Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Oman - Tanzania - Muscat Nizwa - Wahiba Sands - Sur - Zanzibar
100% customisable for you
Passports at the ready: your getaway begins today. Head to the airport, speed through security and enjoy some nibbles and a drink in the lounge before boarding your overnight flight to Muscat, Oman’s capital. If flying direct, the journey will take around seven hours, and you’ll touch down the next morning.
When you arrive at Muscat Airport, pick up your trusty rental car and set off on the two-hour drive to Nizwa. Check into your hotel, drop your bags and spend the next few hours relaxing after your long journey. If you’re eager to explore, head out to visit the nearby towns of Misfah Al Abriyeen, Al Hamra or Birkat Al Mouz.
Come evening, venture into the city. Wander along Nizwa Fort’s walkway for a panoramic view of the Western Hajar mountain range and the grand dome of the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, before enjoying a delicious dinner in a local restaurant – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some hidden gems.
Today, it’s time to wave goodbye to Nizwa and drive to the Wahiba Desert. Before heading south, though, pay a visit to the local cattle market, a buzzing, authentic auction where men in traditional clothing sell sheep, goats and cattle to a plethora of buyers.
Later, set off for the desert, which is just under three hours away. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a camp in the middle of the golden dunes, which will be your home for the night.
Later, head out to explore the Wahiba Sands. Accompanied by a friendly guide, set off across the sandy plains in a 4x4, stopping to observe the camels and share a meal in a traditional home. Your guide will ask about your interests and tailor the tour accordingly, meaning you don’t have to worry about missing anything as you travel across the dunes.
This morning, hop back in the car and begin the journey to Sur. Along the way, stop for a dip in the crystal clear waters of Wadi Bani Khalid, a natural basin tucked away in a narrow valley. Cameras at the ready: the stunning water is surrounded by magical scenery, from sprawling desert to mountain peaks.
When you’re feeling suitably refreshed, continue on to Sur, where you’ll be staying for the night. Once a stopover for sailors and pirates, Sur is now a quaint fishing town known for its bustling ports and shipyards.
This afternoon, head out to discover the town with a local guide, learning about its deep-rooted traditions and customs and watching as traditional dhows (wooden sailing boats) set off from the port. If you’d like to learn a little more about these boats, head to the Dhow Factory, where artisans handcraft dhows of all sizes using centuries-old techniques.
Another day, another drive. This morning, hit the road again as you head back to Muscat, gliding along the Gulf of Oman and passing oases, mountains and the ocean. If you fancy a stopover during the two-and-a-half-hour journey, park up near one of the wadis (nature pools in river valleys) that dot the region.
When you arrive in Muscat, settle in for two nights at a comfortable hotel. Unpack and spend the rest of the day relaxing, whether you’d rather stroll along the beach or get stuck into your holiday read.
Today is all about exploring Muscat. After a hearty breakfast, set off with a friendly guide to discover this incredible capital city, where ancient forts rub shoulders with contemporary architecture.
Along the way, visit the iconic Mutrah Souq, where you’ll find displays of colourful textiles and fragrant incense; wander along the Corniche, a wide avenue set on the waterfront; and visit Riyam Park, home to a giant censer (incense burner). Culture lovers will also want to visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the biggest in the country. As you stroll, your guide will fill you in on daily life and customs in the Sultanate of Oman.
Today, it’s time to swap Oman for Tanzania as you drive to the airport, drop off your hire car and board your five-hour flight to Zanzibar. When you arrive, you’ll be met and privately transferred to the north of the island, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights.
Spend the rest of the day strolling through the gardens, taking a dip in the crystalline waters or lounging poolside. Come evening, enjoy a sundowner overlooking the beach before indulging in a delicious dinner to truly kick off the second half of your getaway.
The next two days are all about enjoying some good old-fashioned R&R. Once an Omani principality, Zanzibar’s northern coast boasts white-sand beaches and a dazzling turquoise sea, as well as small traditional villages and a sparkling lagoon. Spend your days soaking up the sun on the sand, strolling along the water or taking a dip in the pool, stopping only to enjoy some fresh fish or a perfectly mixed cocktail.
Fancy something a little more active? This area is also renowned for its diving and snorkelling spots, so mask up and dive down to see colourful reefs and tropical marine life. If you’re travelling with a true underwater fanatic, we can arrange a snorkelling trip to Mnemba Atoll, home to sleek dolphins, graceful sea turtles and a whole host of exciting underwater life.
Enjoy one last breakfast overlooking the beach before you’re privately transferred to Stone Town, a one-and-a-half-hour drive away. Here, check in for a two-night stay in this more traditional city.
In the afternoon, cool off in the swimming pool or enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace, taking in the views over the harbour.
Today, set off on a tour of the old town with a local guide.?Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site at the turn of the century, Stone Town is home to a fascinating blend of Swahili, Indian and Omani cultures. As you wander along its labyrinthine alleyways, marvel at the grand palaces and houses with ornate wooden doors, a defining architectural feature of the city.
Afterwards, visit the former sultans' palace and the old slave market – these two sites offer an insight into the tragic parts of Zanzibar’s history, and your guide will tell you all about the city’s past (and present) as you go.
This morning, it’s time to wave goodbye to Zanzibar as you’re privately transferred to the airport to begin your journey home. With a quick stopover, the flight will take between 14 and 16 hours, and you’ll touch down in the UK this evening, armed with a golden tan and a newfound appreciation for these two incredible destinations.
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.
ENQUIRE NOW
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.
ENQUIRE NOW
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
