What Makes it Special?
- Fly over Dubai's dunes on a jeep safari, for a thrilling desert adventure.
- Take to the skies on a helicopter ride, over Dubai's Palm Island, skyscrapers and sea.
- Try a traditional Arabic cooking class before tucking into your own creations.
- Cruise Musandam’s fjords by dhow, spotting dolphins as you go.
- Soak in a hammam in ultimate luxury at Zighy Bay.
- Watch sunsets from your villa pool at Zighy Bay, one of Oman's finest resorts.
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.
Combining the built-up modernity of Dubai, the peaceful peninsula of Musandam and finishing up with a luxurious stay in the world-renowned Zighy Bay, this itinerary has it all for a truly Arabian experience. Dubai is a city packed with startling feats of engineering, where you can trace its history from today’s modern 21st-century jungle right back through to the city’s humble trade route beginnings. You may think Dubai is reserved for a standard fly-and-flop, but there's actually a lot to see here that makes it worth lingering in for a few nights at least.
Transferring three hours across the border into Oman and the peninsula of Musandam, you reach the city of Khasab to experience a contrast of modern-day cultures. What makes Musandam so unique are the fjords just off the coast, scenery that is often nicknamed the ‘Norway of Arabia’ for its jaw-dropping walls of rock flanking crystal-clear waters that are rich with marine life. The main activity here is to hop on board a dhow, a traditional Omani sailing vessel, to explore this otherworldly scenery at a slow, tranquil pace.
Top off your experience with a transfer over to Zighy Bay, a secluded village-style resort where you can relax in the ultimate beach luxury, watching blissful sunsets in the secluded surroundings.
8 hours from London
When to go
- 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 journey kicks off with an overnight flight to Dubai, the dynamic hub of the UAE and the perfect spot to start your Arabian adventure.
You'll touch down in Dubai this morning, where our friendly team on the ground will meet you and whisk you off to your hotel. With three nights to explore, you’ll have time to uncover both the glitz and the heritage of this fascinating city. If you arrive early enough, dive straight in with a guided city tour or a food walk to get your bearings and a taste of Dubai’s roots.
Take today to explore Dubai however you like. From the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the winding lanes of the Al Fahidi District, there’s no shortage of sights to take in. If you'd prefer some guidance, a modern city tour is a great way to get to grips with the city. Or, for a bit of adventure, head off on a desert Jeep safari to experience a different side to Dubai.
If you’re looking for something truly memorable (and your budget will allow), taking to the skies on a helicopter tour will give you a whole new view and perspective of Dubai. See the scale of Palm Jumeirah in all its glory, take in the impressive sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, and get a bird’s-eye view of the city’s extraordinary feats of engineering.
Today, you’ll meet your driver and leave Dubai’s buzz behind as you cross three hours into Oman and head to the Musandam Peninsula. Known as the 'Norway of Arabia', Musandam is worlds apart from Dubai. With its dramatic mountains, fjord-like waterways, and quiet charm, it's a part of Oman we really love. Settle into your hotel in Khasab for a three-night stay.
Today, you’ll explore Khasab and the surrounding area with your very own guide. Wander through the peaceful town, stopping at the Khasab Castle, then head into the mountains to visit isolated villages that almost seem lost in time. You’ll get a real glimpse into traditional Omani life today, where communities thrive in some of the most remote corners of the country.
You'll step aboard a traditional dhow boat today for a cruise through Musandam’s stunning fjords. The sheer cliffs, turquoise waters, and quiet coves are picture-perfect. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, which are often spotted swimming and playing alongside the boats. If you fancy, there’s time for a swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear water before heading back to shore.
Today you’ll head deeper into the Musandam Peninsula, finishing your journey at Zighy Bay, one of the most luxurious resorts in the region – and one of our favourites. Tucked away between dramatic cliffs and a peaceful beach, this is where you’ll spend five nights soaking up the surroundings in ultimate luxury.
After days of exploration, it's time to take it easy. The next few days are yours to spend however you please. The spa at Zighy Bay is a treat, with its Arabic-style hammams, ice caves, and plenty of ways to unwind. Relaxation aside, there are plenty of adventures to be had, whether on land, sea, or in the air. You can hike to local villages, set sail on a private yacht, or even try paragliding for a completely different view of the coastline. We really recommend taking part in a cooking class while you’re here. You’ll learn the secrets of Arabic dishes and flavours, before sitting down to treat your tastebuds to the results.
Your trip comes to an end as you’re transferred back across the border to Dubai for your onward flight home. We hope you'll be flying home with memories of Dubai’s energy, Musandam’s tranquillity, and Zighy Bay’s dose of R&R.
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What You're Saying
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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
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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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