Journey to Oman
Muscat, Sharqiya Sands, Jabal Akhdar, Nizwa & Ziggy Bay
Itinerary Outline
Day 1 - 4 | Muscat | The Chedi Muscat (3 nights)
Day 4 - 5 | Sharqiya Sands | Desert Nights Camp (1 night)
Day 5 - 7 | Jebel Akhdar | Hanging Terraces (2 nights)
Day 7 - 8 | Nizwa | Bait Almuallem By Nomad (2 nights)
Day 8 - 10 | Muscat | Ritz Carlton Al Bustan (2 nights)
Day 10 - 13 | Musandam | Six Senses Zighy Bay (3 nights)
Day 13 | Departure
Day 1 | Muscat
Arrival at Muscat & Airport Transfer
Arrival at Muscat International Airport. Continue through to immigration and customs. Meet your airport host at the main arrival hall and private transfer to your hotel.
Check-in to your hotel and settle into your accommodations. Recuperate from your journey with some spa treatments or time at leisure by the pool or on the private beach.
The hotel is on 370 m of private beach and features three pools — the adult‐only infinity Chedi Pool, the 103-m Long Pool (for guests 16+), and a family-friendly Serai Pool. Its 1,500-sqm spa & wellness centre includes 13 secluded treatment suites, with therapies inspired by aromatherapy, Ayurveda and oriental rituals. The Health Club is well equipped with Technogym machines, free weights, a Kinesis wall, Pilates gear, plus dedicated saunas and steam rooms.
Dining is outstanding, with 6 restaurants and two lounges serving cuisine from the Middle East, Asia, India and the Mediterranean, including pool-side and beachside cabanas.
Additional touches include floodlit tennis courts, a boutique with artisan jewelry and handcrafted items, business facilities, a Club Lounge for higher-tier guests (with cocktails, canapés, afternoon tea) and beautifully landscaped Zen gardens and water ponds for a tranquil atmosphere.
Dinner at your hotel. Option to step out for a more local dinner experience.
The Chedi Muscat | Serai Sea View Room
Day 2 | Muscat
Sultan Qaboos Mosque
After breakfast meet your guide at the hotel lobby. Enjoy a private tour of the main sightseeing highlights of Muscat, starting with the Grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque – one of the most exquisite mosques in the Middle East. The mosque grounds cover 416,000 square metres and the actual the Mosque complex covers 40,000 square metres. It is constructed on a raised podium in keeping with the tradition of Omani mosques that were built elevated from street level. It can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers and consists of a main prayer hall, ladies prayer hall, covered passageways, a meeting hall, and library that contains around 20,000 books. A major feature of the main prayer hall is the hand-made Persian carpet consisting of 1,700 million knots, weighing 21 tones and made in a single piece measuring 70 x 60 metres. From design stage it took 4 years to complete and 600 female weavers from province of Khurasan in Iran were involved.
Note: Ladies are required to cover their head with a scarf and wear long pants or a skirt to your ankles. Beachwear or sleeveless outfits are not permitted. Men are also required to wear long trousers – no shorts are allowed.
The National Museum
Visit the National Museum, the most prominent cultural edifice in the Sultanate of Oman, dedicated to highlighting Oman’s cultural heritage, since the emergence of human impact in Oman to the present day. It is the first museum in the Sultanate that includes a learning center, equipped according to the highest international standards, and is the first museum in the Middle East to employ the Braille system in the Arabic language.
Make a quick stop at Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq the ruler of Oman. The palace is an architectural marvel for both its design and its location between the twin Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali.
The Chedi Muscat | Serai Sea View Room | Breakfast
Day 3 | Muscat
Leisure
Enjoy time at leisure with your driver to explore Muscat. Option to rise early and visit the fish market at the traditional port. You may also enjoy a Dhow boat ride along the coast of Muscat.
Mutrah Souq
Later, visit Mutrah Souq one of the most popular souks in the Middle East. Take a walk in its labyrinth of alleyways beckoning with a myriad of merchandise, from imported fabrics to oriental spices, perfumes and richly handcrafted artifacts.
The Chedi Muscat | Serai Sea View Room | Breakfast
Day 4 | Sharqiya Sands
Wadi Bani Khalid
Check out from the camp and private transfer to Wadi Bani Khalid. This is considered one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman. The drive to Wadi Bani Khalid is through the Eastern Hajar Mountains, which offers a panoramic view of the landscape below. You will pass by many pretty villages embedded in the mountains. Here the road winds down to the wadi alongside a large, shallow pool fringed with vegetation and ends at a village. A short trek takes you to the deep blue pools of the wadi. Enjoy a swim and relax by the wadi.
