Depart your home country for your flight to Muscat.
This family-friendly holiday to Oman is designed for curious travellers of all ages.
Journey from the capital Muscat to the desert dunes, mountain oases and the sparkling Arabian Sea. Along the way, discover forts, swim in natural pools and learn about Oman’s rich traditions. With seamless logistics and comfortable hotels throughout, it’s the perfect mix of adventure, culture and downtime.
Half Term Family Oman
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Muscat Beach
Your personal driver will be waiting for you at the arrival hall to take you to your hotel. Along the way, you’ll catch sight of some of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Check in at the Shangri-La Resort where you’ll have two nights to relax and enjoy the set beautiful beach, swimming pools and a wide range of facilities.
Days 4 - 5
Nizwa and the Desert
Today your driver-guide will pick you up, and your journey will begin. The first stop is in Nizwa, Oman’s former capital and spiritual centre. Take a break and visit the fort, where you can climb the tower and take in the fantastic view.
Next, you’ll head to the village of Adam, where you’ll meet the owner of a small camel farm. You’ll learn about the importance of camels in Bedouin culture, as they serve as both a means of transport and a source of meat, milk, and wool.
But the real fun begins as you snake into the breathtaking dunes towards your desert camp. Upon arrival at camp, take a back of a camel ride and enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
After spending a night under the starry sky, you’ll have the chance to experience the stunning desert in all its glory. After breakfast, buckle up for a thrilling dune-bashing ride with your driver. You’ll witness his incredible driving skills as you tackle the sandy terrain. Don’t worry, he’ll adjust his driving style to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable.
After this exhilarating ride, you’ll have lunch in the home of a Bedouin family. You’ll get to experience and learn about their unique way of life.
In the afternoon, you’ll return to camp for one more evening taking in the unique atmosphere of the desert and a last sleep in your cosy family tent.
Day 6
Turtles and Wadi's
Today, you’ll leave your camp and head to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most famous evergreen dry river valleys in the region. Here there is a constant stream of water flowing all year round, and the large ponds are lined with lush green palm trees. The turquoise and sapphire-coloured waters will tempt you to jump in and take a refreshing swim.
After approximately two hours of driving, you’ll reach your seaside accommodation. This area is an important nesting place for a variety of turtle species, including endangered green and hawksbill. During your stay, you have the opportunity to learn about their life and place in local mythology at the well-laid-out museum on-site before joining a ranger to walk down to the beach and seek out the turtles themselves.
In the evening, you can witness majestic turtles laying their eggs.
Days 7 - 9
Return to Muscat & the Beach
Head back along the coast to Muscat, but not before stopping to explore some sights. First up, you could choose to take a short hike in Wadi Shab. After crossing a small pond, you’ll embark on a 60-minute walk along the creek with its lush vegetation and through a spectacularly deep and narrow gorge – this will bring you to some terrific freshwater pools. (This hike is recommended for those eight years and older who are good swimmers).
Alternatively, you could visit the incredible Bimmah sinkhole, a limestone crater formed by the collapse of the ceiling of an underground river thousands of years ago. The sinkhole is fed with underground seawater, and its turquoise waters are perfect for a refreshing swim.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive back at your hotel, Shangri-La Al Waha, where you can relax and unwind.
The following day you’ll be picked up by your driver-guide and taken to the nearby port, where you’ll join a dolphin-watching tour. Get ready to see a variety of marine mammals happily diving up and down. It’s a fantastic opportunity to witness these amazing creatures up close!
On the final day, there is time for a stroll through the charming Mattrah district. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the old town, nestled between towering cliffs and the sea.
The highlight of the day is a treasure hunt in the Souk, Oman’s oldest market.
Later, you’ll indulge in a delicious lunch at Bait al Luban restaurant, where you’ll experience the traditional Omani way of dining – sitting on the floor! And finally, it’s time to head back to your hotel for one last night.
Day 10
Fly home
Depart Muscat for your flight back home.
Oman Winter Sun Adventure
ETG was first rate at planning our holiday to ensure it met our requirements. The on-the-ground team were superb - very knowledgeable, friendly and great service. The country was amazing and we'll definitely visit again. ETG opened our eyes to this country which we hadn't considered visiting before. Perfect trip.
Michelle
Excellent
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Meet Our Oman Experts
Alesha loves Oman’s mix of desert drama and coastal calm. She creates trips that weave its history, landscapes, and warm hospitality into something unforgettable.
“Swap the classroom for canyons and coastlines: a family adventure through Oman filled with warmth, wonder and discovery.”
Alesha
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Oman. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you.. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences of Oman
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Oman
Oman offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that feels authentic and unspoilt. Travelling with ETG means seeing the country through the eyes of expert local guides who bring its stories to life. We’ll take you beyond the postcard views: exploring hidden wadis, sipping coffee with locals in mountain villages, or watching the sun set over vast golden dunes. With carefully chosen boutique stays and 24/7 support, you can relax knowing every detail of your trip has been thoughtfully crafted, leaving you free to experience the true essence of Oman.
The ideal time to visit Oman is October to April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and perfect for outdoor exploration. This season offers comfortable conditions for desert adventures, mountain treks, and coastal escapes. The summer months, from May to September, are hot, but the southern Dhofar region experiences the Khareef (monsoon), transforming the landscape into lush greenery – a unique seasonal draw.
Every ETG holiday to Oman is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels or homestays.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Oman specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.