oman 4x4 tours

Oman Selfdrive Tours

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German managed office in muscat, oman selfdrive tours specialist in oman, unleash your adventurous spirit in the heart of arabia with oman 4x4 tours.

Oman Selfdrive Tours with HOTELS

Explore Oman at your own pace with Oman Selfdrive Tours  while enjoying the comfort and convenience of our Self-Drive Tours with Hotels service. Discover the breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and hidden gems of Oman with the freedom of self-driving, knowing that cozy accommodations are waiting for you at each stop.

Whether you're an adventure seeker or a leisure traveler, our carefully curated itineraries and handpicked hotels ensure an unforgettable journey through this enchanting country. Immerse yourself in the magic of Oman with the assurance of a comfortable night's stay at every destination.

Oman Selfdrive Tours with ROOFTOP TENT

Experience Oman's rugged beauty like never before with our Self-Drive Tours with Rooftop Tent adventure. It's the perfect blend of exploration and comfort. Embark on a journey through Oman's stunning landscapes, from the rugged mountains to the endless deserts, and camp under the stars with the convenience of a rooftop tent.

Enjoy the freedom to choose your path and the serenity of sleeping in nature's embrace, all while knowing that your cozy rooftop tent will be your home away from home. Connect with the wilderness, savor the tranquility, and create unforgettable memories on your terms.

Per person in double room

Wadi Shab - Desert - Nizwa - Jebel Shams - Snake Canyon and more...

Snake Canyon - Jebel Shams - Nizwa - Desert - Sur - Wadi Shab - Wadi Arbeen and more...

Wakan Village - Snake Canyon - Jebel Shams - Nizwa - Jebel Akhdar - Desert Sur - Wadi Shab - Wadi Arbeen and more...

Wakan Village - Snake Canyon - Jebel Shams - Jebel Akhdar - Nizwa - Masirah Island - Sugardunes  Desert - Sur - Wadi Shab - Wadi Arbeen and more...

Let us be your gateway to the wonders of Oman. Discover the extraordinary in every mile you drive, and experience the beauty and culture of this fascinating nation like never before with Oman Selfdrive Tours specialist.

Expert-Guided Self-Drive Tours: We specialize in self-drive tours, offering you the freedom to explore Oman at your own pace, while our expert guides provide you with essential insights and support.

Handpicked Accommodations: Enjoy a comfortable and welcoming stay at our selected hotels or campsites, offering you a blend of modern comfort and authentic Arabian hospitality.

Rooftop Tent Adventures: Experience the thrill of camping in Oman's remote and captivating locations with our rooftop tent-equipped 4x4s, ensuring you're never far from the beauty of the outdoors.

Unparalleled Expertise: We are Oman's true 4x4 tour specialists with in-depth knowledge of the terrain, culture, and history, ensuring your journey is both safe and enriching.

Carefully Curated Itineraries: Our itineraries are thoughtfully designed to showcase Oman's diverse landscapes, culture, and heritage, ensuring you don't miss any of the country's hidden treasures.

Flexible Booking Options: Tailor your trip to your preferences, from the number of days to the level of adventure, all within your budget.

What we offer at OMAN 4X4 TOURS

Our team is dedicated to providing you with a seamless and unforgettable experience, from the moment you inquire to the final goodbye. At Oman 4X4 Tours, we offer a comprehensive range of services to ensure your Oman adventure is everything you've dreamed of.

Contact Oman

Starting at 6.500 eur.

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Oman Self Drive Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

10 DAY OFF-ROAD OMAN 4x4 ITINERARY

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10 DAY OFF-ROAD OMAN 4×4 ITINERARY

In this guide we outline a detailed itinerary for a 10 day 4×4 self-drive Oman road trip. We also offer a downloadable route map and daily accommodation and wild camping suggestions. 

Oman is made for off-road adventures. Tracks cut through mountains, wadis, deserts, and high plateaus. They link low-lying coastal plains with the soaring Eastern and Western Hajar. This Middle Eastern gem offers such an incredible variety of experiences and landscapes that no two days are ever the same. It’s one of our all-time favourite countries, and the perfect place for a 4×4 road trip.

What’s more, Oman also manages to cater equally well to an adventure-seeking budget camper or a luxury-loving traveller. There are endless wild camping opportunities as well as some seriously swish resorts. So, whatever your budget, we’ve put together the ultimate 10 day off-road Oman itinerary for you. We’ve hand-picked the route after two separate trips and 6 weeks travelling in Oman, and feel it acts as an ideal introduction to the country. It covers many of the best things to see in Oman , including wadis, deserts, beaches and mountains, plus historical and cultural sites. We also have daily accommodation suggestions, as well as alternative camping options. Opt for one or the other depending on your budget, or mix-and-match for an especially memorable experience. 

Looking for a truly budget Oman road trip? Rent a cheaper 2WD and follow our 10 Day 2WD itinerary , camping along the way.

Got longer in Oman? Lucky you. If you have 2 weeks, we suggest including Masirah Island and the Sugar Dunes in this itinerary. If you have up to a month, after visiting everywhere outlined in this 10 day Oman itinerary, head south to Dhofar. Check out our Essential Salalah and Dhofar Guide to plan your ultimate Oman road trip!

Finally, we recommend reading our Oman Road Trip Guide for more practical information, especially if you’re planning on camping.

10 DAY OMAN ITINERARY

ROUTE MAP & OFFLINE PDF GUIDE Day 1 – ARRIVE MUSCAT Day 2 – MUSCAT to BANDAR AL KHIRAN (if camping) Day 3 – BANDAR AL KHIRAN to FINS (via BIMMAH SINKHOLE & WADI SHAB) Day 4 – FINS to WAHIBA SANDS (via SALMAH PLATEAU) Day 5 – WAHIBA SANDS to SAYQ PLATEAU Day 6 – SAYQ PLATEAU to NIZWA Day 7  {CAMPING ROUTE} – NIZWA to WADI DAMM (via TANUF, BAHLA, JABRIN & AL AYN BEEHIVE TOMBS) Day 7 {HOTEL ROUTE} – NIZWA to BAHLA (via JABRIN, WADI DAMM & AL AYN BEEHIVE TOMBS) Day 8 {CAMPING ROUTE} – WADI DAMM to JEBEL SHAMS Day 8  {HOTEL ROUTE} – BAHLA to JEBEL SHAMS (via TANUF) Day 9 – JEBEL SHAMS to MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN Day 10 – MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN to MUSCAT (via WADI BANI AWF, BILAD SAYT & LITTLE SNAKE CANYON)

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE Day 4 –  FINS to RAS AL JINZ (via SUR) Day 5 – RAS AL JINZ to WAHIBA SANDS (via WADI BANI KHALID)

ROUTE MAP & OFFLINE PDF GUIDE

Day 1 ARRIVE MUSCAT

Day 2 MUSCAT to BANDAR AL KHIRAN (if camping) 

Day 3 BANDAR AL KHIRAN to FINS (via BIMMAH SINKHOLE & WADI SHAB)

Day 4 FINS to WAHIBA SANDS (via SALMAH PLATEAU) 

Day 5 WAHIBA SANDS to SAYQ PLATEAU 

Day 6 SAYQ PLATEAU to NIZWA 

Day 7  {CAMPING ROUTE} NIZWA to WADI DAMM (via TANUF, BAHLA, JABRIN & AL AYN BEEHIVE TOMBS) 

Day 7 {HOTEL ROUTE} NIZWA to BAHLA (via JABRIN, WADI DAMM & AL AYN BEEHIVE TOMBS) 

Day 8 {CAMPING ROUTE} WADI DAMM to JEBEL SHAMS

Day 8  {HOTEL ROUTE} BAHLA to JEBEL SHAMS (via TANUF) 

Day 9 JEBEL SHAMS to MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN

Day 10 MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN to MUSCAT (via WADI BANI AWF, BILAD SAYT & LITTLE SNAKE CANYON)

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

Day 4 FINS to RAS AL JINZ (via SUR)

Day 5 RAS AL JINZ to WAHIBA SANDS (via WADI BANI KHALID)

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links – if you purchase a product or service via these links, we may earn a small commission  at no extra cost to you . This helps offset the cost of running this blog and keeps us travelling so that we can continue to produce great content for you. We greatly appreciate your support!*

OFF-ROAD OMAN ITINERARY ROUTE MAP

We have created an accompanying map for this Oman itinerary. You can use it online or offline to easily navigate the route. We have marked all of the driving and hiking routes, plus the key sights, wild camp spots, and accommodation options for each day of the itinerary outlined in this guide. This allows you to quickly pinpoint places and navigate to them. 

