Best of Oman: 8-day luxury trip
Embark on the ultimate eight-day Omani odyssey where rugged landscapes meet world-class refinement. Your journey begins in Muscat at a premier five-star oasis, the perfect vantage point to explore the Grand Mosque and the aromatic stalls of Mutrah Souq.
From there, ascend to the Green Mountain, Jebel Akhdar, for breathtaking vistas and high-altitude indulgence. The adventure continues in the Wahiba Sands, featuring exhilarating dune bashing and a serene sunrise hot air balloon ride over the dunes. Conclude your retreat with seaside opulence at the Shangri-La where VIP service and Omani hospitality create a final, flawless crescendo.
Services
Included:
- 7 nights accommodation in hotels & campsites as per the itinerary
- 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- Airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Five days car rental or private land transfers with driver
- Prime Class VIP Meet & Greet service at Muscat International Airport
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- Bottled water
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuities
- Early check-in & late check-out
- For self-drive option: petrol, GPS, additional driver, insurance excess of OMR 150 in case of accident/damage & cash deposit upon car handover
- Local SIM card
Optional:
- Room category upgrades
- Half board in Muscat
- Additional excursions
- Trip length extensions
Itinerary at a Glance
Muscat
Welcome to Muscat!
Muscat
Sightseeing in Muscat
Muscat - Nizwa - Jebel Akhdar
Journey to Jebel Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar
At leisure in the mountains
Jebel Akhdar - Al Mudayrib - Wahiba Sands
A day of exploring desert sands
Wahiba Sands - Muscat
Hot air balloon over the desert & return to Muscat
Muscat
At leisure in Muscat
Muscat
Departure day
Detailed Itinerary
Muscat
Day 1: Welcome to Muscat!
Upon your arrival at Muscat International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Meet & Greet service team and escorted to the exit. Hop into your private transfer vehicle for a chauffeured service to your hotel, where you'll check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing after your travels.
Muscat
Day 2: Sightseeing in Muscat
After breakfast, meet your English-speaking driver in the hotel lobby at 9am, to set out on your morning half-day city tour. Begin with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a symbol of unique Islamic architecture (closed on Fridays; note that ladies should cover their head with a scarf and wear long-sleeved clothes; men should wear long trousers and a t-shirt with sleeves). From there, stop for a picture at the Royal Opera House before continuing to Mutrah Souq, for a great opportunity to buy frankincense, gold, silver, and other souvenirs. Drive along the beautiful Corniche to Old Muscat for a photo stop at Al Alam Palace, before returning to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you will be met in the hotel lobby to finalize your rental car papers, marking the start of your self-drive adventure!
Muscat - Nizwa - Jebel Akhdar
Day 3: Journey to Jebel Akhdar
After breakfast, check out and leave Muscat behind, starting your self-drive journey (alternatively, if you opt for a chauffered trip, an English-speaking driver will be waiting for you in the lobby at 8.30am).
Make tracks for Nizwa, visiting the famous local souq that's renowned for its hand-carved khanjars (daggers), pottery, silver jewelers and more. Continue to Birkat Al Mouz to visit the UNESCO-listed Falaj Al Khatmayn irrigation systems, and enjoy a drive through the palm plantations. Proceed to the Jebel Akhdar mountains, 2,000m above sea level and known as the green jewel of the Al Hajar ranges. Explore the village of Wadi Bani Habib at your own pace, before heading on to your resort for check-in.
Jebel Akhdar
Day 4: At leisure in the mountains
Enjoy a day at leisure in the mountains, with the option of touring the local villages or hiking in search of local flora and fauna. Spend the afternoon whiling the hours away, making the most of your resort's facilities - a spa treatment is a great way to unwind in this serene setting!
Jebel Akhdar - Al Mudayrib - Wahiba Sands
Day 5: A day of exploring desert sands
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and descend the mountains, continuing your journey with a two-hour drive to Al Mudayrib. Features to enjoy and explore in this traditional Omani village include the Falaj water system, plentiful palm trees, and stunning architecture characterized by beautiful old doors.
From there, continue to the Wahiba Sands, located in the Al Sharqiya region. Experience dunes rising up to 200m and enjoy a thrilling dune bashing ride, before catching the unforgettable sunset. You'll then spend an overnight stay at a private glamping campsite, where you'll feel a world away from civilization as you enjoy your night under the starry Omani sky.
Wahiba Sands - Muscat
Day 6: Hot air balloon over the desert & return to Muscat
Wake up early for a surreal hot air balloon experience, taking you up above the Wahiba Sands for incredible vistas. Back on solid ground, return to camp to prepare for your onward journey.
You'll have two options to choose from. You could leave the desert and drive to Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis known for its deep blue water pools - it's perfect for trekking and swimming opportunities. From there, you'll drive to Muscat for check-in and the rest of the day at leisure.
Alternatively, leave the desert and drive to Sur, the region's ancient boat-building capital, where you'll visit one of the last-remaining dhow factories (entry fee payable locally). Continue along the coast to visit a wadi or the Bimmah Sinkhole, then return to Muscat to check in at your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
In the late afternoon, you'll be met at the hotel lobby to return your rental car.
Muscat
Day 7: At leisure in Muscat
Spend a free day in Muscat, taking advantage of your hotel's facilities and unwinding by the pool and private beach. For total relaxation, make sure to book a spa treatment ahead of time to avoid disappointment!
Muscat
Day 8: Departure day
Goodbye, Oman! At a suitable time, check out of your hotel and meet your driver in the lobby for your private transfer back to Muscat International Airport, where your onward flight awaits.
