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

Ringed by majestic mountains and the ocean, Muscat is an ancient port city that justly means ‘safe anchorage’. Check out 16th century Portuguese forts like Al Jalali and Mirani that perch on clifftops, while looking out on the bustling harbor below. Browse through Omani arts and artifacts at the Bait Al Zubair Museum where the country’s cultural heritage comes alive. The marble-built Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, on the other hand, is a modern marvel, topped by a 50-meter dome that dominates the city skyline. Spend lazy afternoons lounging on white sandy beaches or chasing sea turtles in picturesque lagoons just outside the city. Watch the last rays of the sun slant into exquisite gardens of the Royal Opera House and if possible, catch a show in this elegant arts complex. As the dusk spreads across the desert sky, the glittering lights of its shopping malls and restaurants invite you to sample Muscat’s bustling nightlife.

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)

Sur, the capital city of Ash-Sharqiyyah South Governorate, is located along the coast of the Gulf of Oman. This ancient port city makes for a pretty picture with the azure sea on one side and the majestic Hajar Mountains in the backdrop. Once a hub of dhow-building, the city is now a popular tourist destination given its sandy beaches and bustling souqs. Ancient forts, a lighthouse, and a splendid corniche add to the charm of the place. With a modest selection of cafes and restaurants, it’s easy to soak up the local vibe while savoring authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Exotic sweetmeats from cozy bakeries make for the perfect end to a delicious meal! The turtle reserve at Ras Al Jinz and the attractions of Tiwi are just an hour’s drive away. Only a 45 minute drive away is Ras Al Jinz, with its dramatic cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches. Apart from the lure of its sun-drenched shorelines, the possibility of watching endangered sea turtles nesting up close is what draws visitors to the region. The turtle reserve here is a protected site and entry of visitors is restricted to escorted groups with a limited number of people. An ancient castle and a museum that underscores the love for turtles dating back decades are the main attractions in this laidback region. That apart, soaking in the sun on the picturesque beach and a refreshing dip in the waters of the Arabian Sea are must-do activities in Ras Al Jinz!

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)

The Wahiba Sands is an undulating expanse of shimmering sand that seems to stretch endlessly along the eastern part of Oman. Situated in the Ash-Sharqiyyah region, the beautiful sand dunes promise you a desert experience like no other. Exciting off-road safaris in 4×4 vehicles across the shifting dunes guarantee an adrenaline rush. Guided walks across the soaring dunes and leisurely camel rides as the sun goes down make for cherished memories. Remote villages amid the arid landscape offer a glimpse into the traditional Bedouin way of life that is fast becoming a rarity. Overnight camping trips under the starry sky, be it in indulgent desert camps or in rustic tents, leave you with the experience of a lifetime. Those short on time can have just as much fun with a sumptuous picnic at one of the camps. Top it off with live cultural performances for the ultimate desert holiday!

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)

Jebel Akhdar, a limestone mountain surrounded by rugged terrain, sits at the heart of the Al Hajar Mountain Range located in northeast Oman. Extending up to Saiq Plateau, the region is home to lush wadis or valleys and terraces that make for a rustic getaway in the cool mountain air. Fragrant damask roses, pomegranates, and apricots grow here in abundance ensuring it lives up to its name that translates to ‘green mountain’! Guided walks through traditional Omani villages and trips to traditional distilleries extracting fragrant rosewater are just some unique experiences that await you here. Meanwhile, rock climbing and leisurely strolls along walking trails that wind through fruit orchards promise hours of active fun. Panoramic viewpoints and ancient rock art sites complete the package. A day trip to Sayh Qatanah is yet another popular option when in Jebel Akhdar.

Ringed by majestic mountains and the ocean, Muscat is an ancient port city that justly means ‘safe anchorage’. Check out 16th century Portuguese forts like Al Jalali and Mirani that perch on clifftops, while looking out on the bustling harbor below. Browse through Omani arts and artifacts at the Bait Al Zubair Museum where the country’s cultural heritage comes alive. The marble-built Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, on the other hand, is a modern marvel, topped by a 50-meter dome that dominates the city skyline. Spend lazy afternoons lounging on white sandy beaches or chasing sea turtles in picturesque lagoons just outside the city. Watch the last rays of the sun slant into exquisite gardens of the Royal Opera House and if possible, catch a show in this elegant arts complex. As the dusk spreads across the desert sky, the glittering lights of its shopping malls and restaurants invite you to sample Muscat’s bustling nightlife.

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)

Located in the southern part of the country, Salalah basks in its ample natural and cultural wealth. Explore UNESCO-listed Al Balid and Khori Rori archeological sites that date back to 1st century AD. The exhibits at Museum of Frankincense too narrate a story of ancient trade routes and exotic products like this highly prized perfume. Take a dip in the cool blue waters of Al Mughsail beach and then go exploring the nearby Marneef Cave dotted with natural blowholes that regularly erupt in fountains of water. After a scenic ride along the Sea of Oman shore on a traditional wooden boat, sip on refreshing coconut water served in the shell. Head up to the Taqah Castle so that you are in time to catch a spectacular sunset from its ramparts. From July to September every year, Salalah blossoms with the monsoon rains, leading up to the Khareef festival that celebrates the harvest, the people, and the history of the land.

Ringed by majestic mountains and the ocean, Muscat is an ancient port city that justly means ‘safe anchorage’. Check out 16th century Portuguese forts like Al Jalali and Mirani that perch on clifftops, while looking out on the bustling harbor below. Browse through Omani arts and artifacts at the Bait Al Zubair Museum where the country’s cultural heritage comes alive. The marble-built Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, on the other hand, is a modern marvel, topped by a 50-meter dome that dominates the city skyline. Spend lazy afternoons lounging on white sandy beaches or chasing sea turtles in picturesque lagoons just outside the city. Watch the last rays of the sun slant into exquisite gardens of the Royal Opera House and if possible, catch a show in this elegant arts complex. As the dusk spreads across the desert sky, the glittering lights of its shopping malls and restaurants invite you to sample Muscat’s bustling nightlife.