Ultimate Oman

This morning, your driver will collect you from your hotel so you can explore the sights of Muscat, including the impressive Grand Mosque. You will also visit Muscat’s Royal Opera House, built by the previous king, Sultan Qaboos. Continue on to Muttrah, where you’ll find the older areas of Muscat, and the traditional souqs. In the evening, you get a totally different perspective on the city when you take a twilight dhow (traditional sailing boat) cruise.

You have a day at leisure and may wish to explore the local souqs around Muttrah, or sample some of the local food in one of the city's many restaurants. Alternatively, spend a day relaxing by the pool or beach at the hotel, and appreciate the wonderful view of this eclectic city.

Today, head off into the interior of the country towards Jebel Shams. En route, you’ll stop to visit the traditional, sleepy fishing village of Seeb. Continue on to visit the fort at Nakhl, which is surrounded by date palm plantations. As you near the Jebel Akhdar mountain range, you will begin to notice more wadis. Stop at Wadi Bani Awf, one of the most scenic wadis in the area, before you reach your hotel in Jebel Shams in the late afternoon.

You have a full-day tour with your private driver-guide, visiting the historic fort town of Nizwa, and the pretty surrounding villages. For about 200 years, Nizwa was the capital of Oman due to its strategic position, and there are plenty of interesting historic buildings, as well as its traditional souq, to explore. After, you visit Jebel Akhdar villages including Misfah, which boasts two- and three-storey mud houses reminiscent of Yemeni architecture.

A second day of exploration, with sights including Jabrin Castle, Bahla Fort and the isolated Beehive tombs, set against the striking mountain scenery. Jabrin is one of the best forts to visit in Oman, due to the impressive decoration and design. The distinctive beehive tombs are thought to be around 4,000 years old and the drive here is stunning.

En route from the Jebel Akhdar mountains to the Wahiba Sands desert, visit Ibra’s women’s market. Most lively on Thursday mornings, the market is a vibrant place where you can witness the trade in goats, silver, and vegetables. Ask your driver to stop at Sinaw as well if you enjoy the bustle of traditional markets and watching local life. The last part of your journey is spent driving across the dunes of the magical Wahiba Sands desert. On arrival, you have a camel ride at sunset.

Depart your luxury desert camp today as you head out towards the coast to Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Visit the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid en route, where you can take a refreshing swim in the deep green and blue pools if you like. On arrival, you have an evening visit to Green Turtle Beach and try to spot turtles nesting and making their way to the sea, a beautiful sight.

Today you return to Muscat along the coastal road via the traditional boat-building town of Sur, once the center for shipbuilding in the Middle East. Before you leave, you will have another early morning visit to Green Turtle Beach and another chance to spot turtles nesting. You reach Muscat International Airport in time for your flight to Salalah. You are met on arrival by your private driver and transferred to your hotel in time for dinner.

Today you visit the eastern coastline of Salalah. Your first stop is the fishing village of Taqa, an old town with an interesting castle. You then continue to Khor Rori, the site of the ruined port of Samhuram, thought to date back to the 1st century AD. After visiting the fort at Mirbat, you return to Salalah and have the rest of the day at leisure.

You will have a full-day tour with your private guide visiting areas to the north of Salalah. This includes the fabled city of Ubar, and Wadi Dawkah, a well-known, beautiful, green wadi and swimming spot during the Khareef season. You will also head up to the endless dunes of the Empty Quarter for some dune bashing and dinner at sunset.

Your final full day in Oman will be spent at leisure. Relax by the pool or on the beach, or alternatively, visit Al Baleed Museum, a modern museum detailing Salalah and Oman’s illustrious history. You could also visit the local souq in Salalah for any last souvenirs you want to buy before heading home.

Your private driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Salalah Airport for your flight to Muscat. You’ll transit through Muscat International Airport and catch your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.