A self-drive road trip through mainland Oman, then a flight north to the fjords of Musandam. A guided version is available for an extra fee.
This self-drive trip links mainland Oman with the fjords of Musandam. We deliver your rental car and book your 4-star hotels; you follow our route from Muscat to Wadi Shab, Sur, Wadi Bani Khalid, the Wahiba Sands, Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar. A short flight then takes you north to Khasab for the Musandam excursions in your itinerary. A guided version is available for an extra fee.
Who it suits: Independent travellers who want mainland Oman and Musandam
Arrive at Muscat International Airport and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to rest before the trip begins.
Overnight: MuscatStart at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its chandeliers and one of the world's largest hand-woven carpets. See the Royal Opera House, then walk through Muttrah Souq, scented with frankincense, and along the Corniche past the old port and its dhows. End at Al Alam Palace, the Sultan's ceremonial palace, between the Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts.
Overnight: MuscatFollow the coast road to Wadi Shab. A short boat ride and a walk lead to turquoise pools and a waterfall inside a cave, so bring swimwear. Continue to Sur, where wooden dhows are still built by hand.
Overnight: SurSwim in the green pools of Wadi Bani Khalid, between high cliffs and palm groves. In the afternoon, ride the dunes of the Wahiba Sands in a 4x4 and climb a dune for sunset, then enjoy a traditional dinner by the campfire under the stars.
Overnight: Desert camp, Wahiba SandsClimb the round tower of Nizwa Fort for views over the town and mountains, and browse the souq for silver, pottery, spices and dates. After lunch, drive up to Jebel Akhdar, the Green Mountain, and walk through the villages of Al Ayn and Saiq, among terraces of pomegranates, apricots and roses.
Overnight: Jebel AkhdarA morning on the mountain: villages, viewpoints over the canyons and the traditional rosewater distilleries. Return to Muscat in the evening.
Overnight: MuscatTake the short flight to Khasab, on the Musandam Peninsula. Visit the 17th-century Khasab Fort by the sea, drive along the coast past fjords and fishing villages, and stop at the local market.
Overnight: KhasabA full day on a traditional dhow in the fjords of Musandam, often called the Norway of Arabia. Look out for dolphins swimming beside the boat, stop at Telegraph Island to swim and snorkel, and enjoy a seafood lunch on board.
Overnight: KhasabRide a 4x4 up Jebel Harim, the highest peak in Musandam, past old villages, rocks full of fossils and viewpoints over the fjords. Stop at Khor Najd, a sheltered bay, before returning to Khasab.
Overnight: KhasabTransfer to Khasab Airport for your flight back to Muscat and your flight home.
Our classic first visit with an English-speaking guide: the Grand Mosque, the rim of Jebel Shams, Nizwa, a night in the Wahiba Sands and a night on the Daymaniyat Islands.
A guided road trip down the quiet south-east coast: turtles at Ras al Jinz, the white Sugar Dunes of Khaluf and three days in Dhofar.
Short drives and days children remember: a swim at the Bimmah Sinkhole, a night in the dunes, turtles at Ras al Jinz and a snorkelling trip.
Tell us your dates and interests and we'll suggest the best fit. We reply within one business day.
