Fjord to Canyon & Desert to Beach

Day 1 Depart the UK 

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Dubai or Khasab. 

(You can reach Khasab on the Musandam Peninsula by road from Dubai or on a flight via Muscat) 

Day 2 & 3 The Rugged Musandam Peninsula

On arrival, you’ll be met for the transfer to check to your hotel. Check-in and spend plenty of time relaxing. Later on, your guide will meet you for a tour of Khasab city with its historic castle and surrounding fishing villages. 

During your time in Khasab, a highlight will surely be a traditional dhow cruise. This is a fantastic way to see the spectacular fjord scenery that this region is renowned for. Sail to Khor Sham (fjord) to look out for dolphins and anchor for snorkelling and swimming near historical Telegraph Island and Seebi Island. 

Day 4 & 5 The Capital City of Muscat

This morning it's a short flight down to Muscat. On arrival, check in to your next hotel.

During your time in the capital, your guide will show you well-known sights like Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - a marvellous feat of modern Islamic architecture - and the charming area of Mutrah where it’s nice to wander along the Corniche and browse through the souq. With your guide, there will be opportunities to taste the food, chat to locals over Arabic coffee and dates (a symbol of Omani hospitality) and learn about the area’s history.

Day 6 Into The Mountains

Join your guide to begin your journey into the mountains today, making stops that interest you along the way. In the morning, you’ll pass by quintessential date palm groves, and you might choose to take a dip in a spring or take a walk below the imposing mud-brick walls of the highest fort in Oman. After lunch, you will ascend into the beautiful Jebel Al Akhdar mountains. There is the option to explore Wadi Bani Awf, a spectacular gorge that spans 26km. It weaves through several villages and offers plenty of beautiful sights. These include Snake Canyon where, if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike through pools, down steep slopes and over large boulders. Arrive in Nizwa late afternoon. 

Day 7-8  Nizwa Fort & Jebel Akhdar

Spend your morning exploring Nizwa itself; the old capital is brimming with history, culture, traditional buildings and industries. Dive into the busy souq, one of the oldest marketplaces in Oman and visit the fort, an impressive 17th-century architectural beauty. 

Following lunch, visit the Saiq Plateau where you can take in the vast expanse of mountain scenery as you stand around 2,000 metres above sea level. It’s a truly spectacular spot. 

Arrive at your Jebel Akhdar accommodation late afternoon. Spend a full day relaxing here and enjoying the otherworldly scenery and hotel facilities. Of course, your guide will be on hand if you’d like to explore further afield.

Day 9 & 10 Wahiba Sands and Ras Al Hadd

On your journey down to the desert, there will be a chance to visit Ibra - one of the oldest cities in the country and once an important hub on the trading route between Oman and Zanzibar. 

Also stop off at Wadi Bani Khalid, a beautiful must-see spot and a great place for a refreshing swim. As long as the water levels are not too high, you can explore further into the quiet parts of the wadi, such as the Moqal Cave. 

Later on, your guide will deflate the tyres ready to dune bash your way into the mesmerising Wahiba Sands. Check in to your desert camp, relax and marvel at the scenery around you. Later, the sight of the sun dipping below the horizon as you sit high up in the dunes is something magical to behold.

Leaving the Wahiba Sands, the coastal road is a great way to travel to Ras Al Hadd, but there is a quicker inland route if you prefer. Along the coast, nature has created some incredible colour combinations. Pass remote villages and beautiful Al Askharah Beach en route to Ras Al Hadd, the nesting place of endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Turtles can be seen here all year round, but particularly from June to November. 

Day 11 Coast to Coast 

Today make the journey from Ras Al Hadd back to Muscat for the flight down to Salalah. If you’d prefer to break up this journey, it is, of course, possible to stay in Muscat again. 

There are several places of note between Ras Al Hadd and Muscat. In Sur, your guide can take you to see local artisans working in the old Dhow Yard. At Wadi Tiwi, Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole there are deep gorges, pools and rocky landscapes to explore. 

Arrive in Muscat in the afternoon and catch a short flight south to Salalah.

Day 12-14 Salalah

Far-flung Salalah has gorgeous scenery, culture and adventure, but it’s also a great place to relax and reflect on your adventure with a stay in a lovely beach hotel. 

There is plenty to see and do here if you feel like being active. In Salalah itself, there is a glistening mosque, or you could take a wander through the old souq. The coastline is a real highlight, with beautiful turquoise sea and white sand beaches. The ‘zig-zag’ road has some epic views where the Indian Ocean skirts around the shores and frankincense trees lie scattered around the dry countryside. 

We recommend a 4x4 trip into the Jebel Qara Mountains while you’re here, taking in birdlife, natural limestone formations and springs, small villages and dramatic landscapes en route. Wadi Ayun is especially photogenic, with its green and blue hues of water surrounded by lush vegetation. Visit the ancient tomb of Job the Prophet, sitting amongst the emerald mountains.

Day 15 Stay or Fly Home

Depart Salalah for your flight back to the UK. 

This itinerary is intended as inspiration. If you have time to spare, then it could easily be extended for up to 3 weeks with additional nights spent in each location.