The Ultimate Oman Road Trip

You'll likely arrive late night in Muscat, the capital city. Check into your hotel and prepare for a fresh start the next day. Head to the famous Sultan Qaboos Mosque first thing, as non-muslim visiting hours are strictly limited to morning hours. Grab a traditional lunch at Dukanah Cafe, or stop at thevibrant Mint & Coco for fun brunch items. Digest & refresh at your hotel's pools during the hottest part of the day. A couple hours before sunset head to Mutrah, the oldest part of the city (and most scenic) to hit the dusty trails of the Riyam - Mutrah hike for sunset, which provides an incredible view of the sea and old town. Have dinner at Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant. Afterwards, wander the maze of the Mutrah Souk.

Head to Al Mouj Marina to meet your captain and crew for the day as you embark on a boat & snorkel adventure to the Daymaniyat Islands. I recommend working with Mola Mola Dive Center. They offer both snorkel and dive trips to this cluster of islands designated as a nature reserve. You have the chance to see sea turtles, zebra sharks, whale sharks, rays and moray eels. The water is a stunning blue color, similar to the waters of the Caribbean, with jawdropping views!

This morning you'll kick off the 'road trip' part of this adventure. If you haven't already, pick up your rental car and make your way to the ancient city of Nizwa. The highways in Oman are very well taken care of, and even as someone who knows just five words in Arabic was able to seamlessly navigate by using Google Maps. Visit the Nizwah Souq and the Nizwah Fort, then grab a coffee at Niz Cafe. Make sure to check out the cute rooftop at Niz Cafe. You'll end your day by heading up the mountains (get ready for lots of twisty roads) to check into Alila Jabal Akdar or Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort.

Being based high in the mountains, you have access to several hikes, whether its summiting a nearby peak or wandering through villages beaming with fruit trees, the views are impressive. Guides are available for more difficult hikes, traversing via ferratas, and for abseiling (rappelling).

Today's destination: Wahiba Sands Desert. Experience a taste of the nomadic life of a bedouin, as you visit one of the areas desert 'glamping' camps for the night. Each one offers something a little different, so contact me to help choose the best one for your trip.

Day 6-7:

Spend the days exploring the regions different Wadi's. This is the Arabic term for a rivine or valley. The ones you'll be exploring are typically filled with fresh water, which is so refreshing after days spent in the mountains and desert. Some of the most popular ones (for good reason) are Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Tiwi, Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sink Hole.

Day 7-10:

Cap off your trip by staying at one of the several luxury waterfront resorts, such as Jumeriah Muscat Bay. You can take a day trip to Bandar Al Khairan for kayaking, jet skiing or boating to the many 'hidden' beaches that are found tucked in between the steep cliffs in the bay.

Optional: If you have more than ten days, there's plenty more to see and do. While the following areas take more effort and time to reach, they're well worth it: Beaches of Salalah (some of the most off-the-beaten path and beautiful beaches I've stepped foot on); Wadi Darbat (during Khareef/monsoon season); Musandam Peninsula (you do have to travel through UAE to reach this sectioned off part of Oman).