5% off through Apr. 30
(8% for GEEO alumni)
Enter coupon code EarlyBooking

$2659 $2527

Available: 7+ spaces

Secure your place on this trip with $350 deposit. Final payment due 60 days before departure.

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      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 01/12/2025 - 01/19/2025

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 8 Days / 7 Nights

      Overview

      Oman remains one of the last great undiscovered parts of the Middle East. Here, ancient heritage melds beautifully with modern living. Overnight in the dramatic Wahiba Sands desert. Still looking for something off the beaten path? Visit Wadi Nakhr, also known as the Grand Canyon of Oman, to get even deeper into Oman’s ethereal beauty — natural and otherwise.

      Oman Map 2023

      Our first priority is our travelers’ safety, especially so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click here for more details regarding our health and safety policies.

      What's Included:
      • Muscat city tour
      • Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque visit
      • Bail Al Zubair Museum visit
      • Muttrah Souq visit
      • Al-Mirani Fort and Al Jalali Fort visits
      • Bimmah Sinkhole visit
      • Sur dhow shipyard visit
      • Overnight in Wahiba Sands desert camp
      • Wadi Nakhr (the "Grand Canyon of Oman") visit
      • Nizwá cattle market
      • Mud houses of Misfat al Abyreen walk
      • G Adventures Tour Leader throughout and local guides
      • Hotels (6 night), desert camp (1 night)
      • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner (allow $210-275 USD for meals not included)
      • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities by private bus and 4x4 vehicles
      What's Not Included:
      • International air
      • Incidentals
      • Travel Health and Cancellation Insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or Gratuities
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours or admissions
      • Airport Transfers

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Arrive in Muscat at any time. Due to the potential for flight delays or cancellations, we recommend that you plan to arrive in the Middle East at least a day in advance. This will also give you time to adjust to the time difference and overcome any jetlag. We can book extra hotel nights for you in Muscat before and/or after the trip. Please note that check-in at the hotel is usually around 2:00-3:00 p.m. There are no planned activities until an intro meeting around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m., usually in the hotel lobby. Check for a sign or ask at the reception desk about the exact time and location of the group meeting. Please make every effort to arrive in time for this meeting. If you are delayed and will arrive late, please inform us. Your tour leader will then leave you a message at the front desk informing you of where and when to meet up tomorrow. After the meeting, you might choose to get dinner at a nearby restaurant with your traveling companions and your tour leader to further get to know one another.

      We will spend the day exploring some of the highlights of Muscat. We start with a visit to one of Muscat's finest architectural sites, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Covering an area of 416,000 square meters, this mosque can accommodate 20,000 worshipers and offers visitors a labyrinth of grounds to explore. Modesty is mandatory for everyone when visiting the Grand Mosque. Men must wear long pants and shirts must cover their shoulders (if you have tattoos, they must be fully covered by your clothing). Women must be fully covered including heads, full arms, and full legs. We recommend not wearing jewelry unless your clothing fully covers it. Proper Omani outfits for men and women can be rented should you wish, and your tour leader will be happy to answer any questions or assist in preparing the correct outfits to visit the mosque. Next, we visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum. Boasting one of the largest heritage art collections in Oman, it is a must-see for those eager to learn more about Omani culture and history. Then we go to the Muttrah Souq to take in the colorful sights, and perfumed scents of this winding marketplace. Opt to hunt for authentic Omani artifacts and handicrafts (you won't have to go far), or sip on an aromatic Omani coffee and gaze out at the local hustle and bustle. In the afternoon we travel to Old Muscat and take in the sights and sounds of this sleepy coastal area. Visit the forts of Al-Mirani and Al-Jelani to get some perspective on Omani history.

      We leave Muscat behind and drive along the coast to the picturesque Bimmah Sinkhole. Feast your eyes on one of the world's most breathtaking sinkholes. Surrounded by the sea and towering mountains, this sinkhole measures 40 meters wide and 20 meters deep. With its glittering turquoise waters, it isn't hard to believe the local folklore that maintains that the sinkhole was created by a falling star. Jump in and cool off. The Bimma Sinkhole in Oman is quite touristy and you can wear a normal bathing suit as you would in the United States. There will be a bathroom where you can change into your bathing suit and back into your regular clothing prior to departing to your next destination. Please be prepared to change in a bathroom that may in poor sanitary conditions. Floors will also be quite slippery so please be careful. We then drive to Sur, home of the last remaining factory that builds Oman’s traditional dhows. The production of these wooden boats has a 6000-year-old history, which has established ancient Oman as a prosperous trading port in the region. Visit the shipyard and learn how these ships are made. The unspoiled shoreline of the Ras al-Jinz turtle sanctuary is a nesting home of the endangered green turtle (Cheloniamydas). After dinner, follow a guide out to the beach and witness the nesting process of these creatures from a safe distance. Observe the turtles digging and covering their nests in the sand. Learn all about the center's conservation efforts in the area. Estimated travel time: 3 hrs by 4x4

