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.

Oman: Mountains, Fortresses and Desert Tour

Included Activities

Explore En Route Attractions from Muscat to Nizwa On Your Own
Discover a treasure trove of natural and historic attractions on your way from Muscat to Nizwa. Arrive at the historic hamlet of Nakhl, famed for its thermal springs that flow by lush orchards and palm groves. Explore the grandeur of Pre-Islamic architecture at the Nakhl Fort and drop by its museum, which houses precious artifacts of the region, including historic guns. Later make your way through the Wadi Bani Auf, lined with some of the steepest gorges in the region, till you reach the picture-postcard village of Bilad Sayt. Nestled amid the high slopes of Al Hajar Mountains, this hamlet affords spectacular vistas of rugged landscapes all around. A descent down the southern slopes of the Hajar Mountains brings you to the 400-year-old town of Al Hamra. Wander past traditional dwellings with ceilings of palm beams and fronds, check out the vibrant wares at the town souk and perhaps sample some sweet and nutty date halva, before you leave for Nizwa. (Duration: Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included)

Hotel Options

Crowne Plaza Muscat – Opt 1

Room	City View (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	International

Grand Hyatt Muscat – Opt 2

Room	Grand Room (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	International

Day 2 - 3

Drive yourself from Muscat to Nizwa in your rental car (Duration: 1.5 hrs)

Nizwa

1 Night

The former capital city of Oman, Nizwa continues to bustle with the commercial significance of an ancient trading center. Indeed it was to defend the city’s position on a major trade route that Nizwa Fort, a castle marked by an imposing cylindrical tower, was built in the 17th century.

Included Activities

Explore Bahla, Jabreen and Wadi Muaydin on your own
Experience the many attractions around Nizwa, across the picturesque Ad Dakhiliyah region. Set off from your Nizwa hotel for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bahla, home to a 13th century fort, one of the oldest in the country. Pass through the ruins of an outer wall to enter an ancient fortified area with towering ramparts, massive buildings on stone foundation and mud brick huts. You can also check out traditional Bahla pottery, famous for its beautiful ribbed designs on terracotta, before you leave for Jabreen. This historic town is best known for a sprawling 17th century castle with ornate painted ceilings, intricately latticed windows and interesting structures like a room used to store dates. Next make your way to the rugged environs of Wadi Al Muaydin. This picturesque gorge takes you along vibrant cliff walls, massive limestone boulders in the distance and an underground spring that occasionally emerges as cool refreshing pools. (Duration: Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included)

Hotel Options

Falaj Daris Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	Guest house

Golden Tulip Nizwa – Opt 2

Room	Standard Room (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	International

Day 3 - 4

Drive yourself from Nizwa to Jebel Shams in your rental car (Duration: 2 hrs)

Jebel Shams and Al Hamra

1 Night

Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain at about 3,000 meters, is situated north of Al Hamra town. Set close to Jebel Akhdar, it offers stunning views of Wadi Ghul, also known as Oman’s Grand Canyon, as well as Al Nakhr canyon.

Included Activities

Explore Saiq Plateau Wonders On Your Own
The stunning mountaintop location of Jebel Shams makes its surroundings an ideal landscape to explore on your own. Descend from its dizzying heights to the lush environs of Saiq Plateau, that despite being perched at 2,000m above sea level is one of the most fertile regions of Oman. Wander through groves of peach and pomegranate and if you are visiting in early summer, explore the fragrant fields of damask roses. Next make your way through Jebel Akhdar Mountains to arrive at Wadi Bani Habib, known for its verdant orchards and historic settlements of mud brick houses. Finally, arrive at the oasis town of Birkat Al Mauz where you still see evidence of a thriving past, made possible by the traditional falaj system of irrigation. Tour the ancient ruins of the fort and then stroll past freshwater canals that nourish palm groves and plantations, which tell you why the name of the village roughly translates to Banana Pool. (Duration: Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included)

Hotel Options

Sama Heights Resort – Opt 1

Room	Bungalow (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	Guest house

The View – Opt 2

Room	Superior Room (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	Lodge

Day 4 - 5

Drive yourself from Jebel Shams to Wahiba Sands in your rental car (Duration: 5 hrs)

Wahiba Sands

1 Night

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.

