Self-drive Through The Wonders Of Oman

Itinerary

Day 1: Wadis and Beaches

Stop At: Wadi Dayqah Dam, Muscat to Sur coastal road Wilayat of Quriyat, 113 Oman
Leave Muscat in the morning and follow the coastal road leading southeast. After about one hour and a half driving, you have the opportunity to make the first stop at Wadi Dayaqh Dam, which is one of the largest dams in the Arabian Peninsula.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Wadi Al Arbeieen, 2 Hours Drive Away From the Capital Muscat., Muscat 113 Oman
You can also prefer to go straight to Wadi Arbayeen, one hour away, to spend more time in its natural pools. We recommend you to take a picnic, which you can enjoy in this amazing green scenery.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Bimmah Sinkhole, Hawiyat Najm Park, Muscat Oman
hit the road again to reach Bimmah Sinkhole, one of the most famous sightseeing of Oman. For swimming, we invite you to drive 20 minutes more to the hidden beaches of Fins. With white sands and crystal clear waters, Fins Beach is perfect to swim. By the end of the day, it's time to relax in the comfort of a resort near the sea.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: SAMA Wadi Shab or similar

Day 2: Ras al-Jinz

Stop At: Wadi Shab, 50km West of Sur, Sur 411 Oman
Wake up to go directly to Wadi Shab for a morning exploration of this famous valley. A 45 minutes’ walk leads you to turquoise pools and waterfalls, where you can swim.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sur, Sur, Ash-Sharqiyah Governorate
Drive to the pretty fishermen city of Sur. This picturesque town is famous for its dhow yards, wooden boats used all over the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. You can visit the boatyard to see their construction* or simply walk by the nice Corniche. For lunch, restaurants offer plenty of fresh and yummy seafood options.

* The Dhow Yard is closed on Fridays
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Ras Al Jinz, Sur 411 Oman
Then, drive 45 minutes to Ras al Jinz. You can check-in your hotel, relax and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at the beach. Watch the sunset over the beach and head toward the Turtle Beach Reserve at 8:30 PM. If you travel to Ras al Jinz between May and August, you have great chances to observe giant turtles laying eggs at the night on the beach**. Enjoy the show for a couple of hours with a guide, and come back to the resort to rest.

** The price of the entrance (8 OMR per adult) is not included
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Turtle Beach Resort or similar

Day 3: Oasis and Desert

Stop At: Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Bani Khalid, Ash-Sharqiyah Governorate
Say goodbye to the sea and enter the Ash-Sharqiyyah region. Your first destination appears after 3 hours driving: the famous and popular Wadi Bani Khalid. This true oasis has many natural pools and places to relax. You can swim if modestly dressed, or choose to relax at the restaurant or picnic area. After a light lunch, it's time to drive for another two hours.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Wahiba Sands, Wahiba Sands, Ash-Sharqiyah Governorate
The environment becomes dryer as you approach Wahiba Sands. Follow the dusty road between the dunes to reach the desert camp. Tonight you are the host of Bedouins, an Arabian nomadic tribe living in the deserts of Oman. Enjoy the traditional atmosphere, with Omani coffee and dates. Upon request, you can have a camel ride* or enjoy quad riding in the dunes. End your day with a priceless sunset over the dunes and stargazing.

* 60 Euros per person for 1 hour
** 31 Euros per person for 30 minutes
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Arabian Oryx Camp or similar

Day 4: Ancients cities and villages

Stop At: Ibra, Ibra, Ash-Sharqiyah Governorate
After a peaceful breakfast in the desert, leave the camp and one hour later discover the ancient capital of Ibra. Go on foot in the streets of this historical city with its mudbrick houses, forts and old mosques. Don't miss the souk and its local handicraft. On Wednesday, women can visit the Ladies Only Souk, while men continue their exploration.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Birkat Al Mouz Ruins, Nizwa Oman
Drive two hours more to enter the Ad Dakhiliyah region and stop for lunch at the quiet mountain village of Birkat al Mawz. Walk for an hour in the village and through its banana plantations, following the traditional irrigation system called Aflaj (Unesco listed).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jabrin, Jabrin, Ad-Dakhiliyah Governorate
Finally, drive 1h30 more to reach the ancient city of Nizwa, your final destination of the day. On the way stop by Jabreen Castle, a singular 17th century Castle.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Al Diyar Hotel or similar

Day 5: Hajar Mountains

Stop At: Nizwa, Nizwa, Ad-Dakhiliyah Governorate
Start an early exploration of the city of Nizwa. If you have the chance to be there on Friday, don't miss the picturesque Cattle Market. Every week, sellers and buyers come here early to trade goats and small cattle. Walk-in its antic souk and explore the old city for about two hours.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Al Hamra, Al Hamra, Ad-Dakhiliyah Governorate
Within 20 minutes, you reach Al Hamra. Explore the 400 years old town on foot.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Wadi Nakhr Canyon, Al Hamra Oman
Head time toward the wild nature of Wadi an Nakhr. As driving there requires some off-road skills, prefer parking the car for an easy one-hour hike. Enjoy your lunch by the pools of the wadi before getting back to your car.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Jebel Shams, Al Hamra Oman
Head toward the top of the mountains and after 45 minutes’ drive, you have arrived at Jebel Shams Viewpoint. Enjoy the breathtaking view over the valley .
Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Misfat al Abriyyin, Misfat al Abriyyin, Ad-Dakhiliyah Governorate
Your last destination of the day is located 1h15 away: the small Misfat al Abriyeen village, where you'll stay in a traditional homestay.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Misfah Old House or similar

Day 6: Mountain Pass to Muscat

Stop At: Wadi Bani Awf, Wadi Bani Awf, Ad-Dakhiliyah Governorate
Today wake up early to enjoy the natural sites of the region before returning to Muscat. It takes 45 minutes to reach Wadi Bani Awf, a lush wadi with very diverse landscapes. If you are not comfortable driving through its narrow roads, park your car and explore it on foot. On the way, you can reach without too much difficulties the remote village of Bilad Sayt. Walk around and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Al Thowarah Hot Springs, Nakhal Fort, Nakhl Oman
After lunch, drive north for 45 minutes to reach Nakhal. Make a quick stop to appreciate its hot springs
Duration: 30 minutes

Pass By: Muscat, Muscat, Muscat Governorate
Drive back another hour to Muscat. Your car must be returned by 5 PM, which is enough time for check-in and refresh at your hotel first. The rest of the evening is all yours in Muscat.

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