Day 1: Arrival in Muscat

Arrive at Muscat International Airport, where our representative will welcome you and assist with your private transfer to the hotel. Muscat, the elegant capital of Oman, is a city of striking contrasts – where ancient forts and traditional souqs sit alongside modern architecture and a pristine coastline.

Settle in and take a gentle stroll along the scenic Muttrah Corniche, breathing in the salty sea breeze as the old harbour comes to life in the evening light. Later, browse the lantern-lit lanes of Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world, fragrant with frankincense and full of silverware, spices, and handwoven textiles. Overnight in Muscat.

Day 2: Muscat City Highlights & Sunset Cruise

After breakfast, begin a rich exploration of Muscat’s most celebrated landmarks. Your first stop is the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – one of the largest and most beautifully designed mosques in the world, with a main prayer hall chandelier crafted from Swarovski crystals and an intricately handwoven Persian carpet. Continue to the Royal Opera House Muscat, an architectural jewel that represents Oman’s deep appreciation for arts and culture.

In the afternoon, drive along the picturesque Corniche to Al Alam Palace – the ceremonial residence of His Majesty the Sultan – flanked by the centuries-old Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani perched dramatically on the rocky headlands. Visit the National Museum to discover Oman’s layered history through remarkable artefacts and exhibits.

As the sun descends, board a private sunset cruise along Muscat’s rugged coastline. Watch the ochre cliffs glow golden in the last light of the day, keep an eye out for playful dolphins leaping alongside the boat, and savour the romance of the Arabian Sea at dusk. Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening. Overnight in Muscat.

Day 3: Muscat – Jebel Akhdar (The Green Mountain)

After breakfast, check out and begin the scenic drive inland through the dramatic Al Hajar Mountain range toward Jebel Akhdar – Arabic for “The Green Mountain.” Rising to over 2,000 metres above sea level, Jebel Akhdar enjoys a refreshing climate that is a world apart from the desert heat below, with cool breezes, terraced orchards, and sweeping canyon vistas.

En route, stop at the formidable Nizwa Fort, the crown jewel of Omani fortresses. Its iconic massive circular tower once served as the administrative and judicial heart of the country, and today its battlements offer panoramic views across the city and the date palm groves beyond. Wander through the adjoining Nizwa Souq – alive with the scent of Omani spices, the glint of handcrafted silver khanjar daggers, and the warmth of local traders.

Continue your ascent to Jebel Akhdar and check in to your clifftop mountain retreat. Spend the evening breathing in the cool mountain air and admiring the star-filled sky above the canyon. Overnight in Jebel Akhdar.

Day 4: Jebel Akhdar – Rose Terraces, Villages & Canyon Views

After breakfast, spend a full, unhurried day exploring the spectacular highlands of Jebel Akhdar. Begin with a walk through the mountain’s famous rose terraces – the source of Oman’s prized rosewater, harvested each spring in a tradition that stretches back centuries.

Stroll through pomegranate and apricot orchards and explore the enchanting abandoned stone village of Wadi Bani Habib, where ancient houses cling to the cliffside in a scene of timeless beauty.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace – follow scenic nature trails along the canyon rim, visit a local rosewater distillery to see the distillation process up close, or simply sit at a viewpoint and let the breathtaking panorama of Wadi Nakhr’s dramatic gorge – often called the “Grand Canyon of Arabia” – unfold before you.

In the evening, enjoy a private candlelight dinner overlooking the mountain landscape. Overnight in Jebel Akhdar.

Day 5: Jebel Shams, Bahla Fort & Nizwa

After breakfast, check out and drive to Jebel Shams – the highest peak in Oman at 3,009 metres. Stand at the rim of the vast Wadi Nakhr canyon and drink in one of the most dramatic views in the entire Arabian Peninsula.

If you wish, take a short walk along the Balcony Trail (W6) that hugs the cliff edge for an even more immersive experience of the canyon’s grandeur.

Descend and continue to Bahla, home to Bahla Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and largest fortresses in Oman. The fort’s ancient mud-brick walls and towers stretch for kilometres across the landscape, and the surrounding town is renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Watch local artisans shape clay on traditional wheels before your eyes.

Continue to Nizwa and check in to your hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the old quarter of Nizwa – one of Oman’s most historically significant cities and its former capital. Overnight in Nizwa.

Day 6: Nizwa – Muscat – Departure

After a final breakfast, check out and begin the scenic drive back to Muscat through the mountain foothills and across the sun-drenched Batinah plain.

If time permits before your flight, enjoy a last stroll along the Muttrah Corniche or pick up final souvenirs at the souq – a bottle of Omani rosewater, a packet of frankincense resin, or a handcrafted silver piece to remember this remarkable journey.

Transfer to Muscat International Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you the warmth of Omani hospitality and the unforgettable beauty of its mountains, forts, souqs, and coastline.