Example Itinerary

Classic Oman

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Oman

Oman’s rise as one of the most exciting travel destinations of the Middle East is not surprising. This is a land of stark contrasts: 21st-century malls stand beside traditional ‘souqs’ in the capital, new condominiums rise above crumbling housing in pretty coastal towns, and deserts spread across vast nine days. In capital Muscat, see the regal ministry and royal buildings as well as traditional souk and a private museum preserving heritage. Pass breathtaking mountain gorges - or ‘wadis’ - along the way to Wahiba Sands, where you’ll be bedding down in Bedouin tents. Head for the mountains for dramatic canyon views, stargazing, and rustic adventure. Finally, in southern Salalah, discover its wonderful green scenery and plethora of cultural sights, including the historical Frankincense trail. This classic journey takes you across this underrated country's cities, mountains, desert, and much more.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Mountains and Valleys: Retreat to a mountain sanctuary on Jabal Akhdar at one of the world's highest luxury resorts. Take in dramatic canyon views as you traverse the rugged terrain on an array of hiking trails past ancient villages, plantations, and lush wadis. In the evenings, enjoy pampering spa treatments and dine under the stars.
  • Desert Camping: Bed down in the vast, remote expanse of desert at a Bedouin-style camp. Wax away the long desert days riding camels, dune bashing on ATVs, soaking in rosewater baths, and feasting on saffron rice and smoky meats.
  • Wadi Exploration: After rain storms, wadis, hidden within the crags of the mountain ranges, become lush oases with emerald pools and flowing springs fringed with palm trees, banana plantations and rose gardens. Wadis are a much coveted retreat from the undulating rocky desert landscape where locals come to swim, picnic, hike, and even explore caves.
  • Land of Frankincense: Frankincense is an aromatic resin from spindly trees, once as highly prized as gold and the first substsance to be traded worldwide. The most refined, and some would say the holiest, are from southern Oman.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Muscat

Your classic Oman journey begins in the capital, Muscat. Upon arrival, you will be met off the plane and escorted through the airport with expedited service at immigration. A private car will transfer you to your luxury hotel. Check in, unwind, and relax for the rest of the day. Do as the locals do and avoid the midday heat by staying indoor. If your hotel is situated seaside, enjoy a swim in the cool waters. Wrap up your first day in this laidback country by trying its under-appreciated cuisine, a cultural transfusion of Persian, north African, India, and Arab influences.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Al Bustan Palace is in a divinely-scenic location, nestled between the jagged Al Hajar mountain range and the sparkling Sea of Oman.

Services: Every whim is attended to here with a comprehensive and personal service, reflecting the Omani hospitality and cultural way of life.

History: Muscat has a rich history that is believed to date back to the 6th millenium BC. The authentic architecture found concealed down rustic winding roads are redolent of the past and a display of ancient cultural heritage.

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Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Facilities: The Jumierah Muscat has everything one could want from a seaside retreat, from relaxing spa treatments, three outdoor pools, and beach to salon, tennis courts, and a wide selection of food and beverage.

Cuisine: Unabashedly seafood-forward and elegant, the dining venues at Jumeirah Muscat marries its beachside location, cultural heritage, and stylish vibes on the plate.

Premium Amenities: Higher tier villas and summer houses are esconced on an exclusive stretch of white-sand beach and include luxurious amenities such as 24/7 butler service, private pools, whirlpools and Jacuzzis, private gym, and access to the Premium Leisure Lounge.

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Jumeirah Muscat Bay Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Map

Muscat

Today is all about Muscat, a picturesque port city spread along the Gulf of Oman. Lacking the futuristic skyscrapers and mega malls of its flashier neighbors, Muscat is a slice of rustic peace, boasting scenes of palm trees, mountains, and sea and modestly dressed locals in traditional clothing. Pay attention to the array of architecture styles you will see today, including Arab, Portuguese, Persian, Indian, African, and modern Western influences. Admire the Grand Mosque, built with sandstone and marble. Drive through the Ministry quarter, with stops at the Opera House and the Sultan's palace, before heading out to the city to see the old Portuguese forts. At Bait Al Zubair Museum, see a fine collection of traditional costumes, antique jewelry, and weapons. Finally, in the late afternoon, stroll Muttra Souq, an old market of narrow, perfume-laden alleyways packed with shops selling frankincense, stained-glass lamps, Bedu jewelry, and other exotic paraphernalia.

Muscat
Muscat

Day 3

Map

Wahiba Sands

After breakfast, leave the city - and roads - behind as you traverse the rugged landscape off-track in a 4x4. First, head to Wadi Al Arbeieen, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis. Make your way between the deep canyon walls to an oasis of clear blue-green pools and running river. Here, enjoy a picnic lunch. Visit the nearby Wadi Tiwi which is famed for its old traditional villages surrounded by lush plantations of dates and bananas. Then, make your way to the coastal city of Sur where you will visit a dhow factory to see the construction of these Omani wooden boats, as well as the lighthouse. The final stretch for today takes you to Wahiba Sands, a desert landscape of dunes that stretch over 125 miles and has been home to the Bedouin nomads for thousands of years. Watch a desert sunset from the top of a high dune before arriving at your desert camp resort.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Remote Location: The camp is secluded in the desert, with endless silken sands in all directions and spectacular craggy mountains in the distance. Guests literally go off the beaten path to find this desert camp oasis which offers luxury in complete isolation.

Desert Experiences: A variety of experiences are offered to keep you busy, from sunset camel safaris and a visit to a Bedouin family’s home, to quad biking and dune bashing.

