Highlights of Oman
Discover some of the most memorable parts of this beautiful country
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Go on a walking tour up the lava mountains behind Muttrah
- Look out for turtles and dolphins as you cruise from Muscat to Wahiba Sands
- Explore one of the world's largest underground cave systems, Al Hoota Cave
- Spend time with an Omani family, learning about their traditions and daily life
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
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Meet and greet airport service
At a glance
Oman is a land of extreme natural beauty, with shifting sands, lush oasis and glittering coastlines, punctuated by energetic cities and remote villages. We can introduce you to the highlights of this captivating country, with a trip catered specifically to your interests. Depending on when you’d like to visit and how long you have for your adventure, your trip could look something like this.
Begin your trip with an invigorating walking tour in the mountains behind Muttrah, marveling at the volcanic formations and views over the bay and jumbled old town. Heading back down you’ll get to browse Muttrah Souk, the oldest traditional market in Oman. A half day tour of Muscat let’s you take in some of the best-known sites in the city, including Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Bait Al Zubair Museum. Cruise along the coast, stopping off in the fishing village of Sur on your way to Wahiba Sands as dolphins chase alongside you in the water.
Your time in the desert can be willed with sandboarding and quadbiking, as well as hiking through the dunes with a a Bedouin guide. From there, you’ll head towards Nizwa, making stops at the settlement of Mudayrib and the palm plantation-surrounded deserted village of Birkat Al Mouz. This leg of your journey can include a visit to a pottery and silverware souk as well as time with an Omani family, learning all about their customs.
As you round the trip off with a return journey to Muscat, explore Al Hoota Cave, one of the largest underground cave systems in the world, and take an off-road trip out to the hot springs of Nakheil.
Allow us to craft a trip that will form memories you’ll want to share with family and friends for years to come, and which will give Oman a firm place in your heart.
Example trip itinerary
Muscat
Transfer
Airport meet and greet
Transfer
Transfer to your hotel in Muscat
Accommodation in Muscat
Muscat
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 moreMuscat
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 more
A walk in Muttrah mountains
Go on a walking tour up to the lava mountains behind Muttrah from where you have a spectacular view overlooking the old town, Muttrah Bay and the surrounding mountains. Afterwards visit Muttrah Souk, the oldest traditional market in the country and end the tour with a stop at an authentic local restaurant.
Half day Muscat 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 when visiting the mosque. 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. 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'll have 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
Accommodation in Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands
Highlights
- Restaurant serving traditional Omani cuisine
- Private dining in the desert on demand
- Excursions to desert oases and local souqs
- Desert spa with a range of relaxing treatments
- Family games room for adventurers of all ages
Overview
Two hours from the capital but a world away from the buzz of the city, Desert Nights Camp promises evenings of seclusion and starry skies. Set amid the rusty orange dunes of the Omani desert, it comprises 55 bedrooms set across 10 acres of sand. Despite the remote location, each room has its own en-suite bathroom, while some come equipped with private terraces and their own plunge pools for cooling off in the desert heat.
Days can be spent adventuring on the dunes in a 4×4 or on a sandboard, or you can explore the local souqs in nearby villages and see the shimmering waters of Wadi Bani Khalid. Evenings, though, bring the real excitement with sunset camel rides and endless dark skies that shimmer with millions of stars, while Omani shuwa (barbecued lamb) is served in the onsite restaurant.
→ Find out moreWahiba 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
Hiking through the dunes
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the camp. Afterwards a Bedouin guide will pick you up to take you on a two-hour hike through the dunes. Once returning back to the camp relax and watch the sun go down.
Mudayrib and Birkat Al Mouz
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.
Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Accommodation in Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
Nizwa 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 moreNizwa 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 more
Nizwa and Misfat Al Abriyeen
Nizwa is considered the spiritual centre of the country. Explore the traditional souk, known for its magnificent silverware and Bahla pottery. This is followed by a visit to Nizwa Fort. At the Bait al Safa, you will be taken into the daily life of an Omani family and offered an authentic experience where you will learn about the lifestyles, customs and traditions of the Omanis. You will end the day with a walk through the picturesque mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen.
Al Hoota Cave and Bilad Sayt
Heading towards Muscat, you'll visit Al Hoota Cave, one of the largest underground cave systems in the world. You will also stop at the charming village of Bilad Sayt, enjoy an exhilarating off-road drive through wadi Bani Awf and visit the hot springs of Nakheil as well as a stroll around its 350 year old fort.
