Classic Oman and Abu Dhabi Tour
From city to desert and beyond - discover some of the highlights of these vibrant neighbouring countries
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Sail from Muscat to Wahiba Sands on a private boat, stopping at the fishing village of Sur
- 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
What's included
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Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
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Expert guides in each destination
-
Luxury accommodation throughout
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Meet and greet airport service
At a glance
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.
A great place to start is in Muscat, with a full-day tour taking in some of the most impressive parts of the city, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Muttrah Souk. A private boat charter carries you from Muscat to Wahiba Sands with a stop in the fishing village of Sur. Look out for dolphins and turtles along the way.
After a few days at a private camp in the desert, relaxing and enjoying the dunes and glamping lifestyle, you’ll continue your journey by heading for Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains. 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.
The final leg of this adventure takes you over the border to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates’ capital. Take some time to explore the cultural district on Saadiyat Island, and browse the Louvre Abu Dhabi. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the futuristic Yas Island. Don’t miss 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.
Example trip itinerary
Muscat
Transfer
Airport meet and greet
Transfer
Transfer to your hotel in Muscat
Accommodation in Muscat
Muscat
Highlights
- Four swimming pools with kids and ladies-only options
- A sublime seafront spa
- Six drinking and dining options with global flavours
- Private beach with watersports
- Bright bedrooms with modern amenities
Overview
Tucked up against the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and fringed by an azure ocean, Al Bustan Palace enjoys a spectacular location on the Muscat Bay coast. This 250-bedroom hotel sits within a haven of swishing palms and verdant lawns, characterised by a unique blend of Art Deco features and local Arabic design.
Regal bedrooms feature Omani artworks and sublime views of the surrounding seas and greenery, while beyond the main hotel building lies a private beach. Spend afternoons languishing on loungers, or get out onto the ocean with a choice of thrilling watersports activities. For something more sedate, book into the beachfront spa, which embraces Arabic rituals and tradition to help you truly relax with the sounds of the ocean as your guide.
Local and global influence make dining here an exciting experience: unique afternoon teas can be had beneath a 38-metre-high atrium, breakfast buffets are a feast by the beach, and local seafood is the star at the premium Pavilion restaurant. Even the youngest travellers are well served, with personalised fun and experiences available for families, too.
→ Find out moreMuscat
Highlights
- Balinese spa offering traditional treatments
- Six dining destinations serving a range of cuisines
- Exclusive Cigar Lounge for guests and members
- Three swimming pools
- Seafront location with easy access to the city
Overview
Traditional Arabic design meets contemporary chic at the Chedi Muscat. Sitting in prime position overlooking the Gulf of Oman, this sprawling property is an oasis of luxury in the country’s capital. Across 21 acres of lush lawns and bristling palms you’ll find 162 elegant Omani villas, each blessed with plush beds, unique artworks and views of the surrounding greenery to be enjoyed from your private patio.
Dining here is a real treat, with six distinctive restaurants to choose from, each in its own refined setting from poolside seating to a beachfront bistro, serving everything from traditional Middle Eastern platters to delicately flavoured Asian dishes and fresh Italian pastas. The Balinese spa offers treatments steeped in ancient traditions from Indonesia, Thailand, India and Tibet, and the three swimming pools are an idyllic place to cool off in the Omani heat. This award-winning property is an exceptional retreat by the ocean, with the sights and sounds of Muscat right on its doorstep.
→ Find out moreMuscat
Highlights
- Five restaurants each with their own personality
- Luxurious bedrooms with serene sea views
- Tailor-made treatments in the Talise Spa
- High-tech gym and outdoor tennis courts
Overview
Settings rarely get more spectacular than at Jumeirah Muscat Bay: a glittering Arabian Sea stretches out ahead of the property, which has 206 rooms each with their own view of the ocean, while the rugged Al Hajar mountains rise up behind the hotel, creating a sense of total privacy in this little corner of the Omani coastline.
Your room, whether a private summerhouse with its own pool or a deluxe bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows for admiring that enchanting ocean, will provide a calm space for relaxation, while the property’s three pools are a refreshing place to get active. The highlight here, though, is the private beach: soft yellow sands lapped by the calm waters of the Arabian Sea are a tempting prospect.
