at Camp

Accommodation
Arabian Oryx Camp or similar

Services
Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-Speaking guide-driver
Sightseeing: Wadi Nakhar – Nizwa visit – Wahiba desert

Travel time and distance
Jebel Shams Resort to Wadi Nakhar: Approx. 63 km/ About 1.5 hrs drive
Wadi Nakhar to Nizwa: Approx. 90 km/ 1.5 hrs drive
Nizwa to Wahiba Desert: Approx. 150 km/ 2.5 hrs drive
Day 6 Day 6: Sugar Dunes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sugar Dunes

Start your day with breakfast at the camp, fuelling up for the adventures ahead.

Desert Crossing of Mahout
Embark on an exhilarating four-hour journey through the vast sand dunes of Mahout. The dramatic landscape offers an unforgettable experience as you navigate the undulating terrain.

Visit the Sugar Dunes
Explore the stunning Sugar Dunes, also known as Al Khaluf Dunes, located near the fishing village of Al Khaluf, 400km south of Muscat. This hidden gem, with its pristine sand dunes and secluded beaches, is a must-see. The area’s isolation, far from the bustle of Muscat, makes it a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Meals
Breakfast at camp, Picnic Lunch box, Hotel Dinner

Accommodation
Crowne Plaza Duqm or simila

Services
Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-speaking guide-driver

Travel time and distance
Wahiba Camp to Mahout (via Desert Crossing): Approx. 200 km/ 4 hrs drive
Mahout to Khaluf: Approx. 110 km/ 1.45 hrs drive
Khaluf to Duqm: Approx. 130 km/ 2 hrs drive
Day 7 Day 7: Rub Al Khali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Rub Al Khali

Why not rise early to take in the stunning sunrise? Following breakfast, you will have some free time if you wish to explore a little on foot.

You then continue driving onwards to the desert of Rub Al Khali, known as the ‘Empty Quarter’, the home of the Bedouins in the region of Oman straddling the border with Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Here the extreme temperatures and arid conditions mean that it is mostly uninhabited, although its fringes are home to the proud, resourceful and hardy Bedu, which have survived here for centuries. This is home to the highest sand dunes in the world. The surface of the desert is covered by reddish-orange coloured sand reaching around 250m high. Your expert tour guide dunes his way manoeuvring the vehicles to reach your campsite for an unforgettable night under the stars.

Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch box, Dinner at the hotel

Accommodation
Salalah Magic Camp or similar

Services
Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-speaking guide-driver

Travel time and distance
Duqm Hotel to Rub Al Khali Desert: Approx. 360 km/ 4.5 hrs drive
Day 8 Day 8: Salalah
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Salalah

Please note: Both male and female guests are required to wear modest, long clothing during the city tour. This dress code is strictly enforced at all city highlights.

Today you head further south towards Salalah. Be guided through a landscape of colossal golden and red sand dunes, vast salt flats and oases. Experience the sensation of being surrounded by deafening silence and sand. Enjoy supreme tranquillity in one of the most stunning environments on earth. Very few people have the opportunity to explore the vastness of the Empty Quarter. Be sure to make the most of it. Examine geodes, prehistoric small solid or hollow rocks lined with crystals, or perhaps meet up with and chat to Bedus taking camel trains across the desert.

The Museum of the Frankincense Land
Visit “The Museum of the Frankincense Land”, a UNESCO heritage site located in Salalah, the Frankincense Land Museum is the latest addition to Oman’s heritage and cultural scene. It houses two main halls, namely the History Hall and The Marine Hall.

Make a brief stop to experience the locally grown fruits and vegetables at a nearby stall, offering a taste of the region’s fresh produce.

Sultan Qaboos Mosque
Visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the largest mosque in Salalah. Open to non-Muslim visitors from Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., this mosque is a key landmark in the city.

Al Husn Palace and Haffah Souk
View the Official Palace of His Majesty the Sultan, known as Al Husn Palace, and take a stroll through the old Haffah souk. This market is famous for its high-quality frankincense and various Dhofari traditional souvenirs.

Meals
Breakfast, Lunch at a local restaurant

Accommodation
2 nights in Salalah Gardens Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-Speaking guide-driver
Sightseeing: UNESCO site, Sultan Qaboos Mosque, Palace, Souk

Journey Distance
Approx 470km for the day
Day 9 Day 9: Salalah East Half-Day City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Salalah East Half-Day City Tour

Taqah
Today you will visit the old fishing village of Taqah. Visit the century-old Taqah Castle, the former official residence of the “Wali‟ (Governor) of the region and have a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

Khori Rohri
Continue onto the ancient ruins of the once-famous city of Sumharam (Khor Rohri). Khor Rori was an important port on the coast of Dhofar, and one of the major trading cities with frankincense, believed to have been the hub and harbour for the shipping of Frankincense (UNESCO World Heritage site).

Mirbat
A picturesque drive then leads you to Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar and the beginning of the Frankincense trail. Stroll through the streets lined with old Omani houses and visit the “twin-domed Bin Ali’s Tomb‟ as a photo stop. This is a classic example of medieval architecture. On the way back, explore the natural springs of “Ayn Razat” before you return to the hotel.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch at a local restaurant

Accommodation
Salalah Gardens Hotel or similar

Services
Private vehicle (4 x 4) with English-speaking guide-driver
Half-Day Salalah East Tour: Taqah, Khori Rohri, Mirbat

Journey Distance
Approx 90km for the day
Day 10 Day 10: Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Departure

This morning your tour ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal
Breakfast

Services
Airport transfer

10 days tour

Whispers Through The Empty Quarter

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Whispers Through The Empty Quarter

Day 1: Arrival Muscat

Day 2: Muscat

Day 3: Muscat To Jebel Shams

Day 4: Jebel Shams

Day 5: Nizwa And Wahiba Sands

Day 6: Sugar Dunes

Day 7: Rub Al Khali

Day 8: Salalah

Day 9: Salalah East Half-Day City Tour

Day 10: Departure

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania