An Oman Journey in 12 Days – Economic

Leave the capital for the mountainous regions of northern Oman. Your first destination is Nizwa, the former capital of the Sultanate. Visit its ancient fort, one of Oman's most emblematic forts, and stroll into its traditional market. After a lunch break, drive to Jabreen, with its 17th-century castle, probably the most beautiful historical palace of the Sultanate. It is next to the Bahla Fort, another well-preserved site you can visit. Come back to Nizwa by the end of the day to spend the night. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Nizwa Inn Hotel or Similar

Don't miss the cattle market if you happen to be in Nizwa on a Friday morning. You can observe sellers and buyers traditionally trading cattle. Then, hit the road to reach the old town of Al Hamra. Walk between its mudbrick houses and head toward another mountain village: Misfat Al Abriyeen. Stop for lunch, in the quietness of the banana plantations and with the sounds of the Aflaj water flows. You also have plenty of walking opportunities to explore the village for an hour before driving to the famous Wadi An Nakhr. Exploring the wadi requires some off-road skills, which you can enjoy for an hour. Finally, go to the top of the famous Jebel Shams to admire the breathtaking view. By the end of the day, return to Nizwa. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Nizwa Inn Hotel or Similar

Leave Nizwa early morning for Birkat Al-Mawz. This village is nestled in the mountain and offers plenty of opportunities for a quiet walk and many photogenic spots. For lunch, stop at Ibra, one of Oman's oldest cities. Walk into the historical city-center and explore its traditional market, dating back to when Ibra was a significant trading center. After lunch, it's time to enter the heart of the desert. Drive between the dunes of Wahiba Sands to the Bedouin camp where you spend the night. Discover the hospitality of this Arabic nomadic tribe. Upon request, you can ride camels* or have fun with other activities in the sand. In the evening, share a traditional barbecue and enjoy the myriad of stars in the sky. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: OYO 107 Al Areen Hotel Apartments or Similar

Take a peaceful breakfast in the serenity of the desert, before hitting the road toward the eastern coast. After two hours drive, explore the famous Wadi Shab and relax in its fresh natural pools for one hour and a half. For lunch, go to the nearby Fins Beach to picnic in front of the sea. Relax, and swim in the calm waters of the Oman Gulf. In the afternoon, and after a short 20 minutes’ drive, visit one of Oman's iconic natural wonders: Bimmah Sinkhole. An impressive natural cave with a large pool. Before returning to Muscat, it is possible to drive through the wild and lush Wadi Arbayeen, which offers incredible natural sceneries. In the evening, relax at the hotel. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Nizwa Inn Hotel or Similar

Wake up early to go to Muscat airport to fly to Khasab. Once in Khasab, start a mountain safari into Jebel Harim. With a 4WD car, stride across spectacular scenic roads up to the top of the mountain. Here, at nearly 1800 meters above sea level, stop to enjoy the panoramic view over the Oman Gulf and take pictures. On the way to the top of the mountain, visit Bait al Qalf, a centuries-old village with a house that only exists there. You also cross the lush Khalidiyah Acacia Tree Park. After about 3 hours of mountain safari, go to the hotel and relax. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Diwan Al Amir or Similar

Today, embark on a full dhow cruise. Richly decorated, it's as comfortable as beautiful. You are welcomed on board with a traditional coffee and dates. The cruise drives you to Khor Sham, the longest fjords of Musandam with dramatic landscapes. You'll probably see dolphins on the way to Telegraph Islands. Snorkel in the exceptional seabed, swim in the turquoise waters, and relax on the boat deck. A traditional Omani lunch, snacks, and refreshments are served on board. The excursion lasts about 6 hours before returning to Khasab and resting at the hotel for the evening. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Diwan Al Amir or Similar

In the morning, a private transfer drives you to the airport for your flight to Salalah, the capital of Dhofar. On arrival, another private transfer brings you to your hotel, where you can relax by the beach. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Al Jabal Hotel or Similar

Start a half-day guided tour of Salalah! This city of southern Oman offers a different atmosphere you can discover throughout this day. First, visit the sublime Sultan Qaboos Mosque. Visitors must dress modestly, and women must cover their hair with a scarf. To learn more about the region's history and the importance of the Frankincense trade, visit the Museum of the Frankincense Land and the Al Baleed Archeological Museum. Then, right inside the city, you can explore the Plantation Farms, with Banana, Papaya, and other exotic fruits. Enjoy some fresh coconut milk before heading toward the traditional market of Al Husn, also called Haffa Souk. This is the best place to buy all kinds of Frankincense. Return to your hotel to relax by the beach for the end of the day. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Al Jabal Hotel or Similar

Today is a full day to the must-sees of Salalah, from east to west! As you drive toward the east, stop by the Royal Farm and the Marmura Palace. The Sultan used to live there during summer to escape the heat. It's not possible to visit them, but they make a nice photo stop. After a short drive, you arrive at Taqah and enter the historical lands of Salalah. Taqah Castle was built during the 19th century and is different from all forts and castles in Oman: it was the region's tribal leader's private residence. Visit the interior of the castle and then go to Sumhuram Archeological Park. It contains Khor Rori's remains, which were once one of the most important ports in the world. After half an hour of visit, it's time for natural wonders at nearby Wadi Darbat. With its river and nice beaches, it offers a relaxing break. Continue to the coastal town of Mirbat to visit the Mausoleum of Bin Ali. Finally, end your day with several natural splendors. First, visit Ayn Razat, probably the most impressive spring of Dhofar. Drive for an hour more to reach the sea and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches of Dhofar: Al Mughsail. Walk on the wild coast and by its surprising blowholes. Finally, drive to the Zig Zag Road, an incredible road where you have the opportunity to observe several sorts of Frankincense trees. By the end of the day, go back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Al Jabal Hotel or Similar

Today, immerse yourself in the immensity of Rub al Khali. The name of this desert means the Empty Quarter, as it's one of the largest deserts in the world. Leave Salalah in the morning and drive toward the desert. There, you find Wadi Dowkha with its Tree Farms. Drive an hour and a half to the desert village of Shisr. Here are the ruins of the lost city of Ubar, known as the "Atlantis of the Sands." Visit the ruins before going deeper into the Empty Quarter to explore the desert. By the end of the day, go back to Salalah. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Al Jabal Hotel or Similar

Enjoy the morning on your own and rest at the hotel. After check-out, a private transfer brings you back to Salalah International Airport to end your trip. Meals: Breakfast