Extended Oman Adventure

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.

Spend the day exploring Muscat's beautiful coast, in search of dolphins and stopping at a private bay for lunch on board. Snorkel to coral reefs and keep an eye out for turtles.

Drive along the coast to the limestone crater Bimmah Sinkhole and after go for a refreshing swim in Wadi Shab. Continue to the fishing town of Sur, home of the traditional Omani dhow boats and dhow factory. At night, witness the extraordinary sight of sea turtles coming to shore to lay their eggs at the Turtle Reserve!

As you head towards Wahiba, visit a shipyard that builds traditional wooden dhows without nails or glue according to the old customs. Further on, in Wadi Shab, you will hike between the rocky walls and the abundant vegetation. Refresh yourself in the natural water basins. Swim through a narrow crevasse and you will be surprised by a waterfall in the cave.

In the morning you will have time to fully enjoy the silence of the desert. Later, you will have the opportunity to experience Omani hospitality over lunch with a Bedouin family. You will then drive to the famous Wadi Bani Khalid. You will have plenty of time in this evergreen oasis, whose pools, filled with turquoise and sapphire waters, invite you to cool off.

Drive to the village of Mudayrib, a well maintained settlement dating back several hundred years. Explore Al Kanajirah Fort, the carved town gate, a lively marketplace and the traditional houses. Continue your round trip to Nizwa, the cultural capital of the country for a visit to the souk and fort. After, head to Birkat Al Mouz, a deserted village at the foot of a mountain. This magical place is surrounded by date plantations and an ancient aflaj irrigation system that is a UNESCO heritage site.

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.

A daring way to experience the breathtaking beauty of Oman’s landscape. Set out on a journey that incorporates a section of via ferrata, Italian for ‘iron path’, just below the ridge. Then, make your way along the mountain to discover a natural cave that stretches into the mountainside. Step out onto a 20-metre-high rope suspended over the valley below as you make your way across to a secret cave on the other side. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget.

This hike offers breathtaking views of Jebel Akhdar, the green mountain that lies 2,000m above sea level. Take a walk through the mountain villages where you will find ancient irrigation systems and green terraces built into the mountainside. The walking distance is around 4km. Ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes.

Salalah, the biggest city in Dhofar, also called the 'perfume capital of Arabia'. Explore the archaeological park with the ruined city of Al Baleed, a UNESCO world heritage site and the connecting Salalah Museum. Immerse yourself in the fragrances of the orient at Haffa souk and then pass by the Sultan’s beautiful palace. End the tour with a scenic drive through the gardenlike fruit plantations and a stop at a fruit stall for a refreshing drink from a fresh coconut.

Your Bedouin guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you on a journey through the Qara Mountains towards Thumrait. Stop for a private lunch set up underneath a frankincense tree, after you will reach the famous ruined town of Ubhar, the sunken Atlantis of the desert. Tonight you will camp in the Wadi Malhit region, famous for its black camels. Enjoy a starry night sky and a warm campfire as you listen to the exciting tales from the Bedouins.

Explore the beauty of the Rub Al Khali Desert today. On the way to Hashman, admire the stunning sand dunes with over 1001 different shades blending together. Set up camp in the midst of a unique setting surrounded by 200m high dunes. During a sunset hike, appreciate the beauty of the world’s biggest sand desert and experience the Bedouin culture with an authentic Omani dinner around a campfire.

After breakfast in the desert, leave behind the Empty Quarter and head towards Salalah’s west coast. Your journey will lead you to the Bedouin villages of Bithnah and Muday. We suggest a picnic in Rakhyout, during which you get to enjoy the pristine ocean view, before continuing to white sand beaches and the blowholes of Mughsayl. After driving on a windy road surrounded by frankincense trees, you will reach your hotel. Relax and unwind at after your adventure in the desert.

Explore the Southern region of Oman, which was once known for its trade of noble horses, frankincense and slaves. At the beginning of this trip visit the Qara Mountains, the tomb and mosque of Old Testament prophet Job. Next stop is to the magnificent sandy beach of Mughsayl, an area characterised by its limestone cliffs, blowholes and the Marnif cave. Afterwards, visit the nearby Khawar Lagoon, home to flamingos, pelicans and storks. End the day with a drive up the mountains towards the border for a breath-taking view of the volcanic limestone mountains.