From The Oman Gulf To The Arabian Sea In 12 Days

Itinerary

Day 1: Muscat

Stop At: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Sultan Qaboos St, Muscat 113 Oman
Upon arrival to Muscat, your guide meets you at the International Airport and accompany you to your hotel for check-in. Once refreshed, start discovering the city for a half-day guided tour. The first stop is the iconic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Anyone can enter, as long as dressed modestly, and the visit takes about 30 minutes.

Note: The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is closed on Fridays and only open in the morning during the week. Depending on your arriving day and time, it will be possible to visit the Mosque on the next morning.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Muttrah, Muttrah, Muscat Governorate
Then, enter the heart of the ancient Muscat by exploring the alleys of colourful Muttrah Souk. All kind of handicraft souvenirs can be found here, from incense to Khanjar. After half an hour strolling in the alleys, admire the view on the Corniche and walk for another half hour.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bait Al Zubair, Al-Saidiya Street, Muscat 113 Oman
Your next stop leads you east, to visit the Old Muscat and get familiar with Omani culture at Bait al Zubair Museum.

Note: The Bait al Zubair Museum are closed on Fridays. Depending on your arriving day, it will be possible to visit replace the museum by another attraction.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Al Alam Palace, Waterfront Oman
After a short photo-stop to Al Alam Palace, it's time to taste the local cuisine. Enjoy a tasty dinner at Bait al Luban, which cooks authentic Omani cuisine and has a nice view of the corniche. After dinner, go back to the hotel.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Majan Continental Hotel (4-star) or similar

Day 2: Ancient cities and Castles

Stop At: Nizwa, Nizwa, Ad-Dakhiliyah Governorate
Leave the capital for entering the mountainous regions of northern Oman during a day rich in historical sites. Your first destination is Nizwa, the former capital of the Sultanate. Visit its ancient fort, one of Oman's most emblematic forts, and stroll into its colourful traditional market.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jibreen Castle, Jabrin 612 Oman
After a lunch break, drive for 45 minutes to Jabreen in order to visit its 17th-century castle, probably the most beautiful historical castle of the Sultanate.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Bahla Fort, Oasis of Bahla, Nizwa 611 Oman
It is neighbour to the Bahla Castle, another well-preserved site, which you can visit some 20 minutes away. Come back to Nizwa by the end of the day to spend the night.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Al Diyar Hotel (4-star) or similar

Day 3: Hajar Mountains

Stop At: Nizwa, Nizwa, Ad-Dakhiliyah Governorate
If you happen to be in Nizwa on a Friday morning, don't miss the cattle market, which takes place early. You can observe sellers and buyers exchanging cattle in a very traditional and picturesque way.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Al Hamra, Al Hamra, Ad-Dakhiliyah Governorate
Hit the road for about 40 minutes to reach the old town of Al Hamra. Walk between its mudbrick houses.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Misfat al Abreyeen, Al Hamra Oman
Head toward another mountain village: Misfat Al Abriyeen. There, in the quietness of the banana plantations and with the sounds of the water flows of the Aflaj, stop for lunch. You also have plenty of walks opportunity to explore the village.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Wadi Nakhr Canyon, Al Hamra Oman
Drive 30 minutes to the famous Wadi An Nakhr. Exploring the wadi requires some off-road skills, which you can enjoy for an hour
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jebel Shams, Al Hamra Oman
Finally, drive to the top of the famous Jebel Shams to admire the breathtaking view. By the end of the day, return to Nizwa.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Al Diyar Hotel (4-star) or similar

Day 4: Wahiba Sands

Stop At: Birkat Al Mouz Ruins, Nizwa Oman
Leave Nizwa early in the morning for Birkat Al-Mawz. This village is nestled in the mountain and offers plenty of opportunities for a quiet walk and many photogenic spots.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Ibra, Ibra, Ash-Sharqiyah Governorate
Travel about two hours to enter the desert region of Ad Dakhiliyah. For lunch, stop at Ibra, one of Oman's oldest city. Walk into the historical city-centre and explore its traditional market, dating back to when Ibra was a major trading centre
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Wahiba Sands, Wahiba Sands, Ash-Sharqiyah Governorate
After lunch, it's time to enter the heart of the desert. Drive between the dunes of Wahiba Sands to the Bedouin camp where you spend the night. Discover the unique hospitality of this Arabic nomadic tribe. Upon request, you can ride camels* or have fun with other activities in the sand. In the evening, share a traditional barbecue and simply enjoy the myriad of stars in the sky.

* 60 Euros per person for one hour
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Safari Desert Camp or similar

Day 5: East Coast

Stop At: Wadi Shab, 50km West of Sur, Sur 411 Oman
Take a peaceful breakfast in the serenity of the desert, before hitting the road toward the eastern coast. After two hours’ drive, explore the famous Wadi Shab and relax in its fresh natural pools for one hour and a half. For lunch, go to the nearby Fins Beach to picnic in front of the sea. Relax, and swim in the cool waters of the Oman Gulf.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Bimmah Sinkhole, Hawiyat Najm Park, Muscat Oman
In the afternoon, and after a short 20 minutes’ drive, visit one of Oman's iconic natural wonders: Bimmah Sinkhole. An impressive natural cave with a large pool.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Wadi Al Arbeieen, 2 Hours Drive Away From the Capital Muscat., Muscat 113 Oman
Before returning to Muscat, it is possible to drive through the wild and lush Wadi Arbayeen, which offers incredible natural sceneries. In the evening, relax at the hotel.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Majan Continental Hotel (4-star) or similar

Day 6: Mountains of Musandam

Stop At: Khasab, Khasab, Musandam Governorate
Wake up early to go to Muscat airport. A private transfer drives you there three hours before your flight to Khasab. Once in Khasab, you are picked up at the airport to start a mountain safari into Jebel Harim. With a 4WD, stride across spectacular scenic roads, up to the top of the mountain. Here, at 1784 meters above the sea level, stop to enjoy the panoramic view over the Oman Gulf and take pictures. On the way to the top of the mountain, visit Bait al Qalf, a centuries-old village with a type of houses which only exists here. You also cross the lush Khalidiyah Natural Park and its acacia forest. After about 3 hours of mountain safari, go to the hotel and relax.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Diwan al Amir (3-star) or similar

Day 7: Dhow Cruise in Musandam

Stop At: Musandam Governorate, Musandam Governorate
It's a full day of water activities ahead of you. After breakfast at the hotel, go to the Khasab marina with a private transfer and embark on a traditional dhow. Richly decorated, it's as comfortable as beautiful with cushions to lay on. As you arrive, you are welcomed with a traditional coffee and dates. The cruise leads you to Khor Sham, the longest fjords of Musandam with dramatic landscapes. You'll probably see dolphins on the way to the snorkelling locations: Telegraph Islands and Seebi Islands. Enjoy the exceptional seabed of both places, swim in the turquoise waters and relax on the boat deck. A traditional Omani lunch is provided on board, as well as snacks and refreshments. The excursion lasts about 6 hours, before going back to Khasab and rest at the hotel for the evening.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Diwan al Amir (3-star) or similar

Day 8: Travel to Salalah

Pass By: Salalah, Salalah, Dhofar Governorate
In the morning, a private transfer drives you to the airport 3 hours before the departure of your flight to Salalah, the capital of Dhofar in the south of Oman. On arrival, another private transfer drives you to your hotel where you can relax by the beach.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Beach Resort Salalah (3-star) or similar

Day 9: Salalah City

Stop At: Sultan Qaboos Mosque, 23.July Street, Salalah 211 Oman
After breakfast at the hotel, start a half-day guided tour of Salalah. This city of southern Oman offers a different atmosphere with a typical culture which you can discover through this day. First, visit the sublime Sultan Qaboos Mosque for half an hour. Visitors are required to dress modestly and women must cover their hair with a scarf.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Museum of the Frankincense Land, As Sultan Qaboos Street, Salalah 211 Oman
To learn more about the history of the region and the importance of the Frankincense trade, visit for an hour the Museum of the Frankincense Land and the Al Baleed Archeological Museum.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Al-Husn Souq, Sultan Quaboos Street, Salalah 211 Oman
. Then, right inside the city, visit the Plantation Farms, with Banana, Papaya and other exotic fruits. Enjoy some fresh coconut milk before heading toward the traditional market of Al Husn, also called Haffa Souk. This is the best place in Oman to buy all kinds of Frankincense, among other typical souvenirs. After an hour strolling in the bustling alleys, go back to your hotel to relax by the beach for the end of the day.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Beach Resort Salalah (3-star) or similar

Day 10: East & West Salalah

Stop At: Salalah, Salalah, Dhofar Governorate
Today is a full day through the must-sees of Salalah, from east to west! As you drive toward the east, stop by the Royal Farm and the Marmura Palace. The Sultan used to leave there during summer to escape the heat. It's not possible to visit these places, but they make a nice photo-stop.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Taqah Castle, Taqah, Salalah 211 Oman
After a short drive, you arrive at Taqah and enter the historical lands of Salalah. First, stop by the Taqah Castle. Built during the 19th century, it is different from all forts and castles in Oman as it used to be the private residence of the tribal leader of the region.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Sumhuram Old City, 49 Sumhuram Street, Salalah 211 Oman
Drive 20 minutes to Sumhuram Archeological Park. It contains the remains of Khor Rori, which was once one of the most important ports in the world.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Mirbat, Mirbat, Dhofar Governorate
After half an hour of visit, it's time for natural wonders at nearby Wadi Darbat. Wadi Darbat is a lush and wild valley, quite popular. With its river and nice beaches, it offers a relaxing break. Drive another half hour to visit the coastal town of Mirbat with the Mausoleum of Bin Ali.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Al Mughsail Beach, Salalah Oman
Finally, end your day with several natural splendours. First, visit at Ayn Razat, probably the most impressive spring of Dhofar. Explore its perched cave and enjoy the green scenery. Drive for about an hour to reach the sea and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches of Dhofar: Al Mughsail. Walk on the wild coast and by its surprising blowholes for 20 minutes. Finally, drive to the Zig Zag Road, an incredible road where you have the opportunity to observe several sorts of Frankincense trees. After one hour and a half, you're back at the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Beach Resort Salalah (3-star) or similar

Day 11: Rub al Khali

Stop At: Empty Quarter, Oman
Today, immerse yourself in the immensity of Rub al Khali. The name of this desert means the Empty Quarter, as it's one of the largest deserts in the world. Leave Salalah in the morning and drive an hour in the direction of the desert. There, you find Wadi Dowkha: visit its Frankincense Tree Farms for half an hour, before driving again one hour and a half to the desert village of Shisr. Here are the ruins of the lost city of Ubar, known as the "Atlantis of the Sands". Visit the ruins for half an hour before going deeper into the Empty Quarter to explore the desert. By the end of the day, go back to Salalah by driving about 3 hours and a half up to your hotel.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Beach Resort Salalah (3-star) or similar

Day 12: Salalah

Pass By: Salalah, Salalah, Dhofar Governorate
Enjoy the morning on your own and rest at the hotel. After check-out, a private transfer brings you back to Salalah International Airport to end your trip.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.