OMAN 4×4 ITINERARY

For this 10 day off-road Oman itinerary, we’ve outlined a main route which mountain lovers will relish, but also included a few variations to suit your different needs.

For Days 7 and 8, we have given two options depending on whether you are camping or staying in accommodation.

For Days 4 and 5, there’s an alternative route with more time on the coast for those wanting to visit the Turtle Reserve at Ras Al Jinz. However, taking this route will turn your whole itinerary into an 11 day trip, so if you’re restricted to 10 days, you would have to skip somewhere else. Cutting either the Sayq Plateau (heading from Wahiba Sands straight to Nizwa) or Wadi Damm (heading from Nizwa to Jebel Shams via Jabrin/Bahla) are two possible options.

Regardless of which option you choose, arriving early on Day 1 means you could start straight away on the Day 2 itinerary, giving you extra time to play with.

OMAN 4×4 ITINERARY: DAY 1

ARRIVAL IN MUSCAT

ACCOMMODATION

Muscat Hills Hotel (close to airport) Naseem Hotel (perfect Muttrah location) The Chedi Muscat (superior luxury)

Muscat Beach ( 23.6052, 58.3539 )

Welcome to Oman!

We recommend pre-booking your 4×4 hire to pick up/drop off at the airport (assuming you’re flying in/out of Muscat). Public transport is pretty limited, so it’s best to pick up your car straight away so you can get around Muscat easily. We always get great deals booking through Holiday Autos .

Search Car Hire Options Here

Arrival essentials.

You can arrange a tourist SIM card at the airport with Omantel or Ooredoo . Then, once you exchange money or withdraw Omani Rials at an ATM, you’re ready to hit the road. Google Maps works great for navigating throughout Oman, and Maps.me is also handy (especially for offline use).

Muscat International Airport is about 30km west of Muttrah, the historic port area of Muscat and a real highlight. If you’re arriving late, or might be a bit frazzled after a long flight, it’s probably best to book accommodation closer to the airport and just make the drive into Muttrah the following day. We stayed at Muscat Hills Hotel on our last trip, a quick and easy drive less than 8km from the airport. There are numerous other options nearby, too.

Alternatively, base yourself in or near Muttrah. Naseem Hotel , while nothing fancy, has a perfect location on the corniche. We stayed here on our first trip to Oman in 2014 and loved being able to stroll right out into the heart of old Muttrah. Request a room at the front for wonderful harbour views! Riyam Hotel and Mutrah Hotel are also pretty close by. If you’re looking for luxury, check out Kempinski Hotel Muscat , W Muscat , Crowne Plaza Muscat , or the crème de la crème , The Chedi Muscat .

Darkness descends on Muttrah as the sun sets behind the mountains

An Omani wanders into the golden-lit alleyways of Muttrah as night falls

We recommend booking a hotel for your first night in Oman. However, if you’re keen to camp straight away there is a promising looking spot marked on i-Overlander at Muscat Beach ( iOS / Android ) (although we can’t vouch for it ourselves). Note that this area, as with many camp spots in Oman , may be busy at the weekend (Friday and Saturday) with families picnicking or groups socialising until the small hours.

LOOK FOR MORE MUSCAT ACCOMMODATION

Oman 4×4 itinerary: day 2.

MUSCAT & BANDAR AL KHIRAN 37 KM

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Bandar Al Khiran ( 23.51658, 58.74276 )

The best of Muscat and sunset on the coast.

A day to check out the best of Muscat, stock up on supplies and (if you’re camping) end the day at the beach.

SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE

First up, visit the serene Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (8am-11am Saturday to Thursday). Completed in 2001, it is grand and opulent, yet entirely elegant and tasteful. The main prayer hall is home to a 21 tonne single-piece Persian carpet, hand woven and designed perfectly to fit every contour, nook and cranny of the floor. Hanging from the central dome is a 14 meter high chandelier, complete with 600,000 crystals and an inner staircase for cleaning.

The cool and shaded sandstone hallways around the main prayer hall

The hugely impressive chandelier with its 600,000 crystals

Walking the cool and shaded sandstone hallways outside of the main prayer hall

Outside, Indian sandstone arched walkways are lined with decorative niches, each telling the story of traditional Islamic art and design through the ages, and from all around the world. Take your time strolling the grounds.

Men and women must cover arms and legs, and women must also cover their hair.

Next, head to historic Muttrah and spend a few hours wandering the corniche and soaking up the vibe at Muttrah Souq. This is a beautiful district, full of character and history. The setting is very picturesque, low-rise buildings nestled between the port on one side and mountains rising dramatically behind. Fruit juice cafes line the corniche, and the outdoor courtyard of the Royal House Restaurant is a nice spot for lunch. Climb up Muttrah Fort for a view over the neighbourhood. If you’re staying at a hotel in Muscat tonight, take your time and enjoy the golden hour glow and sunset views. If you’re camping, best to hit the road out of Muscat at least two hours before sunset.

Queueing at the coffee shop in Muttrah Souq

Enjoying the light at the back entrance of the souq

Queuing at the coffee shop in Muttrah Souq

Enjoying the light and watching the world go by

If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to stock up on supplies at one of the hypermarkets in Muscat. There will be others during the trip (notably at Nizwa), but try to get most of what you need here for your upcoming off-road Oman adventure – it will save you time. Lulu and Carrefour are two of the biggest chains. Search on Google Maps to find your nearest.

If you’re staying in a hotel in Muscat, you’ll drive the Bandar Al Khiran route below on the morning of Day 3.

BANDAR AL KHIRAN CAMP

From Muttrah take Road 1 for nearly 7km, turning off for Al Hamriyah and climbing the steep Yiti Road. There’s a great view down over the houses below at the top of the switchbacks. Carry on along Yiti Road, turning left up a side-track ( 23.5559, 58.5679 ) to a wonderful viewpoint over the houses of Ruwi, squeezed in between the mountains.

Looking down at the houses of Ruwi in the afternoon sun

Looking down at Ruwi in the afternoon sun

Return to Yiti Road and carry on for 24km to Bandar Al Khiran, your camp spot for the night. This is a gorgeous coastline of tidal bays and small beaches. You can camp at the bay (accessed via a steep 4×4 track), or at the viewpoint overlooking Bandar Al Khiran ( 23.5138, 58.7430 ). From the viewpoint parking area various walking trails (ranging from just 200 metres to about 5 km one way) lead to beaches dotted along the coastline, making this a great area for exploring or just relaxing at the beach.

The viewpoint at Bandar Al Khiran. A trail leads down to the small beach below

The viewpoint over Bandar Al Khiran. A trail leads down to the small beach below

See More From Oman

The Essential Guide To Salalah And Dhofar

10 Day Off-Road Oman 4×4 Itinerary

Our 1 Month Oman Road Trip Itinerary

10 Day Oman Itinerary: 2WD Road Trip

The Essential Guide To Musandam

19 Amazing Places To Visit In Oman

Scuba Diving In Oman

Oman Video | Part Two

Oman Video | Part One

11 Best Wild Campsites in Oman

Oman Camping Road Trip: Everything You Need To Know

Oman 4×4 itinerary: day 3.

