Best Western Premier

Go Local in Oman

Wildlife & Nature Go Local + 2 more + 3 more

Experience the real Oman, with locals leading the way.

11 days

from £5,320 pp

Ultimate Oman

Wildlife & Nature Ultimate + 3 more + 3 more

Our most comprehensive 16-day grand tour of Oman.

16 days

from £6,580 pp

Gentle Oman

Classic Wildlife & Nature + 3 more + 3 more

A relaxed journey through Oman’s desert, mountains, and culture.

9 days

from £3,345 pp

Oman Family Holiday

Family Wildlife & Nature + 3 more + 3 more

12-Day family adventure with deserts, beaches, mountains & wildlife.

13 days

from £3,775 pp

Unexplored Oman

Wildlife & Nature Off-the-beaten-track + 2 more + 3 more

Experience Oman, beyond the usual tourist trail.

13 days

from £4,065 pp

Classic Oman

Classic Wildlife & Nature + 3 more + 3 more

Explore the highlights of Oman in one unforgettable trip.

10 days

from £3,980 pp

Quirky excursions

View all excursions in Oman

Sunset Dhow Cruise - Muscat

Dhows are the traditional workhorses of the Arabian seas, sleek wooden craft which are to this day built by hand just down the coast at Sur. Although they have lateen-rigged sails, most are motorised as well, and they make an ideal platform for a cruise around the coast of Muscat. To the north of Muscat the coast isn’t that spectacular, mainly being flat beach sloping a short distance up to the inland plain. South of Muscat is where you’ll cruise to admire the jagged cliffs, rock arches and hidden coves. While you can take a dhow cruise during the day, for Muscat we recommend the sunset departure, which is a two-hour boat trip and offers wonderful views back to Muscat all lit up at night. Omani Kahwa (coffee) and dates are served during the cruise, and guests should note that this is a shared group trip.

Dolphin Cruise

Dolphins are year-round residents of the Indian Ocean off Muscat. Board your sleek, modern motor-yacht at one of Muscat’s marinas, and let yourself be looked after by the attentive crew. Nosing out from amongst the rocky outcrops and shoals close to the shore, you’ll then set off to find dolphins and spend time enjoying their frolicking. An added bonus of a trip like this is the chance to admire the dramatic coastline from the ocean side, and to appreciate just how strung out along the coast the city is. This is a shared excursion, so you will be with other travellers on the boat, and the standalone dolphin cruise spends two hours out on the water. If you would like time in the sea for some swimming and snorkelling, we can also arrange the extended cruise which takes three hours and equipment for this activity is provided. This is a lovely way to spend a few hours relaxing off the coast of Muscat, and we find couples and families alike really enjoy this trip.

The Royal Opera House

A sign of Oman’s commitment to culture is the recent opening of the Royal Opera House in 2011. The building is a real tribute to Omani architecture with wind towers, pointed arch windows and a fort-like appearance – it really is a stunning building. If you’re interested in opera and want a genuinely unusual element to your tour of Oman, it’s always worth seeing what’s going to be on during your time in Muscat. We can request a tour of the opera house (subject to availability) during your full-day tour of Muscat, or you can easily ask your hotel to organise a taxi and pop by the opera house under your own steam, wandering around the gorgeous architecture at your own pace.

The Sumail Gap

The Sumail Gap has always been the key strategic link between the interior of the country, dominated by the town of Nizwa, and the coastal plain, dominated by Muscat. It’s the only easily passable route through the Hajar Mountains and controlling it was vital to anyone with pretentions to rule. Although it is now graced by a sweeping modern highway, this historic importance is evident in the forts and watchtowers that litter the route. Towns like Fanja are ringed by walls and linked by bridges over rocky wadis that turn into racing torrents when rain falls. It’s a wonderful drive and a great way to introduce yourself to the interior of the country.