Oman Road Trip: Treasures of the Sultanate (with chauffeur)

Starting out from Muscat, explore the highlights of the Al Batinah region in northern Oman. First, drive north to the coastal town of Barka. Stop by the traditional market to see the trading of fresh fish caught in the Gulf of Oman. Sample Barka’s specialty Omani halwa before heading to Nakhal. Explore the Nakhal Fort, perched on a rocky hilltop, overlooking the palm-covered plains and mountains around. Apart from the numerous reception rooms, browse the museum, which houses historic guns among other artifacts. Continue onward to the hot springs of Ain Al Thowara nearby. Unwind in the therapeutic rock pools, or picnic by the river. Later, make your way past Rustaq town to visit the magnificent Al Hazm Castle. Check out its intricately carved wooden door, leading on to secret passageways, and learn about the ancient irrigation system. Various traditional exhibits offer a glimpse of the past. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Enjoy an exciting turtle-viewing experience in the coastal wilderness of eastern Oman. Arrive at the protected shores of Ras Al Jinz, considered to be the largest turtle nesting site at the Indian Ocean. Follow your specialist marine guide to find turtles and their nests on the beach. Learn about the many species of turtles, including the olive ridley and the endangered hawksbill and green Turtles, which frequent Omani waters. Your guide will give you plenty of information about the various stages of a turtle’s life and its nesting behavior. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot turtle hatchlings break out from eggs and slowly make their way to the Arabian Sea. Wrap up with a visit to the state-of-the-art interactive museum that houses research laboratories, educational displays, and archaeological exhibits. (Duration: 2h; Morning or Evening; Shared Activity; No Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Set off for some outdoor fun on this exciting tour of Wahiba Desert. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as your driver expertly navigates across the soaring dunes. Stop to explore a traditional Bedouin home and take stunning images of the undulating sand dunes as well as endemic species of flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you might chance upon the delightful sight of Bedouins and nomads traveling across the desert with their camels in tow. Duration: 1-2 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy. Please wear light clothing and comfortable walking shoes)

Spend the afternoon enjoying home-cooked Arabic cuisine and getting to know a local Omani family in Jebel Akhdar. Make your way to the home of your Omani hosts at the appointed time. The family will welcome you and serve you traditional mezze dishes, made with fresh ingredients, and time-honored recipes. Following local customs, men and women will dine separately. Omanis are naturally hospitable and will happily answer your questions about their way of life, the politics of the region, and how Oman has changed. The family will share their stories and provide insights into their culture. Spend about two hours enjoying their warmth, food and hospitality before heading back to your hotel.   (Duration: 2 hrs; Private guide & transfers; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Set off to explore the unique green mountain of Jebel Akhdar, that sits tucked into the Hajar Mountain Range. Settle into a comfortable 4×4 and drive up the rugged trail that leads to the mountain top. Pass the picturesque Wadi Bani Habib, a winding dried river bed that borders picturesque villages. Drive along the river bed and enjoy soothing views of beautifully laid out terrace farms. Take in scenic vistas of the surroundings from the mountain peak, at an elevation of 9,186 feet above sea level. Afterwards, you could choose to savor a cup of hot tea or fragrant Omani coffee with light refreshments at Jebel Akhdar. (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Explore the major attractions that Muscat city has to offer on an afternoon trip. Meet your local guide and chauffeur for the day at your hotel lobby and drive to the Grand Mosque. Take some memorable photographs of the structure from the outside, especially when it is lit up in the evening. Drive on to the old town of Muscat to visit the popular Corniche, which stands near the old souk and the main port of Oman. Walk through the colorful souk and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this traditional marketplace that is laden with spices, ornaments, foods, apparel, handicrafts and more. Enjoy the bustle and the pretty lighting that brings the souk alive after dark. Then, head to the waterfront and see the twinkling lights of the ships and vessels at the harbor. Look for His Majesty the Sultan’s personal yacht. Leave the harbor behind and visit the famous Bait Al Zubair Museum. Browse the exhibits on traditional Omani culture and heritage to get a better understanding of the country’s people and their lives. Then stop at the Sultan’s Palace, guarded on both sides by the medieval forts, Jalali and Mirani, which were originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th-century. Drive back to your hotel and pass the old town of Muscat. (Duration: half day; Time: 1600 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable shoes; In the afternoon Tour the Grand Mosque will only be visited from outside. Grand Mosque & Museum visit not available on Fri & public holidays; Best time to travel: Oct-Mar)

In the morning, drive from Salalah and enjoy a day out in the desert. Experience a desert safari in the Sultanate’s part of the magnificent Empty Quarter, which is the world’s largest uninterrupted swathe of sand. Dune-bashing adventures aside, gain an understanding of ancient civilizations in the Dhofar Region. Spot charming Bedouin settlements en route. Next, drop by the ruins of Ubar. This heritage site, known as the ’Atlantis of the Sands,’ is where a legendary kingdom is said to have existed. See sections of a fort outside, and sunken walls accessed via tunnels. Climbing atop dunes nearby, and soak in panoramic vistas of the arid natural surroundings. Finally, on your way back, explore Wadi Dawkah, renowned for its ancient grove of frankincense. Learn how these trees are bled for its prized sap, which has been traded on this incense trail for millennia. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Notes: Bring sun protection gear)

Set off after breakfast to discover the natural wonders of the Dhofar region on this enjoyable tour. Get picked up in a 4×4 vehicle and drive to the natural spring at Ayn Sahalnoot, that sits amid gorgeous rock formations. Stop by the turquoise blue pools at Wadi Ayun, nestled within craggy peaks. Travel on to the white sandy beach of Mughsail, bordering the ocean. Feel the thrill as your driver expertly navigates extreme curves to drive you through the breathtakingly beautiful cliffs. Pass rows of frankincense trees growing deep in the valley as you head to Al Fizaya Beach. Make yourself comfortable on the golden sands of the beach, or dive into the azure waters of the ocean for a refreshing swim. Return to your hotel after an exhilarating day. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Group Size: Max 4 Guests; Fitness Level: Moderate as there is some walking over rough and inclined paths. Swimming at Fizaya Beach is at your own risk as there are no lifeguards available.)