Savour the fruits of the ocean at the beachfront restaurant, Zuka, or spend cosy nights sipping cocktails in the intimate Anzo bar, where the views are just as good as the mixologists’ creations. Indulge in a hammam treatment at the Talise Spa, or play a game of tennis on the outdoor courts.
→ Find out more
Full day Muscat City tour
First highlight of the day is the visit of the world’s fifth biggest mosque, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It impresses with a 14m long Swarovski chandelier and the largest hand-woven carpet on earth (please adhere to the dress code). You 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. Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum with ethnologic exhibits from private collections. Afterwards drive along the panoramic corniche to Muttrah Souk, the oldest market in Oman. Here you find time to stroll around and hunt some bargains.
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 your chauffeur-guide towards the Wahiba Desert.
Wahiba Sands
Your camp in Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands
Highlights
- Luxurious Bedouin-style tents with soft bedding
- Bathroom tent with high-end products
- Endless opportunity for stargazing at night
- Traditional Arabic food
- Mesmerising views of the ever-changing sand dunes
Overview
With sand dunes of up to ten metres high, Wahiba Sands is a spectacular, undulating landscape. The dunes shift and move almost constantly thanks to the wind, as does their colour, changing from soft yellow and beige throughout the daytime to a rich, ochre-red come sundown. There are no roads through this desert, which sits south of Muscat, so getting here is all part of the adventure.
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be greeted with traditional Arabic hospitality, with sweet tea and dates on offer within this small village of Bedouin-style tents that will become your home for the night. Expect plush mattresses and soft, white linens as good as any fixed hotel, and bathroom tents with soft towels and luxury products to wash the sand from between your toes.
Evenings are magical here: the light from oil lamps flicker as you eat a traditional Omani dinner, and the stars in the sky twinkle in their millions, offering up views into other worlds.
→ Find out more
Time at leisure in a private camp
Spend the next few days immersing yourself in the stark beauty of this desert region. Make yourself at home at a private camping site 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.
Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Accommodation in Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Highlights
- Viewing platform once used by Princess Diana
- Canyon views from every bedroom
- Hammam rituals in the spa
- Unique dining experiences within the mountains
- Emphasis on local suppliers and community engagement
Overview
Set atop the limestone Jabal Akhdar and overlooking a vast, rocky canyon in the Hajar Mountains, this resort has some of the finest views in all of Oman. Every one of its 115 bedrooms looks out over the chasms below, with balconies made for lounging to soak up the mountain scenery. Bathrooms offer your own private spa, with bathtubs surrounded by marble, rainfall showers and double sinks, but for a really relaxing experience make use of the hammam suite and locally-made rose water products in the wellness centre.
There’s all-day dining that makes the most of the mountain views, a courtyard cafe, a cosy shisha bar and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant right on the cusp of the canyon. But for a truly special experience, there are tailor-made private dining experiences for every occasion. Sustainability is key here, as the property blends in naturally with its rocky surroundings, and they prioritise thoughtful policies around sourcing and single-use plastics, meaning your experience has the lowest impact possible.
→ Find out moreNizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Highlights
- Traditional architecture that blends with the landscape
- Earth Check-certified for its sustainability commitments
- Taste locally-grown fruits and vegetables at every meal
- Spa treatments using locally-harvested ingredients
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Kids’ club for all ages up to teens
Overview
This cliff-top resort is a haven like no other: inspired by the ancient fortresses that once protected these mountains, using traditional wooden rafters and doors and Arabic motifs, it blends historic architecture with modern luxury. Set 2,000 metres above the sea, breathtaking views abound from its 78 bedrooms and suites, each of which are accented with traditional Omani art and crafts.
Connection with the surrounding land and community is at the heart of this property, with rainwater collection for watering its lush kitchen gardens, to a sophisticated filtration system for drinking water, eliminating the need for single-use plastic. Here, you can engage with local customs and culture, exploring local villages or getting your thrills while trying the mountains’ adventure sports.