Sur
Later, continue to Sur. The attractive coastal town of Sur has long been known for its tradition of dhow building, its shipyard continuing to produce these mighty vessels which have
formed such an important part of Omani culture and trade over the years, although these days there is less demand. Today it’s a relatively quiet town where one can walk through traditional markets surrounded by Omanis in their typical national dress, and it’s a good place to get a feel for local culture.
Visit the dhow open air museum which is dedicated to the shipbuilding lineage of the city of Sur in Oman. Built over 70 years ago, the wooden fishing vessel of Fateh Al Khair has strong historical significance to it. It was brought back to Yemen, restored, and grounded on dry land. The ship is said to be hand-built without any nails, and hand-woven ropes were used to shore up.
Sharqiya Sands
Continue to Sharqiya Sands in the Empty Quarter. The route to Wahiba Sands unveils a tapestry of natural beauty and cultural richness. The drive offers a unique transition from the mountains to the undulating dunes of Wahiba Sands. Along the way, the landscape subtly shifts: sparse vegetation gives way to golden sands, and the air carries the distinct aroma of the desert.
Upon reaching Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands, you're greeted by a mesmerizing sea of dunes that ripple across the landscape. This vast desert, spanning over 12,500 square kilometers, is home to the Bedouin tribes who have preserved their nomadic lifestyle amidst the sands. The area offers a plethora of experiences—from exhilarating dune bashing and camel treks to tranquil nights under star-studded skies. Enjoy dinner at the Camp after watching a dazzling sunset from the top of the dunes.
Desert Nights Camp | Premier Villa | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 | Jabal Akhdar
Oman Across Ages Museum
After breakfast, check out from the camp and head to Manah. Arrive and visit the Oman Across Ages Museum. This museum offers visitors a comprehensive journey through the rich history and diverse heritage of the Sultanate of Oman. The museum's architecture is a blend of traditional Omani design elements and modern aesthetics. It reflects the country's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity. It boasts a vast collection of artifacts, artworks, and interactive displays that chronicle Oman's history from prehistoric times to the present day.
Barkat Al Mauz
Drive to visit the village of Barkat Al Mauz and enjoy a walk through the lush date plantations. Continue to Jabal Akhdar (2000 meters above sea level), the green jewel of the Al Hajjar Mountains. It is a truly unique spot in the Arabian Peninsula known for its jagged peaks and stunning valleys. Follow your guide as he takes you through the terrace gardens to view this intriguing location, the villages of Saiq, & Al Ain as they dot the landscape. The villages overlook spectacular scenery of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis.
Check-in to your heritage lodge in the Jabal Akhdar mountain range, Hanging Terraces.
Hanging Terraces | Suite | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 | Jabal Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar
After a leisurely morning, explore the town of Jebel Akhdar. Continue from here to Ar Rus village known for its geological marker for one of the earth’s great mass extension. Continue exploring Jebel Akhdar and its fantastic scenery, hidden villages and historic sites before returning to your lodge where dinner will be served.
Hanging Terraces
Perched high on the dramatic slopes of Jebel Akhdar, Hanging Terraces feels less like a hotel and more like stepping into a centuries-old mountain village suspended in time. Restored from traditional stone houses in the village of Al Aqar, the property cascades along the hillside, opening onto sweeping views of ancient agricultural terraces that have clung to the cliffs for generations. Here, life slows to the rhythm of the mountains. Mornings unfold over simple, local breakfasts served on a rooftop overlooking the canyon, the scent of roses and fruit trees drifting through the air, while days invite quiet walks between neighboring villages or moments of stillness on sun-warmed terraces. The experience is intentionally understated, rooted in authenticity rather than luxury, where the beauty lies in the raw landscape, the silence, and the deep sense of place that surrounds you.
Hanging Terraces | Suite | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 | Nizwa
Private Transfer to Nizwa
After breakfast, check out from your lodge and private transfer to Nizwa.
Drive to Al Hamra and Misfah to see one of the oldest villages of this region. The traditional mud houses dated back 400 years and are still occupied. The Falaj irrigation system used in this village is one of the oldest of this kind (UNESCO).
Bahla
Continue to Bahla, one of the oldest towns of Oman and in the 12th century was the capital of the tribe living in the region. The monumental fort is recently opened for public after a long restoration. Bahla is also famous for its pottery and you can visit a potter’s workshop.
Jibrin Castle
Stop by Jabrin castle built in 17th century. It is one of the finest of its kind. Its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceilings makes this castle amazingly different.
Nizwa
Arrive at Nizwa in the late afternoon. Nizwa is a city where ancient traditions and mountain landscapes intertwine. Its 17th-century fort and bustling souq brim with silver crafts, spices, and echoes of Bedouin heritage. Set at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, Nizwa captures the soul of authentic Oman: timeless, proud, and deeply rooted.
