Get hands-on in a cooking class with local women in Sidab Village
Visit Nakhal Fort and its nearby hot springs surrounded by palm groves
Wander through abandoned villages and traditional mudbrick homes in Al Hamra
Discover the golden sands of the Wahiba Desert and the remote Empty Quarter
Traverse the Sugar Dunes and explore the vast Bedouin lands of the Rub Al Khali
Encounter camel caravans and meet the Bedouin who call the desert home
Explore ancient ruins and UNESCO-listed frankincense trade sites
Visit coastal souqs and heritage sites in Salalah
Arabian nights beneath a blanket of stars. Towering dunes and timeworn mountain trails. It’s time to live out your Lawrence of Arabia fantasies.
Step into the silence of the Empty Quarter, once unmapped and unexplored by outsiders. Travel through arid valleys and forgotten villages, encounter camel caravans and meet the Bedouin who have lived in these harsh desert conditions for generations. This is a journey through one of the most remote and sparsely beautiful regions on Earth, where ancient trade routes and enduring traditions reveal the true heart of Oman.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Oman. On arrival at Muscat International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Muscat offers an intriguing contrast, with modern infrastructure framed by rugged mountains and the Gulf of Oman. Settle in and take the rest of the day at leisure to acclimatise, unwind, or explore your surroundings at your own pace.
Overnight – Crowne Plaza Muscat (Qurum) or similar
Begin your exploration of Muscat with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece of sandstone and marble. The mosque houses the second-largest handwoven Persian carpet in the world and is illuminated by an immense Swarovski crystal chandelier. (Please note: Modest dress is required. Women must cover their hair, arms and legs; men must wear long trousers and a shirt. The mosque is closed to visitors on Fridays.)
Drive through the diplomatic and government district before stopping at the Royal Opera House, Oman’s premier venue for musical arts and culture. Continue to the Al Alam Palace, ceremonial residence of Sultan Haitham, flanked by the historic 16th-century Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali.
Visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, a private collection showcasing Omani heritage through displays of traditional attire, jewellery, weaponry and household items.
Continue to Sidab Village for a hands-on cooking session with local Omani women. Learn about traditional culinary practices and daily life as you prepare local dishes together, followed by a shared meal with your hosts.
Afterwards, visit the bustling Muttrah Souq. With origins over two centuries old, the souq is a maze of narrow lanes brimming with frankincense, silverware, textiles and antiques. (B,L)
Overnight – Crowne Plaza Muscat (Qurum) or similar
Depart Muscat this morning, heading north along the coast to the traditional fish market in Barka. Here, fishermen display their daily catch, including tuna, prawns and kingfish, in a lively, open-air setting that remains largely unchanged.
Continue inland to Nakhal, a date palm-filled oasis known for its thermal springs. Stop for a photo opportunity at Nakhal Fort, dramatically perched on a rock outcrop. Originally constructed in the 16th century by an Imam of the Bani Kharous dynasty, the fort has been carefully restored and offers a glimpse into Omani defensive architecture.
Begin your 4WD off-road crossing of Wadi Bani Awf, a rugged mountain route winding through dramatic scenery and isolated villages. Pause at Snake Canyon to take in its sheer rock walls and deep ravines.
Arrive in the mountain village of Bilad Sayt, a traditional settlement nestled below terraced fields. Surrounded by peaks, the village is regarded as one of the most picturesque in the country, offering a glimpse of old-world Arabia.
Continue to Al Hamra, one of the oldest preserved mudbrick towns in Oman. Wander through its narrow lanes and visit the Bait Al Safa living museum, where local men and women demonstrate traditional domestic and craft practices. Stop briefly at the village of Ghul to view its abandoned Persian ruins.
Climb onwards to Jebel Shams, the highest point in Oman at 3,009 metres. Take in sweeping views over the immense Wadi Ghul, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, before settling in for the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Jebel Shams Resort or similar
Wake to cool mountain air and panoramic views from Oman’s highest point, Jebel Shams, standing at 3,009 metres. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, the immense scale and rugged beauty of the surrounding landscape is best appreciated on foot.
Set out on the Balcony Walk, a scenic hike following the edge of the canyon wall towards the abandoned village of Sap Bani Khamis. Beginning from Al Khitaym village, the trail offers uninterrupted views over the vast natural amphitheatre, with glimpses of the remote Nakhar village far below. Keep an eye out for soaring birds of prey, including the Egyptian vulture with its distinctive black and white wings.
The trail is approximately 4 kilometres each way, 8 kilometres return, and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, with around three hours allowed for the overall trekking experience.
Return to your lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Jebel Shams Resort or similar
Depart Jebel Shams and begin your descent from the mountains with a stop at Wadi Nakhar, a dramatic and remote valley carved deep into the limestone cliffs. Known for its stark beauty and sheer scale, the wadi is a striking example of Oman’s rugged terrain and is popular among hikers and climbers.
