Mystical Mountains

Day 1: Muscat

Muscat
Arrival at Muscat International Airport - Upon arrival, our chauffer or guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall with a welcome sign with your name on it. Transfer from Muscat airport to the hotel (Standard check-in time: 14:00 hours.). Muscat, city, capital of Oman, located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The city is the seat of the Omani government. With a history dating back to antiquity, it mixes skyscrapers and high-end shopping malls with cliff-top monuments such as the 16th century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Al Mirani, overlooking Muscat's harbor. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Muscat.
Note:
- When visiting the mosque, please dress modestly, covering your head with a scarf if you're a woman. Avoid shorts, beachwear, or sleeveless outfits for both men and women. Slip-on shoes are recommended as they must be removed to enter.
- Royal Opera House and Bait al Zubair museum remains closed on Friday.

Day 2: Muscat

Muscat City Tour (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel. Pick up from the hotel and visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Oman, and one of the most popular places to visit in Muscat. Accommodating up to a stupendous 20,000 worshippers at a time, the structure features a blend of various architectural styles. (FRIDAY CLOSED). Then we will proceed to visit the The Royal Opera House which is Oman's premier destination for music, arts, and culture. Following that, we'll explore the historic Muttrah area, where you can visit the traditional Muttrah Souq, a market steeped in history, dating back about two centuries. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, our Muscat city tour starts at Bait Al Zubair, a private museum with a remarkable collection of Omani artifacts. We'll also make a quick photo stop at Al Alam Palace, one of Sultan Qaboos's royal residences, Mirani and Jalali fort. Later in the afternoon, we'll head back to the hotel for some well-deserved relaxation. Overnight at hotel in Muscat.

Day 3: Jebel Shams

Muscat - Wadi Bani Awf - Jabal Shams (4WD) (5-6 hrs. drive) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out around 8:30 am. Our first stop will be at the Amouage Perfume Visitor Centre, where you’ll discover how Oman’s unique and iconic fragrances are crafted from sourcing ingredients to the final product. After the visit, we’ll head to the Seeb Spice Market, known for its vibrant colors and aromatic spices. Explore a variety of exotic flavors and traditional ingredients. We then begin our journey toward Al Hamra, with a stop at the historic Nakhal Fort, followed by a visit to the nearby Nakhal hot springs, where you can enjoy a gentle dip in the natural runoff water. Continuing on, we pass through the vast Wadi Bani Awf, one of the largest wadis in the Al Rustaq region. This area features charming mountain villages and includes the dramatic Snake Canyon, offering a scenic and adventurous off-road crossing of the Hajar Mountains. Next, we visit Bilad Sayt, a picturesque village that looks like something out of an Arabian fairy tale its beauty is truly breathtaking. Finally, we continue our drive to Jabal Shams, where you’ll check in at your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Jabal Shams.
Note: Amouage Perfume Visitor Centre is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and remains closed on Fridays.

Day 4: Jebel Shams

Jabal Shams (4WD) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed for a famous Balcony Walk at Jabal Shams, this hike takes you on a hike along the Al Nakhur Rim Hike also known as the W6 Route, and is a casual, easy- moderate level hike. This route is certainly the more adventurous, challenging and fulfilling way back up and we recommend it to anyone who deems themselves physically fit and isn’t scared of heights. Proceed towards the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Oman, situated in Ghul village. Often likened to the 'Omani Grand Canyon' or the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia,' this natural wonder boasts depths of up to 1 kilometer at certain points. Next, we will proceed to the picturesque Al Hamra village, where you'll have the opportunity to visit Bait Al Safah museum. After the museum exploration, we'll continue to Misfat Al Abrayeen village, allowing you to take a leisurely walk and immerse yourself in the village's charm. Return your hotel and rest. Dinner and overnight at Jabal Shams.
Note: For the Balcony Walk at Jabal Shams, wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip and avoid loose clothing. Dress in layers for changing temperatures and carry sun protection.

Day 5: Jabal Akhḍar

Jabal Shams - Nizwa - Jabal Akhdar (4WD) (2.5 hrs. drive) (Breakfast)
Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Note: If it’s a Friday, we recommend departing by 6:30 AM to make the most of the morning’s activities, especially the vibrant market scene. Begin with a visit to the famous Friday cattle market in Nizwa, where locals gather to trade livestock in a lively, traditional setting. (The market concludes around 8:00 AM, so early arrival is essential.)
Continue to the Nizwa Fort, one of Oman’s most iconic landmarks, known for its massive circular tower and panoramic views of the town. Then explore the adjacent Nizwa Souq, famous for traditional Omani handicrafts, pottery, silver jewelry, and spices. Our adventure continues with a visit to Jabrin Castle, constructed in 1675. This well-preserved fort is one of Oman's finest, and it holds historical significance as a center of learning. The castle's three stories encompass two towers, numerous halls, and rooms. Continue to Jabal Akhdar and enroute visit Birkat Al Mauz, a picturesque village and UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through its ancient falaj irrigation system, one of the oldest in Oman, and explore the abandoned mud-brick houses and lush date plantations at your own pace. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Jabal Akhdar.
Note: The Nizwa cattle market operates only on Friday mornings; guests should arrive at the market before 8:00 AM.

