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.

Included Activities

Personalized Tour of Nakhal, Thowara, and Wadi Bani Auf, from Muscat
Starting from Muscat, enjoy a day out exploring local sights in the Al Batinah region of northern Oman. First, drive west to Nakhal, and step inside the Nakhal Fort that sits on a rocky hilltop. Apart from the numerous reception rooms, browse the museum that houses historic guns among other artifacts. From the tower terrace, take in panoramic vistas of the palm-covered plains and mountains around. Next, continue onward to reach the hot springs of Ain Al Thowara nearby. Take a dip in the mineral-rich rock pools and laze by the river. Later, visit the old houses at Wadi Bani Awf. Spend time at the Snake Canyon, home to pools and paths flanked by towering cliff faces. Lastly, make your way up to the picturesque village of Balad Sayt, surrounded by the Al Hajar Mountains. Settle down for a picnic lunch and enjoy the view, before returning to your accommodation. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Explore the ‘Coastal Drive’ on Your Own
Driving along the beautiful Omani coast from Muscat to Sur, stop by the wayside at the pretty little fishing village of Tiwi for an expedition to 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 Sur. (Self-guided Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Hotel Options

Mysk Al Mouj by Shaza – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room Community View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Grand Hyatt Muscat – Opt 2

Room	Grand Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 3 - 4

Drive yourself from Muscat to Sur in your rental car (Duration: 2.5 hrs)

Sur & 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.

Hotel Options

Turtle Beach Resort – Opt 1

Room	Hamoor Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Day 4 - 5

Drive yourself from Sur 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
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Camp

Desert Nights Camp – Opt 2

Room	Pool Villa Suite
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Camp

Day 5 - 6

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

Muscat

1 Night

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

Mysk Al Mouj by Shaza – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room Community View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Crowne Plaza Muscat – Opt 2

Room	City View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

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

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 1,590 /person
Option 2 From $ 1,890 /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 in one double room for 6 days / 5 nights.
Meals as indicated
All activities as listed :
- Muscat: Personalized Tour of Nakhal, Thowara, and Wadi Bani Auf, from Muscat
- Muscat: Explore the ‘Coastal Drive’ on Your Own
- Wahiba Sands: Explore Wadi Bani Khalid On Your Own
- Muscat: Explore Muscat On Your Own
Self-driven car during your journey as follows:
- Vehicle Type: Group Full Size car for 1-4 guests: Nissan Altima 2.5 Automatic or similar (Automatic), Group 4 WD Full Size for max. 5 guests: Mitsubishi Pajero 3.5 Automatic
- Only for 4 WD: Unlimited mileage
- 6 days
- Pick-up: Upon arrival at Muscat airport
- Drop-off: Before departure at Muscat airport
- Administration fee
For your rental car we book the following insurance services:
- Collision damage waiver (CDW)
The general business terms apply
Note: Driving licence in English required, driver minimum age 23 years and maximum age 65 years.
All activities as specified in the itinerary
All transfers as indicated above
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact, supporting you during your trip
On request: A printed set of your travel documents by post
Fees and taxes

Not Included

Among other expenses, the following additional costs are not included for rental cars (to be made directly at the car rental shop with a credit card from a recognisable bank institution):
- Deposit
- Fine handling fee & fine in case of a speeding ticket/parking offence
- Toll, payable by credit card on motorways with electronic tolls
- 12 USD per day for portable GPS (request at the time of booking)
- Baby and child seats (request at the time of booking)
- Delivery/collection services
- 3 USD per day per additional driver
- 6 USD per day for theft insurance (mandatory)
- Towing in case of an accident
- Damage to the vehicle (overhead damage, underbody damage)
- Damage to a tyre or an accessory not attributable to normal wear and tear
- Damage to the vehicle or to the property of any third party caused by a breach of the rental agreement.
- CDW does not cover the loss or damage of the GPS unit.
- One way fees for vehicle and/or GPS
- Cost of any professional cleaning or odour extraction in case of breach of the rental agreement
- Fuel (Please drop off the car with full tank. In case fuel needs to be added, the car rental company will charge you the amount for it)
- Note: Oman rental cars are allowed to UAE only once a pre-approval and extra insurance has been booked at extra costs, maximum duration to enter UAE by Oman rental car is 7 days.
Tips, additional meals and personal expenses
Entrance fees, unless otherwise stated in the activity descriptions
Visa fees
Travel, health and cancellation insurance
International airfare (from your home country to your destination and return), unless specified under the trip inclusions above

Road Trip: Introduction to Oman

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Muscat

Sur & Ras Al Jinz

Wahiba Sands

Muscat

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included