Stand before Al-Khazneh at Petra, then swim through Wadi Shab's turquoise pools to a hidden waterfall cave in Oman
Jordan Oman Arabia Natural Wonders: Discover Arabia's greatest natural wonders on this 13-day Jordan & Oman luxury tour.
Continue planning with our Oman tours, and consult the official Jordan Tourism Board for current destination information.
Where mountains meet the sea, and deserts hide emerald pools. The Arabia's Natural Wonders tour connects Jordan's rose-red canyons with Oman's staggering diversity: fjord-like coastlines, terraced rose gardens on mountain peaks, date palm oases, and rolling sand seas that change color with every sunrise. This 13-day journey is for travelers who believe nature is the ultimate luxury. Begin in Jordan, where Petra's Treasury emerges from a narrow gorge and Wadi Rum's silence rivals any spa retreat. Then fly to Muscat, where the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque's chandelier holds 600,000 crystals and the Muttrah Souk's incense alley transports you to ancient trade routes. Drive into the Hajar Mountains to Jebel Akhdar, the 'Green Mountain,' where villages cling to cliffsides at 6,500 feet and rose water distilleries perfume the air. Hike Wadi Shab, a canyon where turquoise pools lead to a hidden waterfall cave. Camp in Wahiba Sands, where Bedouin hosts serve camel milk coffee beneath dunes that shift from honey to amber. Throughout, Jordan Journey coordinates every complexity: the Amman-Muscat flight, Oman's mountain driving permits, and partnerships with the sultanate's most experienced nature guides. This is Arabia at its wildest and most refined.
Key details for planning this private journey experience.
Stand before Al-Khazneh at Petra, then swim through Wadi Shab's turquoise pools to a hidden waterfall cave in Oman
Sleep under stars in Wadi Rum's luxury Bedouin camp, then experience Alila Jebel Akhdar's cliff-edge infinity pool overlooking canyon depths
Fly from Aqaba to Muscat with seamless handover: Jordan guide assists check-in, Oman partner meets at arrivals with 4x4 vehicle
Walk through Nizwa's 17th-century fort and bustling Friday goat market: the most authentic souk experience in the Gulf
Hike Jebel Akhdar's terraced villages: rose gardens, pomegranate orchards, and ancient falaj irrigation at 6,500 feet elevation
Experience Wahiba Sands by 4x4 and camel: dune bashing, Bedouin camp dinner, and sunrise over 300-foot sand ridges
Cruise the Muscat coastline by traditional dhow: dolphin watching, snorkeling at Daymaniyat Islands, and sunset over the Gulf of Oman
Single-point coordination: Jordan Journey handles Omani visa, mountain driving permits, and all inter-country logistics
A simple view of what is covered in this journey and what should be planned separately.
Jordan Journey representative meets at arrivals with branded sign and welcome kit.
Rest and refresh.
Citadel, Roman Theater, Rainbow Street galleries and cafes.
Hadrian's Arch, Oval Plaza, Colonnaded Street, Temple of Artemis.
12th-century Ayyubid fortress with views across Jordan Valley to West Bank.
Evening at leisure.
Moses Memorial Church and Promised Land viewpoint.
St. George's Church and 6th-century mosaic Holy Land map.
Check into 5-star resort.
Morning float or optional spa treatment (85 USD mud wrap and salt scrub).
Depart for Petra (150 miles, 3 hours via Desert Highway).
Siq walk, Treasury, Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street.
Check into 5-star hotel at Wadi Musa.
Treasury in solitude.
850 rock-cut steps, 45-minute ascent.
Lunch at Basin Restaurant inside Petra site.
Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon, Red Sand Dunes.
Private tent with ensuite bathroom.
Stargazing with telescope.
Oman partner DMC meets with branded sign and 4x4 vehicle.
