A Week In The Arabian Tropics

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.