An expeditiong tailor made through Oman culture that offers a unique experience, blending desert landscapes, rugged mountains, ancient forts, and pristine beaches.

The journey begins as you venture into the heart of the country, where the roads are well-maintained and the scenery constantly shifts.

Starting from Muscat, Oman’s capital, you drive along the coastline, where the azure waters of the Arabian Sea meet dramatic cliffs and sandy shores. The road hugs the coastline, offering panoramic views of the sea on one side and towering rocky mountains on the other. The air is fresh, and the breeze carries the scent of the ocean.

As we will move away from the city and deeper into the countryside, we enter the desert terrain of Oman, with vast expanses of golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. The silence of the desert is broken only by the hum of your vehicle, and the ever-changing colors of the sand, depending on the time of day, create a mesmerizing landscape.

The drive towards the mountains brings a different charm. The Hajjar Mountains rise majestically, their jagged peaks offering a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. The roads wind up and down the mountainsides, with small villages dotted along the way. These villages, often characterized by mud-brick houses, ancient forts, and narrow alleys, provide glimpses into Oman’s rich history and culture.

One of the highlights of the road trip is the chance to explore Oman’s many forts, such as the famous Nizwa Fort or Bahla Fort, which tell the stories of a bygone era. The forts are a perfect stop to rest, take photos, and learn about the country’s heritage.

Keeping going on the road, we will pass through wadis - green, lush valleys with cool, crystal-clear pools of water nestled between rocky cliffs. Some of these wadis, like Wadi Shab or Wadi Bani Khalid, are perfect spots for a refreshing swim or a scenic hike.

Exploring Oman’s pristine beaches is a must for us, unique turquoise waters where to refresh and to have a peaceful moment of relaxation. The coastline is often dotted with small fishing villages where traditional dhows, wooden boats, still sail across the waters.

Arrival at Muscat International Airport, meeting with the guide, and transfer to the Ramada Encore Hotel (https://ramadaencoremuscat.com/) for early check-in (subject to availability at the time of check-in). Free morning until 14:00.

Departure from the hotel and continuation with the afternoon city tour of Muscat, including a visit to the area of the Ministries and Embassies. We will visit proceed towards the beautiful palace of the Royal Opera House (visit only the exterior).
The tour continues towards Old Muscat, Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty, as well as the two Portuguese forts, Jalali and Mirani.
The visit of the Bait Al Zubair Museum for a glimpse into Oman’s glorious past.

Inmissable is the visit of the Muttrah Souk, one of the most fascinating souks in the Gulf. The Muttrah Souk, located in the heart of Muscat, is a traditional market where guests can find exquisite local handicraft souvenirs. Enjoy the mixed scents of incense, fragrant oils, fresh jasmine, and spices as you stroll through the narrow alleys.

Return to the hotel for overnight stay. Independent dinner, B&B treatment.

After breakfast, we will be meeting with our guide to visit to the Grand Mosque of Oman. It houses one of the largest handwoven Iranian carpets in the world, weighing 21 tons, and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The interior walls are made of Carrara marble.
(Women visiting the mosque must wear scarves to cover their hair and long sleeves. All visitors must wear long pants and long sleeves.)

Departure from Muscat and drive along the scenic coastal road until arriving at the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with turquoise water.
We will continue the roadtrip to Wadi Shab and to Wadi Tiwi, where to enjoy walking and crossing the shallow waters. The view is extraordinary, with lush green plantations and year round flowing water.

We will continue heading south until arriving at Sama Ras Al Jinz Hotel (https://samaresorts.com/RasAlJinzEcolodge.html).
After having dinner at the hotel, we will head to Ras Al Jinz, a Turtle Reserve site of turtles nesting in a completely natural environment (turtle sightings depend on luck and nature).

Return to the hotel for the night (Half-board treatment - lunch is indipendent).

After breakfast, we will visit Sur, an ancient port of great importance in the history of Oman. For centuries, Sur has been the main Omani center for trade with India and East Africa, from the 6th century until the 19th century, when its decline began, first with the abolition of the slave trade and later with the opening of the Suez Canal.
The waterfront of Sur is a "dhow" shipyard. At the traditional "dhow" factory, the traditional wooden Arab boats have been built in Sur for centuries. Today, Omani craftsmen continue to use traditional techniques and tools to build these boats, which were essential for Oman's maritime trade in the past.

After Sur, we will head towards Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most impressive oases in the country. Before entering the wadi, we will switch to 4WD vehicles to explore the fertile oasis covered by a dense forest of date palms and natural pools surrounded by incredible cliffs, where we will have time to swim in the emerald-colored waterfalls.

Heading then to Wahiba Sand Dunes, a vast desertic area of about 200 km, covered by dunes up to 150 meters high, with colors ranging from orange to dark amber depending on the time of day.
The Arabic name for this dune area is Ramlat al Wahaybah, which corresponds to a vast region of ancient, very active dunes located in the central desert of Oman, between the Hajar Mountains and the Hikman Peninsula (known as Sharqiyah).

In the afternoon, we will enjoy the experience of driving through these imposing dunes, reaching a panoramic point at the top of a chosen dune to watch the sunset.

Dinner and overnight stay at Sama Al Wasil Camp.

Breakfast at the camp and take off to visit Birkat Al Mouz, an oasis hosting a fertile corner including banana and date palms, and home of an ancient village situated on the side of a small mountain.

Continue to Jabrin Fort, a former residential castle, from whose terrace we can enjoy a splendid view of the Hajar Mountains.
The journey then continues to Bahla, with a stop at the fort which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Heading to Nizwa for the night at Diyar Hotel. B&B treatment (dinner and lunch independent).

After breakfast we will go to the traditional souk. Between local artisal products many silver handicrafts.

We will visit the famous Nizwa Fort, built in 1668 and one of the most imponennt monuments in Oman, being the largest fort in the Arabian Peninsula.

Explore the town of Al Hamra, after lunch breach at a local restaurant we will head to the ancient mountain village of Misfat Al Abryeen.
Proceeding then towards Jabal Akhdar via Birkat Al Mouz.

Before entering the mountains, we will change our bus to 4x4 vehicles and arriving to the Dusit D2 Jabal Akhdar Hotel (https://www.dusit.com/dusitd2-naseemresort/gallery). Half-board treatment. (dinner is independent)

After breakfast, we will transfer by 4x4 to Birkat Al Mouz changing to transfer heading back to Muscat.
We will spend the night on the Omani coastal seaside at Barcelo Mussanah hotel (https://www.barcelo.com).
B&B treatment (lunch and dinner are independent)
 

Day for complete relaxation at the beach, or a trip doing an optional extra excursion to the Daymaniyat Islands, a protected natural reserve (€80 per person) to snorkel. Alternatively you can spend an extra day in Muscat doing a sunset cruise (optional extra excursion - €60 per person). B&B treatment (lunch and dinner independent)

Breakfast at the hotel and the last morning at the beach.

At around 12:00, transfer to the airport for the return flights (exact timetable depends on each people departure times)