Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Oman experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
Set off on this Omani adventure that connects you with the local cultures of this Middle Eastern gem. We've designed this varied itinerary to help you get to know life as it has been for centuries in Oman, getting under the skin of what makes this country tick. You'll meet local people along the way, from women creating traditional crafts in the Hajar Mountains, to the Bedouin people of the Wahiba Sands – it's a truly immersive experience like no other. We believe a huge part of the magic of travel is found in the connections made along the way, so we’ve included plenty of those throughout.
You'll start in the Musandam Peninsula, a part of Oman cut off from the rest that sits just above the UAE, home to the best dhow cruising in the country. Aboard these iconic vessels, you'll have an introduction to Oman's deep connection with the sea. Onward you'll head down to Muscat for a dose of modern Oman (with some classic culture thrown in!) before heading out into the wilderness of desert and mountains. The following few days will be filled with hiking in paradise-like wadis, breaking bread and making authentic Omani coffee with Bedouins, taking a digital detox by sleeping under the stars, and meeting farmers in the plantations south of the capital to discover for yourself how they live and work in this sometimes harsh climate. You'll come home with a lot of interesting, off-beat stories to tell, and a good understanding of all walks of life in this fascinating country.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Oman holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
Today you'll touch down in Dubai, ready to kick off your Omani adventure. Firstly, you'll transfer three hours north, crossing the border to the stunning Musandam Peninsula. Known for its dramatic fjords and remote charm, this peaceful region is the perfect spot to ease into your journey.
Today, a very special experience is in store as you'll hop aboard a dhow – a traditional Middle Eastern sailboat – for a full-day cruise around Musandam’s spectacular coastline. With rugged cliffs, emerald waters, and the chance to spot dolphins along the way, this is an experience to remember. Cool off with a swim in secluded bays and soak in the serene beauty of Oman’s northern tip.
Today you’ll catch a domestic flight south to Muscat, Oman’s captivating coastal capital. Over the next two days, you'll explore its highlights – stroll through colourful souks, dine on fresh seafood, and get a sense of the city’s laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
Today, you’ll head off on a guided tour of the city, venturing through the best parts of Muscat. The incredible Grand Mosque is a real highlight, with its stunning architecture and intricate design. A visit to the National Museum is the perfect place to help give the rest of your holiday a bit of background, sending you off on the rest of your Oman holiday with a deeper understanding of Oman’s rich history and culture.
You’ll leave Muscat behind today and head south towards the Wahiba Sands, stopping along the way at Wadi Shab for a hike and swim. This afternoon, arrive at your desert camp and take a moment to soak in the surreal beauty of the endless dunes. As night falls, kick back and unwind under a canopy of stars in this magical desert setting. The camps here offer a wonderfully authentic (and rustic!) desert experience.
You'll kick off the day this morning with some adrenaline-pumping dune bashing with your guide, a brilliant and thrilling Omani experience! Later, you'll visit a Bedouin family for a home-cooked lunch, giving you the honour of an authentic glimpse into their daily life and culture. After a busy day of exploring, you’ll return to camp for a quiet evening watching the sunset paint the dunes.
Say goodbye to the desert and head west today, making a stop at Wadi Bani Khalid for another dip and a walk. Continuing west to the incredible Hajar Mountains, you’ll arrive by evening, check into your hotel for four nights, and get ready for the next chapter of your Oman adventure.
Today is all about exploring the dramatic landscapes of Jebel Akhdar. ‘The Four Villages’ hike is such a brilliant experience, one that will lead you through four authentic mountain communities teetering on top of the mountain landscape. As well as the panoramic views over the canyon, you’ll be treated to fascinating glimpses into local life every step of the way. Don’t forget your camera – the scenery here is extraordinary.
You’ll check out of your hotel this morning to spend a night in a traditional heritage home on Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman. This is another truly special and authentic experience, sure to get you right to the heart of the real Oman and its people. Along the way, you'll stop off at Nizwa fort and its beautiful little souk, a real living history museum, and another amazing wadi too.
This morning, you’re in for a really special, authentic experience. You’ll join local farmers on an agricultural walk through the land, learning all about how the communities have adapted to life in this challenging landscape. The people have lived off the land here for centuries, so there's a lot to learn. This afternoon, lace up your hiking boots and tackle the famous Balcony Walk, a breathtaking hike along the rim of Oman’s Grand Canyon. One of the most memorable hikes in the region, it’s a fitting finale to your Omani mountain adventures.
Today, your guide will whisk you away back to Muscat, ready for your flight home. As your flight takes off, we’re sure you’ll be leaving with plenty of unforgettable memories of Oman’s landscapes, culture, and people. Until next time, Oman!
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Catherine and Emma are dedicated to all things Oman and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Catherine’s explored Oman from top to toe. She's hiked the mountains, dived its coast and wandered the souks. She’s all about combining the great outdoors with local experiences and knows exactly how to plan a trip that's perfect for you.
With a love for nature, culture and seriously good food, Emma was completely won over by Oman on her first visit. Since, she’s travelled from north to south, uncovering both classic sights and quieter corners that will make your holiday extra special.
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