Oman is a melting pot of cultural traditions and hypnotising landscapes. Mix into this hazy heat some truly unforgettable wildlife encounters and swimming spots with a spattering of dramatic coastlines and Oman becomes a must-see on any traveller’s bucket list.
Travel by 4WD through rugged landscapes, visit quaint mountain villages and witness turtles nesting on the stunning white sand beaches. Swim in desert oases, climb colossal sand dunes and take a thrilling ride over them with our experienced drivers. Mingle with the locals in their traditional homes and explore abandoned stone villages before exploring the bustling souqs with ornamental jewellery and intricately hand-carved daggers.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Muscat! Scenically wedged between mountains and ocean, with old forts and excellent museums, an opera house and flower-filled parks, the gentle city of Muscat is a delight to visit. Arrive at Muscat International Airport and begin your introduction to Oman with a half-day exploration of the capital.
Your first stop is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Constructed from sandstone and marble, the mosque features a colossal Swarovski chandelier and one of the world’s largest hand-woven Persian carpets. Please note: visits are not permitted on Fridays, and modest dress is essential—women must cover their hair, arms, and legs; men should wear long trousers and a shirt.
Continue through Muscat’s government quarter, pausing for a photo stop at Al Alam Palace—official residence of the Sultan. Nearby, view the imposing 16th-century Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali, guarding the harbour.
In the heart of old Muscat, explore the Bait Al Zubair Museum. Privately run, the museum houses an impressive display of Omani heritage including traditional dress, weaponry, and jewellery.
Conclude the city tour at Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world. Dating back over two centuries, its narrow alleyways are lined with stalls selling frankincense, antiques, handcrafted silver, and embroidered textiles.
At midday, head to Sidab Village for a cooking experience with local Omani women. Learn traditional recipes, techniques, and the cultural significance behind the dishes, before sharing a meal of your own creation in the company of your hosts. Following the experience, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. (L,D)
Overnight – Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair or similar
After breakfast, depart Muscat and head inland to Nizwa, once the capital of Oman and still a major cultural centre. Arrive in time to witness the city’s famed Friday livestock market. From early morning, local farmers gather to trade goats, cattle and sheep in a lively, fast-paced display of traditional commerce rarely seen elsewhere in the region.
Adjacent to the market is the Nizwa Souq. Well-known for its handcrafted khanjars (traditional Omani daggers), silver jewellery, pottery and spices, the souq also sells fresh produce, fish and other goods that reflect the area’s agricultural heritage. Explore the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, notable for its immense cylindrical tower and strategic hilltop location. From the top, enjoy commanding views across the surrounding date palm oasis and distant mountains.
Continue to Birkat Al Mouz, one of Oman’s best-preserved abandoned villages. Wander among crumbling mudbrick houses set beneath lush banana plantations. The village is home to one of the country’s finest examples of the ancient falaj irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site still used to distribute water from the mountains to the farms.
Ascend into the Al Hajar Mountains to reach Jebel Akhdar, ‘The Green Mountain’. Despite the name, the landscape here is stark and rugged, punctuated by steep ravines, high ridgelines, and villages perched on dramatic terraces. Rising to over 3,000 metres, this plateau offers a cooler climate and fertile conditions.
Visit Wadi Bani Habib, a cluster of stone houses abandoned in the mid-20th century, surrounded by pomegranate and walnut orchards. Jebel Akhdar is also renowned for its rose cultivation and distillation. Between March and May, damascina roses bloom, filling the terraces with colour and fragrance. (B,L,D)
Overnight – DusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jebel Akhdar or similar
Begin your day with a walk through the unique terrain of Jebel Akhdar. Starting from a nearby wadi, the trail offers insight into the region’s natural ecology—observe resilient mountain flora, diverse rock formations, and the contours of a dry riverbed shaped by seasonal rains.
Continue along the trail to a natural stone cascade, which flows only during the rains, before ascending towards the abandoned village of Sarab. Perched above the plateau, Sarab is the closest ruined settlement to the resort, offering a glimpse into the lives once lived in this isolated highland. The walk typically takes around three hours, with flexibility depending on pace and conditions.
