Oman: Desert Roses and Mountain Majesty

Where ancient frankincense routes meet modern adventure, Oman beckons with a seductive blend of Arabian nights romance and untamed natural beauty. This women-only journey reveals a side of the Middle East that few travelers discover: emerald pools hidden in desert wadis, rose-scented mountain terraces clinging to impossible cliffs, and endless sand dunes that glow amber and gold beneath endless stars.

From the moment you step into Muscat's gleaming Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, you'll understand why Oman has captivated explorers for millennia. You'll swim in crystalline wadi pools surrounded by date palms and limestone cliffs, sleep under desert stars in a luxury Bedouin camp while camels rest nearby, and hike through the terraced villages of Jabal Akhdar where rose water has been distilled for centuries. The turquoise waters of the Daymaniyat Islands offer an underwater paradise where sea turtles glide past coral gardens, while Nizwa's ancient fort and vibrant souq pulse with the rhythm of traditional Omani life.

This is travel that transforms. In Oman's dramatic landscapes and through the warmth of Omani hospitality, you'll forge connections with fellow travelers that extend far beyond these eight unforgettable days. Every sunset over the dunes, every shared meal of spiced shuwa and sweet halwa, every moment of wonder at this nation's breathtaking beauty becomes part of a collective memory, woven together with newfound friendships that will last a lifetime.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MUSCAT

Your Arabian adventure begins as you touch down at Muscat International Airport, where private transportation whisks you away to your boutique hotel nestled in Oman's elegant capital city. The late afternoon offers time to refresh from your journey, perhaps taking a stroll along the Corniche as the sun begins its descent over the Gulf of Oman. As evening falls, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner where the rich aromas of Omani spices fill the air. Over shared plates of fragrant majboos and tender grilled meats, you'll receive your first introduction to Oman's fascinating culture and layered history, setting the perfect tone for the adventures that lie ahead. The conversation flows easily as you begin to forge connections with the remarkable women who will become your travel companions and friends.

Note: We recommend departing the US on December 10 (some flights take longer than 24 hours) to ensure your flight arrives by 5pm local time on December 11, early enough to participate in Day 1's activities. If you'd like to arrive early on December 10, we can arrange a pre-night at the hotel for an additional cost.

There is an optional pre-trip extension to Dubai from Dec 8 - 11 available as well.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel Panorama, Muscat

DAY 2: MUSCAT CULTURAL IMMERSION

Start the day with a guided exploration of Muscat's cultural treasures, beginning at the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This architectural masterpiece, with its soaring minarets and intricate Islamic geometric patterns, invites quiet contemplation as morning light streams through stained glass windows. The hand-woven Persian carpet beneath your feet is one of the world's largest, while the massive Swarovski crystal chandelier overhead seems to capture and multiply the desert sun. Your expert guide shares insights into Omani spiritual traditions and the vision behind this modern marvel. Next, journey to the Royal Opera House, where contemporary Omani design meets world-class acoustics in a stunning tribute to the nation's commitment to arts and culture. The afternoon brings you to the bustling Mutrah Souq, where narrow alleyways overflow with frankincense, silver jewelry, colorful textiles, and aromatic spices. Practice your haggling skills with friendly shopkeepers who've perfected the art of negotiation over generations, and breathe in the heady scent of incense that has drawn traders to these shores for thousands of years. As the day winds down, return to your hotel with treasures in hand and stories to share over dinner with your travel companions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel Panorama, Muscat

DAY 3: WADI BANI KHALID TO WAHIBA SANDS DESERT

Adventure calls as you leave the coast behind and journey inland toward one of Oman's most stunning natural oases. Wadi Bani Khalid emerges from the arid landscape like a mirage made real: turquoise pools framed by gleaming limestone cliffs and lush date palms swaying in the breeze. Wade into the cool, crystalline waters for a refreshing swim, or explore the rocky pathways that wind alongside the pools, discovering hidden grottos and small waterfalls. The wadi's beauty offers the perfect introduction to Oman's dramatic contrasts between desert harshness and hidden abundance. After lunch, your journey continues deeper into the interior, where the landscape transforms into the iconic rolling dunes of Wahiba Sands. As you arrive at your luxury desert camp, the late afternoon sun paints the sand in shades of amber and copper. Settle into your beautifully appointed tent, then venture out for optional camel rides and sandboarding as the desert comes alive in the golden hour. Climb to the crest of a towering dune to witness the sunset, watching as the entire desert seems to catch fire before cooling into twilight. A traditional Omani dinner awaits under a canopy of stars so brilliant they seem within reach, while Bedouin hospitality surrounds you with warmth in this ancient landscape.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Luxury Desert Camp, Wahiba Sands

