Nights and days: 8 days, 7 nights
Minimum Ages: 10+
Level: Easy
Season: October-April
Inclusions: 4x4 transport, experienced Husaak guides, safety equipment, entry fees, meals mentioned, accommodation mentioned
Highlights:
· Daymaniat Islands snorkeling/diving
· Wahiba Sands desert camping
· Wadi Hawer canyoning adventure
· Historical city of Nizwa
· Jebel Shams balcony walk
· Misfat al Abriyeen village visit
· Birkat al Mouz
· Jebel Akhdar mountains
Day 2:
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before departing at 7:30 AM for a marine adventure from Al Mouj Marina.
Board a shared speedboat and set course for the Daymaniyat Islands. Touring and snorkeling the Daymaniyat Islands is one of the most surprising and must-do parts of a trip to Muscat, Oman. Nine small islands make up this snorkeling hotspot, with its brightly colored fish, sea turtles, and clear beautiful water. The islands are a natural preserve, uninhabited, completely natural, and protected by a marine reserve. They were designated as a nature reserve in 1993 to help conserve the turtles and fish as well as the coral reefs in the area. In order to preserve and protect the islands, trips are limited by the government. During the months of May to October, tours are not allowed to land.
Diving excursions are also available.
A packed lunch will be served onboard as you soak up the coastal scenery.
In the afternoon, head to the iconic Wahiba Sands desert (also known as Sharqiya Sands). Upon arrival at the entrance of the desert, enjoy the stunning views of this natural wonder. The longitudinal dunes stretch 200 km long and 100 km wide until the Arabian Sea and have been home to the Bedouin for 7,000 years.
Get ready for a unique and adventurous drive through the iconic reddish and golden dunes until you reach the ideal camping spot.
You will have the option to enjoy a variety of activities such as camel riding, dune bashing, and quad biking (bookable in advance).
As the sun sets, enjoy a magical evening under the stars with a delicious BBQ dinner by a bonfire.
Spend the night in a cozy tent surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the dunes.
Day 4:
Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel, then step into history with a visit to Nizwa Fort, where you’ll go back in time to the 17th century. This majestic fortress, with its towering cylindrical battlements, was built to safeguard the city along an important trade route. As you explore its halls and passageways, you’ll be transported to a time when the fort stood as a symbol of strength and prosperity.
Afterward, enjoy free time to explore Nizwa Souq, a bustling marketplace brimming with local color. Wander through lanes lined with stalls selling exquisite handicrafts, and watch as skilled silversmiths create intricate designs in small, timeworn shops. Here, tradition and craftsmanship come to life in a captivating display of Omani artistry.
Take the opportunity to enjoy lunch at one of the nearby local restaurants.
Meet your guide and begin your journey toward Jabreen Castle. You’ll pause for a photo stop at the impressive Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a monumental tribute to Omani ingenuity and resilience.
Arrive at Jabreen Castle, a palace unlike any other. Built during a time of peace by a ruler who valued art and science, it is often regarded as the most beautiful historic castle in Oman. Its graceful architecture and richly decorated rooms will leave you spellbound as you walk through a space that once echoed with the footsteps of scholars and poets.
By the afternoon, ascend the rugged mountain roads to Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak and home to the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Oman. Upon arrival, set up camp under the stars and relax amidst the serenity of the mountains as a fresh BBQ dinner is prepared for you.
Enjoy dinner around a campfire as you exchange stories of life and adventure. When ready, you can tuck in and call it a night.
Day 6:
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on the Three-village Walk, a picturesque light trek through the stunning landscapes of Jebel Akhdar, guided by an expert. This gentle, approximately 2-hour hike takes you through charming villages nestled amidst lush terraced gardens and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Explore serene paths as you discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of this verdant region, tailored to your pace and comfort.
After your walk, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the cliffs.
In the afternoon, begin your drive back to Muscat.
You’ll have a photo stop in Birkat al Mouz, a unique village surrounded by lush date plantations, where you will marvel at the ancient falaj irrigation system, another UNESCO World Heritage treasure that has sustained life in the region for centuries.
