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A Week In The Arabian Tropics

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A Week In The Arabian Tropics

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If you’re short on time, we can’t think of a better location on our books for a one-week holiday. Salalah feels a little off-the-beaten-track, yet it’s a microcosm of everything Oman has to offer. You can pack in the gorgeous scenery, culture, adventure and tropical beaches while staying in a super hotel. 

This holiday was inspired by a research trip two of the ETG team took to Oman. They fell in love with Salalah and couldn't wait to go back on holiday with their own families and felt a trip just like this one would be ideal.

This holiday would work well for couples short on time or families wanting a February or October half-term getaway.  

Highlights include:

  • Explore the otherworldly desert landscape. In Salalah, unusually, it is broken up by pockets of lush green scenery courtesy of the annual Indian monsoon 
  • 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 
  • Immerse yourself in an unfamiliar yet welcoming culture. The ruins of ancient cities will evoke the glory days of the incense trading route

Your holiday will include private transport and guides which allows you a level of flexibility and spontaneity. We believe our guides are some of the very best and will bring your travel to life.

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.

Day 1 Depart the UK 

Depart the UK on your overnight 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.  

Day 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.

Day 9 Fly Home

Depart Salalah for your flight back to the UK - 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.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Al Baleed Resort by Anantara

Al Baleed Resort by Anantara, Salalah

A modern, relaxing beachfront resort with great facilities and pool villas. The finest hotel in Salalah.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Camping in the Arabian Desert

Camping in the Arabian Desert, The Empty Quarter

Spend a night wild camping in Oman's otherworldly Empty Quarter.

Discover The City

Discover The City , Salalah

Learn about the ancient Frankincense trail, local maritime trading and shipbuilding.

Exploring Historic East Salalah

Exploring Historic East Salalah, Salalah

Experience the historical highlights and unique culture of Oman's southernmost province, Dhofar.

Mountains, Wadis and Beaches

Mountains, Wadis and Beaches, Salalah

Wadi Ayun is especially picturesque, with its green and blue hues of water surrounded by vegetation.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'A Week In The Arabian Tropics'

~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

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Classic Family Oman Holiday

The everything holiday - mountain, desert and beach packed into an unforgettable two-week Omani adventure. The ultimate family holiday experience.

Colours of Oman & India

Colours of Oman & India

Explore India's Golden Triangle at a slow pace then neatly connect to Oman for mountain and beach adventures.

Fjord to Canyon & Desert to Beach

Fjord to Canyon & Desert to Beach

Extended adventure in vast, varied and beautiful Oman. Explore the country from North to South.



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~
Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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020 7924 7133 Get in touch

Call
  • Destinations
    • South Asia
      • Sri Lanka
      • The Maldives
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      • Bhutan
    • South East Asia
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Indonesia
      • Borneo
    • Middle East
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  • Holidays in Oman
    • Classic Oman Holidays
    • Oman Family Holidays
    • Oman & India Holidays
    • Multi-Country Oman Holidays
  • Guide to Oman
    • Oman Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Oman Travel Blog
  • Places in Oman
    • Overview
    • Al Hajar Mountains
    • Muscat
    • Nizwa
    • Salalah & Southern Oman
    • The Desert & The Eastern Coast
    • The Musandam Peninsula
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
    • Our Story
    • Meet the Team
    • Reviews
    • In the Press
    • Our Offices
    • Our Brochure
    • Travel Blog
  • How it works
    • Where to start...
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
    • My Booking
    • Get in touch
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