Mountains, Desert and Sea: Family Oman from North to South

This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a couple of cups of delicious kahwa. Today, we recommend dedicating some chill-out time at your hotel, be it at the beach or by the tranquil pool, before heading out to explore. A must-visit is the bustling marketplace of Mutrah Souq. Wander the labyrinthine streets and soak up the atmosphere. Maybe even haggle your way to a handful of trinkets. Who will be the most successful? Foodies, there are countless vendors serving local treats and an incredible assortment of spices to entice your tastebuds. For fans of fragrance, head to the Amouage Perfumery to immerse yourself in the scents of frankincense and sandalwood and learn all about the perfume-making process. Find a lunch spot to sample some delicious Omani cuisine before heading back to your hotel this afternoon.

Come evening, it’s time to discover the city with a local guide. Gain an insight into local daily life and explore hidden gems that only a local would know about. This insider’s tour ends on a high with a delicious dinner in Al Mouj. For any sweet-toothed children (or adults), make sure to try some halwa, a famous Omani dessert.

Today, you’ll be leaving the Omani capital for Jabal Al Akhdar, the ‘Green Mountain to 300 wadis’. There are two options for getting to the mountains, one of Oman’s most remote regions. The quicker option is a half-day driving route via the village of Birkat Al Mouz, where traditional Arab ruins overlook a pretty palm grove. Alternatively, you can explore the historic city of Nizwa and its surrounding region before hitting the road. Discover the fort and the lively atmosphere of the souq, as well as the traditional village of Al Hamrah nearby. After soaking up the history and charm of the region, take the road onwards to Jabal Al Akhdar. Your hotel here is designed to fit in with the mountain landscape, complete with stone walls and hanging terraces (multi-level outdoor mountainside terraces). This evening, relax in the tranquil setting and enjoy dinner served in the hotel restaurant, with spectacular views across Jabal Al Akhdar.

Your first morning starts early, but leave time for a hearty breakfast before the day’s activity: a private guided hike to the nearby villages of Jebel. With a local guide, visit the villages of Al Ayn and Al Aqar and discover the traditional lives of its mountain dwellers. Here, see how agriculture is cultivated with irrigation from a system of underground aqueducts called falaj. Marvel at the historic ingenuity of the local people and enjoy sharing meals with them during the tour.

For the rest of your time in the mountains, soak up the beautiful surroundings from the comfort of your accommodation and get stuck into a good book. Make sure to indulge in as much traditional Omani cuisine as you can, too, all made in-house by local cooks. For any budding geologists, you can also join a geology outing to learn more about the region's rich past from an expert. Fancy some a bit more active? Take a trek along the perilous balcony walk, the Via Ferrata, an old stick stairway along the top of a canyon. Don’t worry; adventurers (little and large) are protected with a steel cable which climbs up the 656ft cliff. There’s also a zip line for thrill-seekers to strap into for the glide of their life.

Today, it’s time to bid the Green Mountain a fond farewell and begin your descent. Around three hours’ drive away is your destination, the picturesque village of Misfah. On the way there, we’ve organised a pit stop in Nizwa for a private, local-led four-hour tour of the city’s forgotten mosques. You’ll also cross the palm groves of Birkat Al Maouz, where delicious dates have been grown for two thousand years.

Back on the road, you’ll finally reach Misfah Al Abreyeen, sitting snug in the Hajar Mountains in the Jebel Shams. This quaint mountain village features authentic brick houses and a small mosque. Encircled by date palms, mango, banana and orange trees, spend an enchanting two nights in Misfah. You’ll be staying in a 300-year-old house, which is only accessible by a short walk through the maze of village streets. The perfect off-the-beaten-track spot, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the atmospheric setting with the family. This evening, tuck into a delicious meal served on the covered terrace.

After a leisurely breakfast and lots of kawha on the terrace, embark on a three-hour private walking tour of the village and surrounding area. Marvel at the ancient falaj system and meet the villagers who call Misfah home. Learn about their way of life as a knowledgeable guide leads you past lush greenery, palm groves and terraced agriculture.

For the rest of the day, we recommend wandering the village’s atmospheric alleyways, admiring the traditional stone and mud houses and hiking along the wadi. Take the trail past the ruins of the Rogan Castle to reach an oasis of tranquil pools. If you fancy going further afield, you can also experience the 400-year-old charm of the larger village of Al Hamra, nestled at the foot of the Hajar Mountains.

Back at the guesthouse, we recommend watching the sunset from the roof terrace. Admire as the mountains and palms are bathed in golden light while you savour the peaceful quiet of this setting.

Leave the magical mountains behind this morning, as it’s time to head to Muscat for the next leg of your journey. You’ll be driving for around two-and-a-half hours towards Muscat airport, so get our destination-specific playlist on the speakers. Say goodbye to your trusty hire car and hop on a one-and-a-half-hour flight south to the southern capital, Salalah. For the next two nights, you’ll stay in a lush paradise on the southwest coast, overlooking the cerulean blue Arabian Sea.