Included Activities

Explore Wadi Bani Khalid On Your Own
Discover at your own pace the rugged beauty of Wadi Bani Khalid and its mountainous surroundings. Set off from Wahiba Sands for a scenic drive through mountain roads. Located in the northeastern tip of the country, Wadi Bani Khalid is famed for its lush palm groves, lining turquoise-green pools that never dry up. Hike along picturesque mountain trails, dotted by large limestone boulders, to arrive at the Wadi. Catch your breath in the shade of gently swaying date palms, till you are ready to venture into the placid blue pools. As you float in these cool waters, gaze up at the stunning contrast of massive brown heights! A short walk up the rocks will take you to the upper pools, which are smaller but more serene. After a refreshing swim, savor a snack of juicy dates till you are rested enough to hit the road. (Duration: Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Guests are advised to be dressed in light clothing, comfortable walking shoes and bring appropriate swimwear)

Hotel Options

Sama Al Wasil Camp – Opt 1

Room	Standard Chalet (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	Camp

Desert Nights Camp – Opt 2

Room	Standard Room (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	Camp

Day 5 - 6

Drive yourself from Wahiba Sands to Sur in your rental car (Duration: 5 hrs)

Sur and Ras Al Jinz

1 Night

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.

Included Activities

Explore Oman’s Coastal Drive on Your Own
Driving along the beautiful Omani coast from Sur to Muscat, stop by the wayside at the pretty little fishing village of Tiwi for an expedition into the surrounding countryside. The village stands in an ancient valley (or wadi) that is home to traditional dwellings that have stood by the Arabian Sea for centuries. Enter the valley through the portals of an old stone fort. The landscape here is washed by mountain springs and replete with pretty fruit orchards, plantations and emerald green fields dotted with crystal clear pools. Stroll up the path to Wadi Shab to savor a traditional lunch at a local eatery. After a satisfying meal, drive up to the spectacular Bimah Sinkhole, a limestone crater brimming with salt water from the Arabian Sea. Get back to the coastal highway for your onward journey to Muscat. (Self-guided Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Hotel Options

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve – Opt 1

Room	Carapace Room (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	Guest house

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve – Opt 2

Room	Luxury Eco Tent (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	Guest house

Day 6 - 8

Drive yourself from Sur to Muscat in your rental car (Duration: 3 hrs)

Muscat

2 Nights

Included Activities

Explore Muscat On Your Own
Take a drive through the city of Muscat and discover its many highlights. Stop at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and notice the intricate design as well as the amalgamation of various architectural styles. Proceed to the Royal Opera House, built by the same architects as the Sultan’s Palace. Stay to admire the striking design and marble work, or plan ahead to catch a show. If you’re fascinated by the city’s past, then there’s nothing more delightful than roaming around the Old Town. Explore ancient 16th century forts overlooking the Gulf of Oman and capture panoramic views of the city from the top. Drop by the National Museum to delve deeper into the heritage of the past. Then drive on towards the Mutrah Souk, one of the oldest Arabian markets in the world. Enjoy the heady sights, scents and sounds as you navigate the narrow lanes and bylanes, picking up interesting souvenirs to carry back. When you can’t resist the delicious aromas of Arabian food on offer at the stalls, then stop to savor a bite before driving back. (Duration: Half Day; Self-explore Activity; No guides & transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that you may need to walk some distance; Please bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses & hats; Don’t forget to bring your camera.)

Hotel Options

Crowne Plaza Muscat – Opt 1

Room	City View (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	International

Crowne Plaza Muscat – Opt 2

Room	Sea View (Double room)
Meals	Room Only
Style	International

Make your own way to the Muscat airport and drop off your rental car

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 2,290 /person
Option 2 From $ 2,590 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation & meals as specified in the itinerary
Activities & excursions as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip
Carbon emissions offsetting for your trip

Not Included

Entrance fees & meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips & personal expenses
Visa & tourism fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare

Oman: Mountains, Fortresses and Desert Tour

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Muscat

Nizwa

Jebel Shams and Al Hamra

Wahiba Sands

Sur and Ras Al Jinz

Muscat

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included