Imagine Oman

This vibrant itinerary combines some of the highlights of northern Oman, including the capital city of Muscat, the vast desert of Wahiba Sands and the dramatic forts and hidden villages around Nizwa in the stunning Hajar Mountains.

1. Fly to Muscat

2. Days 1-3: Muscat, Oman

   You will be met on arrival at Muscat Airport by your driver who will whisk you to your accommodation for the next two nights.
   
   During your stay here, we recommend a Half Day City Tour, which takes in the impressive Grand Mosque, fish and vegetable markets, the Muttrah Souk and Bait Al Zubair Museum. As Muscat is spread out it is best to do this with a local Omani driver who will work out the best route to avoid traffic and ensure you visit the Mosque before prayer time and leave you time to wander and explore the ancient Muttrah Souq.  Crossing mountain roads he will stop to show you some of the old roads where you can get wonderful views of the old city, the Sultan’s Palace and small villages with the sparkling blue Gulf of Oman and Arabian sea in the distance.  If asked he can recommend a wonderful local restaurant where you can taste local Omani lobster and prawns and fresh khubz(bread) straight from the oven.  You can then return to your hotel to relax and swim or go on to spend more time exploring the souqs or visit the incredible National Museum.
   

   Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Muscat (2 nights)

3. Days 3-4: Wahiba Sands

   Your driver will collect you from the Radisson Blu and you will leave Muscat behind travelling down the beautiful Eastern Coastal Route. Although you can drive to the desert in just 3 hours we recommend taking this route to see some of the beauty of Oman’s breath taking coastline. You will have the opportunity to stop at the Bimmah Sinkhole, see powder white beaches and explore wadis on the way. As you leave the coast behind you will drive into Wahiba Sands and your driver will drive you across this vast area where you can see nothing but sand dunes, some as high as 200 metres. The desert is a photographer’s dream with ever-shifting sands, a great feeling of space and stunning sunsets. Spend the night at the Desert Nights Camp, a permanent camp where you can enjoy dinner and start gazing before bed.  In the morning wake early to see local Bedouin with their camels and walk to the top of the nearest sand dune to watch the changing colours of the sand as the sunrises.

   Accommodation: Desert Nights Camp (1 night)

4. Days 4-6: Nizwa

   As you leave your camp behind you can stop at a Bedouin house and meet a Bedouin family.  Although many now have houses in the city some Bedouin still prefer to stay in the desert and care for their animals as their ancestors did before them .  Known for their knowledge of the desert and their hospitality you will be offered tea or Arabic coffee and have the opportunity to talk about this unique way of life and how it fits into modern Oman.
   
   Leaving the desert behind you will drive towards the stunning Hajar mountains stopping on the way at the beautiful Wadi bin Khalid.  This is a perfect place to dip your toes or even enjoy a cooling swim after the heat of the desert.  You may even see an Omani family enjoying a picnic amongst the rocks.  As you leave Wadi bin Khalid behind you will drive towards the majestic Hajar mountains to Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman, Here you will spend 2 nights at the Golden Tulip which is close to Nizwa and will give you the opportunity to explore the Fort and Souq and if you get up early we recommend visiting the local Souq, especially on a Friday when Bedouins and local Omanis flock to sell their livestock and vegetables and fruit.  You can also look for a Khanjar, a traditional Omani silver dagger which is part of the Omani National dress for men and is a unique souvenir from Oman. Alternatively, you can find Omani silver jewellery some old and some new which is a fabulous reminder of your stay in Nizwa.
   

   Accommodation: Golden Tulip Nizwa (2 nights)

5. Days 6-8: Nizwa

   The mountains surrounding Nizwa are perfect for adventure enthusiasts, with some excellent opportunities for trekking and mountain biking. There are options to suit all fitness levels, from easy-going strolls to strenuous full-day adventures.  Staying at the View which overlooks the village of Al Hamra is an ideal base to explore the canyons and mountains and wadis.
   
   Accompanied by your driver, you can also explore some of the local villages in the surrounding countryside. Many of these villages are hundreds of years old, with traditional mud houses and falaj water systems. Most of the older villages are now abandoned, and you can wander freely through the winding empty streets.
   
   From the mountains it is around a two to three-hour drive back to Muscat, where you can either fly home, spend some time at one of the Hotels on the beach for a few days or relaxation , or fly down to Salalah in the south of the country and explore the area of Dhofar. 
   

   Accommodation: The View (2 nights)

6. Fly home from Muscat

Muscat, Wahiba Sands, Nizwa & Hajar Mountains