BANDAR AL KHIRAN to FINS via BIMMAH SINKHOLE & WADI SHAB 145 KM

Coastal Views

Bimmah Sinkhole

Wadi Ash Shab Chalets (at entrance to Wadi Shab)

Wadi Shab Guest House (1.3 km from Wadi Shab)

Tiwi Sunrise (3 km from Wadi Shab)

Fins Blowholes ( 22.9010, 59.2229 )

Stunning coastline and one of Oman’s best wadis.

Off-roading.

If you stayed in a hotel in Muscat, follow the route out of the city along Yiti Road this morning, stopping at the viewpoints and then on to Bandar Al Khiran to rejoin this route. Leaving Bandar Al Khiran, return along the same road to Yiti, turning left before you reach the main road. You’ll pass the local health centre, school and mosque in the village. Carry on and get stuck into your first off-roading section through Wadi Mayh ( 23.5012, 58.6641 ). Follow the wadi trail for 24km, eventually joining the main Road 17.

Going off-road in Oman: the rocky landscape seen on the Wadi Mayh track

Going off-road in Oman: the rocky landscape on the Wadi Mayh track

BIMMAH SINKHOLE

When you join Road 17, head south all the way to Bimmah Sinkhole (70km), a natural water filled depression in the earth. There are steps down into the sinkhole and you can swim in the clear, salty water. The depth of the water varies, and divers have discovered numerous caves below. It’s surrounded by a landscaped park, complete with picnic tables and toilet facilities. It’s a popular spot, open 8am – 8pm daily.

The impressive Bimmah Sinkhole

Continue for another 38km south on Road 17 and turn off for Wadi Shab, one of the most picturesque spots in all of Oman! The car park is below an underpass. From here, take the short boat ride across the water (1 OMR per person return) to the start of the wadi hike. It takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the main pool, with a bit of easy scrambling and walking along falaj (water irrigation channels). From the main pool you can swim through a narrow crack in the rocks (sometimes completely underwater) to reach a hidden cave and mini waterfall. When you’re done, head back the same way. Allow at least 3 hours from start to finish.

This is one of Oman’s most popular tourist spots, so visit during the week to avoid the crowds.

Swimming in the main rock pool at Wadi Shab

FINS CAMPING & COASTAL ACCOMMODATION

Leaving Wadi Shab, head about 8km back up the road and turn off on the rough tracks to the coast to camp on or near Fins Beach. If you’re staying in accommodation, Wadi Ash Shab Chalets are a stone’s throw from the car park, otherwise Wadi Shab Guest House and Tiwi Sunrise Motel are both nearby.

Sunrise and blowholes, seen from a camp spot on the rocky coast at Fins

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Oman 4×4 itinerary: day 4.

FINS/WADI SHAB to WAHIBA SANDS 130 KM +

Eastern Hajar Mountains

Wahiba Sands

Desert Nights Camp (super luxurious) 1000 Nights Camp (large established camp) Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp (attractive small camp) Nomadic Desert Camp (rustic barasti huts) Legend Desert Camp (small, low-key)

Some suggested spots:

22.2367, 58.7657

21.9851, 58.7590

21.8175, 58.7599

A day of epic mountains and deserts.

Time for your first big off-road Oman experience. Start your day climbing through the mountains of the Eastern Hajar, and end it surrounded by the towering orange dunes of Wahiba Sands.

EASTERN HAJAR MOUNTAINS

From the coast, it’s time to head off road and into the mountains looming behind. From the main coastal Road 17, turn off behind Fins village ( 22.9165, 59.1955 ) and climb all the way up to the Salmah Plateau. The views are incredible and you’ll encounter small villages along the way.

 Light and shadow play across the Salmah Plateau. Views like this are reason enough to go off-road in Oman

Views across the expansive Salmah Plateau, reason enough to go off-road in Oman

At Qurun village ( 22.8305, 59.0994 ), take the right track heading southwest. After 5.7km ( 22.8136, 59.0673 ), take the left track for 1.7km to see some of the Jaylah Beehive Tombs, dating from 2500-2000BC. Backtrack the 1.7km, and carry on straight for a further 3.1km to more Beehive tombs ( 22.8168, 59.0544 ). Once you’ve explored a little, continue on this track for 6.3km, then turn right to go down the mountain ( 22.8259, 59.0120 ). After 20km, turn left at the village ( 22.8904, 58.8844 ) and continue for 47km all the way to the main Road 23. Allow 4-5 hours for the whole journey through the mountains, including plenty of photo stops and time to explore the tombs.

Descending from the plateau and appreciating the layers of the Eastern Hajar

Descending from the plateau and appreciating the hazy layers of the Eastern Hajar Mountains

WAHIBA SANDS

Now for the dunes! Once back on Road 23, if you plan to camp, navigate south for approximately 16 km to the hard-packed desert road leading into Wahiba Sands ( 22.4082, 58.7845 ). Or, if you’re staying at an organised desert camp, head towards your pre arranged meeting point. If you want to take your own 4×4, most places will offer to guide you to their camp in a lead vehicle. Otherwise you can leave your car at the edge of the desert and take a transfer instead.

Off-road Oman at its best! Driving into Wahiba Sands

Off-road Oman at its best!

Wild Camping

If you want to wild camp in Wahiba Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands) stick to the packed track (clearly marked on Maps.Me), and look for a safe place to pull off nearby. The desert track runs approximately 146km north to south. Of course, you don’t need to drive the whole way to find a scenic spot to make camp. See the infobox above for suggested spots that are publicly marked on iOverlander and Maps.Me.

Don’t forget: before heading into the desert, be sure to read up on sand driving techniques and let some air out of your tyres. You can fill them up again at the gas station by the entrance to the sands.

Patterns in the sand

Wandering the dunes of Wahiba Sands at sunset

Organised Desert Camp

If you want to stay at an organised camp, there are many to choose from. Options vary from simple barasti huts and bedouin style tents to luxurious glamping. Dinner and breakfast are usually included, as is sunset watching on top of the dunes and camel riding (if that’s your thing). A guided transfer to your camp may cost extra, check when you book. We enjoyed our stay at Nomadic Desert Camp on our first Oman trip in 2014, but if we had the budget, Desert Nights Camp would be our top choice!

Coffee prepared in the traditional way by the guys from Nomadic Desert Camp

BOOK WAHIBA SANDS ACCOMMODATION HERE

Oman 4×4 itinerary: day 5.

WAHIBA SANDS to SAYQ PLATEAU 204 KM +

The Village Walk

Mountain Views

Abandoned Village

Sahab Resort and Spa (great location, pool & views) Al Shraija Castle (budget option) Traveler’s Residence (budget option) Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort (super luxurious) Alila Jabal Akhdar (incredible location, stunning luxury design)

Sayq Plateau ( 23.0729, 57.6234 ) ( 23.0732, 57.6376 ) ( 23.0622, 57.6446 )

Informal Campsite Area ( 23.1243, 57.6195 )

Ar Ruus, near Alila Resort ( 23.1466, 57.5379 )

The Green Mountain.

A day to explore the fertile Sayq Plateau, home to Jebel Akhdar ‘The Green Mountain’ and the lovely Village Walk.

SAYQ PLATEAU

Leaving the desert behind and head northwest on Road 23. After 44km turn off onto a minor road and cut across west to Lizq (52km). A further 15km will take you to join Road 33. After 50km on Road 33, turn off west for Birkat Al Mouz (9km). From here, you’ll head up the steep road for 35km, all the way to the plateau which sits at 2000 m. Only 4WDs are allowed on the road, and there’s a police checkpoint at the bottom to enforce this. Allow around 3 hours total for the journey (plus extra for Wahiba Sands, depending on where you spend the night).