Day 6: Jabal Akhḍar

Jabal Akhdar (4WD) (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a walk around the villages of Jabal Akhdar. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, Gorges and Wadis During the months of March and April the air is heavy with the scent of roses as they bloom across the entire place During season, we can even watch rose water being distilled in the homes of the villagers Afternoon free at leisure to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Visit the local rose water distillery, an experience that provides insight into the traditional method of extracting rose essence from Damask roses, which thrive in the mountainous terrain. Overnight at hotel in Jabal Akhdar.

Day 7: Wahiba Sands

Jabal Akhdar - Wahiba Sands (4WD) (3 hrs. drive) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy morning at your mountain resort before you check-out and proceed to Wahiba Sands. Stop at Al Manzifah Village, one of the most historically significant and picturesque sites in the Ibra region, located in Al Sharqiyah Governorate. This traditional village offers a glimpse into Oman’s past with its old mud-brick houses and rich cultural heritage. Continue the journey to the Sharqiyah Sands (Wahiba Sands)—a vast sea of rolling red and white sand dunes, some rising as high as 200 meters. This striking desert landscape is home to diverse flora and fauna, and its ever-shifting dunes are a paradise for photographers. Visit a traditional Bedouin home, where you'll have the opportunity to meet local residents and learn about their customs and nomadic way of life. Arrive at your desert camp and check in. As evening falls, take in the majesty of the desert during a tranquil sunset over the dunes, an unforgettable experience. Dinner and Overnight stay at Wahiba Sands.

Day 8: Ras Al Hadd

Wahiba Sands - Sur - Ras Al Hadd (2.5 hrs. drive) (Breakfast, Dinner)
Breakfast in the desert and check-out, Today we will drive to Sur. First proceed to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most stunning and well-known wadis in Oman. Nestled in the Al Sharqiyah region, this wadi is famous for its crystal-clear, aqua-blue pools that flow year-round, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush date palms. Caves and small waterfalls add to its natural charm as it winds through nearby villages. As we continue our journey, we’ll arrive in Sur, a charming coastal town nestled within a natural bay. The harbor district here preserves its traditional architectural beauty, offering a glimpse into Oman’s maritime heritage. In Sur, we’ll visit the fish jetty, where local fishermen unload their catch, and explore a dhow factory, where the ancient art of boat-building is still practiced today. Afternoon check-in at the hotel in Ras Al Hadd and rest. 20:00 hrs.: Proceed to the Ras Al Jinz Scientific Center, accompanied by an ecologist, to witness the remarkable sight of female turtles returning to the beach to lay their eggs. Turtle viewing is one of Oman's most popular eco-tourism activities, with the country hosting crucial nesting sites for four different turtle species: the endangered Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle. 22:30 hrs.: Return to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Ras Al Hadd.
Note: Please note that the main nesting season is from June to August, and during other times of the year, turtle sightings may vary.

Day 9: Muscat

Ras Al Hadd - Wadi Shab - Muscat (4WD) (3.5 hrs. drive) (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. We will embark on a coastal drive to Wadi Shab, where you can relish a scenic walk leading to the pool. The round-trip hike inside Wadi Shab takes approximately 3 hours. Continuing our journey towards Muscat, we'll make a stop at Bimmah Sinkhole, a captivating natural formation filled with water about 200 meters inland. The turquoise-colored pool contains a mix of fresh and sea water, and a substantial concrete staircase provides easy access to the picturesque pool, allowing visitors to swim with friendly fish known for their non-harmful toe-nibbling habit. Our route then takes us through Wadi Al Arbaeen, one of Oman's most remarkable wadis. Wadi Al Arbaeen offers a symphony of nature's sounds, including running water, bird calls, and the gentle rustling of wind through its narrow channels. This wadi promises an enjoyable adventure, featuring rock-crawling and scenic water crossings with your vehicle. Reach Muscat and check-in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Muscat.

Day 10:

Muscat (Breakfast)
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, savoring the last moments of your journey. Afterward, we'll transfer you to Muscat airport for your onward flight. We bid you farewell and hope you carry cherished memories of your time in Oman with you.