Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Oman – Muscat – Wahiba Desert – Jabal Al Akhdar
100% customisable for you
Have your bags packed, passports at the ready and work phone switched off – your Omani adventure begins today. Make your way to the airport, sail through security and settle in for your overnight flight.
The journey takes around seven-and-a-half hours, so lose yourself in a good book, pop on an eye mask and catch some Z’s before touching down in Muscat the following morning.
When you arrive in Muscat, you’ll be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel on the coast, your home for the next two nights. After your long journey, we’ve kept things deliberately low-key, so you can ease into Omani life at your own pace. Check in, drop your bags and hit pause for a moment – whether that’s a power nap, a refreshing dip in the pool or simply stretching out in the sunshine and letting the warmth work its magic.
When you’re ready to emerge, head out for a traditional Omani breakfast at a nearby restaurant recommended by our local Concierge and enjoy your first taste of the city (quite literally). Still feeling a little jet-lagged? A cup of Omani gahwa (coffee) might just be the thing to revive you. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy before the adventure begins properly tomorrow.
This morning, set off with a local resident who knows Muscat like the back of their hand. In their company, the city reveals itself layer by layer – a place where desert meets sea and centuries-old tradition sits comfortably alongside modern life. Low-rise buildings in sun-bleached hues line the streets, historic ramparts guard the old city and the striking blue and gold Al Alam Palace sets the tone for Muscat’s quietly elegant aesthetic. Wander through the districts of Ruwi, Muttrah and Qurum, each offering a slightly different take on life in the capital.
Expect a mix of culture and cuisine as you go. Follow the scent of frankincense and lose yourself in the maze-like alleys of the Muttrah Souq, where stalls brim with silver jewellery, handwoven textiles and aromatic spices, with your guide steering you towards the best of the bunch.
Watch daily life unfold at the fish market along the Muttrah Corniche and pass the city’s storied Portuguese forts standing watch over the harbour. No visit would be complete without stepping inside some of Muscat’s sacred sites, including the Ali Mosque and the Grand Mosque of Sultan Qaboos, where no fewer than 35 Swarovski crystal chandeliers make this a stop that truly shines.
And because no exploration should be done on an empty stomach, there’s plenty to taste along the way. From freshly carved lamb?shuwa, grilled mishkak and sweet Omani halwa, this is as much of a culinary journey as a cultural one.
By the end of the day, you’ll hopefully have a good feel for the city and a few new favourite flavours too. Later, pick up your rental car, ready for the next chapter of the adventure.
Hit the road this morning and set off on a scenic three-hour drive to the Wahiba Desert. Enjoy the views along the way, skirting the sparkling coastline of the Gulf of Oman before weaving inland through ever-changing landscapes of mountains, wadis and sandy plains.
Need to stretch your legs en route? Make a stop at Wadi Arbaeen, one of the most beautiful oases in the country. Surrounded by date palms and rocky cliffs, its clear pools are perfect for a swim. If you're feeling a little more energetic, follow the trails further upstream to discover traditional falaj irrigation channels that have carried water through these valleys for centuries.
Another worthwhile stop is Wadi Shab, known for its emerald waters and canyon walls. A short hike takes you along winding paths beside the river, with plenty of spots to pause along the way. Even better if you’ve packed a light picnic – this is prime lunch-with-a-view territory.
By afternoon, the landscape shifts once more as you arrive in the golden lands of the Wahiba Sands. Your home for the next two nights is a luxurious Bedouin camp. As evening falls, candles are lit and oil lamps flicker, a romantic backdrop for dinner under the stars before a blissful night’s sleep back in your tent.
Rise and shine early this morning and set off into the Wahiba Desert on a 4x4 tour with a local guide.
Explore Bedouin villages, sip traditional Omani tea and share a meal in a family home. You’ll also meet some of the desert’s longest-standing residents: camels – trusty companions for centuries, each with their own distinct personality. With no strict timetable and no rush, the day is all about following your curiosity and exploring whatever catches your eye across the rolling sands.
By afternoon, say goodbye to your friendly guide and return to your camp, dusty but happy. Shake off the sand with a dip in the pool, then settle in for another evening surrounded by the quiet magic of the desert.
Buckle in for another road trip today as you leave the desert behind and drive three hours to Jabal Al Akhdar.
Along the way, stop off in the historic city of Nizwa, known as Oman’s cultural capital. Nestled at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, the town is famed for its impressive fort and lively souq which sells everything from silver jewellery to local crafts – the perfect place to wander, people-watch and maybe pick up a few trinkets (if you’ve got space in your luggage after your last souq shopping spree).
Next, visit the nearby Birkat Al Mouz, a charming oasis village that acts as the gateway to the Jabal Al Akhdar. Wander among mud-brick houses, shady palm groves and a traditional falaj irrigation system, recognised by UNESCO – a wonderful snapshot of rural Omani life.
After some sightseeing, jump back in your trusty hire car and ascend to the cooler heights of Jabal Al Akhdar where you’ll be staying in a hotel perched in the mountains. We weren’t kidding when we said this trip is off the beaten track; you’ll feel like you have the rugged peaks all to yourself, with the occasional goat for company.
Today is all yours to explore Jabal Al Akhdar at your own pace. Wander through terraced orchards and farms, discover the clever irrigation system of falaj channels that have kept these mountains fruitful for centuries and get a feel for how the Bani Riyam tribe worked this land for generations.
Explore the stone and adobe villages tucked into the cliffs, meet locals going about their daily routines and maybe pick up a tip or two about life at altitude – like how to spot a perfectly ripened pomegranate or which olive branches are ready for picking.
Not ready to call it a day just yet? We can also organise a private hike in the Saiq Plateau, following in the footsteps of royalty. Princess Diana and Prince Charles visited this region in 1986 and one of the viewpoints in the Saiq Plateau has since become known as Diana’s Point. Along the way, your guide will share the stories behind the orchards and offer insight into local life.
To make the most of your last evening in Oman, ask your Concierge for a recommendation on the best restaurant in the area, where you can savour your final taste of Omani hospitality and cuisine.
Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Oman. With your suitcase stuffed with souq souvenirs, gear up for a final road trip, soaking up the scenery on the three-hour drive back to Muscat airport.
Return your trusty rental car and settle in for the flight back home. The journey back to the UK takes around seven-and-a-half hours – plenty of time to start planning your next getaway...
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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