Encounter trip by women for women 16.10.2026 - 25.10.2026

For flights from Munich, arrival in Muscat early in the morning, transfer to the hotel. Guaranteed early check-in, rooms can be occupied immediately.

Short break, freshen up, breakfast at the hotel

10 o'clock ride with Coaster Bus to Muttrah

Exploration of the district of Muttrah, stroll along the Corniche, Muttrah Souq, the largest and oldest souq in Oman. Then a few steps up to Muttrah Fort with a beautiful view over the old town and the bay of Muttrah.

Lunch in a local restaurant (included)

Visit to Bait Al Ghalya (the place and the people museum) - an intricate private house with furnishings and a collection of artefacts from the 50s, 60s and 70s as well as an adjoining art gallery for modern Omani art

Return to the hotel and time for a walk on the beach or use of the hotel garden

Crowne Plaza Muscat, seaview ****

Visit to the Great Sultan Qaboos Mosque followed by a meeting at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Centre (SQCC) with representatives from the Ministry of Religion. Discussion about the prevailing interpretation of Islam in Oman Ibadism

Drive to the Al Khuwair district to the Arabic language institute:
Lunch at the language institute. About 2 hours workshop on Arabic script / calligraphy with Omani calligraphy & Islamic Illumination artist

Meeting with the Omani Women Association in Sidab near Muscat. Exchange with Omani women on everyday issues and life as a woman in Oman

Crowne Plaza Muscat, seaview ****

Visit the "historic Muscat" neighbourhood with a stop at the Sultan's Palace and a visit to the Bait Al Zubair. The Bait Al Zubair is a private museum that offers a nice overview of clothing, customs, traditional weapons and also local history, with a nice garden and courtyard with a cafeteria.

Afterwards departure for the round trip: Drive towards Quriyat on the coast and from there towards the south

Visit to Wadi Shab, beautiful hike into the wadi. The Wadi Shab is not accessible by car, carries water all year round, swimming is possible, please respect the customs of the country (functional shirt and half-length sports leggings). Water-suitable trekking sandals are practical (there and back with bathing approx. 3 hours)

Picnic in the wadi at lunchtime

Sur Al Ayjah Plaza***

See the city of Sur, picturesquely situated on the lagoon. Sur was Oman's most important East African harbour after Qalhat. Visit the dhow shipyard on the lagoon, where ships are still built today using traditional shipbuilding methods. The famous Fatah Al Khair dhow of a merchant family from Sur is located on the lagoon - next door is the shipping museum of the same name.
Continue inland. Lunch at a local restaurant in the area of Bidiya, on the edge of the Sharqiya/ Wahiba Sand desert. Meeting with an Omani entrepreneur who produces incense and room freshener fragrances, often based on frankincense.
Followed by a drive into the desert and a visit to a Bedouin family for coffee.

Overnight stay at the desert camp with barasti huts, the authentic Omani form of Bedouin accommodation

Nomadic Desert Camp (shared bath rooms)

Exit from the desert, drive westwards to Ibra

Every Wednesday morning there is a women's market in Ibra. This is a market for household products, beauty products (often home-made) and handicrafts such as handcrafted gold bracelets made by women for women. In one part of the market, men are actually not welcome (is signposted) Please do not take any photos without the express permission of those present.
Afterwards drive to the palm-rich oasis town of Al Hamra at the foot of the Jebal Shams. Lunch in the lively local history museum Bait Al Safah.
Afternoon drive to the nearby mountain oasis of Misfat Al Abreeyn, tour of the oasis, introduction to oasis culture past and present by local women. Then visit to a local family for cooking class - a typical local dish is prepared together and then eaten

Overnight stay in one of the guesthouses in the oasis

Misfat Old House

Morning visit to Bahla with its large clay fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and one of the traditional ceramic workshops located there

Then a tour with a local tour guide through the Fortress Palace of Jabreen (from the 17th century), with fine stucco work and ceiling paintings.

Then drive to Nizwa. Lunch in the local restaurant (Nizwa Al Khair)
Afternoon visit to a women's boutique with henna session. Painting - if you like - of the hands with temporary tatoo - plant colour is used and the painting is visible for about 14 days.
Evenings at leisure in the old town of Nizwa – Cafés and restaurants within walking distance

Overnight stay in an atmospheric guesthouse in the old town

Antique Inn (private B&B and pool)

Visit the Friday market in Nizwa with animal auction first thing in the morning on foot; from the accommodation

Then explore the city of Nizwa, the historic religious centre of Oman. Beautiful old town with striking round fortress tower. The fortress is home to an interesting and informative museum with live performances such as dancing and bread baking

At lunchtime, a detour to Manah for lunch in the local restaurant. In Manah, visit the old mud neighbourhood with two old mosques and, as a contrast, visit the ultra-modern Oman Accross Ages Museum

Evening at leisure in the old town of Nizwa

Antique Inn (private B&B and pool)

Return to Muscat

Lunch meeting with local social media artist in the Seeb district

Afternoon dhow cruise (traditional Omani boat) off the coast of Muscat, approx. 2 hours on the water incl. soft drinks, coffee and dates

Afterwards transfer to the farewell dinner

Overnight stay in the lively, modern Al Mouj (The Wave) neighbourhood with many cafes, restaurants and shops, accommodation directly on the pedestrian zone

Mysk Al Mouj by Shaza****, Marina View

Transfer to the airport

Journey home in the early morning or afternoon, depending on flight connections.