600,000-crystal chandelier, 21-ton hand-woven Persian carpet, 164-foot main dome. Modest dress essential.
architectural masterpiece blending Omani and Islamic design.
incense alley, frankincense and myrrh vendors, silver jewelry, traditional daggers (khanjars).
Al Alam Palace (Sultan's ceremonial palace with gold and blue columns), Mirani and Jalali forts.
Omani cultural heritage, traditional costumes, weapons, and jewelry.
Evening at leisure on Qurum Beach.
17th-century circular fort with trap doors, hidden passages, and summit views over date palm oasis.
Friday goat market (if traveling on Friday), silver craftsmen, pottery vendors, date stalls.
4x4 required, mountain driving permit arranged by Jordan Journey.
cliff-edge luxury resort at 6,500 feet with infinity pool and canyon views.
terraced villages and rose gardens glow in golden light.
Omani and international cuisine with local ingredients.
Al Ayn, Al Aqur, and Wadi Bani Habib. See terraced rose gardens, pomegranate orchards, walnut trees, and ancient falaj irrigation channels.
watch traditional distillation and purchase rose water and rose oil.
traditional Omani bread, honey, and mountain goat dishes.
named after Princess Diana's 1986 visit. Panoramic views across canyon to Wadi Ghul (Oman's Grand Canyon).
Himalayan salt stone massage or rose petal bath (additional 120 USD).
Drive toward Wahiba Sands (180 miles, 4 hours with stops).
emerald pools, date palms, and village life.
Transfer to 4x4 vehicles with deflated tires for dune driving.
colors shift from honey to amber to red depending on mineral content.
Check into private tent with ensuite bathroom and solar power.
30-minute trek across dunes.
shuwa (lamb slow-cooked underground), rice, salads, flatbread. Camel milk coffee and dates.
photography of dunes in first light.
45-minute walk through palm groves and rocky canyon to turquoise pools.
Life jackets provided. Water depth reaches 15 feet.
watch craftsmen build traditional wooden sailing vessels using 500-year-old techniques.
views across lagoon to Indian Ocean.
fresh Omani seafood including kingfish, lobster, and jumbo prawns.
Pre-dawn visit to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (25 miles). Watch green turtles nest on beach (seasonal: May-October peak).
turquoise limestone pool 200 feet from the sea, connected by underground tunnels.
Check into 5-star hotel.
pool, spa, or final Muttrah Souk shopping for frankincense, silver, and Omani honey.
Omani fine dining with sea views.
Morning dhow cruise from Muttrah harbor: dolphin watching, snorkeling at Daymaniyat Islands (additional 150 USD).
Oman partner DMC assists with check-in.
Everything important for planning, comfort, access, timing, and on-the-ground expectations.
Arrival: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Amman. Jordan Journey representative meets at arrivals with branded sign.
Departure: Muscat International Airport (MCT). Transfer arranged by Oman partner DMC.
Inter-Country Transfer: Aqaba (AQJ) to Muscat (MCT) by commercial flight (4 hours with connection, typically via Dubai or Doha). Jordan Journey books, issues tickets, and coordinates both airport transfers. Total transfer time: 6-7 hours.
Oman Driving Requirements: Jebel Akhdar requires 4×4 vehicle and mountain driving permit. Jordan Journey arranges both. Wahiba Sands requires deflated tires and experienced desert driver. Our Oman partner provides specialist vehicles and drivers.
13 Days total (fixed for optimal pacing). Jordan portion: 5 days (Amman, Jerash, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum). Oman portion: 8 days (Muscat, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, Wahiba Sands, Wadi Shab, Sur, Ras Al Jinz). This duration balances archaeological, mountain, desert, and coastal experiences. Shorter versions available on request but sacrifice significant content.
Private tours: 2-8 passengers in Toyota Land Cruiser or Mercedes Vito with dedicated driver and guide
Small groups: 9-16 passengers in Mercedes Sprinter with second support staff
Wadi Rum: Local 4×4 open-back vehicles with Bedouin drivers (6-8 passengers per vehicle)
Oman portion: Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol 4×4 for mountain and desert driving. Oman regulations require specialist vehicles for Jebel Akhdar and Wahiba.