DAY 4: WAHIBA SANDS TO NIZWA

For the early risers, witnessing sunrise over the Wahiba Sands is an experience that defies description. The dunes shift from deep purple to rose gold to brilliant copper as the sun crests the horizon, painting shadows that reveal every ripple and curve in the sand. After breakfast at camp, bid farewell to the desert and journey to Nizwa, one of Oman's most historically significant cities. This ancient capital, once the center of trade and scholarship, retains its authentic character despite the passage of centuries. Your first stop is the imposing Nizwa Fort, a 17th-century masterpiece of defensive architecture with its massive circular tower offering panoramic views over date plantations and the Hajar Mountains beyond. Wander through the fort's cool corridors and chambers, imagining the rulers who once governed from these rooms. Then immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of Nizwa Souq, where the scent of frankincense mingles with fresh dates and aromatic halwa. Watch silversmiths hammer intricate designs into traditional khanjars (curved daggers), bargain for hand-woven carpets, and sample the sticky-sweet halwa that Nizwa is famous for producing. Local vendors are eager to share stories about their crafts, offering glimpses into traditions passed down through generations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar, Nizwa

DAY 5: JABAL AKHDAR - THE GREEN MOUNTAINS

Today's journey takes you from Nizwa's desert plains up into the spectacular Jabal Akhdar, the "Green Mountains" that rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape. The winding mountain road climbs nearly 2,000 meters, each switchback revealing new vistas of terraced gardens clinging impossibly to steep slopes. These ancient agricultural terraces have sustained mountain communities for centuries, fed by the traditional falaj irrigation system that UNESCO has recognized as a masterpiece of human ingenuity. Your guided hike through this mountain paradise introduces you to the famous rose gardens of Jabal Akhdar, where damask roses bloom in spring and are distilled into precious rose water using traditional methods. Even in December, the terraces enchant with their geometric beauty and the hospitality of mountain villages. Walk through time in ancient stone settlements where life continues much as it has for generations, pausing to meet local artisans who maintain traditional crafts. The cool mountain air provides welcome relief and stunning photography opportunities at every turn. In the afternoon, visit one of the region's viewpoints for sweeping panoramas across valleys and peaks, where eagles soar on thermal currents and the world below seems very far away. Return to your mountain accommodation as evening approaches, dining on dishes that showcase the produce grown on these very terraces.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: DusitD2 Naseem Resort Jabal Akhdar, Nizwa

DAY 6: RETURN TO MUSCAT - FREE DAY

After a leisurely breakfast with mountain views, begin the scenic 1.5-hour descent back to Muscat, trading terraced slopes for coastal vistas. The remainder of this day is yours to craft your own Omani adventure. Perhaps continue your exploration of Muscat's treasures at the National Museum of Oman, where thoughtfully curated exhibits trace the nation's rich history from ancient trade routes to modern renaissance. Alternatively, return to the souqs for final treasure hunting, seeking out that perfect piece of frankincense or hand-embroidered textile. The majestic Al Alam Palace, with its striking gold and blue facade, offers excellent photo opportunities in the heart of Old Muscat. For those seeking relaxation, your hotel's amenities beckon, or you might opt for a spa treatment incorporating traditional Omani ingredients. This unstructured time allows you to follow your own interests, whether that means diving deeper into Omani culture, finding quiet moments for reflection, or simply enjoying extended conversations with your travel companions over leisurely coffee. The evening brings your group back together for dinner, sharing stories of how each person chose to spend this gift of free time in this captivating country.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel Panorama, Muscat

DAY 7: DAYMANIYAT ISLANDS SNORKELING & FAREWELL CELEBRATION

Your final full day delivers an underwater paradise that feels like Oman's secret gift to ocean lovers. After breakfast, board your private boat for the journey to the Daymaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve and archipelago of nine pristine islands in the Gulf of Oman. As the boat cuts through azure waters, anticipation builds for what lies beneath the surface. Once you arrive, don your snorkeling gear and slip into the crystalline waters where visibility stretches for dozens of meters. Vibrant coral gardens explode with color beneath you, home to schools of tropical fish that dart and swirl in choreographed chaos. Keep your eyes open for the graceful sea turtles that frequent these reefs, often swimming alongside snorkelers with serene indifference. The more fortunate might even spot a reef shark gliding past in the distance. Between snorkeling sessions, relax on white sand beaches so pristine they seem untouched by time, enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by nothing but ocean, sky, and the occasional seabird. The islands feel wonderfully remote, a world apart from everything. As afternoon approaches, return to Muscat with sun-kissed skin and salt-tousled hair, arriving back in time to prepare for your farewell dinner. This final evening together is a celebration of all you've experienced, the landscapes that took your breath away, and especially the friendships forged over these remarkable eight days in Oman.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel Panorama, Muscat

DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM MUSCAT

After a final breakfast overlooking the Gulf of Oman, private transportation returns you to Muscat International Airport for your connecting flight home. As you board your plane, your mind swims with vivid memories: the silence of desert sunrises, the cool splash of wadi waters, the warmth of Omani hospitality, and the laughter shared with women who began as strangers and leave as friends. Oman has worked its quiet magic, and you carry with you not just photographs and souvenirs, but a transformed perspective on both the world and your place in it.

Meals: Breakfast