Highlights of Oman: 8-day self-drive or chauffeured trip
Discover the wonders of Oman on this 8-day tour visiting the highlights of this unique Arabian Peninsula sultanate. Choose between a self-drive adventure or having someone else take the wheel on a private chauffeured tour. Explore the variety of Oman's nature, culture and history, heading out into the desert to wander UNESCO-protected historical villages and verdant desert oases. Immerse yourself in the authentic capital of Muscat with its palaces, majestic Grand Mosque and atmospheric souks where you can shop for frankincense and gold.
Services
Included:
- Private transfers from/to Muscat International Airport
- 7 x nights accommodation
- 7 x breakfast
- Dinner in the desert camp
- 6 days' use of rental car (Renault Duster 2.0l 4WD for 2 people/Toyota Prado 4.0l 4WD for 4 people) with unlimited KM & one main English-speaking driver. For other languages a supplement is applicable
Excluded:
- International flights
- Visa (if required)
- Travel insurance
- Fast track or meet & greet service at Muscat airport
- Early check-in/late check-out
- Lunch and dinner on all days except in the desert camp & Ras al Hadd (with driver)
- Additional meals & beverages
- Additional entrance fees
- Petrol, GPS, additional driver, insurance excess of OMR 150 in case of any accident or damage
- Cash deposit of OMR 100 upon car handover
- Local SIM card (more information here: https://www.muscatairport.co.om/en/content/telecom-services)
- PCR test (if required)
- Tips, personal expenses, etc.
Optional:
- Additional nights for beach vacations or during the round trip
- Additional excursions
- Dinner in the respective accommodations
- Additional driver
- GPS
Itinerary at a Glance
Muscat
Arrival in Oman
Muscat - Muttrah
Muscat city tour
Wadi Tiwi - Sur
Coastal drive to Sur
Wadi Bani Khalid - Sama Al Wasil
Oasis & desert camp
Birkat Al Mouz - Saiq - Nizwa
Following ancient paths
Jabreen - Misfah - Nizwa
Jabreen castle & mountain drive
Nizwa - Fanja - Nakhl
Nizwa souq & return to Muscat
Muscat
Homeward bound
Detailed Itinerary
Muscat
Day 1: Arrival in Oman
On arrival in Muscat, you’ll be welcomed by your driver for a private transfer to your hotel for check-in (from 3 pm). The rest of the day is left free for you to relax after your journey.
Muscat - Muttrah
Day 2: Muscat city tour
Explore Muscat either on your own or with a driver. Get to know the city on a half-day city tour, beginning with a visit to the majestic Sultan Qaboos Mosque. This is an important religious landmark, featuring splendid Islamic architecture. Continue to the busy Mutrah Souq, where you can admire and, if you wish, buy incense, gold, silver and other souvenirs. Next, enjoy a drive along the beautiful Corniche to the old city of Muscat with a photo stop at Al Alam Palace. On the way back to your hotel, stop for another photo at the impressive Royal Opera House.
Wadi Tiwi - Sur
Day 3: Coastal drive to Sur
After breakfast, set off out of the city and enjoy a drive along the coast towards Bimah Sinkhole (3-4 hours' drive). Make a stop along the way in Wadi Tiwi for a short walk or in Wadi Shab for a hike and swim. Then continue to Sur, the old centre of boat building in the region, where you can visit the only remaining boat-making factory. Stroll along the waterfront around sunset if you are staying in Sur. Depending on the season, you could take an optional outing to observe turtles at the Turtle Reserve in Ras Al Jinz.
Wadi Bani Khalid - Sama Al Wasil
Day 4: Oasis & desert camp
After breakfast, set off for the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid oasis. Here you’ll take a walk through the trees of this luscious spot with its clear, blue-water pools. Experience these unique surroundings on a short hike followed by a swim if you like (both women and men should wear clothing in addition to a swimsuit). Continue your journey into the desert dunes of the Wahiba Sands for breathtaking sunset views later in the day (total drive time 3.5 hours). Arrive at your camp for the night and enjoy dinner under the desert stars.
Birkat Al Mouz - Saiq - Nizwa
Day 5: Following ancient paths
After breakfast, leave the desert for the journey to Birkat Al Mouz. Along the way, visit the UNESCO-protected Falaj Al Khatmain irrigation system and enjoy a drive through the palm plantations. Next, drive up into the majestic mountain range of Jabal Akhdar to a height of 2,000 meters. The cool climate here is perfect for walking and you can explore the ancient villages on foot. Check-in at your hotel and relax (approximately four hours' driving time in total).
Jabreen - Misfah - Nizwa
Day 6: Jabreen castle & mountain drive
After breakfast, hit the road towards the famous Jabreen castle, built between the 16th and 17th centuries by Imam Balʿarab ibn Sultan. Continue to Bahla for a photo stop at a panoramic view of the UNESCO-listed great fort. Next, take the scenic road to Misfah Al Abreyeen, with its mud buildings and agricultural terraces at 1,000 metres. Stop, explore and take a stroll through the terraced plantations, then return to your hotel in Nizwa for the night.
Nizwa - Fanja - Nakhl
Day 7: Nizwa souq & return to Muscat
After breakfast, visit the local Nizwa souq, renowned for its fine hand-carved khanjars (daggers), as well as delicious dates, pottery, ornamental silver jewellery and much more. Early on Friday mornings, the famous cattle market takes place, where you can see the locals buying and selling the animals. Later, drive back to Muscat either directly or via Fanja for an off-road adventure to Wadi Bani Awf (with a driver only). Return to Muscat in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. The evening is yours to relax and explore the city again.
Muscat
Day 8: Homeward bound
Check-out today is at 11 am, so enjoy the hotel facilities until your driver picks you up for your private transfer to Muscat International Airport for your flight home.
