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 Muscat
Explore the many attractions of Muscat on this half day tour. Your first stop will be the awe-inspiring Grand Mosque. The eye-catching architectural details are highlighted by the main chandelier, made out of Swarovski crystals, and the Persian silk carpet in the prayer hall. Next, head on to the Old City where you can experience a slice of Arabian life in every nook and corner. Stroll around the Muttrah Souk, one of the oldest Omani markets in the world. Take a look at the exotic goods and wares on display in the shops. Let your guide help you negotiate great bargains with the shopkeepers. After that, proceed to the Bait Al Zubair Museum to browse old archaeological finds and cultural exhibits like the national dress and jewelry. Your next stop is the Sultan’s Palace, after which you will visit the two forts of Mirani and Jalali, both ancient 16th century forts built by the Portuguese during their time of dominance over coastal cities of Oman. Head back to your hotel via the Al Bustan Road, a popular and scenic route. (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity with Transfers; Included: Guide & Driver; 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; Please note that this tour is available daily in the mornings, except Fridays.)

Hotel Options

Majan Continental Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Crowne Plaza Muscat – Opt 2

Room	City View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 3 - 4

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

Golden Tulip Nizwa – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Falaj Daris Hotel – Opt 2

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Day 4 - 5

Drive yourself from Nizwa to Wahiba Sands in your rental car (Duration: 4.5 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 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

Turtle Beach Resort – Opt 1

Room	Hamoor Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve – Opt 2

Room	Carapace Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Day 6 - 7

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

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

Muscat

1 Night

Hotel Options

Majan Continental Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Crowne Plaza Muscat – Opt 2

Room	City View
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 7 - 14

You will be transferred from your hotel to Muscat airport in a private vehicle

You will be transferred from Salalah airport to your hotel in a private vehicle

Salalah

7 Nights

Located in the southern part of the country, Salalah basks in its ample natural and cultural wealth. Explore UNESCO-listed Al Balid and Khor Rori archaeological sites that date back to 1st century AD. The exhibits at Museum of Frank Incense too narrate a story of ancient trade routes and exotic products like this highly prized perfume.

Included Activities

Personalized Tour of Salalah
Accompanied by your expert local guide, soak up the sights and sounds of Salalah, a subtropical city on the southern coast of Oman. Begin with a visit to the Museum of Frankincense Land, located next to the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. Travel back in time while browsing exhibits that showcase the Sultanate’s flourishing frankincense trade and rich maritime history. Next, navigate the old waterfront neighborhood of Hafa, where streets are flanked by orchards and plantations. Abandoned houses belonging to generations of merchants and fishermen stand next to modern buildings. Later, stroll through the bustling Hafa souk to observe local life amid the aromas of frankincense, and Dhofari souvenirs. Head to Dhofar region’s largest mosque, called Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, set amid manicured gardens. Apart from the intricate Islamic architecture, look out for its elegant interiors featuring carpets and chandeliers. Finish off with a visit to the coconut gardens that surround Al Hosn Palace, before dispersing. (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Hotel Options

Hilton Salalah Resort – Opt 1

Room	Guest Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

Fanar Hotel & Residences – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Beach Resort

You will be transferred from your hotel to Salalah airport in a private vehicle

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 2,490 /person
Option 2 From $ 3,190 /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

Not Included

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

Road Trip: Oman Explorer

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Muscat

Nizwa

Wahiba Sands

Sur and Ras Al Jinz

Muscat

Salalah

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included