Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
UAE – Oman – Sharjah – Khasab – Muscat – Wahiba Desert – Nizwa
100% customisable for you
Your ten-day Arabian adventure starts today. Whizz through security and settle into the lounge ahead of your seven-and-a-half-hour flight to Dubai. When you arrive, you’ll be privately transferred to Sharjah, the third-largest city in the UAE, and your base for the next two nights.
The northern neighbour of Dubai, Sharjah holds two prestigious positions, serving as both the official capital and the (honorary) cultural capital of the UAE.
Today, you’ll explore this enchanting epicentre on foot, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. First up is the Heritage District, considered the historic heart of the Emirate, where the city’s main attractions – the Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Al Hisn Fort – await. Built in 1823, the Al Hisn Fort now houses the Museum of History. After an immersive journey back in time within these walls, emerge onto the streets to wander along picturesque alleyways and past traditional stone houses. Craving a coastal breeze? Opt for a stroll along the water, watching the comings and goings of the local fishermen.
If you’re still in the mood for meandering this evening, venture out to Old Dubai, which sits within easy reach of Sharjah. Here, you can enjoy a short interlude in the heart of another enchanting Emirati city.
After a private two-hour-and-20-minute transfer out of Sharjah – and the UAE, for that matter – settle in for two nights in Khasab, a port city at the northernmost tip of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula.
An anchor point for travellers wishing to explore the rugged landscapes of this sequestered stretch of Omani territory, Khasab boasts a rich heritage – a testament to its engrossing (and enduring) history. Accompanied by a local guide, wander through the alleys of this dramatic coastal capital to discover a 17th-century Portuguese fort, stopping for a peaceful pause under the shade of a palm grove.
Afterwards, head to Kumzar Village, a picturesque settlement framed by majestic mountains and lapped by the Arabian Sea.
Today, gain a whole new perspective on this picturesque peninsula during a cruise aboard a private dhow (traditional wooden sailing vessels emblematic of the sultanate). Oman’s northernmost tip features dramatic cliffs and canyons which form deep bays resembling the fjords of Scandinavia, but unlike their icy cousins, these fjords sizzle under the sun, making an open-air boat trip the best way to admire the jagged shoreline and scattering of quaint fishing villages.
Fancy becoming better acquainted with the Arabian Sea? We can arrange for you to go snorkelling and if you’re lucky, you might spot the delightful dolphins that have taken up residence here.
This morning, you’ll be privately transferred to Khasab Airport for your one-hour flight to Muscat. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a private driver who will whisk you away to your hotel for the night.
After settling in, head out to explore Muscat like a local. Accompanied by a friendly guide, discover Oman’s capital city from its bustling markets to the mighty Mutrah Souq. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the daily life of Omanis, and gather a multitude of valuable tips and fascinating insights for the rest of your journey.
This morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven one-hour-and-45-minutes to the authentic desert camp of Al Wasil. En route, stop for a hike in Wadi Shab, Oman’s most famous wadi (valley). A photographer’s dream, this captivating canyon is renowned for its shimmering turquoise pools and cascading waterfall. After snapping a few photos here, head to the Al Arbaeieen and Tiwi wadis – a pair of equally enticing landscapes.
From Al Wasil, venture into the Wahiba Sands desert, where you’ll stay for the next two nights in a traditional Bedouin camp. In the evening, dine under a blanket of stars, warmed by a crackling campfire – the perfect prelude to a peaceful night’s sleep.
Rising 656ft, the majestic dunes of the Wahiba Sands desert are criss-crossed by camel caravans and interspersed with glittering oases and nomadic camps. Today, you’ll explore this majestic expanse alongside an Omani native. Armed with an intimate knowledge of these arid plains, residents take pride in sharing their culture and local traditions with passing travellers, making them the ideal companions for desert discovery. On a 4x4 tour, observe passing camels and gaze across the undulating dunes before stopping off to chat over a meal (or a casual coffee) in your guide’s family home.
Today, Nizwa awaits. With several hours to cover just 120 miles, take a detour through Bahla – home to a centuries-old tradition of pottery-making – before continuing on to the palm grove village of Al Hamra and concluding with a visit to mountainous Misfah Al Abreyeen.
With Nizwa peeking out over the horizon, make two final stops, starting at the Oman Across Ages Museum. A staggering work of architectural prowess, this building offers a graceful, geometric contrast to the smooth desert landscape surrounding it. Inside, the country's thousand-year-old history is told through a series of high-tech exhibits. Covering everything from its earliest settlements and maritime empire to its current renaissance, no corner of Oman’s rich history and vibrant culture goes untold. Lastly, visit the remarkable archaeological site of Harat Al Bilad – a 900-year-old walled city whose name translates to ‘the old quarter.’
As the day draws to a close, check in for one night at your centrally located hotel in Nizwa and indulge in a delicious dinner to refuel after your action-packed day.
An ancient city located in the heart of the Ad Dakhiliyah region, Nizwa was once the capital of Oman. Today, it’s no less significant, embodying the essence of the country's history and tradition. These legacies are exemplified in the city’s imposing 17th-century fort – both a vestige of Oman’s military past and one of the sultanate's most valued architectural treasures. At the foot of this fort, there is a spirited souq (market), where a maze of lively alleyways, scintillating scents and colourful stalls await to immerse you in the texture of local life.
Keen to extend your cultural exploration into the evening? We can also arrange for you to dine at a local’s home in the Al Mouj neighbourhood.
Sadly, your Arabian adventure ends today. Gaze out over this gorgeous, golden landscape one last time before heading to Muscat International Airport for your return flight back to the UK, via Dubai.
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
