Planned by Prakash,
local expert for Oman
5.0/5
Starting at USD 2148 per adult / 9 days
International flights not included. Price details
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Discover Oman, packed with beautiful beaches, lonely deserts, rocky coastlines, undulating sand dunes, Arabian culture, and luxury hotels, on this unique trip.

This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences or an alternative route? Get in touch with Prakash today to receive your personalized quote. Just enter your details and receive a quote based on your preferences.

Overview

Muscat 2 nights
Jebel Shams 1 night
Jabal Al Akhdar 1 night
Wahiba Sands 1 night
Muscat 1 night
Khasab 2 nights

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1-3

Muscat

Muscat Travel guide

DAY 1

Arrival in Oman

Upon arrival at MCT International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

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Accommodation: Majan Continental Hotel

DAY 2

Snorkelling at the Daymaniyat Island Reserve

Following a sumptuous breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken on a short boat cruise to the snorkeler’s paradise of Daymaniyat Island Reserve. This is a magnificent island featuring pristine white-sand beaches and crystal blue waters that kiss the shoreline. Turtles nest here, laying their eggs in the sand, while reef fish and a host of marine life thrive on the coral reef. Not only will you be snorkelling with turtles and vividly coloured tropical fish but also, with some luck, leopard and whale sharks. Afterwards, you will return to your hotel in Muscat.

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Accommodation: Majan Continental Hotel

DAY 3

Grand Mosque, Nakhl Fort and the Hajar Mountains

Following a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up at 8am and taken to the Grand Mosque, which, with its 5 minarets, is an architectural wonder. Built during 1995 to 2001, and adorned with fine Italian marble, the main chandelier is made of pure Swarovski crystal, and the carpet embellishing the large prayer hall was made out of pure Persian silk. From there we'll proceed to the 350-year-old Nakhl fort, standing proudly on top of a hilltop, surrounded by a mountain enclave. Between Nakhl and Rustaq we will follow a hidden road leading to up to a high point on the Hajar Mountain Range; there is a stop at Wadi Bani Auf along the way. This area is commonly known as 'Snake Gorge' because of the wide variety of desert snakes that live here. We'll proceed along the steep bends and bumpy roads as far as the charming oasis village of Bilad Sayt, with its characteristic clay houses. From here, you will have the opportunity to gaze upon the beauty of the landscape. Overnight in Jebel Shams.

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Accommodation: The View Resort

DAY 3-4

Jebel Shams

DAY 4

Nizwa Discovery

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll travel to Nizwa fort, which overlooks an ancient city with its skyline of colourful domes and a bustling souk market where you’ll have the opportunity of wandering around. Built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif al Ya'arubi, Nizwa fort boasts an exterior diameter of 150 feet and is over 115 feet high. The traditional doors are inches deep and over the lintel of each is a hole once used for pouring boiling oil over marauding enemies. From here you shall proceed to the ancient clay settlement of Birkat al Mauz, where the houses remain partially inhabited. This region was once famous as a banana plantation, but now the growing of dates is prevalent, aided by an irrigation system that has been used for centuries. Proceed to Jabal Akhdar, known as Green Mountain, which offers many pleasant short walks and long hikes. Next you will drive to Wadi Bani Habib, an abandoned village situated atop Saiq Plateau, Jabal Akhdar, which is famous for its fruits, rose and nut plantations. There are many such charming villages to be found in the region.  Overnight in Jabal Al Akhdar.

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Accommodation: Time Reversal

DAY 4-5

Jabal Al Akhdar

DAY 5

Wadi Bani Khalid and Wahiba Sands Exploration

Following a delicious breakfast you will be collected at 8am and travel to the luxuriant desert oasis region of Wadi Bani Khalid, with its deep blue waters and clusters of palm-trees. Here you will gaze upon pretty villages cling to the slopes of the rugged mountain-side. Bathe in the Wadi before partaking in a walking trip to Wahiba Sands, armed with a picnic box.  The sands are a vast mass of undulating red and white sand dunes rising up to 200 meters and, like an iconic scene from The English Patient, they stretch as far as the eye can see. This region is the abode of endemic flora and fauna. The ever-shifting dunes are not only a photographer’s delight, but magnificent for 'dune bashing' in a 4WD. The sands are the traditional homes of the nomads and the Bedouins, who are a common sight with their camels in tow. The day will be topped off with some Bedouin hospitality under a roof of starry skies. Enjoy a traditional and sumptuous Arabic meal, complemented by Omani coffee and dates.

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Accommodation: Sama Al Wasil Camp

DAY 5-6

Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands Travel guide

DAY 6

Tour the City of Sur and Journey to Wadi Shab

After breakfast at your hotel you will be picked up at 8am.Drive to Sur and visit the harbour where you can witness local fishermen in action. Proceed to the Dhow building yard. Dhows are traditional Omani wooden fishing boats that are still built by hand. Next you will journey to Wadi Shab, where beautiful clear pools of the Wadi oasis are a serene and rewarding sight in the otherwise barren landscape. To get there you must take a boat crossing and walk for 45 minutes, which is the only way to reach the pools. After a refreshing swim, continue to the white beaches of Finns. Next stop is to see the Bimah Sinkhole, a natural hole in the ground created by a collapsing mountain. The hole is filled with blue-green sea water. Take another refreshing swim before passing through the village of Quriyat which is guarded by a stunning 18th-century fort. Return to Muscat for overnight stay.

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Accommodation: Majan Continental Hotel

DAY 6-7

Muscat

Muscat Travel guide

DAY 7

Khasab and the Musandam Peninsula

Following breakfast transfer to the Muscat airport for your flight. Upon arrival transfer from Khasab airport to your hotel for check-in. You will be picked up from the hotel at 11am for an excursion to parts of the Musandam Peninsula and its capital of Khasab. The high-point will undoubtedly be a visit to the teak-wood Khasab Fort, a picturesque stronghold dating back to the 17th century, built by the Portuguese to prevent attacks from the sea. From here you will proceed to Wadi Tawi and gaze upon the pre-historical rock paintings, before continuing to Jebel Harim to enjoy a half day 4WD safari that will take you along winding mountain roads that overlook stunning scenery. Translated as the Mountain of Women, Jebel Harim is the highest peak on the Musandam Peninsula. Overnight in Khasab.

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Accommodation: Atana Khasab Hotel

DAY 7-9

Khasab

DAY 8

'Norway of Arabia' Day Cruise

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up for a full-day dhow cruise, with lunch included. You will spend the day swimming from the dhow. The cruise will take you toward Musandam’s longest and most spectacular fjord, often referred to as the ‘Norway of Arabia’. This fjord boasts turquoise waters which contrast with the creamy white limestone cliffs. You will pass small fishing villages and possibly even encounter dolphins. The dhow will anchor off Telegraph Island for bathing and relaxation time. Sip cool drinks, take a swim or just sit back, relax and admire the breathtaking views of the mountains rising in the distance. Lunch is followed by more swimming and snorkelling.

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Accommodation: Atana Khasab Hotel

DAY 9

Oman departure

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to Khasab Airport for a flight to Muscat.

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End in Muscat

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