Family Friendly: A getaway to the middle of the desert can be fun for the whole family with exciting kid-friendly activities such as camel rides and sand boarding on the dunes, comfort food options at the in-house restaurant, and a children’s play area suitable for toddlers and recreation room for older children and teens.

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Desert Nights Camp Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Remote Location: Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands is situated right in the heart of Sharqiya Sands, a 40-minute drive from the nearest road. This seclusion immerses visitors in desert life and guests can enjoy a peaceful retreat in the "middle of nowhere."

Sustainability: Magic Camps has a number of eco-friendly and responsible initiatives, including minimal plastic use, solar and battery energy rather than using a generator, eco bath amenities and choosing local products, especially in design. Quad bikes and dune buggies are forbidden, as the camp aims to emulate an authentic desert experience akin to Bedouin nomads, who leave no trace in their environment.

Chic Design: Remote, authentic and sustainable doesn't mean that design can't be fresh, contemporary and homely. Decor uses neutral-toned palettes, juxtaposing textures (many from natural materials and artisan detailing such as textiles and weaving) and a distinct "rustic chic" theme.

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Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands Preferred Hotel

Day 4

Map

Wahiba Sands

Early risers can enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the deep red sands of Wahiba. Fill up with a camp side breakfast before heading out to Wadi Bani Khalid, a site comprising a tiny collection of small houses embedded in the mountains and overlooking a deep valley with azure waters nested below. Take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear waters. Return to your desert camp and enjoy the rest of the day as you wish. Activities arranged by the hotel may include camel riding, ATVs, village visits, and more.

Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands

Day 5

Map

Jabal Akhdar

After breakfast at the camp, check out. First, visit the ruins of Al Manzifat village where you can stroll through the narrow alleys ingeniously designed to protect it against raids and tribal wars. Make a stop at the ancient city ruins of Birkat Al Maouz where you can take a walk back in time. Observe the active falaj, an ancient irrigation channel, and enjoy the quiet of the date palms and banana plantations. Visit Nizwa, the former capital of Oman. If visiting on a Friday your itinerary will be adjusted to include a visit the famed Nizwa Cattle Market and its bustling trade. Explore the 17th-century Nizwa fort with its vast tower and superb views of the oasis. In the bustling souq nearby you will find local products such as Omani daggers (khanjar), copper, silver jewelry, livestock, fish, vegetables and handicrafts for sale. Drive onward to your destination, Jabal Akhdar, a massive mountain range with dramatic peaks and canyons. There are several Omani villages on and around the mountain range. The most famous production in this area is distilled rosewater, made from a prized variety that grows on the mountain. Arrive at your mountaintop retreat and spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, do not miss the opportunity to do stargazing, as Princess Diana once did in this area.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Set amid the mountains overlooking ancient Nizwa, the resort takes cues from the Middle East’s historic and storied fortresses.

Location: Two hours’ drive from Muscat, the resort is easily accessed, and yet its mountainous location makes for a tranquil retreat from the bustle of city life.

Service: With fully-staffed kids and teens clubs, spa and fitness experts, and the in-villa hosts, guests’ every need is taken care of 24 hours a day.

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Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar Preferred Hotel

Day 6

Map

Jabal Akhdar

Spend your day in and around your resort as you wish. Available excursions may include hikes around the mountain terrain, discovering the nearby town of Nizwa, a lesson on the local rock formations from the in-house geologist, exploring castles and forts, and more.

Jabal Akhdar
Jabal Akhdar

Day 7

Map

Salalah

It is time to come down from the mountains and make your way back to Muscat airport for an evening flight to Salalah in the south of Oman. You can choose a more scenic off-road route or a shorter route to add more leisure time in Muscat before your flight. Hemmed in by a mountain range, the coastal city of Salalah is blessed with an annual monsoon that transforms the desert terrain into a lush, green landscape. Transfer to your hotel on arrival and have the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Separated from the World Heritage-listed Al Baleed archaeological site by a freshwater lagoon and pressed up against a pristine, white-sand beach, the Anantara Salalah is a must for leisure guests.

Luxury: Guestrooms feature opulent accommodations while guests of the villas can while away days undisturbed from their private pools.

Family Friendly: Children will be reluctant to part with the Youth Club activities, providing their parents with time to concentrate on themselves, whether that means basking under the sun or enjoying a spa treatment.

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Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara Preferred Hotel
Salalah
Salalah

Day 8

Map

Salalah

On your final full day, hit the road early with visits to the fishing village of Taqa, an old town with an interesting castle surrounded by watchtowers and Taqa stone houses. It’s then on to Khor Rori creek, the site of the ancient capital Arabia’s frankincense trade. An afternoon visit takes you to the tomb of a Biblical Prophet, Job, which is perched high up in the “Jebels” (mountains). The journey up is quite spectacular, and there’s plenty of opportunity to stop and admire the view before returning to Salalah City and your hotel in the evening.

Day 9

Map

Departure

After breakfast, ensure you are dressed appropriately for some final sight-seeing of the city’s historical and religiously significant sites. Your first stop is the Frankincense Land Museum which recounts the city's maritime trade and traditions. It houses two main halls, namely the History Hall and The Marine Hall. A complete history of the Maritime trade & ship building industry of Oman could be experienced here. Make a brief stop to experience the locally grown fruits and vegetables at fruits and vegetable stall. Make stops at Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Official Palace of His Majesty the Sultan, Al Husn Palace, to admire the architecture before strolling through Haffah Souk, famous for the sale of high- quality frankincense and numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs. Return to the hotel for check-out and take a private transfer to the airport for your flight onward.

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