Grand Oman Expedition – 9 Days / 8 Nights
The day at a glance
About this tour
Experience the beauty of Oman on a nine-day adventure combining Omani culture, spectacular coastlines, natural wadis, golden deserts, traditional mountain villages, and the unforgettable Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams. Private 4WD journey across northern Oman.
Tour duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights.
Maximum capacity: 4 guests per private 4WD vehicle.
All required admission tickets for scheduled attractions are included in the tour price.
Nizwa Fort remains an optional visit, but its entrance ticket is included for guests who choose to enter.
Guests may book their own accommodation or request Zahrat Muscat Tours to arrange it at an additional cost.
Accommodation prices depend on the chosen property, travel dates, availability, and room arrangements.
Breakfast and dinner at hotels and camps depend on the selected accommodation package.
All attraction visits are subject to opening hours, weather conditions, and safety requirements.
The Wadi Bani Awf mountain crossing is subject to safe road and weather conditions. An alternative route may be used if necessary.
Come as a guest, leave as family.
Photos
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Muscat & Evening City Tour
- Airport Pickup Meet your Omani guide at Muscat International Airport and transfer to your selected hotel.
- Hotel Check-In & Rest Enjoy free time to relax after arrival.
- Mutrah Corniche Evening sightseeing along Muscat’s beautiful waterfront and traditional harbour.
- Mutrah Souq Explore the traditional market, famous for frankincense, spices, perfumes, silver jewellery, and souvenirs.
- Local Dinner Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
🌙 Overnight: Muscat
Day 2Muscat Cultural City Tour
- Morning Hotel Pickup Begin a full-day sightseeing tour with your local Omani guide.
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque Explore its magnificent Islamic architecture and prayer hall during permitted visiting hours.
- Amouage Perfume Manufacture Discover Oman’s luxury perfume-making heritage, subject to opening hours.
- Royal Opera House Muscat Exterior visit and photography.
- Mutrah Fish Market Experience the atmosphere of the traditional fish market.
- Bait Al Zubair Museum or National Museum Visit one of these museums according to guest preference and availability.
- Al Alam Palace Exterior photo stop at the Sultan’s ceremonial palace.
- Local Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Return to Hotel Relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.
🌙 Overnight: Muscat
Day 3Eastern Coast, Wadi Shab & Sur
- Departure from Muscat Check out and begin the scenic coastal journey.
- Quriyat Fishing Harbour Visit the traditional harbour and enjoy a photo stop at the historic Portuguese watchtower.
- Traditional Salt Pans & Flamingos Discover traditional salt harvesting and possible seasonal flamingo sightings, which are not guaranteed.
- Bimmah Sinkhole Visit the spectacular turquoise limestone sinkhole.
- Wadi Shab Adventure Enjoy the boat crossing, approximately 40–45 minutes of hiking each way, and approximately 45 minutes of swimming and relaxation in the natural pools. Activities depend on conditions and swimming ability.
- Local Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Wadi Tiwi Scenic photo stop overlooking the valley and palm plantations.
- Drive to Sur Continue to Sur and check in at your selected accommodation.
🌙 Overnight: Sur or Ras Al Jinz area
Day 4Sur, Wadi Bani Khalid & Wahiba Sands
- Breakfast & Check-Out Depart from your selected hotel.
- Sur Dhow Factory Discover traditional wooden boatbuilding, maritime history, and local craftsmanship.
- Wadi Bani Khalid Enjoy the beautiful natural pools, swimming, photography, and relaxation.
- Local Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Drive to Wahiba Sands Travel toward Bidiyah and continue into the golden desert in a 4WD vehicle.
- Desert Sunset Enjoy scenic dune driving, spectacular desert viewpoints, and sunset photography.
- Traditional Bedouin Hospitality Visit a traditional Bedouin house to experience Omani coffee, dates, and desert traditions. The visit may be completed the following morning if time is limited.
- Desert Camp Check-In Relax at your chosen desert accommodation.
🌙 Overnight: Wahiba Sands
Day 5Mudayrib & Jebel Akhdar
- Breakfast & Departure Check out from the desert camp. Complete the Bedouin house visit if not completed on Day 4.
- Mudayrib Heritage Village Discover traditional mudbrick houses, historic watchtowers, and the old village atmosphere.
- Drive to Jebel Akhdar Enjoy a spectacular 4WD mountain ascent and scenic viewpoints.
- Traditional Mountain Villages Explore Al Aqr, Al Ayn, and Ash Shirayjah, famous for traditional stone houses and agricultural terraces.
