What Makes it Special?
- Walk the palm groves of Misfah, one of Oman’s oldest villages.
- Wander the age-old frankincense markets in Salalah.
- Spend the night in Wahiba Sands, stargazing after a traditional Omani dinner.
- Explore Nizwa’s legendary Friday livestock market, where local life takes centre stage.
- Climb to edge of Wadi Ghul, Oman’s very own ‘Grand Canyon’.
- Head off on an adventure in the Empty Quarter, a region few visitors see.
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.
Dhofar is the most southerly province of Oman and a place of fable and mystery. The frankincense trade flourished here, giving rise to once prosperous, now ruined ports and towns. Prophets bestrode the land, leaving improbable footprints, and the whole place is veiled in monsoon mists once a year. This is also the land of empty, crystal-sand beaches, a place where you can find yourself strolling across white sands for hours with barely anyone else in sight.
Combining some time in Dhofar with a trip around the key highlights of central Oman makes for a wonderful holiday. The (necessary) domestic flight from Muscat down to Salalah is inexpensive and takes just an hour and a half, making it straightforward to tack this part of the country onto your itinerary.
8 hours from London
October to April
Average temperature
- 29°C
Average rainfall
- Dry season: 9mm/month
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by Day
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.
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Your Oman adventure begins with an overnight flight to Muscat, the country’s vibrant capital city. Choose a direct flight with Oman Air for convenience or opt for a more budget-friendly option with a connection through one of the Middle Eastern hubs. As always, we're here to help find the best flight options for you.
Today, you’ll touch down in Muscat, where your private driver will be ready to meet you for a smooth transfer to your hotel. With a range of accommodations to choose from, we’ll help you select the perfect place to suit you, be that beach relaxation or city convenience – it’s what we’re here for. Spend the rest of the day settling in and enjoying the hotel’s facilities or exploring the nearby waterfront.
You’ll head off on a private tour of Muscat with your very own local guide today. You’ll visit the impressive Grand Mosque, with its intricate mosaics and huge chandelier, take a stroll through the Muttrah Souq, where vibrant stalls are overflowing with spices, textiles, and handcrafted treasures, and visit the Sultan’s Palace, a stunning example of contemporary Arabian architecture.
We've left today free for you to take at your own pace. Put your feet up in the sunshine at your hotel or head out to explore some of Muscat’s excellent museums. We'd recommend the National Museum, which offers a comprehensive look into Oman’s history, or the Bait Al Zubair Museum, packed full of fascinating cultural exhibits.
Head north to the Batinah Plain today, stopping at the historic Rostaq and Nakhl forts. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the rugged Wadi Bani Awf route through dramatic canyons and steep mountain passes. Alternatively, the Sumail Gap offers a smoother drive for self-drivers. Finally, you’ll make it to the Nizwa area, where you’ll stay for three nights in one of our recommended hotels.
Today’s a day to soak up the mountain magic. A highlight will be exploring Wadi Ghul, Oman’s answer to the Grand Canyon. Visit the dramatically perched and picturesque mountain village of Misfah and enjoy panoramic views over the terraced farms and date palms. This is a great day for hiking enthusiasts or those who enjoy stumbling across crumbling villages, local life and spectacular views.
Immerse yourself in Oman’s history with a visit to the imposing Nizwa Fort and the nearby Jabreen Castle, famous for its painted ceilings and intricate carvings. Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort, with its massive walls and infamous legends. If it’s Friday, don’t miss the lively Nizwa Livestock Market, where locals trade goats, sheep, and camels in a bustling scene that feels like stepping back in time.
Today, you’ll travel east to the Wahiba Sands, ready for a desert adventure. When you arrive, you’ll spend the night under the stars in one of our favourite desert camps, and this evening will be a special one. You'll spend some time exploring the dunes, tucking into a traditional Omani dinner by the campfire, and stargazing once the sun goes down.
It’s time to head back to Muscat today, where you’ll hop on a short domestic flight to Salalah, Oman’s lush southern province, for the next four nights. Salalah’s unique blend of tropical landscapes, historic sites, and beautiful beaches makes it a fascinating contrast to the arid north.
