Empty Quarter And Lost City Of Ubar

The Empty Quarter and the Lost City of Ubar in Oman offer an unparalleled adventure through one of the world’s largest sand deserts. Travelers can embark on exhilarating activities like dune bashing, camel trekking, and exploring the ancient ruins of Ubar, known as the "Atlantis of the Sands." This captivating tour showcases breathtaking desert landscapes, rich history, and fascinating archaeological sites, providing a unique opportunity to take in a remarkable natural and cultural setting. As you explore the details of this extraordinary experience, you’ll discover why it’s considered a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly unforgettable adventure.

Good To Know

• The tour destination is the Empty Quarter and the Lost City of Ubar in Salalah, Oman, offering activities like dune bashing, camel trekking, and hiking.
• The Lost City of Ubar, also known as "The Atlantis of the Sands," is an ancient fortified city featuring ruins, artifacts, and panoramic desert views.
• The tour includes round-trip private transportation, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and a driver/guide, with pricing starting at €238.25 per person.
• The tour requires a moderate fitness level and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, and children must be accompanied by adults.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 10 reviews, with some complaints about the pricing compared to the time spent.

Tour Overview and Details

This private tour takes visitors to the Empty Quarter and the Lost City of Ubar in Salalah, Oman.

The tour includes round-trip private transportation, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and a driver/guide. Prices start from €238.25 per person, varying by group size.

With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 10 reviews, the tour is a popular choice. However, some travelers felt it was overpriced for the limited time spent in the desert.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with medical conditions or back problems. A current valid passport is required, and moderate physical fitness is expected.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour pickup time can be scheduled from as early as 7:00 AM to as late as 9:00 AM, depending on the booked arrangements.

Cruise ship passengers must provide the following details at the time of booking:

• Ship name
• Docking time
• Disembarkation time
• Re-boarding time

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions or back problems.

Passengers are advised to have a moderate level of physical fitness, with no serious health issues, to fully enjoy the tour experience.

Tour Requirements and Recommendations

A moderate physical fitness level is required to fully enjoy this tour. The terrain in the Empty Quarter can be challenging, with uneven sandy surfaces and steep dunes. Travelers with serious medical conditions or back problems may find the experience uncomfortable. While not wheelchair accessible, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, though infant meals are not included. A valid passport is necessary on the day of travel. The following table outlines the key tour requirements and recommendations:

Requirement	Details
Health	Moderate fitness level required, no serious medical issues
Child Policy	Children welcome with adult, infant meals not included
Passport	Current valid passport required on travel day
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible, not recommended for certain conditions
Other	No pregnant travelers recommended

Cancellation and Booking Policies

Travelers can cancel their tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts, based on the local time.

The tour operator offers a reserve now and pay later option, allowing flexibility in booking.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, unless the reservation is made within 3 days of travel, in which case confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour cancellation and booking policies include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
• Confirmation provided at time of booking, or within 48 hours if booked within 3 days
• Reserve now and pay later option available
• Confirmation subject to availability if booked within 3 days
• No refunds for last-minute cancellations

Exploring the Empty Quarter

Spanning across the southern region of Oman, the Empty Quarter, or Rub’ al Khali, is one of the world’s largest sand deserts. This vast expanse of undulating dunes and barren landscapes offers a truly immersive desert experience. Visitors can embark on thrilling dune bashing adventures, explore ancient ruins, and witness the region’s unique flora and fauna. To enhance the experience, consider the following activities:

Activity	Duration	Difficulty
Dune Bashing	30-60 minutes	Moderate
Camel Trekking	1-2 hours	Moderate
Stargazing	1-2 hours	Easy
Hiking to Ubar	2-3 hours	Challenging
Sunset Photography	1-2 hours	Easy

Embrace the rugged beauty and captivating mystery of the Empty Quarter for an unforgettable adventure.

Discovering the Lost City of Ubar

Nestled deep within the harsh expanse of Oman’s Empty Quarter, the Lost City of Ubar has captivated the imaginations of adventurers and archaeologists for centuries.

This once-thriving metropolis, also known as "The Atlantis of the Sands," was rediscovered in the 1980s after being lost to the shifting sands for over a millennium.

Visitors can explore the site’s ancient ruins, including:

• Remnants of fortified city walls
• The remains of a large central tower
• Underground cisterns and water channels
• Artifacts like pottery, jewelry, and ancient manuscripts
• Panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape

Discovering this lost city offers a unique window into Oman’s rich history and the ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants.

Traveler Experiences and Feedback

While the Lost City of Ubar offers a captivating glimpse into Oman’s ancient past, not all travelers have been fully satisfied with the overall tour experience. Reviews indicate a mixed response, with some feeling the tour was overpriced for the limited time spent in the desert and the brief dune bashing activity. As the table below illustrates, the tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, but with feedback ranging from highly positive to somewhat disappointing.

Reviewer	Rating	Feedback
Traveler A	5/5	Awe-inspiring experience
Traveler B	4/5	Enjoyed the desert scenery
Traveler C	3/5	Felt it was not worth the money
Traveler D	4/5	Wished for more time in the desert
Traveler E	4/5	Appreciated the private transfer

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Empty Quarter?

The best time to visit the Empty Quarter is during the cooler months between October and April when temperatures are milder and the weather is more comfortable for outdoor exploration.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photographs during the tour. The tour includes access to the Lost City of Ubar and the Empty Quarter, providing ample opportunities to capture the stunning desert landscapes and historical sites on camera.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the private tour for their party, regardless of the group size. However, the price may vary based on the number of participants.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?

The tour doesn’t appear to have any additional fees or hidden costs. The price includes fuel surcharge, local taxes, national park fees, bottled water, driver/guide, hotel/port pickup and drop-off, and gratuities, as per the details provided.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

Based on the tour details provided, it doesn’t appear that the tour itinerary or activities can be customized. The tour seems to have a set itinerary and offerings included in the price. Travelers would need to contact the tour provider to inquire about any customization options.

The Sum Up

Exploring the Empty Quarter and the Lost City of Ubar offers an unforgettable desert adventure. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and captivating archaeology of this unique region. Whether it’s dune bashing, camel trekking, or hiking to ancient ruins, this tour provides a thrilling and culturally-immersive experience for those seeking the ultimate desert exploration.