DID YOU KNOW WE OFFER CONSULTATIONS & CUSTOM OMAN ITINERARY PLANNING?

> One Hour Video Consultation £100

we can answer questions, give advice, review your existing itinerary, or use the time to talk about anything else trip related, plus we’ll send a follow up email with links and notes about what we discuss

> Custom Itinerary Planning from £220

includes a video consultation, plus detailed day-by-day pdf itinerary, accommodation and/or camping suggestions, and an accompanying digital route map

Just get in touch via our contact page to  let us know your rough trip plans and the kind of support you would like and we’ll get back to you with options and detailed pricing

Just get in touch via our contact page to let us know your rough trip plans and the kind of support you would like and we’ll get back to you with options and detailed pricing

VILLAGE WALK

Up top it’s considerably cooler, and the fertile plateau receives just enough rainfall to support apricot, pomegranate and Damask Rose orchards. A string of traditional villages cling to the hillsides above picturesque terraced fields, the perfect place for a walk. Starting at Al Aqur, a 4km trail meanders past terraces, along aflaj (plural of falaj ) and through villages, all the way to Sayq. Officially, the trail is known as W18b . As you’ll have left your car at the start, you’ll need to return the same way. You could cut the walk shorter by turning back at Ash Shirayjah, the third village, approximately 1.3.km from the start.

Looking back along the terraced mountainside on the Village Walk route

Admiring the terraces on the Village Walk

Looking back along the terraced mountainside on the Village Walk route. The construction site seen on the plateau  in the distance is where the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort was built

ABANDONED VILLAGE OF BANI HABIB

Back at your car, drive around the top of the villages you just walked through, all the way to the end of the road ( 23.0711, 57.6041 ). Here you’ll find Wadi Bani Habib and the fascinating mud and straw house ruins of its abandoned villages. Park and take the trail heading down to the wadi and up the other side to the first village, then around to another. The views are wonderful, and the old houses are fascinating to explore. If you’re running out of time, do this the following morning instead. 

Houses are in various states of disrepair

One of the abandoned villages clinging to the rocky hillside

The abandoned village of Bani Habib clinging to the rocky hillside

CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION

There are a number of possible wild camp spots around the top of the terraced villages. Alternatively, take the road heading towards Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort where there’s an informal campsite and picnic area ( 23.1243, 57.6195 ). Otherwise choose a spot overlooking the canyon, near the resort ( 23.1466, 57.5379 ).

There are a number of budget to mid-range accommodation options clustered around the main town. Overlooking the terraced villages, the best location belongs to Sama , Anantara and Sahab (we stayed here and can confirm the view from the pool is ace). If you’re looking for somewhere extra special, Alila is utterly incredible.

CHECK OUT MORE SAYQ PLATEAU ACCOMMODATION

Oman 4×4 itinerary: day 6.

SAYQ PLATEAU to NIZWA 59 KM

Antique Inn (beautiful heritage home) Nizwa Heritage Inn (restored traditional house) Bait Al Aqr (another elegant old house) Golden Tulip Nizwa (nice 4* hotel, short drive from centre) Falaj Daris Hotel (Nizwa classic)

West of Nizwa (surrounded by hills) ( 22.9220, 57.4823 )

Wadi Tanuf ( 23.0485, 57.4754 )

Historic capital and traditional souq.

It’s about a one hour drive to Nizwa (50km). Descend to Birkat Al Mouz, then head west to join Road 21. This is the largest city in the region and was once the capital of Oman. It’s an attractive place, with the fort, souq and Al Qala’a Mosque all clustered around the centre.

An atmospheric souq and one of the oldest in Oman. It’s perfect for wandering and a bit of souvenir shopping. There are indoor and outdoor areas, with numerous sections dedicated to fresh produce, household goods, Nizwa pottery, textiles, khanjar daggers, dates and much more. On Friday mornings the goat market takes place, with men and women from all around descending on the town to trade livestock. You can visit the souq in the morning, from 6am till 1pm, or later from 4pm till 10pm. On Fridays, the souq is only open in the morning, from 5am till 11am. 

Local men inside Nizwa Souq

Traditional Omani hats (kuma) stacked together for sale in the souq

Traditional Omani hats (kuma) for men, stacked together for sale in the souq

Next door to the souq is Nizwa Fort, with its impressive drum-like tower. It’s beautifully restored, and one of Oman’s most treasured historical sites. The views from the top are wonderful, overlooking the city, mountains, and attractive dome and minaret of the nearby Al Qala’a Mosque. There’s a small museum and plenty of rooms to explore. The colours are particularly nice in the late afternoon, the fort and surroundings basking in a golden hour glow.

Nizwa Fort is open 8am till 6pm, closing between 1130am and 1.30pm on Fridays. Entrance is 5 OMR for non-Omanis (2 OMR for Omanis).

The inner structure of Nizwa Fort glowing in the afternoon sun

Al Qala’a Mosque

The inner structure of Nizwa Fort, glowing gold in the afternoon sun

There’s a quiet spot surrounded by hills just 5km west of Nizwa Fort ( 22.9220, 57.4823 ) , perfect for camping. Otherwise, head north to Wadi Tanuf and find a spot there (eg. 23.0485, 57.4754 ). Always be wary of flash floods when camping in or near a wadi. Rain, even falling far away, can cause sudden flooding, and the narrow, steep cliffs of Wadi Tanuf mean it’s particularly dangerous. So, make camp near the marked area and don’t be tempted to head further up the wadi.

Want to know the best camp spots in Oman?

CHECK OUT THIS GUIDE

There are some lovely heritage home accommodation options in Nizwa ( Antique Inn , Bait Al Aqr , Nizwa Heritage Inn ) or a couple of hotels with pools and bars on the outskirts if you prefer ( Golden Tulip Nizwa , Falaj Daris Hotel ) .

FIND MORE NIZWA ACCOMMODATION

Oman 4×4 itinerary: day 7 (camping itinerary).

NIZWA to WADI DAMM via TANUF, BAHLA, JABRIN & BEEHIVE TOMBS 137 KM

Historic Forts

Old Village

Bronze Age Beehive Tombs

See Alternative Day 7 Hotel Itinerary

Wadi Damm ( 23.2314, 57.0697 )

Above Wadi Damm ( 23.2331, 57.0915 )

A journey through history.

On Days 7 and 8 we’ve created two different itineraries. The order of places to visit changes depending on whether you choose to camp or stay in accommodation. If you’re camping, you’ll visit Old Tanuf, historical forts and the Al Ayn UNESCO Beehive Tombs on Day 7, winding up at Wadi Damm to camp for the night. You can do the wadi walk and swim in the hidden pool on the morning of Day 8.

To start your day’s explorations, head north on Road 21 and turn off for Old Tanuf (20km). This ruined village of mudbrick houses is in an attractive setting, tucked below the mountains at the mouth of Wadi Tanuf. You can wander among crumbling houses, all that’s left after a 1950s bombardment by the British RAF at the behest of Sultan Sa’id bin Taimur during the Jebel Akhdar War .

The crumbling ruins of Old Tanuf

Carry on looping west on Road 21 to Bahla (23km), home to an impressive fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Its size is commanding, completely dominating the landscape. From a distance it looks like a giant child’s sandcastle – square with high sided walls and numerous round towers. Around the fort is a traditional mud-brick village, equally fascinating to explore, and palm groves. The citadel and fort date from the 12th to 15th centuries, however extensive renovation and restoration work has been carried out, leaving it in great condition today. It’s open daily from 9am – 4pm, 8am – 11am on Fridays.