Wadi Shab: Parking at entrance, 10-minute boat ride (1 USD per person), then hiking. Life jackets provided for swimming.
Moderate to Moderate-High. Petra main trail: 5-6 miles on uneven stone with 650-foot elevation gain. Monastery trail (optional): 850 rock-cut steps, 45-minute ascent. Wadi Rum: minimal walking, primarily 4×4 travel. Jebel Akhdar village walks: 2-3 miles on rocky paths at 6,500 feet elevation. Wahiba Sands: minimal walking, 4×4 and camel travel. Wadi Shab: 45-minute hike on uneven rocky terrain, then swimming through pools (life jackets provided). Ras Al Jinz: pre-dawn walk on sandy beach (20 minutes). Not suitable for wheelchair users due to Petra, Wadi Shab, and mountain terrain. Minimum recommended age: 12 years.
| Group Size | Base Package | Enhanced (+$300) | Signature (+$750) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pax | From $7,450/person | From $7,750/person | From $8,200/person | Private vehicle/guide |
| 4 pax | From $5,950/person | From $6,250/person | From $6,700/person | Shared vehicle |
| 6 pax | From $5,150/person | From $5,450/person | From $5,900/person | Minibus |
| 8 pax | From $4,650/person | From $4,950/person | From $5,400/person | Minibus |
Child policy: Under 12 years at 50% of adult price. Infant under 2: free (no separate seat). Jebel Akhdar spa package: add 150 USD per person. Daymaniyat Islands snorkeling: add 150 USD per person. Prices in USD, subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Single supplement: add 40%. Oman tourism tax (5%) included.
October-April: Ideal weather (68-86°F). Peak season: book 120+ days ahead. Jebel Akhdar rose harvest (March-April): book 150+ days ahead.
May-September: Hot (90-105°F in Muscat and Jordan), but Jebel Akhdar remains cooler (75-85°F). Book 60 days ahead.
December-February: Cool days, cold mountain nights (45-55°F). Possible rain in Jordan and Oman mountains. Book 90+ days ahead.
Ras Al Jinz turtle season: May-October peak. Pre-dawn tours require advance reservation. Book 60+ days ahead.
Booking: 50% deposit at confirmation, balance 30 days before departure. Oman e-visa processing requires 7-14 days: book accordingly.
Cancellation: 100% refund more than 60 days, 50% refund 30-60 days, no refund less than 30 days.
Wadi Rum and Wahiba camps: Non-refundable within 21 days due to limited luxury tent capacity.
Jebel Akhdar resort: Non-refundable within 30 days during peak season (March-April rose harvest).
Aqaba-Muscat flight: Subject to airline cancellation policies. Name changes may incur fees.
Travel insurance: Mandatory with medical evacuation coverage including mountain and desert rescue.
Petra: Not wheelchair accessible due to uneven stone paths, steps, and narrow Siq sections. Alternative: horse-drawn carriage to Treasury (40 USD). Wadi Rum: 4×4 vehicles accommodate most mobility needs. Luxury camp has paved walkways and accessible bathroom. Jebel Akhdar: Resort has accessible rooms but mountain village trails are challenging. Vehicle-based touring available for mobility-limited guests. Wahiba Sands: 4×4 access to camp. Tents have level platforms. Wadi Shab: Not suitable for wheelchairs due to rocky trail and water crossing. Sur and Muscat: Hotels and museums have elevators and accessible restrooms. Ras Al Jinz: Sandy beach walk is challenging. Alternative: observation platform near parking. Vision-impaired: Guide assistance throughout. Hearing-impaired: Written materials provided. Dietary: Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options available with advance notice.
Ramadan: Reduced restaurant hours in Oman. Some sites close early. Hotels serve food normally. Book 60+ days ahead.
