Explore Oman with us
Let the following travel report of the 12-day tour by our specialist Dani Elsener inspire and excite you to visit this beautiful country.
Muscat - 2 nights
After arriving at Muscat International Airport, we will be taken to the hotel by private transfer. You can enjoy the rest of the day by the pool or on the beach. The next morning we will be picked up for the half-day privately guided city tour. The program includes a visit to the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. A stop at Al-Alam Palace, flanked by the Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. Visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum and the Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world.
On the second morning, the rental car is brought to the hotel and the round trip can begin.
Jebel Al Akhdar - 3 nights
The drive from Muscat to Nizwa takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (around 160 km) on well-maintained roads. It first leads along the coastal plain and then inland, past rugged mountain ranges and small villages. On the way, you can make a short stop at the fortress of Birkat Al Mouz - a picturesque clay village with old irrigation channels (Falaj Al Khatmeen, UNESCO World Heritage Site). The closer you get to Nizwa, the more dominant the imposing Hajar Mountains become in the background. The landscape becomes more barren but impressive - a perfect prelude to discovering the cultural heart of Oman.
Continue into the high mountains to Jebel Al Akhdar. The "green mountain" at an altitude of over 2,000 m offers spectacular views. Pure relaxation is the order of the day at the luxury hotel. Nevertheless, there are a variety of activities on offer, such as a hike through the terraced gardens of Al Aqor and Al Ayn (known for rose and pomegranate plantations), a visit to Diana's Point, named after Lady Diana, who visited this viewpoint in 1986. Optional activities such as the Via Ferrate climbing route, stargazing or a cooking class with Omani cuisine round off the offer.
Wahiba Sands Desert
Continue to the Wahiba Sands Desert. The drive from the plateau of Jebel Akhdar to the desert entrance takes around 3.5 hours. Our 4x4 takes us through small mountain villages and past palm groves. On this drive we experience an impressive change of scenery from the cool, mountainous climate to the dry desert landscape.
Wahiba Sands - 2 nights
After arriving at the camp and a short introduction, it is already time for the first highlight. We are driven up a dune in jeeps. From here you can witness a fascinating sunset. Far away from civilization and shared with just a few people. A unique experience. You can enjoy dinner outdoors with a view of the endless starry sky.
The next morning we take a trip to the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid. This wadi impresses with turquoise-colored natural pools surrounded by palm trees and rocks. It is worth arriving early to avoid the day tourists from Muscat. They only arrive between 10 and 11 am.
Sur - 1 night
Continue towards the coast with stops at Wadi Tiwi or Wadi Shab, where you can go hiking and swim in the natural pools. In around 2 hours driving time we reach the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. The reserve is located near the coast of Sur, about 11 km south of the tip of the Arabian Peninsula at Ras al Hadd - the easternmost point of Oman. It protects a 45 km long coastal region where thousands of green sea turtles lay their eggs every year - an outstanding breeding ground in the Indian Ocean. The reserve was established in 1996 and is the only legal place in Oman where you can watch the turtles lay their eggs. Visits are only possible as part of guided tours - maximum 20 people per group to minimize disturbance to the animals. Evening tour (from approx. 21:00): Observation of females emerging from the sea, digging nests and laying eggs. Early morning (from approx. 5:00): Opportunities to see newly hatched juveniles making their daring way into the water - particularly touching. The main breeding season runs from May to September. Nevertheless, you can see at least one female laying eggs all year round. Peak time for sightings is summer.
Muscat - 3 nights
Our last stage is already approaching. On the way back to Muscat, we make a stop in the city of Sur. The city is known for its traditional shipbuilding, fishing port and historical sites. There are many cafés and inviting local restaurants here. Now you can review this fantastic and eventful trip at The Chedi Resort. We don't want to miss out on one last highlight. We take a boat tour along the coast of Muscat at sunset with views of jagged rock formations, accompanied time and again by dolphins. A truly worthy end to this trip.
