Oman Road Trip: Mountains, Fortresses and Desert Tour

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)

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)

While driving to the port city of Sur, stop to explore the scenic river valley of Wadi Bani Khalid that is fed by natural springs. One of the popular wadis or valleys in the country, its serene, palm-fringed pools are perfect for a quick dip. Afterwards, relax in the shade and take in the scenic sight of secluded villages that hug the mountain slopes. Later, drive to the undulating dunes of Wahiba Sands, which are still inhabited by the Bedouin community. The dunes constantly move and are home to many endemic species of flora and fauna. Afterwards, continue your journey to Wahiba Sands. (En route; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Best time to travel: Oct – Mar)

Climb golden sand dunes and meet wandering Bedouins on this adventure in Oman. The Wahiba Sands, or Ramlat al-Wahiba, is a vast sand sea that covers 4,800 square miles in Eastern Oman. Here the dunes can rise over 400 feet and change color from pale gold at noon to a coppery orange when the sun starts to set. Set out in a 4×4 vehicle to cross the sands. Try your hand at sand boarding – surfing the dunes as if they were waves in the ocean – or simply shoot down the sides of the dunes on makeshift sliders. As you explore the landscape, you may come across Bedouin families that still live here. On the way back, stop at Wadi Bani Khalid Pools & Cave for a refreshing dip in the water.

(Duration: full day; Self explore activity; No guides; No transfers; Meals and entrance fees are not included; Fitness level: easy)

Visit Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman, and discover the Arabian Grand Canyon on this excursion. Jebel Shams refers not just to the mountain but the entire area, including Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakhr. It is about a three-hour drive from Muscat. As you get closer to the base of the mountain, take the time to enjoy the views, particularly of Wadi Nakhr, popularly known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. At Jebel Shams base camp, find enterprising carpet sellers offering handwoven rugs made from goat hair. Test your tolerance of heights by taking the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk that leads you along the edge of the cliffs halfway up Wadi Nakhr. Enjoy dramatic views of the canyon and keep an eye out for vultures. Then visit Al Hamra, a well-preserved Omani old town. Wander the streets and alleyways and examine the traditional mudbrick houses. Stop at Bait al Safah, a restored house that contains traditional artefacts and furnishings, and serves as a sort of museum.

(Duration: full day; Self explore activity; No guides; No transfers; Meals and entrance fees are not included; Fitness level: easy)

Enjoy an active day out in the Omani Grand Canyon! With your mountain guide make your way up to Jebel Shams, the highest point in the Hajar Mountains. Starting from a secluded hamlet called Al Khitaym, embark on the Balcony Walk along the rim of Wadi Nakhr canyon around. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the rugged landscape as you traverse this trail, well marked with flags. You might spot mountain goats and Egyptian vultures along the way. Pass by old houses that cling to cliffs, and a few hidden waterfalls. Once you reach the abandoned village and farm terraces of Al Sab, cool off under the waterfalls before you head back. Later, drive down to the canyon floor, to Wadi Nakhr or Wadi Ghul. Explore this palm-fringed oasis where local weavers craft colorful rugs in their homes. Finally, find a vantage point to soak in sunset views over Jebel Shams, before returning to Nizwa.

(Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Self drive; Fitness level: Moderate;Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes)

Discover the old world charm of the ancient city of Nizwa at your own pace. Explore the majestic fort that sits perched above the heart of town. Enjoy stunning views of the city and its surroundings from vantage points within the citadel. Make your way to the bustling souk or market with its diverse collection of colorful wares. Browse the displays of handicrafts, pottery, and fresh produce among others. If you are in Nizwa on a Friday, then you could stop by the cattle market, where people from surrounding villages come to buy and sell domestic animals in an open space. One of the oldest cities in Oman, Nizwa is also home to plenty of mosques. You could capture stunning images of the mosques before turning back.

(Duration: Half Day; Self-exploring Activity; No Guide & No Transfers; Entrance Fees and Meals are Not Included.)

Set out to sea for an exciting snorkeling and dolphin-spotting session on this half day tour. Enjoy the feeling of being on the water as the sea breeze calms you. If you are lucky, you’ll get to spot the magnificent dolphins and whales of Oman. Then, get into your snorkeling gear and dive into the sea to view the colorful tropical fish. Marvel at the stunning coral on the sea bed, home to the rich ocean life.

(Duration: 3 hrs; Shared Activity with Transfers; Included: Guide; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring your swimwear, sunglasses & hats; Don’t forget to bring your camera.)