Jebel Akhdar rose harvest: March-April. Resorts book 150+ days ahead. Rose distilleries operate daily during harvest.
Ras Al Jinz turtle season: May-October peak. Pre-dawn tours require advance reservation. No guaranteed sightings.
Wadi Shab flash floods: Rare but possible during heavy rain. Guides monitor weather and close access if necessary.
Mountain driving: Jebel Akhdar road closed to non-4×4 vehicles. Our permits and vehicles comply with Omani law.
Dress code: Modest dress required at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and traditional villages. Shoulders and knees covered.
Border/flight documentation: Passport must have 6+ months validity. Oman e-visa required for most nationalities. Jordan Journey handles applications.
Health: No mandatory vaccinations. Tap water safe in Muscat but bottled water provided. Mountain altitude is moderate (6,500 feet): no acclimatization needed for most travelers.
Useful labels that help compare this journey with other Jordan Journey experiences.
Clear answers before you reserve your journey.
Yes. The flight from Aqaba (AQJ) to Muscat (MCT) is included in all package levels. We book economy class with 20 kg checked baggage per person. Premium economy or business class upgrades available (additional 450-950 USD). Jordan Journey handles all bookings, issues e-tickets, and coordinates airport transfers on both ends. Connection typically via Dubai or Doha depending on schedule.
Yes. Omani law requires 4x4 vehicles for the mountain road to Jebel Akhdar due to steep gradients and switchbacks. Jordan Journey arranges both the vehicle and the mountain driving permit. Our drivers are experienced in mountain driving. You do not need to drive yourself: our professional drivers handle all mountain and desert terrain.
Non-swimmers can enjoy the first pools which are shallow (3-4 feet deep) and walk the trail to the cave viewpoint without entering deep water. Life jackets are provided for all guests who wish to swim. The deepest pool before the waterfall cave reaches 15 feet. Our guide accompanies the group and carries flotation devices. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Omani Rial (OMR) is the official currency. 1 OMR equals approximately 2.60 USD. USD is accepted at some tourist sites but change is given in Rials. Credit cards widely accepted at hotels, resorts, and major restaurants. We recommend carrying 200-300 USD equivalent in Rials for tips, souk purchases, and small expenses. ATMs available in Muscat, Nizwa, and Sur. Your guide assists with currency exchange.
Yes, though some adjustments apply. Restaurants closed during daylight hours in Muslim areas, but hotels and resorts serve food normally. Sites may have reduced hours. Evening iftar meals are culturally rich experiences. Our guides adjust itineraries to work within Ramadan schedules. Book 60+ days ahead during Ramadan as hotels fill with domestic travelers.
Oman is Arabia's best-kept secret. While Dubai built skyscrapers, Oman invested in preserving its heritage: no building in Muscat exceeds 8 stories to maintain skyline views of the mountains. The sultanate has stunning natural diversity in a compact area: mountains, deserts, fjords, and beaches within a few hours' drive. Omani hospitality is legendary: you will be invited into homes for coffee and dates. It feels like Arabia as it was fifty years ago, with modern comfort.
Turtle nesting is seasonal and natural. Green turtles nest at Ras Al Jinz from May to October, with peak activity June-August. Outside these months, turtle sightings are less likely but not impossible. The reserve operates guided tours only: no independent beach access. We book your reserve entry in advance. If turtles are not sighted due to natural patterns, we offer alternative coastal activities. No refunds for missed sightings as this is wildlife, not a scheduled performance.
Omani cuisine is delicious and underappreciated. Highlights include shuwa (lamb slow-cooked underground for 24 hours), mashuai (roasted kingfish with rice), halwa (sweet gelatinous dessert with saffron and nuts), and karak tea (spiced milk tea). Seafood is exceptional in Sur and Muscat. Vegetarian options available. Alcohol is served at hotel bars and licensed restaurants in Muscat and resort areas, though less available than in Jordan.