Arabic-inspired cuisine is on the menu here, with fresh, seasonal and local produce at the heart of every meal, and you can opt to indulge under the stars or above the cliffs with various private dining options.
→ Find out more
Birkat al Mauz and Jebel Akhdar
Today’s first stop will be in Nizwa where you visit the silver market and the round tower fort. Afterwards you stop by 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. In the 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 stop at the Saiq Plateau with the Diana Point. It is named after the late Princess of Wales, who visited in 1990.
Your guide will show you some beautiful traditional villages where you can take a walk. Reach Wadi Bani Habib, a deserted ruined mud village, which demonstrates how the local people lived until approximately 1960. Tour in 4WD, including picnic and entrance fees.
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.
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.
Transfer
Transfer to Muscat
Transfer
Flight to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Accommodation in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Highlights
- Beachfront property with five pools
- Camp Hyatt kids’ club
- Spa specialising in organic treatments
- Adjacent 18-hole championship golf course
- Nearby to the Saadiyat Cultural District and Louvre
Overview
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this resort on the Abu Dhabi coast: you’re close enough to the city for exciting days out and urban explorations, but you’ve also got access to the shimmering sands of Saadiyat Beach. Spend your days here lounging by the gentle waves of the Arabian Gulf, or by one of the five swimming pools where towering palm trees swish in the sea breeze. For more active pursuits, the property is adjacent to an 18-hole championship golf course, and has its own fitness centre and 25-metre lap pool.
Inside this modern hotel you’ll find contemporary bedrooms with a touch of Emirati glamour, many with ocean views and their own private balconies for watching the sun set over the sea. The hotel draws locals for its excellent dining options: Maté is famous for its Argentina-inspired brunch, while The Café is known city-wide for its excellent Middle Eastern cooking. There’s also cake and coffee in The Library, and fresh seafood cooked Italian style at Beach House.
→ Find out moreAbu Dhabi
Highlights
- 24-hour butler service
- Exclusive private beach
- Two Michelin-star restaurants
- Middle Eastern spa with Arabian-inspired therapy
- Beach volleyball and watersports on offer
Overview
The name of this hotel is no exaggeration: Mandarin Oriental’s Abu Dhabi property really is a palace. Its typical Arabic architecture rises up above the coastline all domes and arched windows, and surrounding its grandeur are lawns, palm trees and fountains that make this an oasis in the city.
Blessed with its own private beach, it has a fantastic position on the coast overlooking the marina, and inside its exterior opulence is matched with marble bathrooms in every room, sparkling chandeliers and elegant drapes and soft furnishings. Renowned for its dining diversity and fine cuisine, there are two Michelin-starred restaurants here, as well as an exceptional 1920s American brasserie, an open-fire kitchen and a Spanish poolside bistro.
This property is vast with almost 400 bedrooms, but service is always personal and there are butlers on call 24 hours a day for all your needs. There’s little reason to leave this resort thanks to its extensive facilities, including watersports and an Arabic spa, but if you need to head out, it’s a short drive to the city’s main attractions.
→ Find out moreAbu Dhabi
Highlights
- Mediterranean dining options
- Beach access
- Ocean and city views from bedrooms
- Saadiyat Beach Golf Club access
- Tennis and squash courts
Overview
While this elegant hotel overlooks Saadiyat Beach and the beautiful blue-green ocean beyond, its city views are not to be sniffed at. If you choose a room facing back towards Abu Dhabi’s downtown, you’ll enjoy watching the glistening skyscrapers change colour throughout the day as the sun moves from east to west.
Of course, it’s not just views that will have you enthralled here: three outdoor pools, an indoor lap pool, a serene Greek goddess-inspired spa and several brilliant restaurants will have you equally excited. There’s a distinctly Mediterranean vibe at St Regis Saadiyat Island, with wrought-iron balconies in the bedrooms and bistro-style terraces for dining on, as well as Greek food to indulge in. But you won’t be far from its Middle Eastern roots, either, with Abu Dhabi’s best attractions on its doorstep.
