ROMANTICA PLUS
In-Depth Round Tour of Central Oman
(11 Days / 10 Nights)
Day 1
Day 1
Arrival in Muscat (BB)
Upon arrival at Muscat International Airport, proceed through passport control and baggage claim. In the arrivals hall, you will be met by your English-speaking driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight at Intercity Muscat 3* (or similar).
Day 2
Day 2
Muscat – Full-Day City Tour (HB / lunch)
In the morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set off on a full-day tour of Muscat, the elegant and serene capital of Oman.
Begin with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. This architectural masterpiece features a colossal handwoven Persian carpet — one of the largest ever made — crafted by 600 Iranian women over four years, and a grand Swarovski crystal chandelier suspended beneath the central dome.
Next, visit the world-renowned Amouage Perfume Factory, which produces some of the most exclusive fragrances in the world. Founded on the order of Sultan Qaboos, the factory was created to craft the most refined and exotic scents using Oman’s rarest ingredients — from frankincense harvested in Dhofar to rose blossoms grown in the mountains of Jebel Akhdar. Originally intended as royal gifts, these perfumes reflect the essence of Omani tradition and prestige.
Continue to the magnificent Royal Opera House Muscat, the country’s premier cultural venue. The building fuses traditional Omani design with modern elegance, boasting an interior adorned with intricate, hand-crafted details inspired by Oman’s architectural heritage.
Enjoy lunch at a local café or restaurant in the city.
In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, established by royal decree and inaugurated in 2016. Ideally located opposite Al Alam Palace — the ceremonial residence of the Sultan — the museum showcases Oman’s rich history, from prehistoric times to the modern era, through state-of-the-art displays.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight at Intercity Muscat 3* (or similar).
Day 3
Day 3
Muscat – Dayqah – Wadi Arbayeen – Bimmah – Fins – Shab (FB)
In the morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and embark on an adventurous 4x4 jeep tour along Oman’s scenic eastern coastline.
Your first stop is Wadi Dayqah, formerly known as “Devil’s Gorge,” now transformed into a serene freshwater reservoir surrounded by a beautifully landscaped park.
Continue through Wadi Mazara to reach one of Oman’s hidden treasures — Wadi Arbayeen. The road winds through a dramatic gorge to reveal gleaming white cliffs and pools of turquoise water. Nearby lies the lesser-known Wadi Suwayh, where a gentle cascade over smooth rocks creates a refreshing waterfall. Those who wish can take a dip in the cool, clear mountain waters. A small village nestled nearby supports its residents with terraced fruit and vegetable gardens.
Picnic-style lunch or lunch boxes will be provided amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
The adventure continues as you drive along the bed of the wadi itself, navigating the canyon framed by towering cliffs, eventually reaching the coastal road once more.
Make a stop at the Bimmah Sinkhole, a dramatic 30-meter-deep natural depression filled with seawater in stunning hues of green and blue. Then enjoy a short break at one of the wild white-sand beaches in the Fins area.
By late afternoon, arrive at Wadi Shab Resort or the nearby guesthouse. Check-in and unwind. There’s time to relax on the beach or take a swim in the ocean.
Dinner and overnight at Tiwi Sunrise Guesthouse (or similar).
Day 4
Day 4
Shab – Sur – Ras Al Hadd (FB)
After breakfast at the guesthouse, begin your morning with a trekking and canyoning adventure in Wadi Shab — one of Oman’s most beautiful oases, nestled in a dramatic gorge with emerald freshwater pools. For those seeking a challenge, a rewarding journey awaits deeper into the wadi, where a hidden underwater cave with a small waterfall lies — accessible only to the most determined explorers.
After swimming and exploring Wadi Shab, depart toward the port city of Sur, with a photo stop in Wadi Tiwi along the way. This lush oasis is home to tiny farming villages nestled among dense palm groves and rugged cliffs. Its narrow road leads several kilometers into the valley, where locals still rely on the ancient falaj irrigation system to sustain their small plantations.
Arrive in Sur, famed for its centuries-old dhow-building tradition. Take a brief city tour and visit a traditional dhow shipyard where these iconic wooden boats are still built by hand.
Lunch at a local café or restaurant in Sur.
