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Oman

The Best of Oman: Arabian History and Heritage

Program No. 25494FB-MEME-43405
From 5,000-year-old tombs to modern cities and culture, discover how the past has influenced the present in Oman through explorations of mountain villages, markets and deserts.
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Small GroupHistoryNature & EnvironmentOff the MapNew
Length
13 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
7,299
Special Offer
Flights start at
1,200

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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
29 meals ( 11B, 9L, 9D )
3 expert-led lectures
30 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
On arrival in Muscat clear local immigration and customs. Then meet an airport arrivals assistant, transfer into the city, check in at the hotel, and join the group for dinner.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of local favorites.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day of exploring some of the highlights of Muscat, including Mutrah Souq and Corniche, the Mutrah Fish Market, the National Museum of Oman, and the Sultan's (Al Alam) Palace.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Orientation: 09:00 a.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local guide and experts who will be providing lectures and lead some field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private bus unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will then set out on our exploration of capital of Oman, Muscat. We will visit the picturesque Mutrah Souq and Corniche, which has long been a center of commerce in Oman, and the nearby souq, or market, is one of the oldest and largest historical marketplaces in Oman. While dating back an impressive 200 years, the current Mutrah Souq only represents a portion of its legacy as an important stop along ancient maritime trade routes for millennia. Today it's a great place for Road Scholars to observe a bustling local marketplace and also find souvenirs like traditional Omani daggers and textiles. Stop by the Mutrah fish market to view the diverse catch from the tropical waters off Muscat. Crustaceans, fish big and small, rays, and much more are on offer - all fresh from the nearby ocean.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
We will explore the National Museum of Oman which is located opposite the Sultan's Al Alam Palace, separated only by gates and the open space of Palace Square. The museum is immense, Oman's largest and most important. 14 galleries feature topics ranging from ethnography, maritime history, and the traditional UNESCO-listed Omani aflaj irrigation system to Islam, prehistory, and weapons and arms. Next visit the Sultan's (Al Alam) Palace. Flanked on either side by 16th-century Portuguese fortresses, the Al Alam Palace served for over 200 years as one of Muscat's six residences of the monarch, and is now used primarily for ceremonial purposes such as welcoming foreign leaders and dignitaries. While the interior grounds are closed to visitors, locals and participants alike come to take in the commanding scenery from outside the palace's ornate and colorful gates.
Activity Note
Walking 1-3 miles throughout the day on paved sidewalks; periods of standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll start our morning with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, completed in 2001, using 300,000 metric tons of Indian sandstone. The building features a central dome and a towering central minaret, flanked by four smaller minarets. While at the mosque, we’ll meet with a member of the on-site Islamic Center to learn more about Islamic prayer practices and rituals.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Afternoon:
After lunch we’ll walk around the Royal Opera House, designed in a unique, contemporary Omani style. This vast complex consists of numerous concert halls for musical, theatrical, and operatic performances, surrounded by splendidly ornate, meticulously landscaped gardens. Later in the day we’ll head to the airport and check in for a short flight to Salalah. On arrival in Salalah, we’ll transfer to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of local favorites.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1-3 miles throughout the day on paved sidewalks; periods of standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll start our day at Ayn Garziz, a beautifully scenic natural area in Salalah. The region is known for its green surroundings and peaceful water springs, set among rolling hills and abundant plant life. Then we’ll visit the Tomb of Job located just outside of the city. While not particularly remarkable in terms of the architecture or beauty of the building, it is among the most important religious and pilgrimage site in the Dhofar Governorate. Next, we’ll set off to the beach village of Taqah, to explore Taqah Castle, built in the 19th century, belonged to the family for decades before being turned over to the government and converted into a museum in 1994. The museum features exhibits on local history and ethnography. Adjacent to the village, in Khor Rohri, we will learn about the ruins of Sumharam, an ancient frankincense trading port dating back to 400 BCE-400 CE and wander Al Baleed Archaeological Park, part of the Land of Frankincense UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our learning exploration at the local Haffah Souq, one of the best markets in Salalah. Frankincense and frankincense burners, perfumes, gold and silver jewelry, traditional clothing, and handicrafts are on offer. While at the market we’ll meet the fruit vendors on Sultan Qaboos Street in Salalah, they are an integral part of the local market scene. These vendors provide high-quality, freshly picked produce and create an engaging shopping experience.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1-3 miles throughout the day on paved sidewalks; periods of standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we’ll transfer to the airport and check in for a flight back to Muscat. From here on out, transportation will be by SUV vehicles with 4 travelers per vehicle and the group leader will alternate among vehicles. On our way from Muscat overland to Sur, we’ll make a few stops to learn more about Oman’s water resources and conservation and management efforts. Our first stop, Wadi Dayqah, is renowned for its landscapes and clear blue waters. The wadi features a large dam that helps control water flow and supports the surrounding agricultural areas. We will learn about the quest for conservation in Oman’s predominantly arid landscape. Our second stop is Wadi Tiwi, where the mouth of Wadi Tiwi meets the sea, yet further inland lies an area that is remarkably verdant and lush in an otherwise arid country. Water is typically only visible during or shortly after heavy rains, but subsurface water may persist much longer.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of local favorites.
Afternoon:
Just 30 miles east of Sur, Ras Al Jinz is the easternmost point of both Oman and the Arabian Peninsula. The area is rich in archaeological sites, and it is also a preferred nesting ground for green sea turtles.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of local favorites.
Evening:
