For experiencing a rich tapestry of colors, abundant wildlife, extremes of the windswept desert, and lush oasis, this Oman cultural tour is not to be missed!

From the incense-filled souks of Muscat to turtle watching on golden sandy beaches; from the sun-bleached mountains of Jebel Shams to the tinkling of water along ancient irrigation channels; from riding camels across the wild red sands to snorkeling in the turquoise ocean… this is Oman.

Highlights:

• Turtle viewing in Ras Al Jinz
• Desert camp in the Wahiba Sands
• View Oman’s largest canyon from Jebel Shams
• 9km (5.6 miles) walk with views of the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia’
• Sail around the Daymaniyat Islands

Oman is one of the best-kept secrets of the Middle East: Safe, relaxed, sleepy even. The small country that neighbors the oft-visited United Arab Emirates (UAE) is consistently overlooked by tourists, and we like it this way. The Omani people are among the friendliest people in the Gulf, and their country remains untouched in its pristine, rugged natural beauty.  If you are looking for a unique experience, in a safe environment with stunning scenery, with as much flavor as the local smoky coffee served with dates, Oman is the perfect escape.

An added bonus of this sustainable, small-group adventure is that you get to experience the other-worldly and remote Daymaniyat Islands, surrounded by coral reefs. Protected as a nature reserve since 1996, the islands provide an important nesting site for green turtles and a wide range of migratory birds including the increasingly rare sooty falcon. You will have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal waters amidst the many species of multi-colored fish, or alternatively, you can just enjoy the boat ride, far from home on the salty sea.

The Sultanate of Oman sits on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, neighbor to Yemen and the UAE. A fascinating history has seen Oman under the influence of the Portuguese, Ottoman Turks, Persians, and the British during the 19th and early 20th century…which today lends itself to an incredible country for a cultural adventure!

Travelers to Oman will find a peaceful haven with a rich natural environment filled with diverse flora and fauna, accompanied by the true hospitality and charm of the Omani.

Seasonal Notes: Oman has a subtropical, dry, hot desert climate with low annual rainfall, high temperatures in summer, and a large difference between maximum and minimum temperatures, especially inland. Summers last from June to September. These months are long and hot (temperatures can reach as high as 46°C / 115°F) and have very little rainfall. Oman has warm winters; between October and March, it is generally pleasant and cool. April and May are a little warmer but still pleasant. These are generally felt to be the best times to visit. Nighttime is cooler and temperatures could be as low as 13-17 °C / 55-63°F.