Oman: Jewel of Arabia

Imagine standing at the edge of a sea of golden dunes as the sky explodes into shades of pink and amber, the silence broken only by the soft padding of camels nearby. Oman is one of those rare destinations that feels both utterly ancient and completely alive, a place where frankincense still perfumes the air in centuries-old souks, where turquoise oasis pools appear like miracles in rocky desert landscapes, and where the warmth of Omani hospitality wraps around you like a welcome embrace.

This eight-day journey takes you from the gleaming minarets and waterfront promenades of Muscat through dramatic mountain villages draped in rose gardens, across the rolling red dunes of Wahiba Sands, and finally out to sea to snorkel the pristine coral reefs of a protected island reserve. Every day brings a new landscape, a new flavor, a new story to carry home.

You will share it all with a circle of like-minded women who quickly become travel companions, and then friends. Oman has a way of opening hearts, and so does traveling like this.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 - DECEMBER 11 - WELCOME TO MUSCAT

Your Arabian adventure begins the moment you step off the plane and into the warm, spice-scented air of Muscat. Private transportation whisks you from Muscat International Airport (MCT) to your beautiful boutique hotel, where you can freshen up and let the excitement of arrival settle in. That evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner that sets the perfect tone for the days ahead. Over shared plates and introductions, you will begin to discover the warmth that defines both Omani culture and this remarkable group of women you will travel alongside. Your host will offer a rich introduction to Oman's history and traditions, leaving you eager for everything still to come.

Note: We recommend departing the US on December 10, as some flights exceed 24 hours. Aim to arrive by 5pm local time on December 11 to participate fully in Day 1's activities. Early arrival on December 10 is available for an additional pre-night hotel cost.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodations: Boutique Hotel, Muscat

DAY 2 - DECEMBER 12 - EXPLORE MUSCAT'S SOUL

This morning, step into the heart of Muscat on a guided tour that takes you to some of the most breathtaking landmarks in the Arab world. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque stuns with its soaring marble columns and intricate tilework, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture that invites quiet wonder. The Royal Opera House adds another layer of Oman's remarkable cultural ambition. Then comes the Mutrah Souq, a labyrinth of stalls overflowing with clouds of frankincense smoke, shimmering bolts of fabric, and exquisite hand-crafted silver jewelry. You will connect with local artisans and perhaps find a treasure or two to bring home. Lunch brings traditional Omani flavors at a local restaurant, and as evening falls, dinner on the Corniche offers front-row seats to one of the most peaceful harbor sunsets you will ever witness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Boutique Hotel, Muscat

DAY 3 - DECEMBER 13 - OASIS, DUNES, AND DESERT STARS

Leave Muscat behind as you journey into Oman's breathtaking interior, bound first for Wadi Bani Khalid, a desert oasis that feels like a dream. Crystal-clear turquoise pools nestle between pale limestone cliffs, and you will have time to swim in the cool water, explore the rocky landscape, and simply breathe in the beauty of this hidden gem. Then it is onward into the sands, as the landscape shifts to the iconic rolling dunes of Wahiba Sands. Settle into your luxury tented camp as the afternoon light paints the dunes gold. Try your hand at camel riding and sandboarding before gathering around the fire for a traditional dinner beneath a canopy of stars. The quiet of the desert at night is something you will not soon forget.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Luxury Desert Camp, Wahiba Sands

DAY 4 - DECEMBER 14 - SUNRISE OVER THE SANDS, HISTORY IN NIZWA

Wake early to witness one of nature's most spectacular shows as the sun rises over the dunes in a blaze of pink and gold. After breakfast, depart the desert and head toward Nizwa, one of Oman's oldest and most storied cities. Nizwa Fort rises dramatically above the surrounding palms, a testament to centuries of Omani craftsmanship and strategic brilliance. Wander through Nizwa Souq alongside local vendors selling handmade crafts, gleaming silver jewelry, and aromatic spices, and take your time soaking in the rhythm of daily life here. After lunch in Nizwa, the road climbs into the Al Hajar Mountains toward Jebel Akhdar, the famed "Green Mountain." Arrive at your eco-lodge perched in the mountain landscape, where terraced gardens and rocky peaks fill every window with postcard-worthy views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Eco-Lodge, Jebel Akhdar

DAY 5 - DECEMBER 15 - THE GREEN MOUNTAIN IN BLOOM

Today belongs entirely to the serene, timeless world of Jebel Akhdar. A guided hike leads you through terraced rose gardens heavy with fragrance, past pomegranate orchards clinging to steep cliffsides, and through ancient stone villages where life has changed little over the centuries. You will meet local artisans who distill traditional rose water using methods passed down through generations, and sit for tea with a welcoming local family, sharing stories and learning how mountain families have farmed this dramatic landscape for hundreds of years. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a spa visit or simply settle onto your lodge terrace, breathe in the mountain air, and let the panoramic views wash over you. Dinner at the lodge caps a day of deep connection, both with the land and with your travel companions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Eco-Lodge, Jebel Akhdar

DAY 6 - DECEMBER 16 - YOUR DAY, YOUR MUSCAT

After a scenic 1.5-hour drive down from the mountains, the day is yours to spend exactly as you please. Muscat rewards every kind of explorer. Head back into the souks for last-minute finds and unhurried browsing, or step into the National Museum of Oman for a fascinating journey through this country's layered history and remarkable culture. The majestic Al Alam Palace is worth a stroll past, its blue and gold facade gleaming in the afternoon sun. Or simply return to your hotel, order something cool and refreshing, and let the day slow down around you. This free day is a gift, a chance to follow your own curiosity and rediscover what travel feels like when there is nowhere you have to be.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodations: Boutique Hotel, Muscat

DAY 7 - DECEMBER 17 - UNDERWATER PARADISE AT DAYMANIYAT ISLANDS

For your final full day in Oman, the sea awaits. A short boat ride from Muscat carries you out to the Daymaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve of astonishing beauty. Slip beneath the crystal-clear surface and discover a world of vibrant coral gardens alive with color and movement. Sea turtles glide past with graceful ease, schools of jewel-bright fish dart between formations, and if you are lucky, a reef shark may cruise silently through the blue distance. Between snorkeling sessions, stretch out on white sandy beaches and let the sun and the sound of the waves carry you somewhere close to perfect. A picnic lunch on the water makes the afternoon feel truly special. Back in Muscat that evening, your group gathers one last time for a farewell dinner, raising a glass to the extraordinary experiences and the genuine friendships this journey has brought you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Boutique Hotel, Muscat

DAY 8 - DECEMBER 18 - UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

All good journeys must find their ending, but the memories you carry home from Oman will last far longer than the flight. After breakfast, a private transfer returns you to Muscat International Airport (MCT) for your connecting flight back to the US. You leave with the scent of frankincense still in your memory, the warmth of new friendships in your heart, and a deep appreciation for one of the most captivating countries on earth.

Meals: Breakfast

Please note this is a tentative itinerary and is subject to change.

Optional Dubai Extension: For guests looking to extend their Arabian adventure, a 3-day extension to Dubai is available. Experience breathtaking views from the iconic Burj Khalifa, explore the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, shop the legendary Gold and Spice Souks, and glide along Dubai Creek on a traditional dhow. This extension blends modern marvels with timeless Middle Eastern charm, offering the perfect finale to your Arabian Peninsula journey. Estimated cost is $1,500 to $2,000 depending on group size, and includes one-way internal airfare from Muscat to Dubai. Indicate your interest on your registration form.