Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Oman – Muscat – Wahiba Desert – Nizwa – Misfah Al Abreyeen – Jabal Al Akhdar
100% customisable for you
Your Omani adventure starts today. Head to the airport this morning to catch your flight to Muscat, which takes around seven hours and 15 minutes.
When you arrive in Muscat, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your hotel near the Al Mouj Marina – your base for the next two nights. It’ll be evening by the time you arrive, so enjoy a tasty dinner and head up to bed, ready for the real exploring to begin tomorrow.
After a hearty breakfast this morning, it’s time to head out and see Muscat through the eyes of a local. Accompanied by a friendly resident, embark on an intimate exploration of the capital's hidden gems, including the colourful Mutrah Souq and vibrant Corniche. This is a great opportunity to discuss the daily lives of Omanis and gather tips and recommendations for the rest of your trip, from renowned hotspots to lesser-known highlights.
The rest of the day is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather continue exploring independently or return to your hotel for an afternoon by the pool.
Today, take to the water for a snorkelling trip around the Daymaniyat Islands. This protected underwater sanctuary, which lies just north of the capital, is home to a thriving reef – much to the delight of diving enthusiasts.
Head out on a speedboat with a knowledgeable guide, exploring beautiful beaches and stopping to dive in the crystalline water that surrounds the nine islands. Classified as a marine nature reserve, the site is a sanctuary for corals, with over 110 species recorded here. As you glide through the waves, you might encounter sea turtles, schools of barracuda and manta rays – to name just a few.
Today, pick up your rental car and drive to Al Wasil – around a two-hour drive from the capital. Once there, you’ll be transferred to your camp set in the sprawling Wahiba Desert dunes.
Along the way, take the opportunity to explore a few of Oman’s famous wadis: Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, and Wadi Arbaeen. These dry valleys and riverbeds come alive during the rainy season – surrounded by date palms and steep cliffs, the emerald pools of water form natural swimming holes, so be sure to have your swimming costume (or camera) to hand.
When you arrive, settle in for two nights at a camp nestled amidst the dunes. Come evening, enjoy an atmospheric candlelit dinner under the stars before heading to your authentic canvas tent for a good night’s sleep.
Today, head out to explore the Wahiba Desert with a local guide. After a hearty breakfast at the camp, hop into a comfortable 4x4 and journey out into the dunes, stopping to observe camels or take in the view over the dunes.
As a desert expert, your guide will introduce you to the region’s history, customs and traditions. The tour has no set route – instead, your guide will discuss your interests and desires and tailor the trip accordingly, so there’s no need to worry about missing out. Once you’ve been suitably wowed, head back to your guide’s home to enjoy a traditional meal and learn more about daily life in the desert.
Today, leave the desert behind and drive to Nizwa, a two-and-a-half-hour journey.
En route, you might like to stop at the Oman Across Ages Museum. The building is an impressive feat of contemporary architecture, with angular structures backdropped by the desert landscape and the Al Hajar mountain range. Inside, discover cutting-edge interactive exhibits, offering two main paths: one focusing on history itself, from geological origins to the first settlements, and the other on the Omani Renaissance, which has been underway since the 1970s.
Later, arrive in Nizwa, an ancient capital renowned for its 17th-century fort. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, where you’ll be staying tonight, head out to the city’s souq, set at the foot of the fort’s ramparts. As you browse its colourful stalls and take in intoxicating aromas, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and immerse yourself in local life.
If you’re still raring to go, we can also arrange a tour of Birkat al Mouz and Nizwa, accompanied by a local guide.
This morning, wave goodbye to Nizwa and begin the one-hour drive to Misfah Al Abreyeen.
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring. First, head to Misfah village itself, where you can stroll among terraced date palms, soaking up the serene atmosphere, or embark on a more challenging hike along a steep (but well-marked) trail. Next, it’s onto the ancient village of Al Hamra to visit Bait al Safah, a traditional Omani house converted into a museum.
Finally, make your way up to Jabal Shams (the ‘Mountain of the Sun’), the country's highest peak. Affectionately referred to as the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’, this towering mountain radiates grandeur and awe – especially as you take on the?Balcony Walk, a winding hiking trail that snakes along the high rock walls.
Later, check in for the night in the small village of Misfah and enjoy a refuelling dinner at your hotel – you’ve earned it.
This morning, hit the road again as you drive to the Saiq Plateau, a massif which sits within the Jabal Al Akhdar region – a journey of just over two hours. Along the way, you’ll be treated to scenic views over small villages, ancient forts, orchards and terraced fields.
When you arrive in Jabal Al Akhdar, settle in for the night in a charming stone village. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace, whether you’d rather wander the secluded palm grove of nearby Birkat Al Mouz, known for its falaj (traditional flatbread), or visit the ancient hilltop villages that dot the Saiq Plateau.
If you’re after a little more scenery, you can also set off on a hike through the villages of Jabal Al Akhdar.
Sadly, your Omani journey comes to an end today. After one last breakfast, set off on the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Muscat and return your rental car at the airport before boarding your direct flight home. The journey takes around eight hours, and you’ll touch down in the UK this evening, ready to regale your friends and family with tales of your adventure.
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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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
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