Transfer
Transfer to Muscat 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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Highlights of Oman
How we work
Oman is a land of extreme natural beauty, with shifting sands, lush oasis and glittering coastlines, punctuated by energetic cities and remote villages. We can introduce you to the highlights of this captivating country, with a trip catered specifically to your interests. Depending on when you’d like to visit and how long you have for your adventure, your trip could look something like this. Begin your trip with an invigorating walking tour in the mountains behind Muttrah, marveling at the volcanic formations and views over the bay and jumbled old town. Heading back down you’ll get to browse Muttrah Souk, the oldest traditional market in Oman. A half day tour of Muscat let’s you take in some of the best-known sites in the city, including Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Bait Al Zubair Museum. Cruise along the coast, stopping off in the fishing village of Sur on your way to Wahiba Sands as dolphins chase alongside you in the water. Your time in the desert can be willed with sandboarding and quadbiking, as well as hiking through the dunes with a a Bedouin guide. From there, you’ll head towards Nizwa, making stops at the settlement of Mudayrib and the palm plantation-surrounded deserted village of Birkat Al Mouz. This leg of your journey can include a visit to a pottery and silverware souk as well as time with an Omani family, learning all about their customs. As you round the trip off with a return journey to Muscat, explore Al Hoota Cave, one of the largest underground cave systems in the world, and take an off-road trip out to the hot springs of Nakheil. Allow us to craft a trip that will form memories you’ll want to share with family and friends for years to come, and which will give Oman a firm place in your heart. | Whats included?
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Days 1-3 |
Muscat |
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Flights & transfers
Airport meet and greet |
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| Transfer to your hotel in Muscat | |
|
Accommodation in Muscat
•
The Chedi Muscat - $$$$$
•
Jumeirah Muscat Bay - $$$$$
•
Al Bustan Palace - $$$$$
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| A walk in Muttrah mountains Go on a walking tour up to the lava mountains behind Muttrah from where you have a spectacular view overlooking the old town, Muttrah Bay and the surrounding mountains. Afterwards visit Muttrah Souk, the oldest traditional market in the country and end the tour with a stop at an authentic local restaurant. |
|
| Half day Muscat tour First highlight of the day is the visit of the world’s fifth biggest mosque, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It impresses with a 14m long Swarovski chandelier and the largest hand-woven carpet on Earth Please adhere to the dress code when visiting the mosque. You'll pass the diplomatic quarter on your way to Old Muscat with its colourful Al Alam Palace which is flanked by two Portuguese forts: Al Mirani and Al Jalali. Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum with ethnologic exhibits from private collections. Afterwards drive along the panoramic corniche to Muttrah Souk, the oldest market in Oman. Here you'll have time to stroll around and hunt some bargains. |
|
| Muscat to Wahiba Sands by private boat charter By catamaran or speedboat, with meals on board, you will sail along the picturesque coast to the fishing village of Sur, keep an eye out for turtles or dolphins as you cruise along. There you pay a worthwhile visit to the dhow museum, and continue your chauffeur-guide towards the Wahiba Desert. |
|
Days 3-5 |
Wahiba Sands |
|
Accommodation in Wahiba Sands
•
Desert Nights Camp - $$$$$
•
Roaming Camp - $$$$$
|
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| Hiking through the dunes Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the camp. Afterwards a Bedouin guide will pick you up to take you on a two-hour hike through the dunes. Once returning back to the camp relax and watch the sun go down. |
|
| Mudayrib and Birkat Al Mouz Drive to the village of Mudayrib, a well maintained settlement dating back several hundred years. Explore Al Kanajirah Fort, the carved town gate, a lively marketplace and the traditional houses. Continue your round trip to Nizwa, the cultural capital of the country for a visit to the souk and fort. After, head to Birkat Al Mouz, a deserted village at the foot of a mountain. This magical place is surrounded by date plantations and an ancient aflaj irrigation system that is a UNESCO heritage site. |
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Days 5-7 |
Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains |
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Accommodation in Nizwa and Al Hajar Mountains
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Alila Jabal Akhdar - $$$$$
•
Anantara Jabal Akhdar - $$$$$
|
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| Nizwa and Misfat Al Abriyeen Nizwa is considered the spiritual centre of the country. Explore the traditional souk, known for its magnificent silverware and Bahla pottery. This is followed by a visit to Nizwa Fort. At the Bait al Safa, you will be taken into the daily life of an Omani family and offered an authentic experience where you will learn about the lifestyles, customs and traditions of the Omanis. You will end the day with a walk through the picturesque mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen. |
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| Al Hoota Cave and Bilad Sayt Heading towards Muscat, you'll visit Al Hoota Cave, one of the largest underground cave systems in the world. You will also stop at the charming village of Bilad Sayt, enjoy an exhilarating off-road drive through wadi Bani Awf and visit the hot springs of Nakheil as well as a stroll around its 350 year old fort. |
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Flights & transfers
Transfer to Muscat airport |