→ Find out more
Saadiyat Island
Explore the cultural district on Saadiyat Island, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island and Ferrari World
Visit the futuristic Yas Island. While here, you'll have the chance to explore Ferrari World and spend time at Yas Mall.
Heritage Village Abu Dhabi
Head to the Heritage Village to learn about the history of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece.
Transfer
Transfer to the airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Classic Oman and Abu Dhabi Tour
How we work
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. A great place to start is in Muscat, with a full-day tour taking in some of the most impressive parts of the city, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Muttrah Souk. A private boat charter carries you from Muscat to Wahiba Sands with a stop in the fishing village of Sur. Look out for dolphins and turtles along the way. After a few days at a private camp in the desert, relaxing and enjoying the dunes and glamping lifestyle, you’ll continue your journey by heading for Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains. 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. The final leg of this adventure takes you over the border to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates’ capital. Take some time to explore the cultural district on Saadiyat Island, and browse the Louvre Abu Dhabi. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the futuristic Yas Island. Don’t miss 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. | Whats included?
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Days 1-3 |
Muscat |
|
Flights & transfers
Airport meet and greet |
|
| Transfer to your hotel in Muscat | |
|
Accommodation in Muscat
•
Al Bustan Palace - $$$$$
•
The Chedi Muscat - $$$$$
•
Jumeirah Muscat Bay - $$$$$
|
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| Full day Muscat City tour First highlight of the day is the visit of the world’s fifth biggest mosque, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It impresses with a 14m long Swarovski chandelier and the largest hand-woven carpet on earth (please adhere to the dress code). You pass the diplomatic quarter on your way to Old Muscat with its colourful Al Alam Palace which is flanked by two Portuguese forts: Al Mirani and Al Jalali. Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum with ethnologic exhibits from private collections. Afterwards drive along the panoramic corniche to Muttrah Souk, the oldest market in Oman. Here you find time to stroll around and hunt some bargains. |
|
| Muscat to Wahiba Sands by private boat charter By catamaran or speedboat, with meals on board, you will sail along the picturesque coast to the fishing village of Sur, keep an eye out for turtles or dolphins as you cruise along. There you pay a worthwhile visit to the dhow museum, and continue your chauffeur-guide towards the Wahiba Desert. |
|
Days 3-5 |
Wahiba Sands |
|
Your camp in Wahiba Sands
•
Roaming Camp - $$$$$
|
|
| Time at leisure in a private camp Spend the next few days immersing yourself in the stark beauty of this desert region. Make yourself at home at a private camping site and enjoy the relaxation that comes with it. There are a variety of topical books, board games, yoga mats, an iPad with a star gazing app and some information on the local flora and fauna. There will also be sandboards and sledges available for you to head out into the dunes with. |
|
Days 5-8 |
Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains |
|
Accommodation in Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
•
Anantara Jabal Akhdar - $$$$$
•
Alila Jabal Akhdar - $$$$$
|
|
| Birkat al Mauz and Jebel Akhdar Today’s first stop will be in Nizwa where you visit the silver market and the round tower fort. Afterwards you stop by 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. In the 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 stop at the Saiq Plateau with the Diana Point. It is named after the late Princess of Wales, who visited in 1990. Your guide will show you some beautiful traditional villages where you can take a walk. Reach Wadi Bani Habib, a deserted ruined mud village, which demonstrates how the local people lived until approximately 1960. Tour in 4WD, including picnic and entrance fees. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Transfer to Muscat |
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| Flight to Abu Dhabi | |
Days 8-10 |
Abu Dhabi |
|
Accommodation in Abu Dhabi
•
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi - $$$$$
•
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental - $$$$$
•
St Regis Saadiyat Island - $$$$$
|
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| Saadiyat Island Explore the cultural district on Saadiyat Island, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi. |
|
| Yas Island and Ferrari World Visit the futuristic Yas Island. While here, you'll have the chance to explore Ferrari World and spend time at Yas Mall. |
|
| Heritage Village Abu Dhabi Head to the Heritage Village to learn about the history of Abu Dhabi. |
|
| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Transfer to the airport |
