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Shangri La Oman
Culture
9 Days Itineraries Oman

A Week In The Arabian Tropics

Most suited for
Couples, Friends, Solo, Families
Ideal time to visit
October - April

Trip Highlights

Explore the otherworldly desert landscape. In Salalah, unusually, it is broken up by pockets of lush green scenery courtesy of the annual Indian monsoon

Oman_Desert_Ubar_EmptyQuarter_RubAlKhali_LeeresViertel1

An exciting day or even a whole night under the stars in the mysterious Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts on earth

Discover fantastic beaches and a wild coastline; where papaya and banana plantations thrive, and enormous green-blue sinkholes are surrounded by dramatic mountains

A Week In The Arabian Tropics

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you. 

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Day 1

Your adventure begins

Depart your home country for your flight to Salalah.

Day 2

Salalah - The Gateway to Southern Oman

Your guide will meet you on arrival in Salalah for the transfer to your lovely beach hotel, your base for the next few nights (or the entire stay if you choose not to camp on Day 5).

Spend the first day relaxing and enjoying the pool, beach, and facilities. Alternatively, your guide will be on hand to introduce you to the local culture and heritage.

In the afternoon, board a traditional dhow boat for a dolphin-watching cruise as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

Dolphin Oman
Days 3 - 5

Salalah Adventures

Spend three days taking in the historical highlights and beautiful natural wonders of Salalah and the surrounding Dhofar region. Your stay can be as busy or as relaxed as you choose.

In Salalah itself, there is time to visit the glistening mosque and to take a wander through the old Haffah souq, watching the locals go about their business, buying and selling goods. On the outskirts, in a scenic setting between the coast and the hills, you’ll find the ancient ruins of Sumharam city – once the most easterly outpost on the incense trade route.

The coastline here is a highlight. Travel with your guide along the ‘zig-zag’ road to get some of the most breathtaking views. Continue along the winding route toward Oman’s western border, where cliffs drop down on either side, and frankincense trees lie scattered around the dry countryside. A short walk into the valley is a chance to take in this incredible landscape as the scent of holy incense fills the air. At the most beautiful beach of all, Al-Fazayah, pristine white sand leads into turquoise waters that couldn’t be more inviting!

During your time in Salalah, we also recommend a trip into the Jebel Qara Mountains, taking in birdlife, natural limestone formations and springs, small villages, and dramatic landscapes en route. Wadi Ayun is especially photogenic, with its green and blue hues of water surrounded by lush vegetation.

Day 6

A Night in the Empty Quarter

An absolute must-see for those visiting Dhofar, the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), is a sight to behold. What better way to experience this vast expanse than by spending a night wild camping in the dunes of the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert? If you’d rather not camp, then a day trip to the Empty Quarter can also be arranged.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel to drive you into the desert, stopping at a Bedouin settlement along the way. Cross over Al Nejd, a gravel desert, before arriving on the sand in Shisr. Kick things up a notch as your experienced driver takes you dune bashing around the waves of sand. End your day watching the sunset over the dunes before reaching your campsite, with Arabian coffee and dates to welcome you. Your camp will be set up, and dinner served as you marvel at the starlit sky.

Day 7

Return to Salalah

After breakfast in the desert, you’ll continue to the Lost City of Ubar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is literally in the middle of nowhere! Another UNESCO site is found at Wadi Dawka – home to the biggest collection of naturally grown Frankincense trees in the world.

Return to Salalah in the afternoon and check back into your hotel.

Day 8

Time to relax

Spend a last lazy day enjoying the beach and facilities of your excellent hotel.

Juweira, Salalah balcony
Day 9

Fly home

Depart Salalah for your flight home – alternatively, you could spend another week or so exploring the treasures of Oman.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace, and style. Get in touch to find out how this suggested itinerary could inspire your trip.

Oman Winter Sun Adventure

ETG was first rate at planning our holiday to ensure it met our requirements. The on-the-ground team were superb - very knowledgeable, friendly and great service. The country was amazing and we'll definitely visit again. ETG opened our eyes to this country which we hadn't considered visiting before. Perfect trip.
Michelle

Excellent850 Reviews

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What’s included:

With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.

Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:

All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout

Pricing:

As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:

Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp

Meet Our Oman Experts

Alesha loves Oman’s mix of desert drama and coastal calm. She creates trips that weave its history, landscapes, and warm hospitality into something unforgettable.

“Unwind in Oman’s southern tropics: a blend of swaying palms, turquoise seas and the timeless warmth of Arabian hospitality.”

Alesha
Regional Expert

Explore Our Hotels & Villas

Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Oman. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.

Al Baleed Resort pool view

Oman - Deluxe

Al Baleed Resort by Anantara

Experiences of Oman

Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.

Cruise in Oman

Muscat

Sunset Cruise Along Muscat's Coast

Oman dunes

Muscat

Bedouin Life In The Dunes

Desert Oman

Muscat

A Day in The Empty Quarter

Dolphin Oman

Muscat

Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling in the Sea of Oman

Important FAQs about Oman

Oman offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that feels authentic and unspoilt. Travelling with ETG means seeing the country through the eyes of expert local guides who bring its stories to life. We’ll take you beyond the postcard views: exploring hidden wadis, sipping coffee with locals in mountain villages, or watching the sun set over vast golden dunes. With carefully chosen boutique stays and 24/7 support, you can relax knowing every detail of your trip has been thoughtfully crafted, leaving you free to experience the true essence of Oman.

The ideal time to visit Oman is October to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and perfect for outdoor exploration. This season offers comfortable conditions for desert adventures, mountain treks, and coastal escapes. The summer months, from May to September, are hot, but the southern Dhofar region experiences the Khareef (monsoon), transforming the landscape into lush greenery – a unique seasonal draw.

 

Every ETG holiday to Oman is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels or homestays.

You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Oman specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.