You’ll discover the cultural heart of Salalah today, either with a brilliant local guide or at your own pace. Visit the impressive local mosque and the UNESCO-listed Al Baleed Archaeological Park, an ancient port that was once central to Oman’s frankincense trade.
You'll spend some time outside the city today to explore further afield. Head to the historic towns of Taqah and Mirbat, each with its own charm and history, before stopping by Mughsayl Beach, famous for its dramatic blowholes. If you’re on a guided adventure around Oman, you’ll be whisked between highlights with ease. If you’re opting for a self-drive adventure, we’ll make sure you’re given plenty of tips before your holiday begins!
We've left today free for you to spend your final full day in Oman however you please. Relax on Salalah’s beaches, or, if you're after one last adventure, let us arrange a tour into the Empty Quarter – incredibly home to the world’s largest sand desert, for a dose of remote dune-based adventures and dramatic landscapes. We'd really recommend this, it's a spot that few visitors make it to in Oman, and it would be a special way to end your trip.
Your Omani journey comes to an end today as you'll return your hire car or meet your driver for a transfer to the airport. We hope you'll be flying home with unforgettable memories of Oman’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, warm hospitality, and a plan to return.
Places you'll visit
We have hundreds of partner hotels across the world, with our tailor made trips you can pick from our range of beautiful hotels
What You're Saying
“
From our very first contact with Emma she listened carefully to what we wanted and put together a fabulous Oman holiday for us. Our expectations, and hopes, were high and our trip exceeded them. We travelled from city to town, mountain to desert, inland and on the coast, staying in a variety of hotels. The information and suggestions we were given really enhanced our time. Everything was wonderful! I cannot imagine a better trip to Oman than we had, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Emma for all the knowledge and expertise she brought to planning our holiday.
Sarah Whitworth
Trustpilot
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“
A truly wonderful trip to Oman, curated by Catherine of Holiday Architects. Oman exceeded our expectations on all levels and the trip that was put together was perfect. enough variety to be really interesting but not too rushed to be unable to enjoy it. Can not recommend the country and HA enough.
Charlie Horrell
Trustpilot
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“
Catherine’s extensive knowledge of the country and her well informed guidance ensured that we enjoyed a memorable holiday in Oman which more than met our expectations of it. Careful and considerate planning accompanied a fascinating six day tour starting and ending in Muscat included Nizwa, Wahiba Sands, Sur and so much of interest en route, was led by a knowledgeable and attentive driver who contributed much to our comprehensive Omani experience. There were no hitches, all that was planned for us by Holiday Architects was honoured faultlessly with professional skill, and we would have no hesitation in relying upon them again.
Ian Munro
Trustpilot
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“
Emma was very knowledgeable about Oman, listened carefully to what we thought we wanted to do and put together a great itinerary which met our requirements. All the information provided before departure was detailed and helpful. Everything ran very smoothly throughout the holiday - was impressed by the efficiency and we had a great guide/driver. Emma followed up shortly after our return to check that we had had a great time and all had gone well.
Amanda Ferguson
Trustpilot
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“
We decided to use the services of Holiday Architects for a trip to Oman, as I was impressed with the itinerary that Emma provided and her obvious detailed knowledge of the country that came across in our initial phone calls. I'm so glad we did as the actual trip was fantastic! Our trip covered four different areas - Muscat, Wahiba Sands, Nizwa mountain area and Salalah - in some quite spectacular hotels and with drivers/guides laid on by the local agents, Elite. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and are so glad we chose Holiday Architects!
Mrs Weekes
Trustpilot
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Catherine at Holiday Architects masterminded a superb week’s holiday in Oman. The itinerary took in Muscat, Wahiba Sands, the Nizwa area and the Jabal Akhdar. We had an excellent driver/guide who helped us appreciate the culture, history and friendly people of this amazing country. Thank you so much Catherine and Holiday Architects!
Katherine A
Trustpilot
”
Holiday Gallery
Meet our Oman experts
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 Williams
Destination Manager
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.
Emma Higgins
Destination Manager
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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