Arrive in Muscat and check in at your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to relax at leisure or explore the city’s vibrant dining scene for a dinner of your choice.
Overnight stay at hotel in Muscat.
Day 1:
Touch down at Muscat International Airport, where a member of our team will be ready to greet you. From here, enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel, where comfort and convenience await.
Once you’ve checked in, you’ll receive your rental 4x4 vehicle.
As the sun sets over Muscat, drive independently and head out to one of the renowned local restaurants around the city. Feast on traditional Omani flavors as you get a taste of the unforgettable journey that lies ahead.
Enjoy some free time.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Muscat.
Day 3:
Wake up to the soft glow of the desert sunrise and enjoy breakfast at camp before preparing for the journey ahead. Before departure, each guest will receive a packed lunch, perfect for refueling on the road or during today’s hike.
Depart Wahiba Sands desert and drive towards Wadi Hawer, a secluded canyon known for its freshwater pools, dramatic rock formations, and serene natural beauty. This hidden gem offers a rewarding 3–4 hour roundtrip hike, with opportunities to swim, scramble, and relax in the cool waters surrounded by rugged terrain. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and connect with Oman’s wild side.
After your thrilling canyon adventure, continue your journey toward the ancient city of Nizwa, nestled in the heart of the Hajar Mountains. Nizwa beckons with its timeless charm and rich cultural heritage.
Arrive by the afternoon and check in at the hotel. Afterward, enjoy some free time. You can take an independent, peaceful sunset walk along the Al Aqur Wall, a historic fortification offering sweeping views over Nizwa and the surrounding landscape. Stroll leisurely along the ancient wall, which encircles the iconic Al Shahba Fort, a proud symbol of Nizwa’s rich heritage and a source of inspiration for generations past and present.
In the evening, take time to explore Nizwa’s lively scene, with quaint alleys and terraced coffee shops overlooking the fort.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant of your choice.
Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 5:
Have breakfast at camp and then gear up for the famous Balcony Walk of Jebel Shams. This scenic trail offers sweeping views over Wadi Ghul, often called the Grand Canyon of Arabia, where dramatic cliffs and deep gorges highlight Oman’s rugged beauty.
The hike is in very rugged terrain and can last between 4–6 hours. You will stop at several viewpoints to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys as you reach the ancient village of Sab Bani Khamis, perched on the cliffside.
In the afternoon, begin your descent back to your vehicles and drive to the charming mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen, nestled in Oman’s rugged hills. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, surrounded by beautiful scenery.
After your meal, take a leisurely walk through the village’s narrow lanes and terraced plantations. This stunning traditional village is known for its ancient stone houses, lush palm groves, and centuries-old farms, all set against a backdrop of dramatic mountain landscapes. Winding pathways lead through vibrant greenery, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The soothing sound of flowing falaj channels completes the tranquil atmosphere, making Misfat Al Abriyeen a true oasis of tradition and natural beauty.
Your journey then continues to Jebel Akhdar, known as “The Green Mountain.” Rising majestically from the rugged landscape, it is a lush oasis of terraced gardens, orchards, and ancient villages perched high above the surrounding valleys. Its cooler climate and fertile soil create an oasis of greenery, where pomegranates, roses, and walnuts flourish, providing a stark contrast to Oman’s desert surroundings.
Check in at your hotel and enjoy a free evening to relax or dine at one of the many local restaurants nestled along the mountain slopes.
Overnight stay in hotel in Jebel Akhdar.
Day 7:
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, followed by free time in Muscat. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore nearby attractions, take a stroll along the city’s scenic coastal paths, or browse local shops for last-minute souvenirs and gifts.
Return your rental vehicles at the hotel in preparation for the evening.
Later, head out to the city for dinner or you can dine in at your hotel.
Head back to your hotel and tuck in for the night. Overnight stay at hotel in Muscat.
Day 8:
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, you’ll be transferred to Muscat International Airport for your onward journey.
As your adventure comes to a close, we hope you depart with unforgettable memories of Oman’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.