      Today we drive Drive through red rock formations and vibrant green plantations and take in the natural beauty of this oasis-like region of Wādī Banī Khālid. Running through this area are the natural blue-tinted springs that receive a constant water flow throughout the year, making it a lifeline for villages of this area. Enjoy lunch before taking free time to explore the area. Opt to take an easy hike to the surrounding waterfalls, or swim in the wadis (natural springs). We will arrive at the desert camp just in time to enjoy the sunset. Enjoy a traditional meal and learn more about the ancient Bedouin culture. Spend the evening sitting under the stars, around a fire, listening to stories and music from the Bedouin hosts. We will stay at a desert lodge with a restaurant and cafe. We will overnight in comfortable tents with beds and private bathrooms Please note that at night the desert can be quite cold. While your Bedouin hosts will provide you with all you need for a comfortable evening, we would like to remind you to be prepared with some additional clothing to sleep in such as a sweatshirt/long pajamas. Estimated travel time: 3 hrs by 4x4

      Leaving the desert behind, we head towards Ibra and visit the impressive Jabrin castle. Jabrin Castle is one of the best-preserved castles in Oman. Built in 1675 by Imam Bil-arab bin Sultan, this fort was a center for astrology, law, and medicine. Continue towards Nizwá, stopping at the historic fortress of Bahla along the way. This impressive walled city had some of its oldest parts built as early as 500 BC. Gaining UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987, this complex is a grand example of ancient Omani architecture. Estimated travel time: 3 hrs by 4x4

      Today we drive to the town of Al Hamra and visit the renowned mud houses of Misfat Al Abriyeen. Built into the mountainside of the Al Hamra region, this authentic Omani village is known for its unique residential architecture. The homes are constructed using rocks excavated from the mountain and plastered together with mud, making the structures look as though they are part of the mountain. Some houses are still being lived in. Learn about this building method that has allowed this community to stand the test of time. Please note that this site is located in a very conservative village where residents still live. There are multiple signs upon entry requesting that you ensure you are properly and conservatively dressed – knees and shoulders must be covered. They will also ask that you remain quiet and respectful and not take any photos of residents. We are sure that your tour guide will notify you of this, but this is just an early reminder. We also learn about the Aflaj irrigation systems. This water network is made up of ancient channels that used gravity to carry the water from the source to farms and mosques, since 500 AD. This complex system is representative of a system that is still in use in Oman today. Return to Nizwa via Jebel Shams and take in view of Wadi Nakhr known as the Grand Canyon of Oman. Estimated travel time: 2 hrs by 4x4

      Wake early to take part in the Nizwá cattle market. Watch locals buy and trade the best livestock, from goats to cattle directly from the herders. Drive through Wadi Bani Awf and take in the beauty of the steep mountain cliffs before reaching the end point ("Snake Point") of the gorge. Continue to Muscat for the evening. Estimated travel time: 6 hrs by 4x4

      There are no planned activities today, so you may depart Muscat at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Muscat, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs per year). If you would like to extend your time abroad but don't see another GEEO program that interests you, let us know. We can work with you to find a trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Their tours are open to the general public and not designed specifically for educators, but we can still offer you and your travel companions a discounted educator price on any additional tours that you book.

