Highlights of Oman
8 days, Muscat to Muscat
Itinerary
Day 1Muscat
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat (or similar)
Day 2Muscat
Explore some of the highlights of the city including the Grand Mosque, the Bait Al Zubair Museum, and the historic souk in Muttrah, and explore local flavours with a local cooking class over lunch.
Modesty is mandatory for everyone when visiting the Grand Mosque. Men must wear long pants and shirts must cover shoulders (if you have tattoos, they must be fully covered by your clothing). Women must be fully covered including heads, full arms and full legs. We recommend not wearing jewelry unless it is fully covered by your clothing. Proper Omani outfits for men and women can be rented should you wish, and our CEO will be happy to answer any questions or assist in preparing the correct outfits to visit the mosque.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Visit
Take a visit to one of Muscat's finest architectural sites, the Grand Mosque. Covering an area of 416,000 square meters, this mosque can accommodate 20,000 worshippers and offers visitors a labyrinth of grounds to explore.
Bait Al Zubair Museum Visit
Boasting one of the largest heritage art collections in Oman, the Bait al Zubair Museum is a must-see for those eager to learn more about Omani culture and history.
Al Alam Palace
Marvel at the colourful, futuristic architecture of Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial home of the Sultan. Framed by the rugged cliffs and the twin 16th-century Portuguese sentinels, Forts Mirani and Jalali, this brief stop offers a perfect snapshot of Muscat’s royal heritage.
Your G for Good Moment: Sedab Cooking Class
Immerse yourself in local life with a hands-on culinary experience. You will discover the secrets of Omani flavors and enjoy a cultural exchange over a freshly prepared meal.
Mutrah Fort Sunset
Climb Mutrah Fort at sunset for panoramic views of the harbor as the city lights begin to glow along the Corniche.
Muttrah Souq Visit
Take in the colourful sights, and perfumed scents of this winding marketplace. Opt to hunt for authentic Omani artefacts and handicrafts (you won't have to go far), or sip on an aromatic Omani coffee and gaze out at the local hustle and bustle.
Accommodation
Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Muscat/Sur
Leave Muscat behind and drive along the coast towards the picturesque Bimmah Sinkhole. Continue to Sur, renowned in the past for its dhow shipyards, before enjoying a free evening to explore however you wish.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bimmah Sinkhole
Feast your eyes on one of the world's most breathtaking sinkholes. Surrounded by the sea and towering mountains, this sinkhole measures 40 meters wide and 20 meters deep. With its glittering turquoise waters, it isn't hard to believe the local folklore that maintains that the sinkhole was created by a falling star. Jump in and cool off.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sur Dhow Shipyards
Sur is the home of the last remaining factory that builds Oman’s traditional dhows. The production of these wooden boats have a 6000 year old history, which has established ancient Oman as a prosperous trading port in the region. Visit the shipyard and learn how these ships are made.
Free Time
Spend the evening however you wish with free time. Perhaps check out the Sur Corniche stroll or take in panoramic views from the watchtowers.
Accommodation
Best Western (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Sur/Wahiba Sands
Drive towards Wādī Banī Khālid, a rocky oasis nestled in the East Hajar mountains filled with natural pools. Later, begin your desert adventure through the dunes towards the desert camp, just in time for a sunset, then enjoy a traditional dinner.
At Wahabi Sands we will stay at a desert lodge with restaurant and cafe. We will overnight in comfortable tents with beds and private bathrooms, there is no A/C in the tents.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Swimming in Wādī Banī Khālid
Discover the turquoise-coloured natural pools and picturesque waterfalls along the way. Jump in and cool off.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Bedouin Lunch and Visit
Join a local Beduin family for a home-cooked lunch before exploring their traditional Bedouin home.
Desert Camp Experience
Settle in to the desert camp and explore the activities at your leisure; sand boarding, quads, etc. Later, set out for a sunset viewing experience by 4x4, sitting under the stars, surrounded by the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Hiking and Swimming in Wādī Banī Khālid
Explore this rocky region on foot, discovering turquoise-coloured natural pools and picturesque waterfalls along the way. Jump in and cool off.
Accommodation
Desert Safari Camp (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Wahiba Sands/Nizwá
Leaving the desert behind, we head towards Ibra and visit the impressive Jabrin castle. Continue towards Nizwá, stopping at the historic fortress of Bahla along the way.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jabrin Castle
Jabrin Castle is one of best-preserved castles in Oman. Built in 1675 by Imam Bil-arab bin Sultan, this fort was a centre for astrology, law, and medicine.
Bahla Fort
Take a visit to this impressive walled-city, with some of the oldest parts built as early as 500 BC. Gaining UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987, this complex is an grand example of ancient Omani architecture. Enjoy a pottery class surrounded by history.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Nizwa Souq
Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of Nizwa Souq, one of Oman’s most iconic and storied marketplaces. From the intricate silver daggers to the aroma of fresh dates and spices, this bustling hub provides a captivating glimpse into the heart of Omani culture and craftsmanship.
Accommodation
Al Diyar Hotel Nizwa (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Nizwá
Wake early to take part in the weekly Nizwá market. Watch locals buy and trade local wares and experience true Omani community. Continue to Jebel Shams and take in view of Wadi Nakhr known as the Grand Canyon of Oman, then the town of Al Hamra and visit the renowned stone houses of Misfat Al Abriyeen. Return to Nizwa for free time to explore the Souq.
Weekly Market
Explore the bustling hub where locals gather to bargain over silver, spices, and handmade wares. Take in the fast-paced energy of the open-air auctions and deep-rooted Omani community traditions.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Wadi Ghul Canyon
Buckle up for the 4x4 rush as we trade the pavement for a short drive at the rugged Grand Canyon.
Mud Houses of Misfat Al Abriyeen
Built into the mountainside of the Al Hamra region, this authentic Omani village is known for its unique residential architecture. The homes are constructed using rocks excavated from the mountain and plastered together with mud, making the structures look as though they are part of the mountain. Some houses are still being lived in. Learn about this building method that has allowed this community to stand the test of time.
Free Time
Explore Nizwa however you wish this evening with free time. Perhaps sample some of the local flavours inside the Souq.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Nizwá Fort Visit
5OMR per personOpt to visit one of the oldest forts in Oman, built in the mid-seventeenth century, and catch a glimpse into ancient Omani life.
Accommodation
Al Diyar Hotel Nizwa (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Nizwá/Muscat
Drive through Wadi Bani Awf and take in the beauty of the steep mountain cliffs before reaching the end point ("Snake Point") of the gorge. Continue to Muscat for the evening.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Free Time
Spend one final afternoon exploring Muscat, then choose to join your tour mates for an optional farewell dinner.
Accommodation
Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Muscat
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.