Off the Beaten Track in Oman

EXPLORE OMAN BEYOND THE FAMILIAR

Suggested itinerary for two adults…

For travellers drawn to places where landscape and history meet in quiet, unpolished depth, this journey offers a way to experience Oman beyond its well-trodden routes. It blends coastlines edged with early-morning light, dunes shaped by wind rather than crowds, and highland villages where life still follows the rhythm of orchards and falaj waterways. This journey shows the country through its textures: stone, sand, sea breeze, mountain air, and through the stories shared by those who call these regions home.

From Muscat’s gentle introduction to Oman’s heritage, the route moves into the Wahiba Sands, then onward to the cultural heartland of Nizwa and the cool heights of Jebel Akhdar. The journey concludes in Salalah, where frankincense groves, monsoon valleys and quiet archaeological sites reveal a different, greener face of the Arabian Peninsula.

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DAYS ONE AND TWO

Begin by the Sea in Muscat

Arrive in Muscat and step straight into the softness of the Gulf with a sunset cruise, an unhurried glide along rocky headlands where the city glows white against the evening light. The next day, explore Muscat’s cultural landmarks: the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, its marble calm opening into vast space; the Royal Opera House; the intimate Bait Al Zubair Museum; and Muttrah Souq, a warren of spices, frankincense and silver.

ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS

Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat

A contemporary city base with warm tones, generous rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel offers easy access to Muscat’s main sites while remaining a calm retreat after days of exploration.

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DAY THREE

Heritage and the Green Mountains

Travel south along the coast toward Sur, passing its dhow yards where craftsmen still work with cedar and rope. Then turn inland as the landscape shifts from rocky brush to the long, rising dunes of the Wahiba Sands. Light changes quickly here, soft in the afternoon, amber at dusk, inviting a quiet sense of scale.

ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS

Arabian Nights Resort, Wahiba Sands

A desert stay surrounded by sculpted dunes, where comfort meets stillness. The resort blends spacious rooms with open desert views, and evenings unfold under wide skies washed with starlight.

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DAYS FOUR AND FIVE

Nizwa, the Heartland of Oman

Leave the sands for the cool pools of Wadi Bani Khalid, a string of turquoise basins set within pale limestone. Continue to Harat al-Bilad, a partially restored heritage village that offers a hushed glimpse into Oman’s architectural past with narrow passages, carved doors, and clay towers.

The next day is dedicated to Nizwa, where the fort’s round tower commands sweeping views of date plantations and distant mountains. Explore the souq, renowned for its silverwork, pomegranates, and old-world charm; your guide reveals the city’s layered history at a thoughtful, unhurried pace.

ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS

Golden Tulip Nizwa

A comfortable, well-placed base offering spacious rooms and easy access to the region’s highlights. The atmosphere is understated, with warm hospitality and a sense of calm after days filled with history and exploration.

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DAYS SIX AND SEVEN

Ascend to the Highlands of Jebel Akhdar

Travel to Birkat Al Mauz, a date-palm oasis framed by crumbling mudbrick villages and ancient falaj channels. Then ascend into the Al Hajar Mountains, where air thins, orchards terrace the slopes, and silence settles into the folds of the cliffs. The next day, explore Jebel Akhdar on foot: walking routes through Saq, Wadi Bani Habib, and Al Ayn, passing walnut groves, rose terraces, and abandoned stone villages that speak quietly of centuries past.

ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

A mountain retreat balanced on the rim of a vast canyon. Suites are serene and spacious, terraces open onto endless views, and the cool air offers a welcome contrast to the desert below.

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DAYS EIGHT TO TWELVE

Journey South to Salalah

Descend the mountains and fly south to Salalah, where the landscape shifts dramatically to lush green valleys, coconut groves, and frankincense trees, all shaped by the khareef monsoon. Begin with a full exploration of the region: the city’s grand mosque; Haffa Souq with its incense traders; Wadi Dawkah and its UNESCO-protected frankincense trees; the Museum of the Land of Frankincense; and the atmospheric ruins of Al Baleed.

The next day, travel east and west of Salalah: the blowholes and sweeping sands of Mughsayl Beach, the archaeological remains of Samharam, and the coastal town of Taqa, with its old fort and long, pale bay. The final day is yours to move slowly, walk the beach, rest by the water, or simply take in Salalah’s softer, greener side before your journey home.

ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

A beachfront sanctuary of low-rise villas, private pools and shaded pathways. Calm, refined and deeply attuned to its coastal setting, it offers a serene end to a journey shaped by contrast and discovery.

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Authenticity Over Spectacle

Across dunes, oases, highlands and monsoon-kissed shores, this itinerary offers a deeper, quieter encounter with Oman. A journey shaped by landscapes that reveal themselves gradually and places where history still lives in the stones. For travellers seeking authenticity over spectacle, the journey provides a rhythm that feels personal and grounded.

By the final evening in Salalah, as the breeze carries the scent of frankincense across the water, the country’s layers settle into something lasting: not simply a memory of places visited, but a sense of having travelled through Oman in a way that feels true.

Cost

From £4,795
per person based on 2 adults travelling

Please note: this is a suggested starting price. It can be fully customised based on your preferred experiences, travel dates, and length of stay.

Return economy flights from London to Muscat, and domestic flights to Salalah.
11 nights’ accommodation with breakfast included.

Fully guided tour, with a 4×4 vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees included.
24/7 support whilst travelling.