The impressively dominant Bahla Fort

JABRIN FORT

One last fort to visit, just 10km south of Bahla. Jabrin Fort is surrounded by date palms, a beautiful sight against the ochre mountains. It was built in the late 17th century and includes design features different to those seen at Nizwa or Bahla. The interior has intricate painted ceilings, hidden rooms, and numerous staircases and passageways. Entrance tickets (0.5 OMR, card only) include an excellent audio guide, making a visit to Jabrin more rewarding than Bahla if you’re interested in learning about the local history and culture. The view from the top over the surrounding landscape is wonderful, too.  It’s open daily from 9am – 4pm, 8am – 11am on Fridays.

The view over the surrounding landscape from Jabrin Fort

Stylish traditional decor inside the fort

AL AYN BEEHIVE TOMBS

From Jabrin, head west on Road 21, turning off for Al Ayn after 42km. Continue for another 27km to the village. There you’ll see a row of stone beehive tombs on the crest of a small hill to the left, the mighty Jebel Misht rising behind. Park up as close as you can and continue on foot to the tombs themselves. These date from the 3rd millennium BC, and are another UNESCO World Heritage Site . They are in remarkable condition, and the views are wonderful, particularly in the late afternoon when the landscape glows golden.

Getting up close with the Al Ayn Beehive Tombs. Jebel Misht lies behind, glowing golden from the late sun

Getting up close with the Al Ayn Beehive Tombs

WADI DAMM CAMP

From Al Ayn, continue another 14km to the start of Wadi Damm. You can drive down the wadi bed to an ideal parking/camping area, before the recharge dam wall. This is a popular picnic spot, and unfortunately there is often rubbish left lying around here (despite the provision of bins). If it’s too busy, or littered, you may prefer to camp above Wadi Damm ( 23.2331, 57.0915 ). If you’re camping in the wadi, look out for the incredible petroglyphs (pictorial rock carvings). These are believed to date from around 600BC. The best preserved collection is on a wall on the left behind the falaj . There are more on the right too, covering a large flat overhanging wall, but they have some graffiti around them.

Well preserved petroglyphs behind the falaj

The ideal spot to set up camp in Wadi Damm

The ideal spot to camp in Wadi Damm

OMAN 4×4 ITINERARY: DAY 7 (HOTEL ITINERARY)

NIZWA to BAHLA via JABRIN, BEEHIVE TOMBS & WADI DAMM 212 KM

Historic Fort

Hidden Wadi Pool

Ancient Petroglyphs

Bait Bahla Hospitality Inn (traditional Omani home, next to fort) Jibreen Hotel (close to Jabrin Fort) Bahla Hotel Apartments (a little north of Bahla) Bahla Jewel Hotel Apartments (further north of Bahla still)

Return to Nizwa (2 nights total in Nizwa)

See Alternative Day 7 Camping Itinerary

Historic sites and hidden wadi pool.

On Days 7 and 8 we’ve created two different itineraries. The order of places to visit changes depending on whether you choose to camp or stay in accommodation. If you’re staying in accommodation, you’ll visit Jabrin Fort, the UNESCO Beehive Tombs at Al Ayn and have a wadi adventure on Day 7, before returning to Bahla to stay the night. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay in one place for two nights, return to Nizwa (although this makes a longer journey).

First up, head south from Nizwa, then west on Road 15 to Jabrin Fort (45km). It’s in a beautiful setting, surrounded by date palms, a lush contrast of green against the ochre mountains. It was built in the late 17th century and includes design features different to those seen at Nizwa or Bahla. The interior has intricate painted ceilings, hidden rooms, and numerous staircases and passageways. Entrance tickets (3 OMR, card only) include an excellent audio guide, making a visit to Jabrin far more rewarding than Bahla if you’re interested in learning about the local history and culture. The view from the top over the surrounding landscape is wonderful, too.  It’s open daily from 9am – 4pm, 8am – 11am on Fridays.

Looking up from the central courtyard in the inner fort

Looking up from the fort’s central courtyard

WADI DAMM & ANCIENT PETROGLYPHS

From Jabrin, head west on Road 21, turning off for Wadi Damm after 42km. Continue for another 39km to the start of the wadi walk ( 23.2314, 57.0697 ) and park up.

Pack a picnic and your swimming gear, for a stunning wadi pool awaits! The wadi walk is about 45 minutes to the best ‘hidden’ pool, passing numerous petroglyphs (pictorial rock carvings) on the way. These are believed to date from around 600BC – quite incredible! Look out for a particularly impressive collection around the parking area, on a wall on the left behind the falaj . There are more on the right too, but they have some graffiti around them unfortunately. You can spot more on the right further up the wadi if you keep your eyes peeled, not long after the rope/cave section.

The petroglyphs on the wall of the wadi, tucked in behind the falaj before the dam

To reach the hidden pool, complete with natural shower and cascading curtain of ferns and moss, carry on beyond the first pool of water (about 30 minutes walk from the road), which at first glance seems to be the end point. If the water levels are low, use the rope that is attached to the wall to climb up and drop down the other side. If the water levels are high, you can reach the other side by heading through the cave on the left (or swim through the pool and use the rope technique). Continue walking for about 30 minutes, sticking mainly to the right side of the wadi, until you reach a solitary palm tree. Just beyond here you can drop down into the stunning pool.

The hidden pool at Wadi Damm is a wonderful place to spend an hour or two

The hidden pool at Wadi Damm is the perfect place to spend an hour or two

Allow about 3-4 hours for your Wadi Damm adventure (the return walk itself takes about 2 hours).

After your wadi walk, return along the same road you came in on, pulling off at Al Ayn after 14km. You’ll see a row of stone beehive tombs on the crest of a small hill beyond the village and farmed fields, the mighty Jebel Misht rising behind. Park up as close as you can and continue on foot to the tombs themselves. These date from the 3rd millennium BC, and are another UNESCO World Heritage Site . They are in remarkable condition, and the views of the surrounding landscape are wonderful, particularly in the late afternoon light.

Afternoon is the best time to appreciate the beehive tombs and the impressive bulk of Jebel Misht

Afternoon is the best time to appreciate the beehive tombs and the impressive Jebel Misht

Retrace your route back to Road 21 and turn off for Bahla (77km). The enormous fort here is impressive, but it can wait until morning to visit. Bait Bahla Hospitality Inn is perfectly located in the historic town, around the corner from the fort and souq. The family is very welcoming. Alternatively, stay at nearby Jibreen Hotel or one of the others mentioned in the Accommodation section above. Returning to Nizwa and spending a second night there is also an option (110km from Al Ayn).

FIND MORE ACCOMMODATION AROUND BAHLA

Oman 4×4 itinerary: day 8 (camping itinerary).

WADI DAMM to JEBEL SHAMS 148 KM

Oman’s Grand Canyon

The Balcony Walk

Sama Heights Resort (nice resort with variety of room types) Jebel Shams Resort (great location) Canyon Rest House (traditional style)

Edge of the ‘Grand Canyon’ Rim ( 23.2063, 57.2032 )

Spectacular mountains, the Balcony Walk and an epic camp spot.

Start your day with a refreshing swim in a hidden wadi pool and end it with an epic sunset over Wadi An Nakhur, Oman’s Grand Canyon!

WADI DAMM WALK & HIDDEN POOL

You can get an early start walking up Wadi Damm. Head up the right side of the recharge dam wall and carry on for about 45 minutes to the best ‘hidden’ pool. You’ll reach a pool of water about 15 minutes walk in, which at first glance seems to be the end point, but keep going. If the water levels are low, use the rope that is attached to the wall to climb up and drop down the other side. If the water levels are high, you can reach the other side by heading through the cave on the left (or swim through the pool and use the rope technique). You can spot more petroglyphs on the right soon after. 

Continue walking for about 30 minutes, sticking mainly to the right side of the wadi, until you reach a solitary palm tree. Just beyond here you can drop down into the stunning pool, complete with natural shower and cascading ferns.