Return to the resort for an afternoon at leisure. Take advantage of the hotel’s facilities, enjoy the cool mountain air, or explore nearby walking paths independently. (B,L,D)
Overnight – DusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jebel Akhdar or similar
After breakfast, explore the village of Al Hamra, renowned as one of the best-preserved old towns in Oman and home to the Bait Al Safa living museum. Wander through the old, abandoned buildings and mud houses, and visit the museum to discover Omani traditions through demonstrations of ancient practices by local men and women.
Continue to Misfat Al Abriyeen for a great photo opportunity. This village that boasts amazing agricultural terraces, beautiful alleys, and old houses built on top of solid rocks. The old houses in Misfat Al Abriyeen are traditional mud houses with palm frond roofs and are unique in that they are built on solid rock foundations. Here you will also see traditional Omani irrigation channels (falaj system), where water is channelled from underground sources to support agriculture and domestic use. Stop at the old village of Ghul to see the abandoned Persian ruins.
Arrive at Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest point at 3,009m. It is truly an amazing sight at all times of the day. Enjoy the spectacular view of Oman’s “Grand Canyon”. (B,L,D)
Overnight – DusitD2 Naseem Resort or similar
Depart Jebel Akhdar after breakfast and travel south toward the edge of the desert, stopping en route at one of Oman’s most significant cultural institutions. Opened in March 2023, the Oman Across Ages Museum offers an immersive journey through the country’s history. Spanning from prehistoric settlement to the present day, the museum presents a detailed and engaging narrative of Oman’s development across civilisations, dynasties and modern transformations. Cutting-edge multimedia installations, including archival footage, augmented reality, and curated artefact displays, combine with galleries, a library, and an auditorium to bring Oman’s heritage to life. Designed to inspire and educate, the museum also serves as a national hub for research and learning.
Continue to Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands. These rolling desert dunes stretch over 200 km in length and 100 km in width, reaching all the way to the Arabian Sea. Inhabited by Bedouin communities for over 7,000 years, the region remains one of Oman’s most striking landscapes.
Arrive at the edge of the dunes and board 4WD vehicles for the journey into the desert. Climb the wind-sculpted dunes for panoramic views and experience the dramatic shift in light as the sun sets across the sands. Continue through the dunes to reach your desert camp. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Arabian Oryx Camp or similar
Breakfast this morning is at your camp site. Witness the sunrise over the rolling dunes as the colours morph with the rising of the sun. You will then depart to drive to Sur. Enroute you will pass by Wadi Bani Khalid, driving past the village with its endless date plantations until you reach the magnificent wadi. The pools are cool, deep and absolutely stunning. Feel free to plunge in and experience the crystal-clear waters. Stop in the charming town of Al Kamil, known for its intriguing old architecture, including a fort and watchtowers. This town, a key junction on the Al Ashkara Road and Muscat-Sur Highway, features local-style cafes and is one of the few towns in Oman surrounded by trees.
Arrive at the coastal city of Sur and visit the dhow factory to witness the construction of traditional wooden boats in various designs and sizes. Capture a photo at Al Ayjah Lighthouse for a scenic snapshot. Visit the Ras AI Jinz Turtle Reserve, world renowned for the nesting of the endangered green turtle, Chelonia mydas. The reserve is one of the most important nesting sites in the Indian Ocean. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Turtle Beach Resort or similar
Following breakfast, begin your return journey to Muscat with several final stops along the coast.
Pause for a photo opportunity at Wadi Shab, one of Oman’s most picturesque river valleys. Here, fresh mountain spring water flows down steep cliffs to meet seawater at the mouth of the wadi. This blend of ecosystems creates a unique natural environment, distinct from other wadis in the country.
Continue to the Bimah Sinkhole, a dramatic limestone crater filled with turquoise water. According to local legend, the sinkhole was formed by a meteorite impact, although geologists attribute it to natural erosion. Either way, it remains a striking and photogenic natural feature.
Make a final stop at the coastal town of Quriyat. Once a key port along Oman’s trade routes, the town is now known for its fishing fleet and vibrant seafood markets, especially for kingfish and tuna. Transfer to Muscat International Airport for your onward departure. (B,L)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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