Oman & UAE private tour

Oman & UAE private tour Overview

Explore the remote corners of this beautiful country on a private tour of Oman. Marvel at the stunning Islamic architecture of Muscat, relive history at the impressive Forts of Nizwa, Bahla, Jabrin, and Rustaq.

Comprehensive Oman and UAE private tour

Explore the remote corners of this beautiful country on a private tour of Oman. Marvel at the stunning Islamic architecture of Muscat, relive history at the impressive Forts of Nizwa, Bahla, Jabrin, and Rustaq. Head east to the Sharqiya region, explore Oman's beautiful and deserted beaches, take a walk on the spectacular wadis, visit turtle-nesting sites and experience the hospitality of the people of the Sands.

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.

• Heritage, tradtions, culture and stunning Islamic architecture of Oman
• Grand Forts and exquisite palaces of Muscat
• Remote and deserted beaches along the Batinah coastline
• Spectacular wadis and beautiful Wahiba Sands
• See the Arabian Oryx and the rare Greenback Turtle breed.
• Cruise the Fiords of Musandam

Day 1: Arrival Muscat

Meet and greet on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Overnight.

Day 2: Private Muscat tour

Full day sightseeing of Muttrah, Muscat, Al Bustan, Ruwi and the souks.

Drive through the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat en route to the Natural History Museum. Visit the Omani Museum then on to Muttrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat, complete with traditional souk and fish market. From Muttrah, drive through Muscat Old Town. Stroll around the palace of HM Sultan Qaboos and the forts Jalali and Mirani.

Sunset at Muttrah Corniche. Overnight in Muscat

Day 3: Private Nizwa tour

Proceed to Nizwa, one of the most popular tourist attractions with its historical buildings and imposing fort. Visit the Nizwa Fort with its enormous round tower built in the 17th century to defend the route to the interior. The fort dominates the entire area with the town having grown around the edifice. From here there is only a short walk to the Nizwa Souk which is renowned for its intricately hand-carved "KHANJAR" and ornately designed silver Jewellery. Here on a Friday, a unique goat and cattle auction is held. The atmosphere is electric.

After the tour, proceed to Jabrin Fort, en route stopping at Bahla for a photograph. Bahla fort is now a World Heritage Site. Arrive at Jabrin to visit the castle, the finest of Oman's castle built in the late 17th Century, which became a seat of Omani learning. The view from the top of the castle is really mesmerising. Afterwards, visit the ruins of Tanuf and see the falaj system which is still in operation Overnight in Muscat.

Distance and journey times: 160 km, 1.45 hrs each way

Day 4: Private Nakhl tour

Depart for a full day Batinah bash experience. Drive along the Batinah coast and make a stop at a Seeb village. Watch the fishermen bring in their early morning catch to the shores or take a walk in the seaside market laden with fish, vegetables and fruit stalls.Proceed to Nakhl visiting the hot springs and the Nakhl Fort around a 4 km stretch of date plantations. Carry on to Rustaq Fort. Overnight in Muscat.

Distance and journey times: 85 km, 1 hr

Day 5: Private drive from Muscat to Ras Al Hadd

Depart with your driver to Ras as Al Jinz, via the scenic and rugged coastal route for breathtaking glimpses of the Gulf of Oman. Drive past the fishing village of Quriyat, stop at Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. Take a short dip in the waters at Fins beach, a beautiful white sandy beach. Drive to Wadi Tiwi. The road to Tiwi winds between houses. The site is remarkable with its lush green plantations. Continue to Ras Al Haad. After dinner, a short drive to the turtle beach to watch the turtles nesting on the sands.

Distance and journey times: 251 km, 3 hrs

Day 6: Private drive from Ras Al Hadd to the Wahiba Sands

Drive via Ibra to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman famous for its lush green oases, water pools, and deep canyons. Proceed to Wahiba Desert, a vast mass of undulating red and white sea of sand and dunes is host to a variety of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns of the dunes are a photographer’s delight. The Wahiba Sands is also home to the traditional Bedouin tribe who are known for their hospitality and their knowledge of the sands.

Stay overnight at the Desert Nights Camp.

Distance and journey times:

Ras Al Hadd to Wadi Bani Khalid: 165 km, 2 hrs

Wadi Bani Khalid to the Wahiba Sands: 48 km, 1 hr

Day 7: Wahiba Sands

A second day to enjoy your time in the desert.

Day 8: Drive from Wahiba Sands to Muscat and fly to Salalah

Leave the Wahiba Sands by road to Muscat Airport. Fly to Salalah. On arrival, meet and greet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Salalah.

Distance and journey times:

The Wahiba Sands to Muscat: 195 km, 3 hrs

Day 9: Private tour of Salalah

Discover the capital of Dhofar with a visit to the Salalah Museum. Visit the Gold Souk to discover a variety of oriental gold and silver jewellery. Stop at the Central Market with its busy and lively atmosphere. Walk pass the Palace of Sultan Qaboos and arrive at the Frankincense souk where the fragrances of the Orient come together.

Day 10: Private tour of Eastern Dhofar

Drive to Ayn Razat located at the foot of the Qara Mountains, with its natural springs and rich flora. Continue up the mountains, home of the Jebalis and their herds of cattle. Visit the ruins of the old frankincense port of Sumhumram. Drive pass the Bin Ali Mosque to reach Mirbat admired for its traditional Dhofari houses. Return to Salalah via the fishing village of Taqah.

Day 11: Private tour of Western Dhofar

Drive across the northern part of the impressive Qara Mountains and head south to reach Job’s Tomb visited by Islamic pilgrims. Return to Salalah via the famous frankincense road that leads to the border of Yemen. See the blow holes at Mughsail Beach before returning to Salalah.

Day 12: Fly from Salalah to Musandam

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Khasab via Muscat. On arrival, meet and greet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Khasab.

Day 13: Join a Dhow Cruise of the Fiords of Musandam

The highlight of Musandam – a full day dhow cruise. Today you will discover the breath-taking scenery of fjords and mountains when crossing through the inlets by a traditional wooden dhow. There is an option for swimming and snorkelling in the clear blue water. Lunch on the dhow.

Overnight.

Day 14: Private tour of Khasab

This tour provides an introduction to parts of the Musandam Peninsula and its capital of Khasab. Begin your tour with an orientation drive of Khasab and its surrounding areas. Visit the Khasab Fort, a picturesque stronghold built in the 17th century by the Portuguese seeking dominion over the maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz. The fort was erected to prevent attacks from the sea. Teak wood from India was used for its construction and the roof was fashioned from a mix of palm leaves and clay. Within its low, crenellated walls, the fort contains a large central tower which is thought to pre-date the fort itself. The structure you see today is the result of extensive restoration work carried out in the late 20th century. The fort’s location offers excellent views and photo opportunities. Continue your drive to Wadi Tawi where you can see the pre-historical rock paintings depicting camel, ship, and warriors.

Day 15: Private drive from Khasab to Abu Dhabi

After breakfast depart Khasab and drive via the Al Walajah border to Abu Dhabi Airport to drop off your car. (allow 5 hours )

Distance and journey times:

Khasab to Abu Dhabi: 344 km, allow 4 to 5 hrs

Day 16: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure or extend your holiday on one of the UAE's many breathtaking beaches.