Off-Road Oman

Upon arrival at Muscat International Airport, our representative will meet you at the arrival gate (as per Flight details) and transfer you to Al Falaij Hotel. 

Rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight at a hotel in Muscat

After breakfast, we will pick you up around 08:30 am to start your day with a visit to the Grand Mosque, which is standing in stately grandeur and a must-see for all tourists. (Open daily for visitors, between 08:00–11:00 am, except Fridays) Dress code – Women should wear attire covering their arms and legs and should cover their head with scarf. Men should wear normal shirt and ankle length trousers). 

From here move on to the Fish and Vegetable Market. The market exudes a lively and energetic atmosphere, with vendors proudly displaying their fresh seafood and colorful array of fruits and vegetables. Then we will take you to Muttrah Souq for a vibrant shopping experience of sights, sounds, and fragrances. Engage with the crowd, haggle for treasures. We will drive along the Corniche for a photo stop at the Sultan’s Palace flanked by the Portuguese Forts of Jalali and Mirani. Later, explore Omani culture and history at the Bait Al Zubair Museum. We will then drop you back at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at a hotel in Muscat

Our representative will hand over the car at Hilton Garden Hotel to you at 08:00 AM and you start your journey along the Batinah coast. You stop at Barka, a seaside town with small souqs and a fort along the shoreline. Batinah is the most fertile region of Oman. Your next stop will be in Nakhl to see a 17th century fort that is spectacularly perched on a rocky prominence in the foothills of the Western Hajars Mountains. The fort’s origin is pre-Islamic with major contribution by the Al Yaruba and the Al Busaid dynasties. Move inland to see the mineral-laden hot springs and spend some time relaxing in the shades of date palms.

Then you head towards Wadi Bani Awf, located between the towns of Al Rustaq and Al Awabi. Wadi Bani Awf climbs 2000m from the Batinah plain through the glorious Hajar mountains to the base of Jebel Shams. With spectacular views all around, Wadi Bani Awf is one long stream of ‘must take a picture’ spot. After a spectacular drive up the mountain road you reach the secluded village of Billad Sayt, where time seems to stand still. From here you proceed to Nizwa for an overnight stay.

Overnight at in Nizwa

After breakfast you will leave the hotel. You continue the tour and your first visit is the Nizwa Souq showcasing a wonderful array of handicrafts - coffee pots, swords, leather goods, silverware, antiques, and household utensils. Then visit Nizwa fort, which completed in the 1650's, was the seat of power during the rule of the Al Ya'ruba dynasty and is Oman's most visited National monument. 

After visiting souq and fort, proceed to Bahla with a huge loam fort stands tall on a rise in the center of the pottery town of Bahla. More notably, Bahla has been placed in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites for its cultural antiquity. Bahla is also known as pottery capital of Oman.

 A few kilometers away lies 300+ year old castle at Jabrin, one of the most magnificent and attractive building, full of amazing details including elaborately painted ceilings, a burial chamber, an elaborate stairwell, and balustrade spanning three floors etc. From the top, the views of the Hajar foothills are breath-taking. Later you move towards the ancient village of Misfat Al Abriyyin. With mountain terraces filled unusually with palm trees as its backdrop, an intricate falaj irrigation system winding its way around and stunning views at every turn, the delightful village that this little walk meanders through will take your breath away. 

From here we drive back to make our way up to Jebel Shams, the “Mountain of the Sun,” from a height of nearly 3000metres, you will have an outstanding view deep into the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’. Meet with local weavers and haggle for their wares. Later return to the Hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight at in Jebel Shams

After breakfast you leave from the Hotel and proceed to Birkat Al Mouz, which translates to “banana pool.” The town is a pleasant oasis at the foot of Jebel Akhdar; ideal for a stroll. The ruins are perched on a ledge above Falaj Al Sharieh which runs through the town. Wander the street to find the best vantage point and do not miss the magic properties of the Falaj.

From here you head towards Jebel Akhdar in Arabic means "Green Mountains" and this region of the most verdant outside of Salalah and the Batinah Coast. One of the most scenic areas in Oman, coupled with the friendly local inhabitants, this region is a natural spot for tourism. Take the route towards the Saiq Plateau which is dotted with around 30 villages and a maze of roads and trails linking them. At every turn is another stunning view out over the wadis and mountain range, with many of the deep gauges lined with terraces from top to bottom. 

One of the best views is looking out down the valley towards the villages of AL Aqur, Al Ayn and Al Shirayjah. Saiq and Al Ayn, where local farmers raise grapes, pomegranates, apricots, and walnuts. The climate is moderate year-round as the mean altitude is about 1800 meters. Later return to the Hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight at in Jabal Akhdar

After breakfast you leave from the Hotel. Then you continue towards Wadi Bani Khalid Reach the magnificent Wadi. The pools are cool, deep, and stunning and the silky water. You then proceed to the desert of Wahiba, the undulating golden sands. The great Wahiba sands are longitudinal dunes 200 km long and 100 km wide running south from the Eastern Hajars to the Arabian Sea. Dune drive with Sunset on top of the dunes. 

Dinner and overnight at Wahiba Sands

After breakfast you leave from the Camp and proceed along the coastal road. You will make stop in Sur and visit dhow yards and you might see the dhow still being made by hand from here we head to Wadi Shab. Wadi Shab- meaning gorge between the cliffs- is just that only accessible on foot, the path winds its ways up the wadi past caves, plantations, cliffs, and deep pools with the scenery changing at every step. At the end of Wadi Shab there is a swim through the famous keyhole into the secluded world thrilling of fantasy. After spending some time there, you continue to one of the most popular beaches between Sur and Muscat, the Fins Beach.

From here continue the coastal road and visit the Bimah sinkhole, a geological formation of the karst topography and a scenic wonder, before you pass through some spectacular mountain scenery up the coast as you make our way back to Muscat.

Overnight stay in Muscat

Breakfast at the hotel and you will then be transferred to Muscat International Airport to board the flight (as per the Flight details) to your destination. Return home with fond memories of Oman.