阿曼精華之旅

I traveled to Oman on my own and joined the Highlights Tour – and it was an outstanding experience. As a solo traveler, I felt completely safe and cared for the entire time. The guide treated us like family, sharing personal stories about growing up in Oman which added so much depth. Walking through Nizwa Souk and tasting fresh dates straight from the market was a highlight for me, as was camping under a blanket of stars in the desert (I’ve never seen the Milky Way so clearly!). Every detail was handled smoothly – from airport pickup to hotel check-ins. If I could change one thing, I might have liked a bit more free time in the evenings to wander on my own, but that’s a very minor wish. Overall, this tour struck the perfect balance between cultural immersion and fun. I left Oman with incredible memories and a dozen new friends from our small group.

My husband and I chose Peregrine Treks for our trip to Oman and it exceeded our expectations. The itinerary was well-paced and showed us so many sides of Oman, from the bustling souks of Muscat to the tranquility of Jabal Akhdar’s mountains. We can’t speak highly enough of our guide, Khalid. He was knowledgeable, attentive, and often went the extra mile (literally, like driving us to a viewpoint for sunset that wasn’t originally on the schedule!). Each day brought a new “wow” moment: watching green turtles nest on the beach brought me to tears of joy, and the hospitality of our desert camp hosts was heartwarming. Accommodations were comfortable and even luxurious on the mountain. We felt we truly experienced Oman’s essence. It was worth every penny and we’ve already recommended this tour to our friends.

We traveled with our two kids (ages 10 and 13) and were a bit nervous about how they’d handle a 10-day tour – but it was fantastic for all of us. The tour was very family-friendly. Our guide was amazing with the kids, always engaging them, he even got my son involved in a friendly camel race with another group’s camel in the desert which became his favorite story to tell friends back home! The itinerary kept things varied, which prevented the kids from getting bored: one day they were swimming in a wadi, the next they were exploring a fort imagining they were little warriors. The guide also helped tweak a few things to suit our pace (extra ice cream stops, for example). As parents, we appreciated the safety and comfort; the vehicles had seatbelts and water on board, hotels had pools to unwind each evening. This trip educated and entertained our children and us in the best possible way.

At 68 and 70 years old, my wife and I were a bit apprehensive about the physical demands of the tour, but the pace was just right. We managed every activity with ease, and where there were minor challenges (like a few steep steps or rocky paths), our guide and driver offered a helping hand and never made us feel rushed. The accommodations were excellent, we particularly loved the mountain resort where we woke up above the clouds. The cultural insights on this tour were rich; as history buffs we were enthralled by the forts and the stories behind them. Our guide’s knowledge of Oman’s history and the pride he took in his heritage really shone through. Meals were delicious and we even got to dine with a local family one evening, which was a highlight. We highly recommend this tour to fellow mature travelers who seek both comfort and authentic experiences.

I expected Oman to be beautiful, but this tour still managed to surprise me at every turn. The variety of landscapes is stunning, one day I was sand-boarding on golden dunes, and the next day I was in a green oasis wadi swimming in clear water. The group was small (we had 6 people), which made it feel like a personalized trip with friends rather than a packaged tour. One of my favorite moments was the dolphin watching boat ride in Muscat; we saw dozens of spinner dolphins and it felt surreal. Also, as a vegetarian I was worried about meal options, but our guide and the restaurants did an excellent job ensuring I always had tasty choices (falafel, veg curries, lots of fresh fruit). This tour balanced adventure (hiking, swimming, camel rides) with relaxation (lovely hotels and no overly early wake-ups). I came home feeling like I truly saw the heart of Oman.

What stands out about this tour is how deeply we were able to connect with Omani culture in just 10 days. Our guide took us to a traditional coffee ceremony with an Omani family, not a touristy set-up, but a genuine visit and it was these personal encounters that made the trip so special. We learned some basic Arabic phrases, tried on traditional clothing, and even participated in a spontaneous dance with locals during a village celebration (we happened to be there on a national holiday!). In terms of service, Peregrine Treks was outstanding. Emails pre-trip were promptly answered, and every promised detail was delivered. Transport was in a clean, comfortable 4×4 and our driver was safe and courteous. If I had to find a flaw, I’d say Oman is warm and sunny which is hardly a flaw, but bring a hat and sunscreen because you’re going to want to be outside enjoying every bit of scenery. Highly recommended tour!

The night in the Wahiba Sands desert was absolutely magical, something I will remember for the rest of my life. Sitting around the campfire, listening to our Bedouin host sing an old Omani song under a sky full of stars… you just can’t get that experience elsewhere. And that was just one part of this tour. We also loved the cool air up in Jebel Akhdar (the mountain hotel had breathtaking views at sunrise), and exploring the Grand Mosque in Muscat (the chandelier and carpet, wow!). Our group ranged from age 20 to 65 and everyone found something to love. The itinerary is well thought out, after a busy day you often get a more relaxed one. By the end, it felt like we’d seen a whole world within one country. Oman itself stole my heart, and the way this tour was organized really did it justice. If you’re on the fence, go! You won’t regret it.