Continue to Nizwa, once the capital of Oman and still an important cultural centre. Explore Nizwa Fort, a 17th-century stronghold known for its massive circular tower, built to defend against raiding tribes. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding palm oasis. Wander through the adjoining souq, one of the oldest in the country, where traditional Omani daggers, silver jewellery, spices, pottery and produce are traded much as they have been for generations.
Stop at the ruined village of Birkat Al Mouz, set against the backdrop of green banana plantations. This once-thriving settlement is also home to a UNESCO-listed falaj irrigation system, still running through the village’s remains.
In the late afternoon, arrive at the edge of the Wahiba Sands. These sweeping dunes, stretching 200 kilometres in length and 100 kilometres in width, are home to Bedouin communities whose presence here spans over 7,000 years. Travel into the dunes, climbing high ridgelines for sunset views before continuing across the sands to your desert camp. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Arabian Oryx Camp or similar
Depart your desert camp this morning and begin an off-road crossing through the Wahiba Sands to Mahout, a journey of around four hours. This route offers a deeper perspective of the desert’s vast and shifting terrain, passing remote tracks and isolated dunes that few travellers reach.
Continue south to the coastal area of Al Khaluf, home to the Sugar Dunes. These striking white sand dunes spill directly onto secluded beaches along the Arabian Sea. The unique colour and texture of the sand, combined with the area’s remoteness, give the Sugar Dunes an otherworldly feel. Few places in Oman feel as untouched or isolated. After time to explore this remarkable landscape, continue along the coast to the town of Duqm, a modern port and industrial hub. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Crowne Plaza Duqm or similar
Depart Duqm and travel inland toward one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions in the Arabian Peninsula, the Rub al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter. This is the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, stretching across four countries and covering a vast portion of the Arabian Peninsula.
The landscape transforms into towering dunes of reddish-orange sand, some rising to around 250 metres high. Pause in Thumrait, once known as a traditional Bedouin settlement, before continuing west across the immense gravel plains of Al Nejd towards the Empty Quarter.
Arrive at your remote desert camp, where the silence and scale of the surrounding landscape create an unforgettable sense of isolation. A short distance from camp, settle into a specially positioned sunset lounge and watch as the setting sun transforms the dunes through changing shades of gold, pink and orange.
This evening, enjoy dinner beneath the desert sky accompanied by Bedouin storytelling, sharing cultural folklore and stories of traditional life in this remote region. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Salalah Magic Camp or similar
Depart the Empty Quarter and begin your journey south toward Salalah. En route, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ubar, often referred to as the Lost City. Once a vital settlement associated with the ancient frankincense trade, its excavated ruins provide an insight into Oman’s desert civilisations.
Continue to Wadi Dawka, also a UNESCO-listed site and home to one of the largest natural concentrations of frankincense trees in the region. Learn about the importance of frankincense and its historic and modern-day uses.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Salalah. On arrival, the remainder of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Belad Bont Resort or similar
Begin the day with a visit to the coastal village of Taqah, known for its long-standing fishing traditions.
Continue to the ancient ruins of Sumhuram at Khor Rori, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former frankincense trading port. Once a vital commercial hub, this fortified city is believed to have been an important harbour for exporting frankincense across the ancient world.
From here, travel to Mirbat, the former capital of Dhofar and the starting point of the famed Frankincense Trail. Walk through streets lined with traditional Omani homes and stop to photograph the twin-domed Tomb of Bin Ali, a striking example of medieval Islamic architecture.
Continue to Ayn Razat, where freshwater springs are surrounded by gardens, pools and caves at the foot of the Dhofar Mountains.
Your journey then takes you west to Mughsail Beach, one of Dhofar’s spectacular stretches of coastline. Continue along the dramatic hairpin road towards Oman’s western border, with towering cliffs rising on either side.
Stop to see frankincense trees growing naturally in the surrounding valleys and take a short walk through the landscape to experience the source of the region’s ancient and highly prized incense trade. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Belad Bont Resort or similar
Begin the morning with a visit to the Museum of the Frankincense Land, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Oman’s most significant cultural institutions. Located within the archaeological park of Al Balid, the museum features two main galleries. The History Hall traces the region’s ancient civilisations, while the Marine Hall explores Oman’s seafaring legacy and shipbuilding traditions.
Stop at a local fruit and vegetable stall to experience the fresh produce unique to Salalah’s fertile coastal plain. Continue to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the largest in the city. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome from Saturday to Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (Please dress modestly. Long sleeves and trousers or skirts are required for both men and women.)
View Al Husn Palace, the official residence of His Majesty the Sultan in Salalah, then stroll through the nearby Haffah Souk. This traditional market is known for its high-quality frankincense, as well as local crafts and Dhofari souvenirs. Return to the hotel before your transfer to Salalah Airport for your onward departure. (B)
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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.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
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:
More about our Tour Styles.
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:
More about out Tour Styles.
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:
More about our Tour Styles.
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