11-day tour of Oman & Musandam: from the desert to the fjords

Day 1: Arrival in Muscat

Upon arrival in Muscat, you’re warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Outside, the scent of incense fills the air, the evening call to prayer echoes in the distance, and the city glows under the last light of day. Your first impression of Oman is one of warmth, hospitality and calm.

Day 2: Exploring Muscat

After breakfast, meet your guide for an introduction to the capital. Begin at the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, where marble floors gleam beneath an immense Persian carpet. Continue to the National Museum, which brings Oman’s history to life through ancient artefacts and modern displays.

Passing the Al Alam Palaces and Portuguese forts, you reach Muttrah Souq, one of the Middle East’s liveliest markets. The air is thick with the scent of cardamom, incense and rose oil, and stalls overflow with silver, textiles and spices. After a traditional lunch, visit the Royal Opera House, where marble, wood and light create one of the region’s most striking performance halls.

Evening at leisure to stroll along the corniche or enjoy dinner in the city.

Day 3: The Dimaniyat Islands

Today, the sea beckons. From Al Mouj Marina, board a speedboat to the Dimaniyat Islands, a protected nature reserve with crystal-clear water and vibrant coral reefs. Snorkel among tropical fish and, with luck, spot a sea turtle gliding by. Return to Muscat in the afternoon and enjoy a free evening by the sea.

Day 4: Into the Mountains of Jebel Akhdar

The scenery changes as you leave the coast for the interior. In Manah, visit the Oman Across Ages Museum, an impressive tribute to the nation’s heritage, blending modern architecture with centuries of history. Continue to Jabrin Castle, famed for its carved ceilings and delicate paintings, and stop in Bahla to meet local craftsmen. In Misfah al Abriyeen, stroll through narrow lanes shaded by date palms before ascending the winding road to Jebel Akhdar, the “Green Mountain”, where terraces of roses and pomegranates overlook the valleys below.

Day 5: Villages and Terraced Gardens

Morning mist still lingers as you explore the mountain villages of Saiq and Al Ayn, set among gardens fed by ancient irrigation channels. From a nearby viewpoint, gaze down at Wadi Bani Habib, an abandoned village frozen in time. Lunch follows in the rock-hewn hamlet of Al Shuwgra, served in a welcoming local home.

Adventurous travellers can opt for the via ferrata, a guided climb along metal cables and ladders ending with a short zipline across the canyon. Others may prefer to relax and take in the mountain stillness.

Day 6: From Mountains to Desert

Descend toward Nizwa, the former capital, where the souq brims with silver jewellery, spices and hand-woven carpets. Climb the round tower of Nizwa Fort for sweeping views of the oasis, then continue toward the desert. The horizon shifts from rock to sand until the dunes of Wahiba Sands appear, glowing gold and red in the late-afternoon light. Settle into your desert camp and watch the stars emerge one by one.

Day 7: Life in the Desert

As the sun rises, long shadows stretch across the dunes. With your guide, visit a Bedouin family to learn about their traditions of hospitality over coffee and dates. Ride a camel or 4x4 deeper into the sands, or simply relax and absorb the stillness. After a homemade lunch, enjoy a quiet afternoon at camp. In the evening, climb one last dune to watch the sunset fade over the desert.

Day 8: Wadis and the Coastal Road to Muscat

The road back to the coast reveals new landscapes: rocky valleys and green oases. Stop at Wadi Bani Khalid, where turquoise pools invite a refreshing dip, and continue to Sur, a historic port famed for its wooden dhow shipyards. Before returning to Muscat, visit the striking Bimah Sinkhole, its blue-green waters shimmering in the sunlight.

Day 9: Flight to Musandam & Jebel Harim Excursion

Around midday, you fly from Muscat to Khasab, in the far north of Oman. A 4x4 takes you up to Jebel Harim, the highest peak in the region, past mountain villages and rugged cliffs. The views grow wilder with every turn, and at Sayah, a palm-shaded village, time seems to pause. On the return, stop at Khawr Najid for breathtaking views of the sea framed by mountains.

Day 10: Dhow Cruise through the Fjords

Board a traditional dhow for a full-day cruise through the fjords of Musandam. Towering cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and playful dolphins often follow the boat. Drop anchor at Telegraph Island and Seebi Island for swimming and snorkelling, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on deck before returning to Khasab.

Day 11: Departure via Dubai

Drive along the coast to Dubai for your return flight to Brussels, the perfect conclusion to a journey that led you from deserts and mountain plateaus to turquoise fjords.

Budget

To fully experience this journey, plan for a starting price of €7,300 per person, including international flights (Brussels–Muscat and Dubai–Brussels). Final pricing depends on your travel dates, accommodation choices and any additional experiences.