I have been on many guided tours in different countries, and this Oman Highlights Tour ranks among the best for organization and educational value. Each day was planned to maximize enjoyment without feeling rushed. We always arrived at our hotels with time to relax before dinner, and our guide would brief us on the next day so we were never left guessing. The bus/jeep was stocked with cold water and even Wi-Fi at times, which was a nice perk. Historically, I learned so much, our guide had a degree in history and you could tell; his passion when showing us forts or explaining Omani customs was contagious. I particularly enjoyed the visit to Jabreen Castle felt like stepping into another century with those painted ceilings. Kudos to the team for making logistics seamless (we didn’t even have to handle our luggage at most hotels). This trip has set a high bar for any future tours I take.

Frankly, Oman was not very high on my travel list initially, but I tagged along with a friend and I am so grateful I did. This tour blew me away. The country is gorgeous, yes, but it was the little experiences curated by Peregrine Treks that made it phenomenal. For example, one evening our guide arranged a surprise: a private visit to a frankincense burner artisan’s workshop in a small village. It wasn’t in the brochure, but it was fascinating and showed how proud Omanis are of their heritage. We also got to see baby turtles (so cute!) at Ras al Jinz which isn’t always guaranteed, we were lucky. Accommodations ranged from good to fantastic (the desert camp was more comfortable than I expected with proper beds and a flushing toilet, and our Muscat hotel had a lovely pool). I’m already dreaming of coming back to Oman. If you’re reading this, just go, you’ll come back with your own amazing stories.

Traveling as a single woman, safety is a top concern for me. Oman turned out to be one of the safest places I’ve been, and our guide and team made it even more so. I never once felt uneasy. The tour pacing was great; early starts when needed (to beat heat or crowds) but also some leisurely mornings. We had two nights in Muscat which I appreciated (not packing every single day). I was also impressed by how clean everywhere is, Oman’s cities and even public restrooms at sites were spotless. One of my favorite memories is having lunch at a simple local house in Misfat Al Abriyeen village; it wasn’t fancy, we sat on cushions and ate with our hands but the food (rice, vegetable curry, fresh salad) was the most delicious meal and the hospitality was genuine. This tour felt like traveling with a knowledgeable friend who knew all the insider spots. Highly recommended for solo female travelers (or anyone really) wanting to see the real Oman without stress.

I took the September tour which was a bit warmer than I expected, the afternoons in the sun were pretty hot. However, our vehicle was always cool and plenty of water was provided, so we managed fine. That’s honestly the only slight negative I can think of, and it was due to my timing choice. The tour itself was phenomenal. We saw everything on my Oman bucket list: the Grand Mosque (check), Wahiba Sands dunes (check), ancient forts (check), and turtles (check!). Our guide even helped us bargain for khanjar daggers and silver in Nizwa, something I’d have been too shy to do alone. I also want to commend the flexibility: one in our group wasn’t a strong swimmer, so the guide arranged a scenic hike for her as an alternative to the deep wadi swim so she still enjoyed herself. Little things like that show the company cares about each guest. If I come back to Oman (very likely), I would use Peregrine again without hesitation.

We were a private group of 4 friends on this tour, and it felt very much tailored to us. Possibly because it was just our group, the guide was open to slight detours, like when we spontaneously wanted to buy halwa (Omani sweets) in Bahla, he took us to a family-owned shop not in the tourist guidebooks. Such personalization made the trip feel unique. We stayed an extra day in Muscat on our own and the company still assisted us in planning activities for that day, which was kind. The content of the tour itself hits all the right notes: culture, nature, adventure, relaxation. One friend in our group had dietary restrictions (gluten-free) and they handled that smoothly at each meal. By the end, we all felt like we had a new friend in our guide, he even gave us each a parting gift (an Omani keychain and a small packet of frankincense) which was so touching. I cannot recommend this tour enough for anyone wanting an immersive Omani experience.

My wife and I have done group tours on five continents, and we both agree that this Oman Highlights Tour was the best of the lot. It’s hard to even pinpoint all the reasons – the country’s raw beauty, the richness of experiences, the top-notch organization, an incredible guide, comfortable transport… everything clicked. We learned and experienced more in 10 days than we thought possible. Some standout moments: watching the sunset turn the mountains pink from Nizwa Fort’s tower, sharing laughter with our group during a dune bashing ride, and sipping tea with Bedouins while listening to their stories about desert life. There was a sincerity and warmth to the interactions that you don’t always get in packaged tours. Oman felt like a hidden gem, and we’re so glad we explored it with Peregrine Treks. We’re already talking about coming back in a couple of years to maybe do a longer adventure into the Empty Quarter. This tour set the bar high, well done and thank you!