Grand Tour of Oman

This Grand Tour gives you a comprehensive journey through all that Oman has to offer. So you can even extend into the northern fjords of Musandam, turning two weeks into three. Throughout, you have a personal driver-guide, among the best in the country. They unlock the most immersive experiences along the way. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to you.

Muscat: Ancient and Modern

Begin with three nights in Muscat, blending old and new. So a half-day tour takes in the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the alleys of Muttrah souq. The next morning, explore the Daymaniyat Islands offshore. That leaves two afternoons at leisure. The gentle charm of Muscat is a lovely opening. You stay at the Al Bustan Palace or the W Muscat.

Into the Hajar Mountains

Next, set off via the Batinah Plain, pausing at the forts of Nakhl and Rustaq. So you can take the dramatic off-road Wadi Bani Awf into the Hajar Mountains. Then climb to the Jabal Akhdar region, famed for its view-laden hotels. The next day brings the gentle Four Village Walk. The cool heights of Jabal Akhdar are a world apart.

Nizwa and Jabal Shams

Then drive down to the plains, stopping at picture-perfect Birkat Al Mouz. So you reach Nizwa, with its superb fort and lively souq. On a Friday, the livestock market is a real spectacle. Another day climbs to Wadi Ghul and the Balcony Walk, along the rim of Oman’s Grand Canyon. The town of Nizwa rewards a slow wander.

Wahiba Sands and the Turtles

Next, head south to the great dunes of Wahiba Sands, stopping at Wadi Bani Khalid en route. So you spend a full day exploring the desert by 4×4. Then drive to Ras Al Jinz, where green turtles come ashore each night to lay their eggs. The dunes of Wahiba glow gold at sunset. You stay at Desert Nights Camp.

The Frankincense South

Then fly south to Salalah, the heart of the Dhofar region. So you walk the Corniche and visit the Museum of the Frankincense. Another day follows the Frankincense Trail to Job’s Tomb and Mughsail Beach. A further drive reaches the fishing village of Taqa and the ruins of Khor Rori. As a result, you see a very different side of Oman.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the hotels are a real part of the journey. First, the Al Bustan Palace in Muscat. Then the Alila Jabal Akhdar in the mountains. Next, Desert Nights Camp in the dunes. Finally, a fine resort in Salalah.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits travellers wanting Oman in full. For example, it is ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime visit. Equally, it rewards anyone with two weeks to spare. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.

A Land of Contrasts

The variety is the whole appeal. First come mountains and forts. Then the silence of the desert. Soon after, nesting turtles on the coast. Finally, the frankincense south. So no two days feel the same.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, October to April is ideal for most of Oman. By contrast, high summer is extremely hot. The Salalah khareef, meanwhile, brings a green, misty season around July. So we tailor the timing to your plans. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

A Seamless Journey

For all it covers, the trip feels effortless. So the same driver-guide carries you throughout. Meanwhile, the internal flight to Salalah saves a very long drive. As a result, you simply enjoy the unfolding landscapes.

Designed Around You

As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the pace, the route and the hotels to suit. In the end, the tour is entirely your own.

A Trip to Treasure

In the end, few journeys show Oman so fully. So you gain mountains, desert, coast and frankincense in one trip. Meanwhile, the comforts make the distances a pleasure. As a result, it lingers long in the memory.

The Hidden Corners

The real reward here is reaching beyond the obvious. So you take in remote wadis, hilltop forts and the frankincense coast. Meanwhile, the nesting turtles feel a genuine privilege. Few short tours include such breadth. As a result, you see a fuller picture of Oman.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits travellers with time to see it all. For example, it is ideal for a thorough first visit. Equally, it rewards those happy to cover some distance. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.

A Seamless Experience

Above all, every detail is handled for you. So the transfers and the internal flight simply work. Meanwhile, your guide brings each place to life. As a result, you relax from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?

It runs to about two weeks, with the option to add Musandam. Of course, it can be shortened. We will shape the length to suit you.

Is there much driving?

There are some long but scenic days, broken by overnights. Helpfully, you keep the same driver-guide throughout. So the journey becomes part of the experience.

When is the best time to go?

Generally, October to April is most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. The pace, the route and the hotels are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.