- Mountain Walking Experience Choose shorter or longer village walks depending on the guests’ preferences, fitness, and available time.
- Wadi Bani Habib Enjoy scenic viewpoints and the traditional mountain surroundings. Walking into the old village is optional.
- Local Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Mountain Resort Check-In Relax at your selected resort.
🌙 Overnight: Jebel Akhdar
Day 6Birkat Al Mouz & Nizwa Heritage Experience
- Breakfast & Resort Check-Out Enjoy breakfast according to your selected accommodation package. Depart from Jebel Akhdar and descend toward Birkat Al Mouz.
- Birkat Al Mouz Explore the traditional village, old mudbrick buildings, and palm plantations. Discover the historic village atmosphere and enjoy scenic photo stops.
- Falaj Al Khatmeen Visit the ancient irrigation system, part of Oman’s UNESCO-listed aflaj heritage. Learn about traditional water distribution and its importance to Omani agriculture.
- Nizwa Souq Explore one of Oman’s most famous traditional marketplaces. Discover dates, Omani halwa, spices, pottery, silver jewellery, traditional Khanjars, and local handicrafts. Enjoy time to explore the market at a relaxed pace.
- Nizwa Fort – Optional Visit Guests may choose to enter the historic Nizwa Fort. Entrance tickets are arranged separately unless a ticket-inclusive option is selected. Guests who prefer not to enter may spend additional time at Nizwa Souq.
- Local Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Nizwa Hotel Check-In Check in at your selected hotel in Nizwa. Enjoy a relaxing evening and free time.
🌙 Overnight: Nizwa
Day 7Al Hamra, Misfat Al Abriyeen & Jebel Shams
- Breakfast & Hotel Check-Out Enjoy breakfast and depart from Nizwa toward the historic mountain villages.
- Al Hamra Old Village Visit the traditional village of Al Hamra. Explore historic mudbrick architecture, narrow village streets, and the local heritage. Enjoy photography and learn about traditional Omani village life.
- Misfat Al Abriyeen Visit the beautiful mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen. Explore traditional stone houses, terraced farms, palm groves, and historic irrigation channels. Enjoy a short village walk and scenic photography.
- Local Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Drive to Jebel Shams Begin the scenic 4WD journey toward Jebel Shams. Enjoy spectacular mountain roads and breathtaking landscapes.
- Jebel Shams Grand Canyon Viewpoints Visit the famous viewpoints overlooking Oman’s Grand Canyon. Enjoy panoramic canyon scenery, photography, and relaxation.
- Mountain Resort Check-In Arrive at your selected mountain accommodation. Relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
🌙 Overnight: Jebel Shams
Day 8Jebel Shams Balcony Walk Adventure
- Breakfast at the Mountain Resort Enjoy breakfast according to your accommodation package. Prepare for a memorable hiking adventure.
- Drive to the Balcony Walk Starting Point Travel to Al Khitaym, the starting point of the famous Jebel Shams Balcony Walk (W6 Trail). Enjoy spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Grand Canyon.
- Balcony Walk – Guided Hiking Experience Begin the scenic Balcony Walk along the dramatic canyon wall. Follow the mountain trail with breathtaking views of towering cliffs and deep valleys. Walk toward the historic abandoned village of As Sab. Discover traditional stone ruins and ancient mountain terraces. Enjoy photography and scenic rest stops along the way. Return along the same trail. Approximate hiking duration: 3–4 hours round trip, depending on the group’s pace. Difficulty: Moderate, with narrow and exposed sections. Participation depends on fitness, weather, and trail safety conditions.
- Local Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or suitable dining location after the hike.
- Relaxation & Free Time Return to your mountain resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the fresh mountain air, or admiring the canyon scenery.
- Second Night at Jebel Shams Enjoy another peaceful evening at your selected mountain accommodation.
🌙 Overnight: Jebel Shams (Second Night)
Day 9Wadi Bani Awf Off-Road Adventure & Return to Muscat
- Breakfast & Resort Check-Out Enjoy breakfast according to your selected accommodation package. Check out and prepare for the final mountain adventure.
- Wadi Bani Awf – 4WD Mountain Crossing Travel through the spectacular Al Hajar Mountain landscape toward Wadi Bani Awf. Experience rugged mountain roads, steep descents, dramatic cliffs, and winding gravel tracks. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and photo stops along the route. The off-road crossing will be undertaken only when road and weather conditions are suitable.
- Nakhal Continue toward the historic town of Nakhal. Enjoy views of traditional palm plantations and the surrounding mountain landscape.
