Fjord to Canyon & Desert to Beach
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Fjord to Canyon & Desert to Beach
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Fjord to Canyon & Desert to Beach

An idea for your holiday

Oman is a surprisingly vast, varied and beautiful country with a big, warm welcome. If you have 2-3 weeks to spare, then you have time to experience its diversity and charm. What follows is a suggestion for a two-week itinerary covering much of the country. But since all our holidays are designed entirely for you, this can, of course, be adjusted according to your timeframe, preferred pace and interests. 

This trip will take you from the fjord lands of the northern tip down to the lush tropics of the south - discovering dramatic mountain canyons, empty deserts and peaceful beaches en route.  As with all ETG holidays, your own private guide will be on hand to reveal the country's beauty and help you get under the surface of its fascinating history and culture. 

Highlights include:

  • A dhow boat cruise to explore the spectacular fjords of the Musandam Peninsula 
  • Meander around souqs, forts, villages and ancient city ruins, being immersed in the Omani history and culture at every turn
  • Feel like you’ve landed on another planet as you take in the dramatic scale of the landscape around Jabal Akhdar
  • Discover the surprising contrast that is the southern Dhofar region. Here, the desert is broken up by pockets of lush green scenery courtesy of the annual Indian monsoon 
  • Cool off with a swim in a turquoise pool as you explore one of the many wadis (natural river valleys)  

Your holiday will include private transport and guides which allows you a level of flexibility and spontaneity. We believe our guides are some of the very best and will bring your travel to life.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Get in touch to find out how this suggested itinerary could inspire your own adventure.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

  • International flights (if required)
  • Guides, drivers & their tips
  • Accommodation
  • Specified meals & snacks
  • Your immersive experiences
  • Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

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. 

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Get in touch

Every holiday we create is unique. One of our team can talk you through your options...

Hotels & Villas
featured above

Antique Inn

Antique Inn, Nizwa

Step back in time to this characterful heritage hotel,tucked away in the oldest part of Nizwa, an ancient capital and one of the oldest cities in Oman.

Arabian Oryx Camp

Arabian Oryx Camp, Wahiba Sands

Simple bungalow-style rooms, a delicious array of food and adventurous activities can be enjoyed at this camp.

Atana

Atana, Khasab

Comfortable accommodation overlooking a waterway and mountains with a nice pool and excursions available.

Juweira

Juweira, Salalah

A boutique hotel sitting in the heart of a lovely marina just a short walk to Salalah beach.

Muscat Hills

Muscat Hills, Muscat Beach

A simple, comfortable, step straight onto the sand, beach resort. Eco-friendly villas on the outskirts of Muscat with your own private bay.

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Ras Al Haad

Situated on the eastern beaches providing comfortable rooms and in an ideal location to witness turtles hatching.

Sahab Resort

Sahab Resort, Jabal Akhdar

Small boutique resort sitting on the edge of a canyon with mountain views, comfortable rooms and a pool.

Experiences & Activities
featured above

A Day in The Empty Quarter

A Day in The Empty Quarter, Salalah

Lost cities and frankincense in the heart of the world's largest expanse of uninterrupted desert.

A Full Day Around Jebel Samhan

A Full Day Around Jebel Samhan, Salalah

Stop at the Taqah Plateau, taking in the panoramic views of the waves and cliffs along the coastline.

Al Batinah's Forts & Hot Springs

Al Batinah's Forts & Hot Springs , Muscat

Spend a full day with your guide exploring the Al Batinah region of Oman.

Bedouin Life In The Dunes

Bedouin Life In The Dunes , Wahiba Sands

Experience the windswept sand dunes of the Omani desert around The Wahiba and get a glimpse of Bedouin life.

Coastal Highlights from Muscat to Sur

Coastal Highlights from Muscat to Sur , Sur

Spend a day taking in the wonders of the spectacular coastline stretching from Muscat to Sur.

Dhow Cruise to Khor Shams

Dhow Cruise to Khor Shams, Khasab

Discover the spectacular fjords and scenery for which this region is renowned.

Discover The City

Discover The City , Salalah

Learn about the ancient Frankincense trail, local maritime trading and shipbuilding.

Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling in the Sea of Oman

Dolphin Watching & Snorkelling in the Sea of Oman , Muscat

Cruise along the coastline while enjoying spectacular views of the Muscat peninsula from the ocean.

Explore Mutrah, the Corniche & Souq

Explore Mutrah, the Corniche & Souq , Muscat

The local souq is thought to be one of the world's oldest marketplaces so get ready to barter.

Exploring Historic East Salalah

Exploring Historic East Salalah, Salalah

Experience the historical highlights and unique culture of Oman's southernmost province, Dhofar.

Grand Canyon & Villages

Grand Canyon & Villages, Jebel Shams

Travel deep into the Al Hajar Mountains. Visit a traditional village and take in the breathtaking views from Jebel Shams.

Khasab City Tour

Khasab City Tour, Khasab

Explore the picturesque port with its impressive castle and surrounding traditional villages.

Mountains, Wadis and Beaches

Mountains, Wadis and Beaches, Salalah

Wadi Ayun is especially picturesque, with its green and blue hues of water surrounded by vegetation.

Nizwa in a Day

Nizwa in a Day , Muscat

Take in the drama of the impressive 17th Century Nizwa Fort, the town's crowning jewel.

Nizwa, Oman's Historical Old Capital

Nizwa, Oman's Historical Old Capital , Nizwa

Visit the 400-year old mountain village of Al Hamra and feel as though you've travelled back in time.

Old Muscat Stroll

Old Muscat Stroll , Muscat

Spend a leisurely afternoon with your guide exploring Old Muscat.

Sunset Cruise Along Muscat's Coast

Sunset Cruise Along Muscat's Coast , Muscat

One of the best places to enjoy the blistering hues of a spectacular Omani sunset is out on the water.

Traditional Ibra

Traditional Ibra, Nizwa

Once a stop on the trade route from Oman to Zanzibar, Ibra is known for its traditional horsemen and Ladies’ Souq.

Trekking to the Wakan Village

Trekking to the Wakan Village , Muscat

Head into the mountains towards Wadi Mistal for a guided trek up to the Wakan village.

Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque , Muscat

Take a tour through the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a marvellous feat of modern Islamic architecture.

Visit the Royal Opera House

Visit the Royal Opera House , Muscat

The beauty of its unique architecture makes Muscat's Royal Opera House very much worth a visit.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadi Bani Khalid, Nr Wahiba Sands

Wadi Bani Khalid is a desert oasis with turquoise waters and swaying palms set beneath dusty, rocky ravines.

~
Every ETG journey is unique.
Let us inspire you
~

Your next adventure starts with a conversation...

020 7924 7133

1-888-577-8452

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