A Journey Through Traditional Arts and the Endangered Crafts of Oman
9 Days / 8 Nights - Kyoto to Kanazawa - Prices from £4550pp - Activity Level: Easy
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Mingei Pottery Workshop
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Washi Paper Making Workshop in Kanazawa
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Woodblock Printing Workshop in Takayama
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Calligraphy Session in Tokyo
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Visit to a Historic Pottery Village in Arita
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Zen Meditation and Temple Stay in Mount Koya
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Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arranging) Workshop in Nara
Oman’s rich heritage has been shaped by trade, tradition, and craftsmanship, blending Arabian, Persian, and East African influences. Despite modernization, ancient arts thrive, from intricate silverwork and Bahla pottery to handwoven Bedouin textiles and indigo-dyed fabrics. The art of frankincense distillation, calligraphy, and geometric plaster carving reflects Oman’s deep connection to nature and Islamic aesthetics. Whether through traditional storytelling, rose-water distillation in Jebel Akhdar, or carved Omani doors, Oman’s cultural legacy offers a world where heritage and artistry intertwine.
Arrival in Muscat & Introduction to Omani Arts
Arrive in Muscat, where you’ll be transferred to your luxury hotel. After settling in, enjoy a private guided tour of the National Museum of Oman, gaining insight into the country’s rich artistic traditions. Visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, home to a stunning collection of traditional Omani crafts, textiles, and silver jewelry. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with a local artist, who will introduce you to the endangered crafts of Oman and the role they play in Omani identity.
Day 2: The Dying Art of Omani Weaving – Hands-on Workshop
Begin the day with a visit to a women’s weaving cooperative, where artisans use handlooms to create traditional Omani textiles. Learn about the intricate process of spinning, dyeing, and weaving while trying your hand at creating your own woven piece. After lunch, explore Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world, where you’ll discover handwoven textiles, silver jewelry, and Omani incense. Enjoy a private talk with a local textile historian on how weaving traditions are being preserved.
Day 3: Pottery & Ceramics in Bahla – UNESCO Living Heritage
Travel to the historic town of Bahla, renowned for its ancient pottery traditions. Visit a UNESCO-listed pottery studio, where artisans still use traditional clay and kilns to create handmade vessels and decorative pieces. Enjoy a hands-on pottery workshop, where you’ll shape your own Omani-inspired ceramic. After lunch, explore Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before visiting a small family-run pottery studio, where techniques have been passed down for generations.
Day 4: Silverwork & Traditional Jewelry Crafting
Nizwa, Oman’s historic trading hub, is famous for its silver craftsmanship. Begin with a visit to a master silversmith’s workshop, where artisans craft ornate silver jewelry, khanjars (daggers), and traditional bridal adornments. Try your hand at engraving and shaping silver under expert guidance. Explore Nizwa Souq, where you can meet traders selling handcrafted jewelry, metalwork, and Omani antiques. In the afternoon, visit a local family home for traditional Omani coffee and dates, learning about the cultural significance of jewelry in Omani society.
Day 5: Indigo & Natural Dyeing Traditions in the Mountains
Journey into the Jebel Akhdar mountains, home to Oman’s rare indigo-dyeing and natural fabric coloring techniques. Visit a hidden textile village, where women still practice natural dyeing using locally sourced plants. Participate in an indigo-dyeing workshop, creating your own fabric piece. After lunch, enjoy a scenic walk through the terraced farms of the Green Mountain, where roses, pomegranates, and medicinal herbs are cultivated for traditional Omani perfumes and remedies.
Day 6: Desert Craft Traditions & Bedouin Weaving in Wahiba Sands
Travel into the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands, where Bedouin women weave traditional rugs, baskets, and camel trappings from palm fibers and wool. Visit a local Bedouin family, learning about the significance of weaving in nomadic life. Participate in a basket-weaving workshop, using date palm fronds to create an authentic Omani handicraft. Enjoy a traditional desert dinner under the stars, accompanied by Omani poetry and music.
Day 7: Frankincense, Perfumery & Traditional Omani Incense
Travel to Salalah, the heart of Oman’s frankincense trade, where this ancient resin has been harvested for over 5,000 years. Visit a frankincense distillery, learning how it is used in traditional Omani perfumes and incense rituals. Participate in a perfume-making workshop, blending frankincense, myrrh, and rosewater to create your own bespoke fragrance. Explore Al Baleed Archaeological Park, home to the ruins of the ancient frankincense trading port.
Day 8: Hidden Artisan Studios & Farewell Dinner
Spend your final day visiting hidden artisan studios, where modern Omani artists are reinterpreting traditional crafts. Take part in a final multi-medium craft session, combining textiles, ceramics, and silver elements to create a unique handmade souvenir inspired by your journey. The evening concludes with a farewell dinner at a coastal villa, celebrating the beauty of Omani craftsmanship and the artisans keeping these traditions alive.
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