Highlights of Oman

Highlights of Oman Overview

One week adventure in Oman beginning with the cultural highlights of Muscat, before embarking on a drive down the scenic coast. Discover the beauty of the Omani desert and soft trekking in the Al Hajar mountains.

Highlights of Oman

One week adventure in Oman beginning with the cultural highlights of Muscat, before embarking on a drive down the scenic coast. Discover the beauty of the Omani desert and soft trekking in the Al Hajar mountains.

Touring style: Private basis with English speaking guide / experienced driver

Best time to visit: during the winter months from October to March when the weather is warm and cool. Avoid the hot summer months between June and August.

Day 1: Arrival Muscat

Welcome to Sultanate of Oman! Your chauffeur will await you in the arrival hall of Muscat International Airport and will transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure

Day 2: Muscat city tour and sunset cruise

Meet your guide for a private half-day Muscat City Tour. Start from the Sultan Qaboos Mosque – Grand Mosque, the 5th biggest Mosque in the world and drive through the embassy quarter. Enjoy a guided tour through the beautiful Royal Opera House and the Bait Al Baranda Museum. Afterwards drive along the corniche to Muttrah Souk, the oldest souk in Oman. Continue to Al Alam Palace flanked by two Portuguese Forts, called Al Mirani and Al Jalali.

In the early evening, enjoy a sunset cruise alongside the coastline of Muscat.

Overnight in Muscat.

Day 3: Muscat to Bimah Sinkhole, Wadi Tiwi and Ras Al Hadd

Leave with your driver/guide along the coastal route with scenic views over the Indian Ocean. Stop to explore the Bimah Sinkhole. Enjoy a walk in the evergreen Wadi Tiwi and continue to Sur to visit one of the rare traditional dhow factories, an open-air dhow museum and enjoy a walk through Al Aygah with its beautiful old, wooden doors.

In the evening you have the possibility to visit the turtle beach where turtles can be seen laying their eggs as well as baby turtles leaving their nest.

Overnight at Ras al Jinz

Distance and journey times:

Muscat to Bimah Sinkhole: 125 km, 1.30 hrs

Bimah Sinkhole to Wadi Tiwi: 38 km, 30 mins

Wadi Tiwi to Sur: 50 km, 30 mins

Sur to Ras Al Jinz: 53 km, 1 hr.

Day 4: Ras Al Jinz to Al Kamil and Wahiba Sands

Leave the coastal area to discover the beauty of Oman’s Sharqiyah Sands desert. Drive through the small town of Al Kamil to visit the forts’ museum. Afterwards, proceed to a gazelle sanctuary to discover some of the rare fauna in Oman. Enjoy the sunset on the dunes and a traditional dinner at the camp.

Distance and journey times:

Ras Al Jinz to Al Kamil: 105 km, 1.30 hrs

Al Kamil to The Wahiba Sands: 70 km, 1 hr

Day 5: Wahiba Sands to Ibra, Birkat Al Mauz and Nizwa

Time your visit to coincide with the busy, weekly Wednesday market in Ibra. It is a traditional market for women where they sell handmade crafts and incense. Discover the old part of the city before continuing to Nizwa. You will find yourself surrounded by some of the highest mountains in Oman. Walk along the banana and date trees in Birkat al Mauz and take a short stroll through the village.

Overnight in Nizwa.

Distance and journey times:

The Wahiba Sands to Ibra: 36 km, 30 mins

Ibra to Birkat Al Mauz: 136 km, 1.30 hr

Birkat Al Mauz to Nizwa: 22 km, 30 mins.

Day 6: Nizwa to Al Hamra, Jabal Shams and Misfat Al Abryeen

Explore the old quarters of Nizwa where you visit the silver souk and the round tower fort. Drive through traditional, small villages before reaching the old mud city of Al Hamra. Drive up to the Jebel Shams, the “mountain of the sun”. Its plateau gives you an impressive view of Oman's "Grand Canyon”. In the afternoon enjoy a walk in the beautiful old village Misfat al Abryeen, where you will also stay for one night in a traditional house including an Omani homemade dinner.

Overnight at Misfat Old House.

Distance and journey times:

Nizwa to Al Hamra: 50 km, 40 mins.

Al Hamra to Misfat Al Abryeen: km, 20 mins.

Day 7: Misfat to Wadi Bani Awf, Balad Said and Al Hazm

Leave Jabal Shams for an adventurous journey through the mountains. You will cross Wadi Bani Awf, one of Oman’s most memorable landscapes. Take a walk through the canyon close by the mountain village Bilad Said. Stop at Al Hazm Fort before arriving back to Muscat and your beach stay.

Distance and journey times:

Misfat to Balad Sayt:: 50 km, 1.30 hrs

Balad Sayt to Muscat: 180 km, 3 hrs

This suggested itinerary may be extended to include the delights of Salalah and fjords of Musandam. Please get in touch with us to discuss. We are ready to help.