- Ain Al Thawarah Hot Springs Visit the beautiful natural springs. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, flowing spring water, palm trees, and scenic photography.
- Local Lunch Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during the return journey.
- Return to Muscat Complete the journey with a comfortable drive back to Muscat. Drop-off at the guests’ hotel or agreed location. End of the Grand Oman Expedition.
What's included
- Private comfortable 4WD transportation throughout the 9-day expedition (up to 4 guests).
- Professional Omani guide (Arabic & English).
- Meet and greet at Muscat International Airport upon arrival.
- Airport arrival transfer and transportation according to the itinerary.
- All scheduled sightseeing tours, guided visits, off-road adventures, and hiking experiences.
- ALL entrance and admission tickets for attractions included in the itinerary.
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque visit during permitted visiting hours.
- Amouage Perfume Manufacture visit, including any applicable admission fee.
- Entrance ticket to Bait Al Zubair Museum OR the National Museum, according to the selected visit.
- Wadi Shab boat crossing tickets.
- Sur Dhow Factory entrance tickets, if applicable.
- Nizwa Fort entrance ticket for guests who choose to enter.
- All other applicable entrance fees for attractions and activities specifically included in the confirmed itinerary.
- Guided Wadi Shab hiking and swimming experience.
- Wahiba Sands desert adventure and sunset experience.
- Traditional Bedouin hospitality experience.
- Jebel Akhdar mountain villages and scenic walks.
- Jebel Shams Grand Canyon viewpoints.
- Guided Jebel Shams Balcony Walk experience.
- Wadi Bani Awf off-road adventure.
- Lunch at local restaurants on Days 2–9.
- Dinner at a local restaurant on Day 1.
- Bottled drinking water throughout the expedition.
- Hotel, mountain resort, and desert camp accommodation for 8 nights.
- Breakfast and dinner at accommodation properties, unless provided under the separately selected accommodation package.
- International flights.
- Tourist visas and travel insurance.
- Personal shopping, souvenirs, and expenses.
- Additional food and drinks outside the included meals.
- Optional activities outside the confirmed itinerary.
- Optional tips or gratuities.
- Departure airport transfer, unless separately arranged.
Good to know
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before the tour starts: send us a cancellation request and, once we approve it, you get a full refund. If you cancel later, the payment is not refunded. If we have to cancel, for example because of weather, safety, or because a small-group tour does not get enough guests, you can choose another date, switch to a private tour, or get a full refund.
How much do I pay now?
Private tours: pay a 20% deposit to secure your booking, or pay everything when you book. Small-group tours: pay a 20% deposit. You pay any balance on the day.
Where will you pick me up?
We pick you up from hotels, the airport, the cruise port or another place we agree. Small-group tours: we send your confirmed pickup time and exact meeting place by WhatsApp or email the day before. Private tours: you choose the pickup time and place, in Muscat or outside Muscat by agreement. Please tell us your pickup place when you book.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes and walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a camera or phone. For swimming and wadi tours, bring swimwear, a towel, water shoes and a change of clothes. For hikes such as Wadi Shab and the Jebel Shams Balcony Walk, sturdy non-slip hiking shoes are recommended. Dress modestly at religious sites; women need a headscarf for the Grand Mosque. We give you bottled water, so you do not need to bring any.
Can children join?
Yes, families are welcome. Small-group tours: children aged 2 and under join free; older children pay the full price because they need their own seat and seat belt. Private tours: the price is per vehicle for up to 4 guests, children included. Baby seats and booster seats are available on request. All children must be counted in the booking.
Are lunch and water included?
Lunch is included on full-day and multi-day tours, at a local restaurant. Short, mini and half-day tours may not include lunch: please check the list of what is included on each tour. Bottled drinking water is included on all tours.
Is the tour suitable if I cannot walk much?
Yes. We suggest a private tour: we change the stops, shorten the walking, add rest breaks and choose places that are easy to reach. Small-group tours follow a fixed plan and may not suit guests with limited mobility. Please tell us before you book.
What if the weather is bad?
Your safety comes first. If the weather makes a tour unsafe, we may cancel it, and we try to tell you at least one day before. If the weather changes during the tour, your guide may skip a place, and we will offer another stop nearby when we can.
Do I need a visa or travel insurance?
It depends on your nationality: some guests can enter Oman without a visa and others must apply first. Please check the official website: https://evisa.rop.gov.om. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months. Travel insurance is recommended and may be required for entry. Visa fees and insurance are not in the tour price.
Are tips expected?
Tips are not required in Oman, but they are always appreciated. You can tip your guide if you enjoyed the tour.