Enjoy an evening guided educational experience on the beaches of Ras Al Jinz, accompanied by staff from a local turtle reserve. Green sea turtles nest here year-round, generally emerging from the sea after sunset and retreating back to the water before sunrise. The eggs incubate in the sand for around two months. The summer months (May to September) are generally the best for spotting turtles (both nesting mamas and hatchlings), but they can be seen at any time of year.
Activity Note
Walking 1-3 miles throughout the day on paved sidewalks; periods of standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll discover Sur, home to a large shipyard where traditional dhows are still manufactured. A lighthouse and small fort watch over the entrance to the harbor and shipyards. We’ll visit the Sur Maritime Museum which showcases the rich seafaring and shipbuilding traditions of Sur. This is a great place to learn more about both the history of the area and the various types of dhows and boats that have plied the local waters for centuries. Later we’ll watch how traditional wooden dhow boats have been built by hand for centuries in the shipyard of Sur. Dhows have long been the sailing vessel of choice for mariners from Zanzibar to Oman and across to the western shores of India.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of local favorites.
Afternoon:
Later in the day we’ll go to the Wahiba Sands (also known as the Sharqiya or Eastern Sands) is an immense dune field of over 4,800 square miles in the east of Oman. We’ll visit a family of Omani Bedouins and learn a bit about their lives and livelihoods. Our day will end with the sun set over the dunes of the Wahiba Sands
Dinner:
Dinner at the camp. Enjoy a meal of local favorites at the camp.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1-3 miles throughout the day on paved sidewalks; periods of standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We have the option to enjoy sunrise atop the dunes with a packed breakfast, taking in the views of the desert as the sun rises over the vast expanse of dunes. We’ll then have the chance to traverse the shifting sands on a camel (optional) We’ll go to the small town of Ibra, not far from the Wahiba Sands, hosts a weekly women's market on Wednesdays. It is a fascinating place to visit, with local Bedouin women far outnumbering visitors. Next, we’ll go to Jebel Akhdar. At 9,777 feet above sea level, Jebel Akhdar is one of the highest mountains on the Arabian Peninsula. The Saiq Plateau lies below, and the mountain and surrounding high terrain support agriculture not feasible elsewhere in Oman. We will discover the rich traditions of mountain agriculture with seasonal activities.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our day with a regional highlights of Jebel Akhdar. Birkat Al Mouz is a largely abandoned village at the base of Wadi Al Muaydeen, on the approach to Jebel Akhdar. We’ll take some time to stroll through the beautiful village, its ruins, and its plantations. Near Birkat Al Mouz we’ll see the Wadi Muaydeen gorge popular for it’s hiking rout. Our next location is the Saiq Plateau. This area receives significantly more precipitation each year than neighboring lowland areas, upwards of 12 inches a year, versus the 4 inches (or less) per year in Muscat.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of local favorites.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1-3 miles throughout the day on paved sidewalks; periods of standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll meet a local family in a mountain village and enjoy a traditional lunch in their home.
Lunch:
At the home of a local family.
Afternoon:
After lunch we’ll visit Wadi Bani Habib, a channel cut by floodwaters through the Saiq Plateau below Jebel Akhdar. The wadi supports an eponymous village where pomegranates and walnuts have been cultivated for centuries. The village is largely abandoned today and visitors are welcome to wander the old streets and orchards. The rest of the afternoon is free for rest or independent exploration.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Enjoy a meal in the comfort of your hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1-3 miles throughout the day on paved sidewalks; periods of standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll discover Nizwa, town of just under 100,000 people, located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in Oman's interior. The ancient town of Nizwa bristles with the frantic commotion of farmers and livestock traders, each bringing goods and animals from all corners of Oman to be bought and sold at one of the most bustling and lively traditional markets on the Arabian Peninsula. We’ll see the farmers goods in a Nizwa Friday Market.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Afternoon:
We’ll go to two fort’s this afternoon, Nizwa and Bahla Fort. Nizwa Fort is a Ya'rubid castle built in the 1650s over an underlying structure from the 12th century. It is Oman's most visited national monument. While here, we will experience Omani folkloric music and dancers who perform on Fridays at the fort. Bahla Fort is one of four historic fortresses at the foothills of the Jebel Akhdar mountains, the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort was constructed from mud and straw by the Banu Nebhan tribe who controlled the trade of frankincense in this region between the 12th and 15th centuries. Next, we’ll go to the majestic Jibreen Castle, which is located nearby Bahla Fort, built in the late 17th century and once the seat of Omani education and learning.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Enjoy a meal of traditional favorites.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1-3 miles throughout the day on paved sidewalks; periods of standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll start our day with Tanuf Castle Ruins. Lovers of history and photography will enjoy a stroll through the ruins of Tanuf. The 1950's Jebel Akhdar Rebellion, a civil war named for the nearby mountain range, destroyed the village and it was subsequently abandoned. Next, we’ll discover Al Hamra, a small mountainside town, on the slopes of Jebel Shams. The town is notable for the traditional architecture found both in the town and in surrounding villages.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Afternoon:
We’ll visit the Bait Al Safah Museum, once the home of a village elder, is now a place for visitors to experience Omani folklore and dancing, handicrafts, and demonstrations of traditional methods for making local products such as bread, perfume, juniper oil, frankincense, coffee, and rose water. Next, we’ll go to the village Misfat Al Abriyeen. Its ancient UNESCO-listed aflaj irrigation system and green terraces provide ample fruit and produce for the local inhabitants, the Al Abri tribe for which the village is named.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1-3 miles throughout the day on paved sidewalks; periods of standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll go to the Bat and Wadi al Ayn, together with nearby al Khutm, which are UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Stone towers and a necropolis including beehive-shaped tombs form parts of these sites.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Rustaq en route back to Muscat.
Afternoon:
Continue to Muscat overland and check in. Your afternoon free for rest or independent exploration.
Dinner:
Gather together this evening at a local restaurant to enjoy a Farewell Dinner and reflect on everything you have learned about Oman on your journey.
Evening:
At leisure.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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