The Grand Self-Drive Expedition -12N/13D

Arrive at Muscat International Airport and collect your rental vehicle. Drive to your accommodation and check in. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey, enjoying the calm of Oman’s capital city.
Overnight in Muscat

Begin your self-drive exploration of Muscat with visits to the city’s iconic landmarks. Stop at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to admire its vast Persian carpet, intricate marble walls, and serene prayer halls. Continue to Bait Al Zubair Museum, where Oman’s cultural history is beautifully preserved through traditional costumes, weaponry, and handicrafts. Drive past the Royal Opera House Muscat to admire its architectural elegance, make a stop at Al Alam Palace for photos of its blue-and-gold façade and gardens. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through Muttrah Souq and along the Corniche, taking in the lively marketplace and picturesque harbor views.
Overnight in Muscat

Drive along Oman’s scenic coastline, stopping first at the turquoise waters of Bimmah Sinkhole. Continue to Wadi Shab, where a short hike and boat ride lead to emerald pools and a hidden waterfall within the cliffs. Proceed to Sur to explore the traditional dhow-building workshops and lighthouse, witnessing centuries-old maritime craftsmanship. End the day at Ras Al-Jinz Turtle Reserve, where a guided night tour allows you to witness endangered green turtles nesting or hatchlings making their way to the sea.
Overnight in Ras Al-Jinz

Drive inland to the oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, famous for its clear green pools and palm-shaded surroundings, perfect for a refreshing dip or photography. Continue to the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands, where you can experience dune driving, admire the desert sunset, and spend a night under the stars in a traditional desert camp, enjoying the serenity of Oman’s Sharqiyah Desert.
Overnight in Wahiba Sands

Depart the desert for the highlands, stopping at the ancient Zukait Beehive Tombs perched on a ridge above the Samail Gap. Explore the charming village of Birkat Al Mouz with its mud-brick houses and falaj-irrigated farms, then drive through Wadi Bani Habib to view terraced orchards and mountainside settlements. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic walk connecting three historic highland villages, passing ancient terraces and irrigation channels while taking in dramatic vistas over Wadi Muhaydin.
Overnight in Nizwa

Drive locally around Nizwa, beginning with the impressive Nizwa Fort, where massive towers and displays narrate the city’s history and strategic importance. Explore Nizwa Souq, a bustling marketplace offering silver jewelry, pottery, and fresh dates, and visit the Oman Across the Ages Museum to discover Oman’s journey from ancient civilizations to the modern renaissance.
Overnight in Nizwa

Drive through the cultural heart of Oman. Begin at Jabreen Castle, a beautifully preserved fortress with carved ceilings, secret stairways, and historical learning halls. Continue to Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing medieval mud-brick architecture. Visit the village of Al Hamra and its Bait Al Safa Museum to experience traditional crafts and Omani culinary culture. End the day at Misfat Al Abriyeen, an ancient mountain village with stone houses and terraces, enjoying sunset views across the date plantations.
Overnight in Nizwa

Explore Al Hoota Cave with its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground pools before driving to the rugged heights of Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak. Take in the sweeping panoramas of the Grand Canyon of Arabia, with its deep gorges, layered cliffs, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Overnight in Jebel Shams

Spend the day hiking the Balcony Walk along the rim of Wadi Nakhr. This trail offers unmatched views of the canyon and passes abandoned cliff-side villages and lookout points, perfect for photography and immersion in Oman’s dramatic mountain landscapes.
Overnight in Jebel Shams

Descend from the highlands along one of Oman’s most scenic mountain roads, stopping in Al Hamra to admire historic mud-brick houses and palm groves. Continue to the secluded valley of Bilad Sayt, with terraced fields and postcard-perfect scenery, before returning to the coastal calm of Muscat for the evening.
Overnight in Muscat

Drive to Marina Bandar Al Rowdha to board a traditional wooden dhow for a sunset cruise along Muscat’s coastline. Admire landmarks such as Al Alam Palace and the Portuguese forts while enjoying gentle sea breezes and a relaxed evening on the water.
Overnight in Muscat

Spend the day exploring Muscat at your own pace. Walk along the Muttrah Corniche, browse the stalls of Muttrah Souq, visit the Royal Opera House gardens, or relax at Qurum Beach. This day allows for shopping, photography, or simply enjoying the city’s relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight in Muscat

After breakfast, drive to Muscat International Airport, return your rental vehicle, and conclude your Grand Self-Drive Expedition across Oman.