Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Oman – Muscat – Wahiba Desert
100% customisable for you
Your family-friendly Oman adventure kicks off today with a direct flight to the marvellous city of Muscat. It's a seven-hour journey meaning plenty of time to sit back, relax and enjoy the on-board services while you close in on the Sultanate of Oman.
When you're through passport controls and reunited with your luggage, a driver will be waiting to take you to your centrally located hotel. Settle in, unpack and enjoy a celebratory dinner to mark the beginning of your adventure.
Muscat has some of the best beaches in Oman, with sweeping stretches of sand and clear blue waters. You may simply want to absorb some Muscat sunshine, but the children will almost certainly want to dive into more energetic pursuits. Luckily, you can do both.
A 40-minute-drive east of Muscat lies Bandar Al Khayran, where wild peninsulas meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. The best way to explore this stunning stretch of coast is on a kayaking adventure. Glide from one beautiful bay to another as you test your family’s seafaring skills, all while learning some fascinating facts about your surroundings thanks to a trusty – and kayak-capable – guide.
This afternoon, return to Muscat to visit the National Museum for an insight into the culture and history of Oman, wander around the stalls in Mutrah Souq, or walk along the ramparts of Al Jalali Fort in Old Muscat Harbour. Souvenir seekers should head to The Omani Heritage Gallery, a non-profit organisation that sells traditional handicrafts made by local artisans. Browse incense burners, ceramics, jewellery and more and maybe pick up a souvenir or two.
When you’ve had your fill of exploration, enjoy a delicious dinner in the city, and get stuck into a discussion about who the best (and worst) kayakers in the family are.
Today, board a luxury dhow for a private cruise along the coast, taking in the sights of the port, fort and (unfortunately, this one doesn’t rhyme) the Sultan's Palace as you head towards the Diymaniyyat Islands Nature Reserve.
The next two days are yours for the taking. Don your seafaring caps and prepare for a menagerie of maritime activities, including snorkelling, paddle boarding, fishing trips, diving and – for the adrenaline junkies in the family – jet skiing. You’ll be cruising through a truly enchanting ecosystem home to nesting turtles, beautiful birds, playful dolphins and humpback whales.
In the evenings, as the sun sets over glistening waters, gather round a board game, deal out a deck of cards or (if possible) find the time to plunge into a good book.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning before docking and hitting the road – car journey games at the ready. Drive through Wadi Mayh and take the coastal road between Muscat and Sur.
Along the way, stop at the Bimah Sinkhole to admire the turquoise waters and Wadi Mibam, where walking, swimming and abseiling are all on the cars. When tummies start rumbling, tuck into a tasty picnic lunch before continuing to the village of Qalhat to see the tomb of Bibi Myriam, where Marco Polo (a name sure to resonate with the little ones) stopped on his travels.
It’s all uphill from here – literally. Climb the Selmah Plateau for spectacular views of the Arabian Sea and, along the western ridge, see the beehive tombs, built by the Umm Naa people around 2,500 BC.
This evening, check into a comfortable camp which will be your base for the next two nights and set your alarm bright and early for a day of adventures tomorrow – we’re talking cave exploration, camel rides, gourmet feasts and stargazing. Anyone up for an astronomical take on I-Spy?
Leave the mountains behind today as you head for the Wahiba Sands, a vast expanse of red dunes rising to over 650ft, home to camel caravans, nomad camps and glittering oases. En route, visit Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s most famous wadis.
Your next camp is nestled deep within the desert, enjoying a secluded, peaceful and truly magnificent setting. For the next two days, you can venture out to explore the dunes in a number of thrilling ways, with camels, cars and (for the more adventurous of the family) quad bikes at the ready.
Bid a fond farewell to the desert this morning as you set your sights on greener pastures. A four-and-a-half-hour drive away (dive back into those car games), the region of Jabal Al Akhdar and its 300 wadis awaits. If your youngsters start to grow restless, you can make stops at the villages of Ibra (famed for its silver) and Birkat Al Mozz, home to a stunning – and conveniently shady – palm grove.
Jabal Al Akhdar boasts spectacular reliefs, small villages, old forts, vibrant orchards and plentiful terraced crops. Over the next three days, explore this vast and bountiful landscape – which is famous for growing roses, pomegranates, apricots and olives – at your own pace. We highly recommend a tour of the expansive and sophisticated irrigation system, formed of underground aqueducts called falaj. Your guide will be sure to weave a vibrant and fascinating tale, slipping an educational moment under the little ones’ radar.
Sadly, today is the final day of your Oman family adventure. Enjoy a leisurely (and delicious) breakfast in Jabal Al Akhdar before your private transfer back to the coastal flats of Muscat. At the airport, breeze through security, sift through the shops and settle into the lounge, ready for your daytime flight home. You’ll be back in the UK just in time for a family debrief over dinner.
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
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