In the afternoon, continue to the coastal village of Ras Al Hadd and check in at your camp. In the evening, head to one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Omani coast to watch the sun set over the sea from the headland of Ras Al Hadd.
After dinner, you’ll visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, where you can witness the rare and unforgettable sight of giant green sea turtles emerging from the ocean to nest on the beach.
Dinner and overnight at Turtle Beach Resort (or similar).
Day 5
Day 5
Ras Al Hadd – Bani Bu Ali – Bani Bu Hassan – Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba Sands (FB)
After breakfast at the camp, depart for the legendary Wahiba Sands Desert, with several cultural and scenic stops along the way.
Begin with a visit to the twin towns of Jalan Bani Bu Ali and Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, both known for their ancient fortifications and rich history.
In Bani Bu Ali, you’ll find one of Oman’s oldest forts, dating back to the 11th century. Then continue to Bani Bu Hassan, once a center for Arabian horse breeding and training. The town’s historical fort was part of a larger defensive wall system. Here, you can also admire a rare mosque built in a minimalist style, famous for its 52 gleaming white domes, creating a unique architectural silhouette.
Next, arrive at the emerald-hued oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, nestled between desert and mountains. This stunning wadi is framed by white limestone cliffs and filled with turquoise pools — a perfect place for a swim or a leisurely walk.
Enjoy a picnic lunch (lunch boxes) or dine at a local café.
After your rest, continue the journey into the vast expanse of the Wahiba Sands Desert, famed for its multicolored dunes that shift in hue from black to honey-gold to brilliant white as you travel from inland to coast. During the cooler season, Bedouin tribes of Bani Wahiba still reside here, and their traditional dwellings may be seen during your desert safari.
Embark on an exciting 4x4 dune drive, then arrive at your desert camp.
Dinner and overnight at Arabian Oryx Camp (or similar).
Day 6
Day 6
Wahiba Sands – Birkat Al Mouz – Jebel Akhdar (FB)
Early risers may wish to climb a dune to watch the sunrise over the desert — a peaceful and unforgettable moment.
After breakfast at the camp, bid farewell to the golden sands and begin your ascent into the remarkable highlands of Jebel Akhdar, the “Green Mountains” of Oman.
En route, stop at the oasis village of Birkat Al Mouz, nestled at the foot of the mountains. Here you’ll find ancient ruins, the historic Bayt al Ridaydah Fort, and a well-preserved falaj irrigation system, part of the UNESCO-listed heritage network that once sustained life in Oman’s arid interior.
Continue the drive along a winding mountain road to the cooler elevations of Jebel Akhdar, where you’ll enjoy lunch at a local café with panoramic views.
In the afternoon, explore the scenic landscapes of Jebel Akhdar, known for its terraced farms, ancient villages, and fragrant Damask rose plantations. Stop at the legendary Diana’s Point, named after Princess Diana, who once admired these spectacular views. Visit several traditional mountain villages, where life continues much as it has for generations, with locals cultivating fruit trees, vegetables, and roses for rose water production.
Enjoy a walk through Wadi Bani Habib, a picturesque ravine lined with abandoned mudbrick homes, accessed by the so-called "Persian Steps" — 250 stone steps descending into the oasis.
Conclude the day by watching the sunset over the mountains — a truly magical scene.
Dinner and overnight at Sama Jabal Akhdar 3* (or similar).
Day 7
Day 7
Jebel Akhdar – Nizwa (FB)
After breakfast, descend from the cool heights of Jebel Akhdar and head toward the historic city of Nizwa, once the capital of Oman and a center of religion, trade, and education.
Begin your visit with the impressive Nizwa Fort, renowned for its massive circular tower and commanding views over the oasis and nearby mountains. Explore the adjacent museum, which offers insight into the region’s heritage and traditional way of life.
Next, stroll through the lively Nizwa Souq, one of the oldest marketplaces in the country, known especially for its handcrafted silver jewelry, pottery, and traditional Omani daggers (khanjars). On Fridays, the souq also hosts a famous livestock auction, offering a unique glimpse into local traditions (available only if your visit coincides with Friday morning).
You’ll also visit Falaj Daris, the largest falaj (ancient irrigation channel) in the area and a UNESCO-listed heritage site, which continues to supply water to Nizwa's fertile date plantations.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant or as a picnic, depending on the timing and preferences.
