Oman Highlights Tour

Day 1 | Welcome to Muscat

Welcome to Muscat, the starting point of your tour of Oman. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be personally escorted to the Primeclass Lounge, where all entry formalities will be efficiently handled for you. While you relax after your flight, everything will be taken care of. As soon as you have collected your luggage, your private driver will be waiting to take you in comfort to your hotel, where you can check in immediately.

Your Oman tour begins at a leisurely pace with a stay at The Chedi Muscat, a luxury beach resort renowned for its minimalist design, lush gardens, and serene atmosphere. This is the ideal place to acclimate and experience authentic Oman in complete comfort. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish: enjoy the stylish infinity pools, swim in the iconic Long Pool—the longest pool in the Middle East—or stroll along the private beach.

Day 2 | The Magic of Muscat

Today, you’ll explore the highlights of Muscat with a guide. You’ll be picked up at your hotel at 9:00 a.m., and your tour of Oman’s capital will begin. You’ll visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Mosque, one of Muscat’s most iconic landmarks and an absolute highlight of any tour of Oman.

You’ll then drive through the city, passing through the diplomatic quarter and the Royal Opera House, and discover the lively fish market, the National Museum, or the Bait Al Zubair Museum, as well as the charming Muttrah Souk—one of Oman’s oldest markets. The tour ends along the picturesque Corniche in the historic heart of Muscat, where you’ll have a view of Al Alam Palace, beautifully situated between two imposing Portuguese forts.

Day 3 | The adventure begins (250 km – 5 hours)

This route is weather-dependent. Please check with your hotel in advance to see if Wadi Bani Awf is accessible. After rainfall, the wadi may be closed for several days due to the risk of flooding.

Today’s itinerary features one of Oman’s most spectacular 4×4 routes. You’ll start the day with a visit to Nakhl, known for its impressive Nakhl Fort and natural hot springs, located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains. You will then drive through the authentic town of Al Awabi toward Wadi Bani Awf, where the paved road gives way to an adventurous off-road experience after about 20 kilometers.

Wadi Bani Awf is known as one of Oman’s most beautiful off-road routes, winding through a dramatic mountain gorge with steep rock faces, rugged landscapes, and surprising green oases dotted with date palms. Along the way, you’ll pass through remote mountain villages that have fully preserved their traditional character. A detour to Bilad Sayt, one of Oman’s most photogenic villages, is definitely a highlight of this route.

Please note: This 4x4 route includes challenging off-road sections with steep and narrow passages. This trip is only suitable for travelers who are confident and, preferably, have experience with off-road driving. Also, make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, as there are no gas stations along the way.

After a photo stop at the spectacular Sharaf Al Alamayn viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Hajar Mountains, you’ll continue your tour toward Nizwa via Al Hamra. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your accommodation in the historic villages surrounding Nizwa, where culture and tradition take center stage.

Day 4 | From Nizwa to the mountains (60 km – 1 hour 30 minutes)

Today you’ll travel on to Oman’s impressive mountainous interior, one of the highlights of any tour of Oman. Before you leave, we recommend visiting Nizwa. Nizwa was the capital of Oman until 1783 and is now the country’s spiritual center as the seat of the Imam.

You’ll start at the authentic Nizwa Souk, one of Oman’s most famous markets, renowned for its traditional silverware, handmade crafts, and the distinctive pottery from Bahla. Here, the iconic Omani khanjars (curved daggers) are still handcrafted using centuries-old techniques—an important cultural symbol of the Sultanate. As you stroll through the souk, you’ll naturally reach the imposing Nizwa Fort. Climb the watchtower and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city, palm oases, and the surrounding Hajar Mountains.

On your way to Jabal Akhdar, Oman’s famous “Green Mountain,” you’ll pass through the charming mountain village of Birkat Al Mawz. A short stop here is definitely worth it to experience the village’s authentic atmosphere. There you’ll find vast date plantations, traditional goat farms, and the centuries-old aflaj irrigation system, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oman.

Next, the spectacular mountain route to Jabal Akhdar begins. Please have your identification documents ready for a brief checkpoint along the way. This is followed by a breathtaking drive to an altitude of over 2,000 meters, where you’ll check in at your hotel in Jabal Akhdar, surrounded by rugged cliffs and impressive mountain scenery.

The rest of the day is entirely at your leisure, so you can relax, take in the views, and enjoy the unique mountain scenery of Jabal Akhdar.