Take a stroll through the old town this evening and have dinner at your hotel.
Bait Almuallem By Nomad | Standard Room | Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 | Nizwa
Friday Market
Rise early to walk over tot he Friday cattle auction and market. The earlier the better, in order to get the full experience with the morning light coming in with a soft glow onto this marvelous scene dating back to the Middle Ages. We highly recommend stepping out at 7am before breakfast and returning to your hotel for breakfast at 9am.
Nizwa Fort
With your guide, explore the Nizwa Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, one of the most impressive forts in Oman.
Return to Muscat
Drive back to Muscat with your driver and check-in to the Ritz-Cartlon Al Bustan Palace. Originally built as a palace for Sultan Qaboos, it still carries that sense of scale and grandeur. The arrival alone sets the tone: a 38-meter-high domed atrium, crowned by a massive crystal chandelier and a central fountain, creates a dramatic, almost ceremonial welcome. The hotel sits between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Sea of Oman, surrounded by lush gardens that feel like an oasis carved into a dramatic natural landscape.
Ritz Carlton Al Bustan | Deluxe Room | Breakfast
Day 9 | Muscat
Damaniyat Islands
This morning, private transfer to Al Mouj Marina. Embark on a speedboat and head to the beautiful Damaniyat Islands. It will take 45 minutes to reach the islands. Dive into the crystal- clear waters and explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Discover the underwater wonders of the islands, encountering colorful fish, turtles, and other fascinating marine creatures. Spend your day on the Island After the trip, relax and unwind at your accommodation, reminiscing about the day's adventures.
Lunch will be served on the beach with a private set up.
Later, return to Marina and transfer to your hotel for a final evening at leisure in Muscat.
Ritz Carlton Al Bustan | Deluxe Room | Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 | Dubai & Musandam
Airport Transfer & Flight to Dubai
Check out from the hotel and private transfer to Muscat International Airport. Arrive at the airport and check in at your airline counter to board your flight to Dubai.
Transfer to Musandam
Arrival at Dubai Airport. Private transfer to Musandam in northern Oman. Six Senses Zighy Bay is set on Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula, with access available via the UAE. The resort is located 75 miles / 120 kilometers from Dubai International Airport (DXB), approximately a 120-minute drive. After a thrilling 4x4 ride through the mountains, guests can make a unique entrance by arriving via paraglide, soaking in breathtaking views of the Al Hajar Mountains and the expansive Gulf of Oman.
Six Senses Zighy Bay | Villa | Breakfast
Day 11 & 12 | Musandam
Leisure
Spend your next two days at leisure in your traditional Omani village, with your private villa opening onto a pool framed by stone walls and the quiet hush of the bay. Mornings begin slowly, barefoot walks along the mile-long stretch of soft sand, the sea calm and impossibly clear, followed by long breakfasts that drift into late morning. The day carries no urgency. Perhaps a swim in your villa, perhaps nothing at all. By afternoon, the spa calls. A hammam, a massage, or simply time in the steam and ice cave, each ritual grounding you deeper into stillness. As the light softens, you make your way up the mountain for sunset, where the vastness of Musandam unfolds beneath you, a drink in hand, the horizon dissolving into gold.
You might take to the water, gliding over coral-rich reefs or drifting by dhow along the coastline, or stay entirely within the cocoon of the resort, where even dining becomes an occasion. Lunch stretches lazily by the pool, and the afternoon invites small discoveries. A quiet bike ride through the palm-lined paths, a visit to the organic garden, or simply retreating back into your villa for an in-villa barbecue prepared just for you. As night falls, the atmosphere shifts into something intimate and cinematic. A private dinner under the stars, or a film projected outdoors with the sound of the sea in the background.
Six Senses Zighy Bay | Villa | Breakfast
Day 13 | Departure
Airport Transfer & Flight to Dubai
Today you will be transferred to Dubai international airport for your onward flight home.
Pricing & inclusions
Starting at $9,870 per person
Price per person based on four people in double occupancy.
All Accommodation: As listed in the itinerary at the bottom of each day with the respective room categories.
Private Transport: A dedicated English speaking driver at disposal throughout the trip on both Oman, in a 4x4 AC vehicle.
Flights: Regional flights connecting the destinations as listed in the itinerary.
Tours & Activities: Your driver is also a guide in Oman and will accompany you throughout the trip. All activities and tours listed in the itinerary are included, as well as their associated fees and entrances.
Meals: All breakfasts, some meals, as indicated in the itinerary at the bottom of each day.
Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. Recommendations for independent exploration and insider tips. Restaurant reservations and coordination.
Exclusions
International Flights
Travel insurance
Tips