Nights and days: 11 Days, 10 Nights
Minimum Ages: 18+
Level: Medium
Season: March-December
Inclusions: 4x4 transport, experienced Husaak guides, safety equipment, entry fees, meals mentioned, accommodation mentioned
Highlights:
· Muscat
· Daymaniat Islands snorkeling/diving
· Beachfront horse riding
· Wadi Shab canyoning
· Salmah Plateau camping
· Majlis al Jinn caving
· Nizwa
· Tanuf Ruins
· Jebel Shams Balcony Walk + Via Ferrata
· Jabreen Castle
· Misfat Al Abriyeen
· Jebel Akhdar 3 village hike
· Bahla Fort
· Nakhl Fort
· Optional activities such as: kayaking and snorkeling/beach day in Bandar Khayran, dolphin watching, sunrise/sunset horse riding on the beach, a blissful dhow cruise, or a day fishing trip.
Day 2:
Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel.
Start your journey with a snorkeling tour to the pristine Daymaniyat Islands, departing the marina at 8:00 AM. Explore vibrant coral reefs, colorful marine life, and graceful sea turtles in this protected marine reserve. Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard before returning to the marina at 1:30 PM.
Diving excursions are also available.
Return to your hotel to quickly refresh before heading out to Muttrah for the evening. In Muttrah, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic corniche, taking in the coastal beauty and charming old-town atmosphere. The historic Portuguese forts, Mirani and Jalali, offer fantastic photo opportunities and insights into Oman's rich history.
Proceed toward the vibrant Muttrah Souq, where over two centuries of history come to life. Discover a variety of artifacts, antiques, textiles, and jewelry, immersing yourself in the lively market atmosphere and uncovering unique treasures that tell the story of Oman’s rich heritage.
You will now head back towards the city center where you will set off on a magical horseback ride on majestic Arabian horses along the scenic shores of Azaiba Beach, with the option to ride with or without an instructor. Enjoy sunset views from a unique perspective on this ride.
Head back to your hotel for the night or get dropped at one of the restaurants around the city for dinner.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 4:
Wake up to the peace and stillness of the plateau and savor breakfast.
Kit up for an amazing one-of-a-kind experience as you prepare to explore Majlis al Jinn. This experience is only for the brave-hearted and not for those afraid of heights.
You will be lowered into Majlis al Jinn, with the help of a winch, where you will spend a couple of hours walking around the cave, exploring the surroundings, and taking in the feeling of being in one of the largest cave chambers in the world.
Once done, you will be winched out of the cave where you can recount your memorable experience.
Savor a packed lunch.
Begin your thrilling 3-hour adventure back to Muscat and check into your hotel in the city.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6:
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel.
Your first stop is the historic city of Nizwa, where you’ll discover the impressive Nizwa Fort.
After your fort visit, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Nizwa Souq, offering traditional handicrafts, silver jewelry, and aromatic spices.
From here, head towards Jabreen Castle, known for its captivating architecture.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or in the fort gardens.
Make a photo stop at the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort, then marvel at the ancient falaj irrigation system in Birkat Al Mouz.
Conclude your day at the intriguing ruins of Tanuf, reflecting on Oman’s rich history.
Now, continue driving towards Jebel Shams.
Set up camp for the night, and relax in the mountains as a fresh BBQ dinner is prepared for you.
Exchange stories of life and adventure around the campfire before tucking in for the night.
Day 8:
Wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy breakfast before packing up camp.
Begin your descent from the mountains, making a first stop at Misfat Al Abriyeen, a picturesque mountain village.
Continue to the Tanuf ruins, remnants of a village destroyed during the Jebel Akhdar War.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The next leg of your journey takes you to the awe-inspiring Jebel Akhdar, known as “The Green Mountain.” Rising majestically, it is a lush oasis of terraced gardens, orchards, and ancient villages.
Check into your hotel and take time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. You can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10:
Have breakfast at the hotel.
Today, you can either relax and use the hotel facilities or choose from one of our thrilling activities, including kayaking and snorkeling/beach day in Bandar Khayran, dolphin watching, sunrise/sunset horse riding on the beach, a blissful dhow cruise, or a day fishing trip.
This is your last day in Muscat, so make the most of it.
Return to your hotel for the night.
You can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the hotel or head into the city to explore other restaurants.
Taxis can be booked at the reception.