Day 5 | Free day to explore the mountains of Jabal Akhdar

Jabal Akhdar, literally translated as the “Green Mountains of Oman,” is one of the most fertile and spectacular mountainous regions in the sultanate and is a highlight—both literally and figuratively—of any tour of Oman. Thanks to the cool mountain climate and terraced farming, these mountains are known for their seasonal harvest of pomegranates, apricots, peaches, almonds, walnuts, and grapes. In addition, the famous roses of Jabal Akhdar grow here, from which the iconic rose water is distilled—an important part of local tradition and culture.

During your stay at Jabal Akhdar, the hotel will be happy to assist you in organizing various activities, such as hikes, bike rides, and cultural excursions in the surrounding area. We highly recommend the short “3 Village Walk” starting from the Saiq Plateau, a picturesque hike through traditional mountain villages offering impressive panoramic views of the gorges and terraces of the Hajar Mountains. The starting point of this walk is located to the right of the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Hotel, where there is also a small parking lot.

Day 6 | The Oman Across Ages Museum and Wahiba Sands (235 km – 3.5 hours)

In the morning, you’ll leave the impressive Jabal Akhdar mountain region and continue on toward Oman’s vast desert landscapes. You’ll start the day with a visit to the Oman Across Ages Museum (admission 5 OMR per person), one of Oman’s newest and most prominent cultural attractions. This modern museum offers an immersive journey through the history of the sultanate, from the earliest civilizations to contemporary Oman, and is among the most important cultural highlights in the Muscat and inland region.

Through interactive exhibits, archaeological finds, and traditional craftsmanship, you’ll gain a deep understanding of Oman’s rich heritage and the country’s development over the centuries.

Please note: when visiting the museum, knees and shoulders must be covered.

After this inspiring museum visit, you’ll continue your tour of Oman toward Bidiyah, a traditional desert village on the edge of the Wahiba Sands. This is the gateway to Oman’s spectacular desert, where the landscape gradually gives way to endless sand dunes.

Day 7 | From the desert, via an authentic farm, back to Muscat

After a magical night in the Omani desert, where the silence of the Wahiba Sands and the breathtaking starry sky make for an unforgettable experience, you’ll bid farewell to the desert landscape in the morning and continue your tour toward Muscat, the capital of Oman.

Along the way, you’ll make a special stop at Al Jarda, home to Abood’s farm—an authentic farmstead that offers a unique glimpse into traditional rural life in Oman. Abood, whose real name is Abdullah, is both the farm’s founder and a passionate guide who proudly shows visitors around his native region. When he is traveling, the farm is managed with the same dedication by his family and close friends, who welcome guests with characteristic Omani hospitality.

During your visit to Abood’s farm, you’ll discover daily life in the Omani countryside. You’ll stroll past vast mango and date palm plantations, fruit orchards, and farmland where everything is cultivated with care and respect for tradition. Animals also play an important role in farm life, with goats, cows, turkeys, rabbits, and pigeons contributing to the lively and authentic atmosphere.

In the farm’s traditional majlis, you’ll enjoy a simple yet flavorful lunch, prepared with fresh produce straight from the land. This culinary experience offers a unique introduction to the warmth, hospitality, and simplicity of Omani cuisine.

After this special visit, you’ll continue your tour to Muscat, where you’ll arrive in the afternoon, check into your hotel, and spend the rest of the day relaxing and reflecting on all the experiences of the day.

Day 8/9 | A wonderfully relaxing stay at The Chedi Muscat

You can spend the next few days in Muscat exactly as you please, making it the perfect way to wind down your tour of Oman. Enjoy complete peace and quiet on the beach, where the soothing sound of the ocean waves offers pure relaxation, or take a leisurely stroll along the charming harbor promenade with views of the sea and traditional dhow boats.

These days off at The Chedi will round out your tour of Oman, offering you time for rest, reflection, and personal exploration.

On the morning of day 9, you will be taken to the airport for your return flight.

Oman Highlights Tour

Introductory Tour of Oman's Highlights

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Day-to-day

Day 1 | Welcome to Muscat

Day 2 | The Magic of Muscat

Day 3 | The adventure begins (250 km – 5 hours)

Day 4 | From Nizwa to the mountains (60 km – 1 hour 30 minutes)

Day 5 | Free day to explore the mountains of Jabal Akhdar

Day 6 | The Oman Across Ages Museum and Wahiba Sands (235 km – 3.5 hours)

Day 7 | From the desert, via an authentic farm, back to Muscat

Day 8/9 | A wonderfully relaxing stay at The Chedi Muscat

Included:

Not included:

Staying in exceptional hotels

The Chedi (5*) - Muscat

Indigo (4*) - Jabal Akhdar

Desert Camp (4*) - Wahiba Sands

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