Oman’s Treasures: A 6-Day Adventure from Coast to Desert to Mountains

• After Breakfast start your Muscat City Tour with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a breathtaking example of modern Islamic architecture. The mosque boasts a vast prayer hall, exquisite mosaics, and houses the world’s second-largest handwoven carpet. Open to non-Muslim visitors during the morning hours, it provides a serene setting to immerse yourself in Oman’s rich Islamic heritage.
• After visiting the mosque, head to the historic district of Muscat and explore the Muttrah Souk, a traditional Omani market. The souk offers a diverse selection of goods, with highlights including authentic Omani souvenirs such as frankincense, the iconic Khanjar (Omani dagger), exquisite silver handicrafts, and elegant Pashmina shawls
• Take a scenic stroll along the Muttrah Corniche, a beautiful waterfront in Muscat that offers breathtaking views of the harbor and the majestic surrounding mountains.
• Perched on a hill overlooking the harbor, Muttrah Fort is a 16th-century fortress built by the Portuguese. Visitors can explore its ancient watchtowers while taking in panoramic views of Muttrah and the Gulf of Oman.
• The next stop is The National Museum, where Oman’s rich cultural heritage is on full display, featuring exhibits that range from ancient artifacts to modern history. The museum’s state-of-the-art galleries offer an immersive journey through the Sultanate’s art, culture, and maritime legacy. Alternatively, visit Bait Al Zubair Museum, a charming town house converted into a museum showcasing archaeological discoveries and traditional Omani customs.
• Take a photo stop at the Riyam Censer, which is a striking monument shaped like a traditional Omani incense burner, visible as you pass by
• Next, we’ll head to the Sultan’s Palace (Al Alam Palace), renowned for its stunning blue and gold façade. While it’s not open to the public, visitors can appreciate its magnificent architecture from the outside.
• The Royal Opera House is a premier cultural venue celebrated for its breathtaking architecture and world-class performances. It hosts a variety of events, including opera, ballet, and concerts, featuring both international and Omani talent.
  
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
  Accommodation: AL falaj **** or Ramada ****

• After breakfast, your guide/driver will meet you at your hotel lobby. Don’t forget sun protection, water, and comfortable footwear for the day’s adventures.
• Start with a visit to Bimmah Sinkhole, a stunning natural pool formed by limestone erosion. Take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
• Next, head to Wadi Shab, one of Oman’s most breathtaking wadis. Enjoy a mix of hiking and swimming as you explore hidden pools, waterfalls, and a famous keyhole passage leading to a secluded cave. The hike takes about 40 minutes each way, so expect a 2.5–3 hour round trip filled with stunning views and a bit of adventure.
• Refuel with a delicious lunch at Wadi Shab Village Restaurant, where you can relax and recharge.
• After lunch, drive to Ras Al Hadd, a tranquil coastal village famous for its pristine beaches and turtle nesting sites.
• Optional Evening Activity: Join trained rangers at Ras Al Jinz for an unforgettable turtle-watching experience. Depending on the season, you might witness sea turtles nesting or baby turtles making their first journey to the sea—a truly magical way to end the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Turtle guesthouse

• Start your day with a visit to Sur, a coastal city rich in maritime history. Explore the traditional dhow-building yards, where craftsmen still use ancient techniques to create these iconic wooden ships. Continue your journey at the Sur Maritime Museum, delving deeper into the region's seafaring heritage. If you have time, take a stroll to the lighthouse for stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
• Next, drive toward Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis. Along the way, enjoy the diverse landscapes that highlight the country's natural beauty. Upon arrival at Wadi Bani Khalid, be greeted by clear, azure pools surrounded by towering mountains and lush palm groves. You can swim in the refreshing waters, relax by the shore, or explore the deeper parts of the wadi to discover hidden pools and waterfalls. Consider stopping for lunch at a local restaurant to try traditional Omani dishes.
• From the lushness of the wadi, head toward Wahiba Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands). This vast desert of shifting dunes offers a dramatic contrast to the green oasis you've just left behind. For an exhilarating experience, try dune bashing with skilled drivers or take a camel ride to feel the traditional Bedouin way of travel. Climb to the top of a dune to witness a breathtaking desert sunset as the sky and sand change color in a spectacular display.
• As night falls, enjoy a traditional Omani dinner under the stars, often accompanied by local music and dance performances. Finally, retreat to a Bedouin-style tent, where ancient traditions meet modern comfort, and the peaceful sounds of the desert ensure a restful night’s sleep.

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sama Alwasill Camp or similar

• After breakfast, we set off on a journey to Nizwa, located approximately 150 km from Muscat. Our first stop is the historic Nizwa Fort, an architectural marvel that took over twelve years to construct and has stood as the city's guardian since the 17th century. The fort is best known for its massive circular tower, one of the largest of its kind, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
• Next, we explore the lively Nizwa Souq, a bustling marketplace that captures the essence of traditional Omani commerce. The souq is filled with an array of local handicrafts, silver jewelry, and the iconic Omani khanjar (dagger). If you’re visiting on a Friday, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness the famous cattle auction, a lively and authentic cultural experience.
• From Nizwa, we continue to the abandoned village of Birkat Al Mauz, also known as Birkat Al Mawz or Birkat Al Mouz. The village, whose name means “Banana Pool”, was once home to vast banana plantations. Though it has remained abandoned for over half a century, its structures are remarkably well-preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of past Omani villagers. Nestled at the base of Jebel Akhdar (The Green Mountain), the village is also home to the Aflaj irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a scenic walk through the lush oasis and date plantations before we proceed to Wadi Al Madeen.
• We then embark on a 36 km ascent along a winding mountain road, leading us to the breathtaking heights of Jebel Akhdar (2,000m above sea level). Known as the "Green Jewel" of the Al Hajar Mountains, this region is famous for its terraced fruit orchards, where a variety of fruits such as peaches, apricots, figs, grapes, apples, pears, plums, almonds, and walnuts thrive. The region is particularly renowned for its exceptional quality pomegranates, cultivated with the help of natural springs and the ancient Aflaj irrigation system.
• Our tour continues through the charming mountain villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (known for its old houses), and Al Ain, each offering breathtaking views of dramatic peaks, deep gorges, and scenic wadis.
• If visiting during March and April, you’ll be welcomed by the sweet fragrance of Damask roses in full bloom. This is the season when locals distill rose water using traditional methods, a process that can be witnessed in village homes.
• After an enriching day of exploration, we conclude our journey with an overnight stay at a Jebel Akhdar hotel, where you can relax and soak in the tranquility of the mountains.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sama Jabal Akhdar or similar

• After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Muscat Airport. Our representative will meet and assist you, ensuring a smooth departure as you head to the airport for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast