Essential Oman: cities, mountains and desert
Between crystalline wadis and golden dunes, Oman reveals its best-kept treasures
Duration
10 days
From
US$1,900/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
This circuit offers you a complete discovery of Oman, combining major cultural sites, varied natural landscapes and local experiences. From Muscat to the Jabal Akhdar mountains, from wadis to desert dunes, the itinerary is designed to provide a balanced pace, with professional support and carefully selected accommodations. Each stage allows you to approach the country through its traditions, heritage and natural environments, while enjoying smooth organization provided by a local agency.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Oman!
Aéroport de Mascate → Mascate
Upon your arrival at Muscat International Airport, a VIP welcome service is available as an optional add-on (not included in the main rate and billed separately).
You will be warmly welcomed by a Miracle Oman representative, who will assist you with your private transfer to your hotel in Muscat.
Upon arrival, you will proceed to check-in at the hotel.
Standard check-in time is set at 3:00 PM (early check-in subject to availability).
Checkout time is scheduled for 12:00 PM. Late checkouts are also subject to availability.
At 3:15 PM, your English-speaking driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to Marina Bandar Al Rawdha, the boarding point. From there, you will depart for a dhow cruise on a shared basis, scheduled from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For 2 hours, the navigation takes you to the Corniche area, with views of the city and sunset.
Following the cruise, return to Marina Bandar Al Rawdha, then transfer to your hotel in Muscat.
Overnight in Muscat.
Muscat between Mosques and Souks
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00, your English-speaking driver/guide comes to pick you up (a guide will be assigned from 5 people onwards). You will then depart for an organized discovery of Muscat, following the planned itinerary.
You will start with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with a visit of approximately 1 hour. (Open only from 08:00 to 11:00 and closed to the public on Friday.)
You will then continue with the Muttrah fish market, planned for approximately 15 minutes, followed by the Muttrah Souk, for approximately 40 minutes.
The route continues through the old town of Muscat, before a photo stop at Al Jalali Fort and Al Mirani Fort, lasting approximately 10 minutes. A second photo stop is then planned at Al Alam Palace, for approximately 15 minutes.
You will end the morning at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, with a visit time of approximately 1 hour, before returning to your hotel in Muscat around 13:30.
Wadi Bani Auf & Nizwa
Mascate → Nizwa
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 08:30, your English-speaking driver/guide picks you up at your hotel in Muscat. You start the day with an off-road excursion.
On the way to Wadi Bani Awf, you first stop at Nakhal Fort. You then continue towards Wadi Bani Awf to fully enjoy the 4x4 ride, with:
a photo stop at Bilad Sayt
a photo stop at Snake Canyon
(If you wish, you can swim in Snake Canyon; it takes approximately 15 minutes walk to reach the first pool.)
Note: no restaurants are available on the Wadi Bani Awf route. A picnic lunch is provided for you to enjoy on the road or during the stop at Snake Canyon.
You then leave Wadi Bani Awf via Al Hamra and continue towards Nizwa.
Upon arrival, you check in at the heritage home Bait Al Muallem. Bait Al Muallem is a traditional earthen house renovated into a modern heritage home. The building reflects Omani architecture and the enduring charm of traditional houses, and offers an authentic experience to fully enjoy your stay.
Picnic lunch
Nizwa Market and Village Immersion
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 08:00, your English-speaking driver/guide will meet you at the heritage home to take you to one of the most iconic visits in Oman: the Nizwa livestock market. The visit lasts approximately 40 minutes.
This market, organized only every Friday morning, is a living Omani tradition: locals gather here to buy and sell livestock through open-air auctions. The experience highlights traditional clothing, negotiation rituals, and Oman's agricultural heritage.
After the market, you will continue with the discovery of the Nizwa Souq for approximately 45 minutes, then visit the Nizwa Fort for approximately 1 hour.
At 11:00, near the fort, a local English-speaking guide will take you on a visit of the Al Ghantaq village, scheduled for approximately 90 minutes. The program includes:
the Al Aqur tower for 30 minutes
continuing to the Al Ghantaq village by crossing farms and gardens
visiting a local Omani halwa factory
a stop in a small garden to taste Arabic coffee and dates, with a demonstration of the traditional palm climbing technique
After the village visit, you will be taken to a palm grove for an outdoor lunch in an authentic setting.
You will then be returned near the initial pickup location, where your English-speaking driver/guide will collect you, then return to the Nizwa heritage home for the rest of your stay. (Standard check-in time: 15:00, early check-in subject to availability. Standard departure time: 12:00, late departures subject to availability.)
Picnic lunch
Hiking at Jabal Akhdar
Nizwa → Jabal Akhdar
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00, your English-speaking driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel in Nizwa. You then drive towards Jabal Akhdar, with a planned stop along the way at Birkat Al Mauz, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for approximately 1 hour.
Upon arrival at Jabal Akhdar, you meet a local expert for a guided hike through the mountain villages. The walk starts from Diana's Point, named in honor of Princess Diana, who visited this site in 1986. You then enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and terraced gardens.
The itinerary continues on foot through:
Al Aqur, a village to explore through its narrow streets, with traditional houses dating back to the 17th century
Al Ain, with the discovery of the Falaj irrigation system and a visit to the famous Rose Gardens, flourishing in late March and early April
a third village, for immersion in local life, culture and natural beauty of the Green Mountain
After the hike, you share an authentic Omani lunch in a local home (included).
You then continue to your accommodation in Jabal Akhdar and proceed to check-in. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the hotel facilities and activities.
You enjoy your stay in a heritage home.
Standard check-in time is at 15:00 (early check-in subject to availability).
Standard checkout time is at 12:00 (late departures subject to availability).
Rose Expertise
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00, hotel pickup to reach Wadi Bani Habib. On site, you will explore the ruins of traditional Omani houses, where several generations have lived, and you will discover life within this isolated mountain community. Although the village is abandoned, it retains its charm and allows you to observe the architecture and cultural heritage of the region.
After the visit, you continue to Bait Al Saib (the house of Saab). You will discover the production of perfume and rose-scented oil, made from Damask roses cultivated in Jabal Akhdar. You also have the opportunity to purchase products in the shop.
Return to your hotel in Jabal Akhdar, to enjoy the fine weather and surrounding nature.
Wadi Bani Khalid
Jabal Akhdar → Wadi Bani Khalid
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00 AM, hotel pickup to reach Wadi Bani Khalid, with a journey of approximately 3 hours 18 minutes. Upon arrival, you discover this oasis surrounded by striking landscapes: after approximately 5 minutes of walking, you reach the starting point, where crystal-clear pools and a natural setting await you. If you wish, a hike in the wadi is possible, under the supervision of your guide.
After swimming, you can plan lunch (not included). A restaurant is available at Wadi Bani Khalid for a simple lunch after swimming, or you can have lunch at the Oriental House Guest House before arriving at Wadi Bani Khalid.
In the late afternoon, you head towards the desert for a 4x4 excursion in the dunes, then you arrive at Twilight Dunes by Miracle Oman, where you witness a desert sunset, accompanied by shared tea.
Important note:
Twilight Dunes by Miracle Oman camp is a seasonal camp, open only from October 1st to April 30th. Any booking made outside this period will automatically be transferred to Desert Nights Camp, an appropriate alternative establishment.
Why choose Twilight Dunes by Miracle Oman camp?
Twilight Dunes by Miracle Oman camp offers an authentic desert experience. Set in the heart of the dunes, this tent camp provides a setting conducive to disconnection and discovery of the surrounding nature. The night unfolds under a starry sky, in a calm atmosphere, allowing you to experience traditional desert life. This stay constitutes a memorable moment of your journey.
On & Ras Al Jinz
Wadi Bani Khalid → Ras Al-Jinz
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00 AM, pick-up at the hotel to head to Ras Al Jinz.
During the journey, two stops are planned:
the village of Al Ayjah for approximately 30 minutes
the dhow shipyard in Sur, with a visit of approximately 1 hour
Upon arrival at Ras Al Jinz, you proceed to check in at the hotel (standard check-in time: 3:00 PM; early check-in subject to availability. Standard check-out time: 12:00 PM; late check-outs subject to availability).
On arrival, you can inform the reception desk of your preferred time for turtle watching, an activity organized at night and early in the morning before sunrise. Guided tours allow you to observe turtles during nesting, respecting their environment.
The Ras Al Jinz turtle sanctuary brings together an interactive museum, research laboratories and various facilities dedicated to discovering these ancient species in an accessible setting for visitors.
Overnight stay in Ras Al Jinz.
Return to Muscat
Ras Al-Jinz → Mascate
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00, hotel pickup, with the option to visit Wadi Tiwi or opt for a hike and swim at Wadi Shab.
You can choose to visit Wadi Tiwi or make a photo stop at Wadi Shab, or vice versa.
At Wadi Shab, a scenic hike of approximately 45 minutes per leg allows you to reach the starting point of the wadi, from where it is possible to swim to a cave.
The day continues with a visit to the Bimmah Sinkhole, scheduled for approximately 40 minutes.
You then drive towards Muscat.
Upon arrival, hotel check-in (standard time: 3:00 PM; early check-in subject to availability. Standard checkout time: 12:00 PM; late departures subject to availability).
See you soon in Oman
Mascate → Aéroport de Mascate
Breakfast at the hotel.
You then drive to the airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight time (flight details to be confirmed).
Our team ensures your transfer to Muscat International Airport, wishing you a pleasant journey for the rest of your adventure.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights (details to be confirmed / to be arranged by yourselves)
- The VIP arrival welcome service (optional, not included, billed separately)
- Meals not mentioned as included in the program
- Optional activities not explicitly included
- Personal expenses
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the "Included" section
Included
- The accommodations as planned in the circuit
- The meals mentioned day by day in the program
- Transfers and transport as indicated (private vehicle / private transfers)
- Visits and excursions mentioned in the programme
- The entrance fees to the sites included in the planned visits
- English-speaking driver/guide accompaniment and English-speaking local guides depending on the days
- The dhow cruise at sunset in Muscat (shared base)
- Cultural and natural experiences mentioned (markets, wadis, villages, desert, turtle watching, hiking)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant à Oman dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer à Oman, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Visa touristique
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada doivent obtenir un visa pour entrer à Oman. Celui-ci peut être obtenu facilement sous forme d'e-visa avant le départ via le portail officiel des autorités omanaises.
Le visa touristique est généralement accordé pour un séjour jusqu'à 30 jours, avec la possibilité d'une prolongation d'un mois supplémentaire auprès des services d'immigration omanais. Une version à entrées multiples est également disponible, valable un an.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une réservation d'hébergement pour la durée du séjour.
E-visa omanais
Avant votre arrivée, il est vivement recommandé d'effectuer votre demande de visa en ligne via le portail officiel des services d'immigration omanais (Royal Oman Police). Ce système permet d'obtenir une autorisation d'entrée dématérialisée avant le départ.
Les informations généralement requises lors de la demande sont :
informations du passeport
détails du vol et dates de séjour
adresse du premier hébergement à Oman
photographie d'identité récente
Une fois le visa approuvé, une confirmation numérique ou un QR code vous sera transmis par e-mail et devra être présenté lors du passage à l'immigration.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour, ainsi que de leur propre visa touristique.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Oman de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist e-visa is required and must be obtained online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry, with at least one blank page. Processing is usually fast (within 48 hours). Before booking, verify the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a bespoke quality trip, plan between 200 and 320 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and activities. International flights (500-800 euros round trip) are additional. Oman offers a high level of comfort and spectacular landscapes between desert, mountains and fjords.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Muscat Hajar Mountains
Master craftsman of Omani journeys, based in Mascate
Oman is a land of subtle contrasts: the desert, the sea, the mountains, the villages. My role is to create a seamless, elegant journey deeply connected to the land.
— Prabha
