Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure
Your flight to Oman departs today, and you're about to experience a country full of contrasts. From the moment you take off, you're heading toward a place where modern cities sit alongside endless desert dunes, dramatic mountain ranges meet turquoise wadis, and tradition runs deep through everything. The journey itself marks the beginning of something pretty special, so settle in and get ready for what's ahead.
- Day 2
Nizwa
After landing in Nizwa, you'll pick up your rental 4x4 and head straight into the action. The souks here are filled with gold, spices, pottery, and dates, so give yourself time to wander and get a feel for local life. Then make your way to Nizwa Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers great views across the oasis toward the Hajar Mountains. The fort itself tells a lot about the region's history and defense strategies.
Included Activities
- Visit Nizwa Fort (entrance fee included)
- Explore Nizwa souks
Landmarks Nizwa Fort Nizwa Souk Hajar Mountains - Day 3
Misfat Al Abriyyin - Wadi Nakhar
You'll drive out into the countryside to Al Hamra, a nearly 400-year-old mud town with narrow alleyways that feel like stepping back in time. From there, head to Misfat Al Abriyyin where you can hike trails that wind through oasis fields with views of the Hajar Mountains surrounding you. Later in the afternoon, push on to Wadi Nakhar, which locals call Oman's Grand Canyon. Stay for sunset when the canyon walls turn golden and the light completely changes the landscape.
Included Activities
- Explore Al Hamra old town
- Visit Misfat Al Abriyyin and hike trails
- Visit Wadi Nakhar
Optional Activities
- Misfat Trek along oasis fields
Landmarks Al Hamra Misfat Al Abriyyin Wadi Nakhar - Day 4
Nizwa
Start early this Friday at the legendary goat market, which gets going around 06:00 with activity and energy. After that, wander the old town's narrow alleyways to get a sense of daily life, then check out the Al Aqr farmers' terraces where date palms and mango trees grow. Before wrapping up, visit Birkat al Mouz, a centuries-old settlement with mud houses and traditional irrigation systems that make for good photos and give you insight into how people lived here.
Included Activities
- Visit Nizwa Goat Market
- Explore Nizwa old town
- Visit Al Aqr farmers' terraces
- Visit Birkat al Mouz
Landmarks Nizwa Goat Market Al Aqr Farmers' Terraces Birkat al Mouz - Day 5
Nizwa to Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp
The drive toward Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp takes you through some dramatic desert landscapes with golden dunes, long ribbon-like roads stretching to the horizon, and shimmering sand all around. Once you arrive, settle into your wood and clay chalet and take some time to adjust to the rhythm here. After sunset, you'll relax by a fire under the stars while enjoying regional dishes, which is a nice way to ease into desert life.
- Meals
- Dinner (Regional delicacies at the desert camp)
Included Activities
- Drive through Wahiba Sands Desert
- Check in to Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp
Landmarks Wahiba Sands - Day 6
Wahiba Sands
Wake up in the desert and have breakfast before deciding how you want to spend the day. You can either book a dune drive through the camp or take your rental car to explore golden sand hills and rugged rock formations on your own. Later, drive to the turquoise oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid where you can swim and hike between the water and surrounding cliffs. Get back to camp in time for the open-air cinema under the stars, which is a nice evening activity.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Wadi Bani Khalid
- Swimming and hiking at Wadi Bani Khalid
- Open-air cinema at desert camp
Optional Activities
- Dune drive (costs apply)
Landmarks Wadi Bani Khalid - Day 7
Wahiba Sands to Muscat
Leave the desert this morning and head toward Muscat, watching the landscape shift from sand to rocks to regular roads as you drive. Stop in Sur to see dhow boats, the traditional wooden sailing vessels that are part of Omani maritime heritage. After that, head to Wadi Shab where a short hike leads you to a swim between rock faces and a hidden cave. Finish the day at Qurum Beach in Muscat for sunset, giving you a nice transition from desert back to the coast.
Included Activities
- Visit Wadi Shab and swim in hidden cave
- Visit Qurum Beach
Optional Activities
- Visit Sur and dhow boats
Landmarks Sur Wadi Shab Qurum Beach - Day 8
Muscat
Muscat's highlights start with the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, an architectural marvel with golden domes and intricate details. Walk through the Bait Al Zubair Museum to learn about Oman's history and culture, then photograph Al Alam Palace from the outside. Spend time in the Muttrah Souk's narrow alleyways browsing spices, jewelry, and traditional lamps while sampling local delicacies. The afternoon is yours to choose another activity based on what interests you most.
Included Activities
- Visit Sultan Qaboos Mosque (entrance fee included)
- Visit Al Alam Palace
- Explore Muttrah Souk
Optional Activities
- Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum (entrance fee at own expense)
- Visit Muttrah Corniche
Landmarks Sultan Qaboos Mosque Bait Al Zubair Museum Al Alam Palace Muttrah Souk Muttrah Corniche Muttrah Fort - Day 9
Muscat Surroundings
Head east of Muscat to explore coastal attractions starting with Bimmah Sinkhole, a massive crater filled with emerald-green water that's perfect for swimming. Continue to Fins Beach where you'll find white sand and crystal-clear water for relaxing. On the way back, drive along the Muttrah Corniche to soak in the harbor vibe and watch fishing boats at work. If you're interested, there's an optional climb up to Muttrah Fort in the evening for city views as light fades.
Included Activities
- Visit Bimmah Sinkhole
- Visit Fins Beach
- Visit Muttrah Corniche
Optional Activities
- Climb to Muttrah Fort for sunset views
- Picnic at Fins Beach
Landmarks Bimmah Sinkhole Fins Beach Muttrah Corniche Muttrah Fort - Day 10
Departure
Your final morning in Oman is yours to pace however you like. Sip karak tea as the sun comes up over Muscat, or take a last barefoot walk on Qurum Beach to let the place settle in your mind. You might grab time at a waterfront café for one more look at the water before packing up. Reflecting on wadis, mountains, desert, and sea, you'll head home with a pretty full experience of what this country offers.
Optional Activities
- Visit Qurum Beach for morning walk
- Relax at waterfront café
Landmarks Qurum Beach