Inside the hidden pool at Wadi Damm. The best ‘shower’ lies through the gap and just around the corner

The hidden pool at Wadi Damm

If you’ve chosen to camp above Wadi Damm, you can drop down to the hidden pool by taking the faint path to the right down the hill. It’s about a 15 minute walk.

JEBEL SHAMS

From Wadi Damm you can take an off-road route to Jebel Shams (48km). Drive back out the wadi and turn left at 23.2256, 57.0382 . Drive for 10km then turn left again at 23.1630, 57.0714 . After a further 10.8km you’ll reach the main road leading up to Jebel Shams. Turn left and continue all the way to the rim of the Grand Canyon and Al Khitaym village (26km). The views up here are spectacular. Look down into Wadi An Nakhur, across to Jebel Shams (one of the highest mountains in Arabia at 3000m), and beyond.

Looking down into Wadi An Nakhur (the ‘Grand Canyon’) and across to Jebel Shams

Looking down into the depths of Wadi An Nakhur (the ‘Grand Canyon’) and across to Jebel Shams

THE BALCONY WALK

Park up by Al Khitaym village, pack some snacks and water, and get started on the Balcony Walk. This is officially known as route W6 and takes you on a stunning walk along a balcony-like ledge, high above Wadi An Nakhur. It’s a relatively easy 7km return walk, leading to the abandoned village of As Sab, and back the same way. Allow about 3 hours, including time to explore the village. There are yellow, white and red painted markers showing the way, but it would be hard to get lost anyway.

The Balcony Walk winds its way under some pretty cool overhangs

This is a popular spot for camping and there are numerous options along the edge of the rim to pitch your tent. Our favourite spot is a little hidden, accessible only by 4WD as the final approach is rough and rocky. It has its own mini balcony walk, wind protection from a man-made stone wall, and incredible sunrise views ( 23.2063, 57.2032 ).

The ideal camp spot on the canyon rim, only accessible by 4WD on a bumpy, rocky track

OMAN 4×4 ITINERARY: DAY 8 (HOTEL ITINERARY)

BAHLA to JEBEL SHAMS via TANUF 91 KM

Forts, ruins and Oman’s ‘Grand Canyon’.

Start your day by exploring historic Bahla and Tanuf, then ascend to Jebel Shams for the stunning Balcony Walk, followed by an epic sunset over Wadi An Nakhur, Oman’s Grand Canyon!

Bahla Fort offers up your second UNESCO World Heritage Site in less than 24 hours! Its size is commanding, completely dominating the landscape. From a distance it looks like a giant child’s sandcastle – square with high sided walls and numerous round towers. Around the fort are palm groves and a traditional mud-brick village, equally fascinating to explore. The citadel and fort date from the 12th to 15th centuries. However, extensive renovation and restoration work has been carried out, leaving it in great condition today. It’s open daily from 9am – 4pm, 8am – 11am on Fridays.

Bahla Fort completes the classic Omani scene of mountains, date palms and traditional houses

From Bahla, head north on Road 21 and turn off for Old Tanuf (20km). This ruined village of mudbrick houses is in an attractive setting, tucked below the mountains at the mouth of Wadi Tanuf. You can wander among crumbling houses, all that’s left after a 1950s bombardment by the British RAF at the behest of Sultan Sa’id bin Taimur during the Jebel Akhdar War .

Mud brick ruins of Old Tanuf

GHUL VILLAGE

Leaving Tanuf, head west on Road 21, turning north (at 23.0223, 57.3330 ) towards Al Hamra. Follow the road west to Ghul village at the start of Wadi An Nakhur, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (39km). There are usually some colourful hand woven rugs for sale on the corner of the road, and lovely views over to the old abandoned houses of Ghul. They are built into the mountainside, blending seamlessly with their surroundings (bar a few Omani flags draped over them). There are lush palm plantations and fields below the houses too. A very scenic spot.

Traditional hand woven rugs catch the eye from the roadside

Traditional hand woven rugs catch the eye from the roadside across from the abandoned houses of Ghul

After stretching your legs and maybe picking up a rug, carry on up the twisting mountain road all the way to the top, a further 30km. The views are spectacular. At the top, carry on to the small village of Al Khitaym. Stop off regularly for views down into the wadi, across to Jebel Shams (one of the highest mountains in Arabia at 3000m), and beyond.

The views are also pretty good in the opposite direction, looking back towards the distinctive shape of Jebel Misht

The views are also good in the opposite direction, back towards the distinctive shape of Jebel Misht

Park up by Al Khitaym village, pack some snacks and water, and get started on the Balcony Walk. This is officially known as route W6 and takes you on a stunning walk along a balcony-like ledge high above Wadi An Nakhur. It’s a relatively easy 7km return walk, leading to the abandoned village of As Sab, and back the same way. Allow about 3 hours, including time to explore the village. There are yellow, white and red painted markers showing the way, but it would be hard to get lost anyway.

Appreciating the scale of the canyon on the Balcony Walk

Heading out on the Balcony Walk

SUNSET & SUNRISE

Whether you’re camping or staying at one of the resorts up top, be sure to catch sunset and sunrise from the edge of the rim. It’s a wonderful sight.

The burnished gold canyon wall at sunrise

There are a few accommodation options up top. The best located is Jebel Shams Resort , with nearby Sama Heights Resort offering a variety of room types. Canyon Rest House is also in a good location, offering a more traditional style of accommodation.

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION HERE

Oman 4×4 itinerary: day 9.

JEBEL SHAMS to MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN 49 KM

Traditional Mudbrick Village

Falaj and Terraced Palm Plantation Walk

Staying at Misfah Old House

Misfah Old House (wonderfully atmospheric old home)

Misfat Campsite ( 23.1378, 57.3066 )

Official campsite with facilities 2-5 OMR per person

Above Misfat ( 23.1445, 57.2937 / 23.1427, 57.2960 )

Visit a serene plantation village.

A magical little village tucked away amongst palms and mountains. Misfat Al Abriyeen is a great place to relax among the falaj , or head off on a day hike.

MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN

After a (hopefully) gorgeous sunrise over Jebel Shams, descend to Al Hamra (stopping at Ghul if you missed this on the way), then north to Misfat Al Abriyeen (48km). Park at the car park up top and walk down the steps into the village proper – an utterly charming collection of tall mudbrick houses, tumbling down the hillside. Many are abandoned, the walls crumbling away and revealing straw, sticks and stones muddled together. But plenty others are still lived in, with homes having been handed down through the generations. Carry on down the stone steps and narrow passageways and you’ll soon find yourself in the shade of hundreds of date palms, water flowing by in the ingenious falaj irrigation systems.

Misfat Al Abriyeen, clinging to the mountainside and surrounded by date palms

A falaj winding through the date palms

Misfat Al Abriyeen, houses clinging to the mountainside and surrounded by date palms

HIKING TRAIL

The terraced plantations below the village are a delight to wander amongst. If you’re up for a longer hike, follow the yellow, white and red painted markers along trail W9 (or just look up the route on Maps.Me). The trail eventually leads to a high plateau overlooking Wadi Bani Awf (9km one way/9-10 hours return walk). If you are able to arrange a pick-up at the other end, it’s possible to carry on to Sharaf Al Alamayn along trail W10h (7-8 hours one way from Misfat), or Bilad Sayt on trail W8 (9-10 hours one way from Misfat). While you may not have time to complete the whole route, we highly recommend walking even just a little of this trail!

Looking for more Oman inspiration?