Today, you’ll be venturing back in time on a private guided day trip in the Dhofar region. Savour a hearty breakfast this morning before you’re picked up in a 4x4 vehicle to explore the wild side of Dhofar. Visit the charming village of Hasik, nestled among fragrant incense trees. Learn about the daily life of the villagers before continuing on a hike into the Jebel Samhan mountains to reach the hidden gem of Wadi Sinaq. At the end of the walk, you’ll reach a beautiful emerald-green lagoon encircled by tall reeds and wild palms. A little further on lies an unspoilt sandy beach, the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. There’ll be the chance to cool off and for the children to have a splash around in a natural pool on route back to your hotel at Wadi Hadhbaram.

For the rest of the afternoon, put your feet up for some well-deserved relaxation. Make the most of your hotel’s spa amenities and discover the power of age-old Omani healing traditions. There’s also a large outdoor swimming pool and a private beach to lounge on (lucky you). Enjoy a beautiful sunset this evening before indulging in some delicious Omani cuisine for dinner.

This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and make sure everyone has an overnight bag packed, as you’ll soon be picked up in a private 4x4 vehicle. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll be taken on a wild adventure beyond Dhofar to the east. Drive along a coastline adorned with beaches and white sandy coves, passing incense trees, date palms, natural pools and wadis. Discover ancient remains in the town of Mirbat, which showcase the region’s historic incense trade. You might encounter resident sheep, cows and camels strolling the streets here too. Bellies growling? Your guide will bring you to a stop at a beauty spot to enjoy a picnic lunch with a spectacular view. Continuing on, explore the area’s diverse geology, including a rocky desert landscape and the turquoise waters of beaches such as Ras Madrakah, Duqum and Khaluf. Nature lovers, this is a haven for birdwatchers, so keep your eyes peeled for over 130 different species.

Come evening, your guide will set up comfortable tents and a campfire in a beautiful setting on the coast. Dinner and soft drinks will be served around the fire before you hit the hay in your tented abode (don’t worry, plush mattresses and pillows are provided).

The next morning, wake up to a hearty breakfast served out in nature. Enjoy the 4x4 drive back towards your luxurious resort in Mirbat and relax and read by the pool for the rest of the day.

The next two are yours to spend how you like. While plenty of time should be spent lounging on the hotel’s private beach and by the pool, there’s lots more to discover in the area. With little ones in tow, venture to one of the other stunning beaches in the area, such as Al Haffa, Dhareez, or the further afield Mughsail and Eftalquot beaches. For more natural wonders, we recommend heading to the lush Wadi Darbat, where spectacular waterfalls, turquoise pools and winding rivers are set against a mountainous backdrop. The Tawi Atair Sinkhole is well worth a visit, too; it's one of the deepest natural sinkholes in the world, measuring over 656ft deep and covered in lush vegetation. Tawi Atair translates as ‘well of birds’ and is (unsurprisingly) a fabulous place to spot various birds as they drink from the water in the hole. And if you’re a history buff? Head to the open-air archaeological museum and gallery at Sumhuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Another adventure is on the cards today. It’s time to set off on an expedition into the magnificent Rub’ al Khali Desert, also known as the Empty Quarter. Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll be picked up in a 4x4 and taken on a tour of the vast dunes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading into the sweeping golden desert plains, which make up most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. It’s easy to imagine swathes of camels and incense traders travelling across the sand all those centuries ago.

This evening, soak up the silence and settle into a comfortable tented camp in the heart of the desert. Tuck into a hearty dinner and cosy up around the campfire. Afterwards, ignite your competitive streak with some family games or simply bask in the tranquillity of the setting and enjoy the starry sky.

After a restful sleep in the silent desert, wake up to a tasty breakfast served on the dunes. Admire the spectacular view over the world’s largest continuous sand desert before it’s time to head back to your beachfront resort in the 4x4. For the rest of the day, we recommend chilling out on the private beach or snoozing by the pool (while the children play). Enjoy the hotel lounge this evening before feasting on a delicious meal. If you fancy venturing into Salalah, consult our Dossier for the best eateries around.

It’s the final full day of your Omani adventure, so enjoy a leisurely morning and savour the sweeping views over the lagoon and Arabian Sea. If you’ve not yet indulged in a treatment at the hotel spa, today is your last chance (what are you waiting for?). Or head into the city and browse the souqs for souvenirs, or visit one of the many beautiful beaches dotted along the coastline. Whatever your plans, make sure to spend some time relaxing before a long day of travelling tomorrow. Swap stories from your holiday over a final dinner at one of the hotel’s stylish restaurants.