What Makes it Special?
- Sail through Musandam’s fjords on a traditional wooden dhow, spotting wild dolphins as you go.
- Watch nesting turtles by moonlight on the beach at Ras al-Jinz.
- Walk the historic alleyways of Misfah’s mountain village, a town that's steeped in history.
- See the frankincense trees growing wild in Dhofar’s Wadi Dawkah.
- Feel the spray as the blowholes crash at Mughsayl Beach.
- Sleep in a tented camp under the stars in the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands.
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.
One thing we often hear from clients planning a trip to Oman is: "We want to see as much as we can – this might be our only visit." While we’d argue Oman’s charm is well worth a return (some of us at HA have been more times than we can count, and others have even lived there!), there’s a lot to be said for a grand tour that covers all the highlights in one go.
This itinerary is designed to do just that, it’s a proper deep dive into the country, with time to take in the big hitters as well as a few of our favourite lesser-known spots. It’s full but never rushed, striking the kind of pace that keeps things exciting without leaving you wiped out. If you want to come home feeling like you’ve really got under Oman’s skin, this is the holiday for you.
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 Omani adventure begins with an overnight flight to Dubai, your first stop on our ‘Ultimate Oman’ holiday idea with plenty of adventures to come.
When you arrive in Dubai, you’ll be met by your private driver ready to journey north and cross the border into the stunning Musandam Peninsula. With its dramatic mountains, secluded villages, and fjord-like coastlines, this area is a striking introduction to Oman. If you arrive early enough, we'd recommend heading straight off on a guided tour of the mountains, isolated villages and hidden coves that are dotted around.
Today, you’ll set sail on a traditional dhow cruise to explore the remote fjords of Musandam. These crystal-clear waters are home to an array of marine life, so keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins who might make an appearance if you’re lucky. Take in the dramatic scenery, enjoy a refreshing swim, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
You’ll hop on a flight to Muscat today. If time allows before your flight, explore more of Musandam’s villages and mountain landscapes. When you touch down in Oman’s capital, you’ll head straight to your hotel for a three-night stay.
You'll dive straight into the rich culture of Muscat on a private tour of the city today. Visiting the stunning Grand Mosque with its impressive chandelier, the Sultan’s Palace, the National Museum, and so much more. Oman’s history will come to life with every stop. Round off the day with a stroll through the bustling Muttrah Souq, a real treasure trove of traditional crafts – perfect for nabbing a souvenir or three!
You’ll take to the water again today, this time for a boat trip along Muscat’s coastline. As you cruise the azure seas, there’s another chance to spot dolphins and enjoy the spectacular views of Oman’s rugged cliffs and pristine beaches.
It's time to leave Muscat behind and head south along the coast today. You'll either pick up your hire car if you're self-driving, or be met at your hotel by your driver guide, ready for the journey. Along the way, don't miss stop-offs at the unique Bimmah Sinkhole and the beautiful wadis of Tiwi and Shab. You’ll arrive at Ras al-Jinz, where you’ll spend the night. This evening will be a special one as you'll join a local guide to watch nesting turtles on the beach – a truly unforgettable experience, and an Oman holiday highlight for sure.
The highlights keep coming, as today you’ll journey on into the golden expanse of the Wahiba Sands. Stop off along the way at the cool pools of Wadi Bani Khalid for a dip before continuing on towards the sands. Your desert camp will be waiting, complete with the magical experiences of endless dunes, a canopy of stars, and delicious Omani cuisine.
After an unforgettable night in the desert and a spot of traditional breakfast, it’s time to swap the sand for the mountains as you head into Oman’s mountainous interior. Stop off at the ‘Oman Across Ages Museum’ along the way, which celebrates the creation of the nation. Check into your hotel in Nizwa or the surrounding mountains for a three-night stay. There are some lovely accommodation options here, both in Nizwa and up in the mountains. Of course, we'll be sure to choose the option that's perfect for you.
Spend the day exploring the rugged beauty of the Hajar Mountains today, including the breathtaking Wadi Ghul, Oman’s “Grand Canyon.” Don't miss a visit to the picturesque village of Misfah, where traditional stone homes perch dramatically on the slopes. Or the pretty town of Bilad Sayt, not far away. The whole region is a fantastic area to explore for an authentic glimpse into Omani mountain life.
Today, you'll explore more of the imposing forts and towns that make up Oman’s rugged interior. Immerse yourself in Oman’s heritage with a visit to the grand Nizwa Fort. If it’s Friday, don’t miss the vibrant livestock auction at Nizwa Souq, a fascinating tradition rich in local colour. (We can plan your itinerary around this if it's of particular interest!) Next up, visit the intricately painted Jabreen Fort, stopping to admire the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort along the way.
You’ll return to Muscat today in time for your domestic flight to Salalah, the lush southern region of Oman. When you arrive, pick up your hire car or meet your driver for the transfer to your Dhofar hotel, ready to settle in for four nights of adventure and relaxation. There are some brilliant hotel options in Dhofar, we’ll be sure to select the right one to suit you.
There’s plenty to see and do in southern Oman. You could delve deeper into Dhofar’s coastal charms, with visits to the historic towns of Taqah and Mirbat. And you can’t miss Mughsayl Beach, known for its dramatic blowholes that spout water high into the air – it’s a brilliant way to spend a few hours.
You've got a second day of adventures around Salalah to enjoy today. There are some truly great drives to enjoy, including the scenic road to Wadi Dawkah, home to ancient frankincense trees. As always, if you'd like more structure added to your days, just ask. We can recommend and plan plenty of sights, excursions and experiences in the area.
We've left today clear for you to unwind on the beach and reflect on your journey. Whether lounging by the pool, walking along Salalah’s sands, or enjoying the hotel’s amenities, it’s the perfect spot to finish and toast your Ultimate Oman adventure.
It’s time to say goodbye to Oman today. If you're self-driving, you'll drop off your car at the airport, otherwise, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the terminal in time for your flight home.
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
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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
”
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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