Dinner and overnight in Nizwa.
Recommended hotel: Intercity Hotel Nizwa 3* (or similar).
Day 8
Day 8
Nizwa – Bahla – Jabrin (FB)
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, begin your journey toward Jebel Shams, with several cultural stops along the way.
Your first stop is the ancient town of Bahla, a traditional center of pottery-making. Here you'll visit the Bahla Fort, the largest fortress in Oman and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The imposing mud-brick structure is one of the oldest and most significant in the country, surrounded by remnants of old city walls and ancient ruins.
Continue to nearby Jabrin Fort, one of Oman’s most beautiful castles. Unlike many military structures in the region, Jabrin was designed as a residence and a center of learning. Built in the late 17th century by Imam Bil'arab bin Sultan of the Yaruba dynasty, the fort features ornately carved wooden ceilings, painted rooms, and secret stairways—a true architectural gem reflecting the sophistication of Omani culture.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant or café.
In the afternoon, ascend into the Hajar Mountains to reach Jebel Shams, the highest point in Oman (3,009 meters above sea level), home to the awe-inspiring “Grand Canyon of Arabia.” You’ll take a walk along the rim of the canyon to soak in the panoramic views and dramatic cliffs dropping nearly 1,000 meters.
Dinner and overnight at Jabal Shams Resort (or similar mountain lodge or camp).

Day 9
Day 9
Jebel Shams – Misfat Al Abriyeen – Al Hamra – Mountain Pass Summit (FB)
After breakfast at your mountain camp, set off on a scenic drive toward the lush highland villages nestled in the Hajar Mountains.
Your first stop is Misfat Al Abriyeen, one of Oman’s most charming mountain villages. Perched dramatically on the edge of a canyon, this ancient settlement is a cascade of traditional mud-brick houses clinging to rocky cliffs. Winding alleys and stone steps lead past lush date plantations irrigated by age-old falaj channels. Take a walk through the oasis paths and enjoy the authentic mountain atmosphere.
Continue to Al Hamra, home to Bait Al Safah Museum, a restored traditional home where you’ll experience Omani heritage in action. Local women demonstrate ancestral crafts such as baking traditional bread, pressing oils, grinding grains, and brewing aromatic Omani coffee (kahwa). This living museum offers a window into rural life as it was lived centuries ago.
Enjoy lunch at a local café.
In the afternoon, begin your ascent along a scenic mountain road leading to the summit of the Shorfet Al-Alamin Pass. From the top, a breathtaking panoramic view awaits—across the deep valleys of Wadi Bani Awf and Wadi Sahtan, and toward Bilad Sayt, one of Oman’s most picturesque and secluded mountain villages, nestled among terraced fields and palm groves.
Dinner and overnight at Shorfet Al-Alamin Hotel, perched high in the mountains, where you’ll enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and sweeping views over the rugged terrain.
Day 10
Day 10
Wadi Bani Awf – Nakhal – Muscat (HB / lunch)
After breakfast at the motel, depart for one of the most scenic mountain regions of the Jebel Akhdar range. Crossing the mountains, you will arrive at the high-altitude village of Bilad Sayt – arguably the most picturesque in the area. The village's ancient houses cling to the mountain slopes, overlooking a lush green palm oasis and terraced fields used for farming.
Continue the journey along the bottom of the Wadi Bani Awf gorge. Here you will also find the famous Snake Canyon, whose winding curves truly resemble the twists of a serpent. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the canyon.
Afterwards, leave the wadi and rejoin the main road, soon arriving at Nakhal Fort, surrounded by a vast palm oasis. Perched on rocky outcrops, Nakhal Fort looks impressively majestic and is considered one of the most beautiful in Oman. From the upper terraces of the fort, enjoy panoramic views of the oasis and the village nestled within it. Visit the fort and stop at the nearby natural hot springs.
By evening, arrive in Muscat. Check in at the Intercity Muscat 3* hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.

Day 11
Day 11
Departure from Muscat (BB)
Breakfast at the hotel. Official check-out time is 12:00 PM. At the scheduled time, transfer to Muscat International Airport for your flight to Moscow.
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