Forts & Frankincense

Forts & Frankincense

event 31 October - 9 November 2026 (9 days)

Activity level:  Medium
  • ultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Square single floor white building with rows of arch shaped windows with a large golden dome
Oman North to South including Wahiba Sands and the Empty Quarter

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Oman, a land of ancient wonders and dramatic landscapes.  Begin in Muscat, centre for trade on the historic maritime Silk Roads route since the 2nd century. Here, gleaming white architecture and the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque set the tone. Wander through the bustling Muttrah Souq, then trace the city’s maritime heritage along the corniche.

Travel inland amidst the rugged Hajar mountains to Nizwa, once the capital of Oman, and explore its formidable 17th-century fort and fascinating souqs before venturing to the exquisite frescoes of Jabrin Castle and the enigmatic dunes of Wahiba sands. 

Continue to Dhofar, the lush, green jewel of the south. Explore the legendary frankincense ports of Al-Balid and Khor Rori, where echoes of ancient trade to Damascus and Rome whisper through the ruins. In Salalah, stroll through coconut-fringed streets and bustling markets, visit Wadi Dawkah, known for its magnificent collection of Frankincense trees. Finally, head out to the endless dunes of the Empty Quarter to visit the fabled city of Ubar.

Throughout, your expert guide unravels Oman’s rich tapestry of Islamic scholarship, maritime prowess, and desert mystique. This immersive tour offers not only breathtaking scenery and cultural encounters, but a deep understanding of one of Arabia’s most captivating and least-explored nations.  

Highlights

  • Enjoy a walk through preserved mud-brick villages amidst tranquil terraces of date palms, roses and pomegranate groves, with the trickling of water running along the ancient falaj irrigation all around
  • Camp beneath a canopy of stars in the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands—an unforgettable immersion into Bedouin culture
  • Enjoy the charming Omani, a kind and hospitable people who wish to preserve and share their  vivid culture and rich heritage

ITINERARY

The full itinerary can be found on the Temple World website.

Oman tour

Scholars

Stuart Laing
Corpus Christi 1967
Honorary Fellow, Corpus Christi College
Sibella Laing
Newnham 1967
Price details 

£3,495 per person, including domestic flight Muscat to Salalah but not international flights.

Single supplement is available at £980.

Tour type:  Land
Theme:  History and Culture
Tour operator
Temple World ATOL logo number 2903
Address: 13 The Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 2AL
Email address: alumni@templeworld.com
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8940 4114