19 AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT

MISFAH OLD HOUSE

Misfah Old House was the first heritage accommodation option in the village itself, and a lovely one at that. The original house has been in the family for three generations and, along with a neighbouring building, has been turned into guesthouse/homestay style accommodation. The rooms all vary slightly. Most have shared bathroom facilities, while a limited number are ensuites. We have stayed in both room types, enjoying the balcony of our ensuite room as well as the charm of the shared bathroom room, complete with gorgeous windows. The breakfast terrace overlooking the date palms is serene, and dinner is served on the rooftop terrace (both meals are included in the room rate). The dates from the village are some of the best we’ve ever tasted – we bought four tubs on our last visit!

The breakfast terrace at Misfah Old House

If you prefer to camp, there is an official campsite by the visitor’s centre above the village. It has toilets and shower facilities, and charges 2-5 OMR per person. If wild camping is more your thing, take the off-road track that climbs above the village and you’ll find a couple of flat spots with lovely views ( 23.1445, 57.2937 / 23.1427, 57.2960 ).

FIND MORE ACCOMMODATION AROUND MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN

Oman 4×4 itinerary: day 10.

MISFAT AL ABRIYEEN to MUSCAT via WADI BANI AWF, BILAD SAYT & LITTLE SNAKE CANYON 204 KM

Exhilarating Off-roading

Bilad Sayt Village

Little Snake Canyon Hike

WADI BANI AWF Little Snake Canyon – North Entrance ( 23.2501, 57.4338 ) At Tikhah ( 23.2752, 57.4595 )

MUSCAT Muscat Beach ( 23.6052, 58.3539 )

Saving the best for last?

If you’re only visiting Oman for 10 days, you are likely flying out today. Therefore, your final day itinerary will depend on your flight departure time. We’ve outlined a plan based on a full day’s adventure, getting back to Muscat late in the day. We think it’s one of the highlights of this off-road Oman itinerary and is not to be missed. Therefore, if you need to get back to the airport earlier, we suggest skipping something else from the itinerary.

For example, you could save a day by missing out the Sayq Plateau (driving from Wahiba Sands straight to Nizwa). Another option would be to skip Wadi Damm and the Al Ayn Beehive Tombs (driving from Nizwa straight to Jebel Shams). If you arrive in Oman early enough on Day 1, you could also save time by starting the Day 2 itinerary straight away. That way you would get back to Muscat on the night of Day 9.

On the other hand, if you have no time constraints and can afford more than 10 days, we suggest camping in Wadi Bani Awf. Then, return to Muscat the next day via Al Hijayr ( 23.2154, 57.5092 ) and Wadi Al Abyad (turn off from Road 13 at 23.3642, 57.6704 ).

Descending into Wadi Bani Awf, a real highlight of this off-road Oman itinerary

Beginning the descent into Wadi Bani Awf, a real highlight of this off-road Oman itinerary

*Don’t attempt this route if there has been rain, or if rain is forecast. The roads could be impassable and flash flooding could leave you stranded or worse. Absolutely avoid Little Snake Canyon if there’s any chance of rain, either in the vicinity or far away. The narrow, steep sided canyon can flood treacherously fast.*

WADI BANI AWF

Prepare yourself for some exhilarating off-roading and incredible scenery! From Misfat, return to Al Hamra, turn left towards Al Hoota Cave, and turn left before the cave at 23.0868, 57.3182 . You’ll climb for 23km to a fantastic viewpoint looking over the Hajar Mountains. From here, the real fun begins. The road twists and turns, weaving its way steeply down the mountainside past scenic villages and oases. Take it slow and enjoy the bumps and views.

The dirt road winding down through Wadi Ban Awf; off-road Oman at its best

Winding down through Wadi Bani Awf, experiencing off-road Oman at its very best

The whole journey through Wadi Bani Awf is only about 40km, but you’ll want to allow 3 – 4 hours including photo stops and a side trip to Bilad Sayt. Allow even longer if you plan on spending a few hours doing the full Little Snake Canyon hike.

After 11.2km, shortly after the football pitch, you’ll reach the turn-off for Bilad Sayt. It’s a further 2.4km to the village, an impossibly pretty collection of traditional houses tucked between towering mountains and a sea of green terraced fields below.

The beautifully situated village of Bilad Sayt

A local farmer working in the fields

LITTLE SNAKE CANYON

Return to the main track and carry on for 10km, pulling off at Little Snake Canyon ( 23.2407, 57.4375 ). Here, you can hike into the narrow, high-sided canyon. After lots of fun scrambling over big boulders, you eventually reach a deep, narrow pool about 50m in length. It takes about 45 – 60 minutes to reach the pool. You can continue beyond the water and emerge on the other side at 23.2501, 57.4338 , but you’ll need to swim the length of the pool first. Alternatively, drive round to that point on the road, and walk an easy 500m or so to the pool.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll need to return the same way to get back to your car. If you don’t fancy swimming or don’t have time for the full hike, the first part of the canyon walk as you enter from the south is a nice spot for a shady picnic.

Get Camping Ready

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

From Little Snake Canyon it’s a further 16km to the main Road 13. Here, you’ll head east all the way to Muscat (130km to the airport) and the end of your off-road Oman trip. You’ll be back though, right?

ALTERNATIVE DAY 4

FINS/WADI SHAB to RAS AL JINZ via SUR 119 KM

Sleepy Coastal Towns

Beautiful Beaches

Turtle Reserve

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (glamping or room) Ras Al Jinz Turtle Guest House (more affordable, walking distance to Reserve) SAMA Ras Al Jinz Resort (new, lovely bungalows, 3km from Reserve)

Ras Al Hadd Beach*  ( 22.5362, 59.7796 )

On Cliffs North of Ras Al Jinz Beach ( 22.4565, 59.8286 )

*see note on camping below

Sweeping coastline and turtles.

If you’d rather spend more time on the coast than off-roading through the Eastern Hajar Mountains, swap this itinerary for the previous Day 4 itinerary, then follow our alternative Day 5 itinerary. 

SUR & AL AYJAH

From your camp or accommodation near Wadi Shab, continue south on Road 17 to Sur (50-65km).  It’s an attractive coastal town famous for its maritime history and dhow (wooden fishing boats) building traditions. It’s a sleepy little place, perfect for a stroll along the corniche or getting up close with the dhow boats at the building yard. Be respectful and as inconspicuous as possible though, as it’s still a working shipyard. There’s a picturesque lighthouse and three watchtowers at opposite ends of the curved bay at Al Ayjah, just across the suspension bridge from Sur.

Looking across the inlet from Sur to the lighthouse at Al Ayjah

Looking across the inlet from Sur to the picturesque lighthouse at Al Ayjah

RAS AL HADD

From Al Ayjah, continue east on the coastal road. Stop off at Khawr Jirama lagoon for a wander then head on to Ras Al Hadd (40km). This area is the eastern most point of the Arabian peninsula, where the land makes a 90° turn and heads south. There’s a small community and a beach curving around the coast.

RAS AL JINZ

After a wander around Ras Al Hadd, head south on the main road, turning off towards the coast for Ras Al Jinz after about 11km. This whole area is the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, a protected area which sees thousands of turtles nesting on its beaches every year. Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Loggerhead Turtles all come ashore under cover of darkness, to dig a hole in the sand, then lay and bury their precious eggs. General access to the beach here is restricted to the daytime, and it’s vital not to disturb nests or leave any rubbish on the beach. 

The Turtle Reserve runs guided tours at 5am and 9pm to see the females nesting and (if you’re lucky) baby turtles hatching and making a dash for the ocean. Turtles come ashore throughout the year, but the highest concentration is during the summer months (when it’s actually relatively cool here compared to much of the rest of Oman). Given the times of the turtle nesting tours, the most convenient place to stay is at or near the reserve itself.

