Classic Oman and Abu Dhabi Tour

Duration 10 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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A traditional Dhow floating in the water with Muscat Old Town in the background
Sand dunes in the Omani desert
Sunrise in Muscat in Oman
Oman and the United Arab Emirates are neighbouring countries that offer you a wealth of cultural insight, fascinating history and exhilarating adventure. Our team is eager to introduce you to what makes them so special and spark a new love for this part of the Middle East. This 10-day trip gives you an idea of the kinds of activities on offer, but your travel designer will craft a journey that perfectly matches your interests.

Trip highlights

  • Discover Muscat and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on a private tour
  • Sail from Muscat to Wahiba Sands on a private boat, stopping at the fishing village of Sur
  • Lose yourself in a seemingly endless ocean of golden sand dunes
  • Visit the abandoned village of Birkat al Mauz
  • Join a chef for a visit to Nizwa souk and then prepare a meal together
  • Explore the cultural district on Saadiyat Island

Our bespoke trips include

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
  • Days 1–3 Muscat
  • Days 3–5 Wahiba Sands
  • Days 5–8 Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
  • Days 8–10 Abu Dhabi
Classic Oman and Abu Dhabi Tour
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–3 Muscat
  • Days 3–5 Wahiba Sands
  • Days 5–8 Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
  • Days 8–10 Abu Dhabi

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–3

An exclusive introduction to Muscat

Visit Oman’s port capital of Muscat and enjoy it’s highlights including Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its 14m-long Swarovski chandelier and the largest hand-woven carpet on Earth. You’ll pass the diplomatic quarter on your way to Old Muscat with its colourful Al Alam Palace which is flanked by two Portuguese forts, Al Mirani and Al Jalali, and you’ll visit Bait Al Zubair Museum. Afterwards, drive along the panoramic corniche to Muttrah Souk, the oldest market in Oman.

Muscat to Wahiba Sands by private boat charter

By catamaran or speedboat, with meals on board, you will sail along the picturesque coast to the fishing village of Sur, keep an eye out for turtles or dolphins as you cruise along. There you pay a worthwhile visit to the dhow museum, and continue with a private chauffeur-guide towards the Wahiba Desert.

Days 3–5

Discover the Omani desert

Spend the next few days immersing yourself in the stark beauty of Wahiba Sands. Make yourself at home in this desert region at a private camp with luxurious Bedouin-style tents and enjoy the relaxation that comes with it. There are a variety of topical books, board games, yoga mats, an iPad with a star gazing app and some information on the local flora and fauna. There will also be sandboards and sledges available for you to head out into the dunes with.

 

Days 5–8

Ancient Nizwa and wild mountain terrain

Head to Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains, the wildest and highest terrain in the country. Here you’ll have the opportunity to delve into Oman’s past as you visit abandoned villages and learn about the history of Omani rose water. A highlight is bound to be visiting Nizwa souk with an experienced chef and then learning to create some delicious Omani dishes afterwards.

Nizwa Fort

The highlights of Nizwa and beyond

View of the ruins of an abandoned village at Jebel Akhdar

In Nizwa, you’ll stop at the silver market and the round tower fort. Nearby, you can also visit Birkat al Mauz, an abandoned village surrounded by date palm plantations and an ancient irrigation system called “Falaj” (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Continue your exploration upwards onto Jebel Akhdar, the green mountain. The area is one of the most fertile in the country and its plantations grow apricots, pomegranates, peaches, grapes, almonds, walnuts and of course the roses that are the base of the popular Omani rose water. In spring, when the roses bloom, the visit of a rosewater factory is a special experience. You’ll also stop at the Saiq Plateau and Diana Point, named after the late Princess of Wales, who visited in 1990.

 

Discover more

cuisine

Cycling

Nizwa souk and cooking class

Early in the morning, the hotel’s chef is waiting for you with a lavish takeaway breakfast. He will accompany you to the Nizwa souk, where he will introduce you to the rich variety of spices. Omani cuisine is a true play of flavours with its Arabic, Asian, Indian and African influences. After shopping, you will return to Jabal Akhdar and prepare a two-course menu step by step, which you will enjoy in the late afternoon.

Houses and plam trees in the village of Al Hamra, Oman

Cycling in Al Hamra

Meet your bicycle guides in Al Hamra. First, they will take you to Bahla, where you will visit the fort and the pottery souk. Bahla Fort and the surrounding facilities are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Then you will continue to Jabreen Castle. This magnificent castle dates back to the 17th century. Your bike tour ends here and you will be brought back to your car at your starting point.

Days 8–10

City life and waterfront views in Abu Dhabi

The final leg of this adventure takes you over the border to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates’ capital set beside the shimmering Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is a vibrant city that blends modern living, iconic architecture and rich tradition. A large part of the metropolis is spread across a series of islands connected by bridges.

Take some time to explore the cultural district on Saadiyat Island, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the futuristic Yas Island, Ferrari World and, of course, Yas Mall. The Heritage Village is also a great stop if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the city. Finally, no visit to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a visit to marvel at the architectural masterpiece that is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece. The largest mosque in the country, with capacity for over 40,000 people, the main prayer hall alone can hold over 7,000 worshippers. The floral-designed courtyard is considered to be one of the world’s largest examples of marble mosaics, and the hand-woven Persian rug in the main hall has been named the largest of its kind in the world.

Why book with Jacada

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

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