Overnight at the hotel
Day 1:
Arrive in Muscat.
Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Spend a day to rest and relax, enjoy the hotel’s facilities like the swimming pool and spa, before your exciting adventures kick off on Day 2 in Oman.
Lunch and dinner are not included. Guests are free to eat in the hotel’s outlets or venture into the city. Taxis can be booked from the reception.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3:
Have breakfast at your hotel and get ready to enjoy a thrilling day of adventures in one of Oman’s most unique landscapes—wadis.
Wadi Shab, in Oman’s Al Sharqiyah region, is home to one of the country's most picturesque hikes. This journey will lead you through awe-inspiring landscapes, crystal-clear pools, and ultimately, to a hidden cave with a mesmerizing waterfall.
The adventure begins with a short boat ride to reach the starting point of the hike. As you walk along a well-marked trail, you’ll be surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery.
As you make your way forward, the terrain becomes more adventurous. You’ll navigate narrow paths, climb over rocks, and wade through shallow pools where you can cool off. This is also the perfect spot to enjoy your picnic box provided at the start of the journey.
Eventually, you'll reach a point where you need to swim to continue, adding an exciting twist to the adventure. This swim leads to the hidden cave, where an enchanting waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool.
After spending time at this stunning spot, you’ll retrace your steps through the wadi, taking in the scenery from a new perspective.
Exit the wadi, enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant, and then begin a thrilling off-road drive towards Salmah Plateau. Salmah Plateau, home to one of the largest cave chambers in the world, Majlis al Jinn, is one of the best locations for stargazing, as there is very little light pollution.
Arrive at the plateau and set up camp for the night, as you take in views of the starlit sky. Relax around a campfire as a fresh BBQ dinner is prepared for you.
Savor dinner and tucket in for the night.
Day 5:
Have breakfast at the hotel and grab your bags for your upcoming adventures.
Start your day at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, where you'll be captivated by its iconic architectural beauty, shimmering marble floors, and the intricate Persian carpet that adorns its interior.
Continue your journey to Qurm to explore the Royal Opera House, a masterpiece of Omani cultural elegance. Wander through this grand venue, where every detail reflects sophistication and artistry.
From here, begin the drive towards Nizwa, and stop along the way for lunch.
Once you arrive in Nizwa, you will first visit the Oman Across Ages Museum. Step into 800 million years of history at the museum—a breathtaking journey through time housed in a stunning, mountain-inspired architectural marvel.
Check into your hotel.
You have the evening free to spend around Nizwa, exploring the quaint alleyways and cafes. Have dinner in a restaurant nearby.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7:
Wake up to the crisp and cool mountain air and have breakfast at camp.
Drive to the trailhead where you will set off on the renowned Balcony Walk, a stunning hike along the dramatic rim of Wadi Ghul, also known as the Grand Canyon of Oman.
The hike leads to the ancient, abandoned village of Sab Bani Khamis, then continues across old farmed terraces and up to the start of the Via Ferrata.
At the Via Ferrata, you’ll receive a safety briefing and kit up. Prepare for a thrilling ascent, scaling 180 meters of vertical rock face.
Once back at the vehicles, celebrate your achievement with spectacular views and a well-deserved packed lunch.
Return to your camp and relax. Relive moments from your Via Ferrata experience before savoring a delicious dinner.
You have the option of staying at a hotel as Jebel Shams can get quite cold in the winter months.
Tuck in for the night.
Day 9:
Have breakfast at your hotel and check out.
Embark on the Three-Village Walk, a light yet scenic trek through the stunning landscapes of Jebel Akhdar.
Guided by a local expert, this two-hour hike takes you through picturesque villages nestled amidst terraced farms, with breathtaking views and cultural insights.
Lunch in a local restaurant in Jebel Akhdar.
Begin your journey back towards Muscat, stopping at Birkat Al Mouz. Enjoy a walk in this ruined village, featuring banana plantations and a UNESCO-listed falaj.
Your next stop will be the Nakhl Fort, a 17th-century fortress built atop a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views and showcasing traditional Omani architecture
Return to Muscat and check in to your hotel.
You can enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the hotel or head into the city to explore other restaurants.
Taxis can be booked at the reception.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11:
Have breakfast at your hotel and pack your bags.
Depending on your flight timings, get dropped off at the airport with a heart full of memories and a phone full of photos.