      Details

      Frequently Asked Questions
      Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.
      Resources to Learn & Teach about Oman
      Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
      Terms and Conditions
      It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
      GEEO Program Confirmation Process
      We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.
      Cancellation Policy
      All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
      • If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit which is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use
      Trip Notes
      1. CLOTHING: While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn’t wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centers, local dress is often more conservative and as a matter of respect we ask that both men and women are aware of this and recommend loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered. Ask your tour leader for more specific advice.
      2. WOMEN'S CLOTHING: To respect the Islamic culture in Oman and to honor your gracious hosts, women should cover from shoulders to knees. Mid-calf pants and skirts with short-sleeved tops are a great option for this. When visiting mosques, long sleeves and a scarf to cover your head are mandatory. They can be removed once you leave the mosque grounds. Please note on Days 3 and 4 when swimming options are available we suggest wearing capri-length yoga pants and a t-shirt as a modest bathing suit.
      3. DRINKING WATER: Do not drink tap water in Oman.
      Group Leader Description
      All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
      Fitness Level
      This trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.
      Single Travelers
      Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room.
      Joining Instructions
      Day 1 is an arrival day, and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1, or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us, please make your way to the joining hotel. Please note: Check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1, usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., during which you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details. If you miss the Welcome Meeting, your tour leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need and with instructions for the next morning. If you book an arrival transfer with us, your driver will meet you in the arrival hall with a G Adventures placard (after immigration and customs) and guide you to our vehicle. If you have not booked an arrival transfer, there is an airport taxi counter in the arrival hall of Muscat International Airport (after clearning immigration and customs) where you can hire a taxi. The approximate cost for a one-way transfer from Muscat airport to the hotel is $50 USD.
      Emergency Contacts
      Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS Regional Office: +44 1858378000 Local Contact: +968 24400844 Arrival Transfer Representative: +968 92833038 If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
      Packing List
      Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person. Health & Safety
      • N95/KN95 face masks (at least a few just in case there is an outbreak within your group)
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Rapid Covid tests/antigen tests (at least 3)
      Suggested Checklist
      • Fleece top
      • Light windproof/waterproof jacket (Chances are it won’t rain)
      • Sun hat
      • Personal clothing for variable weather ranging from the low 60s to low 80s F
      • Daypack
      • Sturdy walking shoes
      • Sport sandals or flip-flops
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Watch or alarm clock
      • Clothes for religious sites – knees and shoulders must be covered
      • Toiletries (your hotels will have soap and shampoo)
      • Camera
      • First-aid kit including lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      Optional Checklist
      • Lightweight silk sleep sheet
      • Travel pillow
      • Money belt
      • Water bottle
      • Phone/tablet for internet (most hotels have WiFi)
      • Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there, so don’t go crazy
      • Ziplock bags
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
      Document Checklist
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • Travel insurance ID card
      • Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
      • USD/EUR cash
      • Credit/debit card
      • G Adventures vouchers
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure
      Laundry
      Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. You can also use a local laundromat, if necessary. We recommend packing enough clothes so you don't have to do laundry.
      Passports and Visas
      All GEEO programs require that the participant have a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching here. Oman requires US citizens to apply and purchase a tourist visa within 30 days prior to their arrival. GEEO will send visa instructions; please do not attempt to purchase your Oman visa before receiving these instructions.
      Money Exchange
      The local currency in Oman is the Omani rial (OMR). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. We recommend that you obtain cash from banks or ATMs (found in the airport and shopping areas in the main cities) while in Oman; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.
      Tipping
      Tipping (also widely referred to by its Arabic term, “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East. It is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, cleaning staff, luggage porters, and taxi drivers. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement low salaries/wages. A guideline for budgeting for tips is approximately $5-10 USD per day. To make things as easy as possible and avoid awkward situations, G Adventures utilized a tipping kitty system in which your tour leader will collect a contribution from each traveler at the start of the program and use these funds to tip anybody who provides services to the entire group. On Day 1 of your tour, the tour leader will be able to advise on the amount to contribute to the tipping kitty. You can contribute USD or the equivalent local currency, but the local currency is typically preferred. At the end of your program, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. The amount is entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline, $35-40 USD per person would be appropriate.
      Vaccinations
      GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health (http://www.passporthealthusa.com/), which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!
      Flights
      We find the best prices for flights are often available around 90 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins and ends in Muscat. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Muscat. You may want to arrive in Muscat one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Tokyo any time on the final day of the program, or stay later to see more of the city.
      Plugs and Converters
      There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S. Oman uses a Type G (British-style) three-prong plug. The voltage used in Oman is 220-240V. U.S. outlets are 120V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.
      Expectations
      Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.
      • The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised but do not expect luxury.
      • You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack.
      • We recommend always carrying snacks with you because sometimes meals can be far apart.
      • Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.
      Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!
      Itinerary Disclaimer
      While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      Weather
      Oman has a dry desert climate, bringing warm weather all year round. Although we will be there during the winter, temperatures are warm and perfect for an escape in the sun. Temperatures should be in the high 60s to mid-70s.  At night, temperatures cool down to the low 60s. There is very little, if any, rain. If you want to take a dip in the sea, the Gulf’s waters measure a lovely 75 F at this time of year.

      Costs

      Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
      Tour Company Fee
      See our price in the top right corner
      Optional Activities
      $0-50 USD
      International Airfare from the United States
      Roughly $1,000-1,800 USD If you require assistance in booking your international airfare, we would be happy to help you.
      Airport Transfers
      $80-140
      Insurance
      $79-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
      Tipping
      We recommend $40 USD for your G Adventures tour leader. Budget another $40–80 for tipping local guides and drivers.
      Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary
      $200-275 USD
      Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.
      Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      Souvenirs
      Variable. At your personal discretion.
      Non-Educator Donation
      $100 USD (suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.