A Note On Camping

*You must be very careful camping around here, especially close to the nesting beaches at Ras Al Jinz. DO NOT camp on the beach, only on the cliff top and as far away from the edge as possible. The beach is closed from 5pm to 5am and rangers will likely visit you. You must keep light pollution to a minimum, as this could disturb the female turtles and stop them from laying their eggs. It could also disorientate the hatchlings and prevent them from making it to the sea. If you want to see the turtles on the beach, please only go on the guided tour offered at the Turtle Reserve. Don’t go by yourself or with any other locals who may offer.*

FIND MORE ACCOMMODATION

Alternative day 5.

RAS AL JINZ to WAHIBA SANDS via WADI BANI KHALID 234 KM +

Wadi Bani Khalid

Wadis and deserts. Does it get any more Oman than this?

If you opted for the alternative coastal itinerary for Day 4, this will be your Day 5 itinerary. You’ll be swimming in idyllic Wadi Bani Khalid, and sleeping under the desert stars by night.

WADI BANI KHALID

From Ras Al Jinz, retrace your steps as far as Sur, then head south on Road 23, turning off for Wadi Bani Khalid after about 147km. It’s another 30km to the car park, then a short, easy walk to the first pools. This is one of the most popular wadis in Oman, so get here early and during the week if you want any kind of peace. Whilst very beautiful, at first it doesn’t seem quite as ‘wild’ as others like Wadi Shab or Wadi Damm. But carry on beyond the first set of pools, leaving the little restaurant, lifeguard and viewing platforms behind, and you’ll find the real deal. Climb up the rocks on the right side of the pools and carry on for 5-10 minutes to reach more delightful pools, mini falls and lush ferns, with the canyon walls towering above on either side.

The stunning Wadi Bani Khalid, still and quiet in the morning

The sweeping orange red dunes of Wahiba Sands

If you’re following the alternative itinerary, Day 6 for you is the original ‘ Day 5 Wahiba Sands to Sayq Plateau ’  route. Follow the original itinerary plan for Days 5 – 10 from here on if you intend to make this an 11 day Oman itinerary in total.  If you want to stick to 10 days, you’ll have to skip something – the Sayq Plateau or Wadi Damm are two possible options.

THANKS FOR READING!

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Kim and Del Hogg

If you’ve found this guide helpful, please consider leaving us a small tip.

Your support is greatly appreciated and helps cover the costs of running this blog.

So, are you are excited for your off-road Oman adventure? Or maybe you’ve been before and have other tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!

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• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Personalized

Ready-to-book adventures, personalized

Make your adventure more you

Enjoy a tour focused solely on your travel group

Professional

Access our Travel Experts’ insider knowledge

Travel within your own bubble

• Introduction
• Day 1 Muscat
• Day 2 Muscat
• Day 3 Nizwa
• Day 4 Jebel Shams
• Day 5 Wahiba Sands
• Day 6 Wadi Bani Khalid
• Day 7 Snorkeling and Wadi Shab
• Day 9 Muscat

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Adventure Type

• Group of 10 travelers max.
• Fast booking confirmation
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Travel with like-minded people
• Travel with your own group of min. 4 travelers
• Choose your preferred dates and duration
• Upgrade your accommodation
• Customize the itineraries

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency ر.ع. Rial Omani Oman

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Oman. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Oman. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Oman. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Oman. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Oman. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 29th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 29th July 2024, a minimum payment of 40% is required to confirm your booking with One Life Journeys. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 80 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and One Life Journeys will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "One Life Journeys" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Oman self-drive tour

You may be one of those guests who love your sense of independent adventure, and a self-drive holiday in Oman might be the perfect solution.

You may be one of those guests who love your sense of independent adventure, and a self-drive holiday in Oman might be the perfect solution. We won’t be providing an accompanying driver/guide, but we can organise various experiences with the hotels you will be staying in and suggest places to stop off along the way.  

You will top and tail your self-drive Oman holiday with two nights at the W Muscat on either side. In order to ensure everything works perfectly, we will arrange private transfers on arrival and departure, as well as giving you a really amazing private tour of Muscat with a private guide so that you can get a great introduction to the country before you head off independently.

You will pick-up your 4×4 vehicle and set off on a three-night journey to both the Omani mountains and then down to the desert, Wahiba Sands . For the more intrepid driver, you can head along the off-road Wadi Bani Awf to Nizwa, before heading up into the Jabal Shams mountain range.  

The View can arrange for a car to take you to the base of the Balcony Walk at Wadi Ghul, and then pick you up from Al Khitaym at the top. You can also set off on an afternoon walk to As Sab, a beautiful abandoned village further up.  

Set off to Wahiba Sands, stopping at one of the amazing oasis-like wadis en route. Arrive at your desert camp for a wonderful sunset in the Omani desert.

Return back to Muscat the next day. You have a number of interesting wadis to visit, or possibly the fishing town of Sur.

Spend your final two nights at the W Muscat before returning home.

Guide Pricing

Starting at.

• LOCATION: GBP USD AUD EUR
• A self-drive adventure lasting three days in Oman’s stunning interior
• Have your own 4×4 delivered to your hotel
• We will provide a secret list of amazing places to stop off
• Private transfers in Muscat
• Private tour with a guide to give you an introduction to Oman

1000 Nights Camp

Suggested hotels.

• Experiences

Arrive in Muscat where we will meet you and give you a private transfer to the W Muscat, where you will spend your first two nights.

Tour of Muscat

Today is the perfect opportunity for you to explore Muscat with a private driver/guide and get a wonderful introduction to the city and indeed Oman before your self-drive tour of Oman begins. This will include seeing the amazing Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It is one of the largest mosques in the world, seating up to 20,000 people. You also visit the fish souq, Muttrah souq and the Royal Opera House.

Jabal Shams

Your car-hire starts today, and you can pick up your 4×4 vehicle for your adventures in Oman’s stunning interior. You will be fully briefed on the route, where to stop for lunches and interesting places to stop off, should you so wish.

Nizwa & Jabal Shams

Today, you can drive around the Jabal Shams region, exploring at your own leisure with our trusty list of off-the-beaten-track gems. We suggest visiting Nizwa early in the day to explore the souk, before seeing the villages of Al Hamra and Misfat Al Abryeen before setting out on the stunning Balcony Walk around Oman’s Grand Canyon.

Wahiba Sands

For those who like to visit a fort, you can drive via Bahla and/or Jabrin on the way south to the desert. You might also like to stop at Ibra to see the superb souk. Continue to your desert camp for the night. The final part of the drive makes for quite the adventure as you navigate sandy tracks in your 4×4.

Today, return to Muscat. You can stop off at some remote wadis as you join the stunning Sur-Muscat beach road. Spend your final two nights at leisure. We will come and pick up your hire car from the hotel.

You will be privately transferred to the hotel for your return flight home.

The beachfront W Muscat is one of the newest luxury hotels to open in Oman’s capital. The W Muscat is located in the lively Shatti Al Qurum district. 

The View is stunningly located on the slopes of Jabal Shams above the quaint village of Al Hamra, just outside of Nizwa in Oman.

The 1000 Nights Camp is an authentic desert camping experience located in the Wahiba Sands in Oman. 

Itinerary Experiences

Nizwa Souq & Friday Market

Balcony Walk – Oman’s Grand Canyon

Jabrin Fort

Wadi Bani Khalid

Camel Ride at Sunset in Wahiba Sands

Muscat to Sur Coastal Road

Further itinerary suggestions.

Walking Holiday in Oman

Oman is one of the best trekking destinations in the Middle East, and there are a host of superb walks and hikes to be found.

Classic Oman

Our Classic Oman tour is a privately chauffeured journey through Oman and showcases the country’s wonderful highlights. Explore Oman’s beautiful beaches, rugged mountain landscapes, pretty villages, palm-fringed wadis, and the sheer beauty of the Arabian desert.

Grand Tour of Oman

This Grand Tour of Oman gives you a comprehensive tour of all what Oman has to offer, with the opportunity to extend your time in the Northern region of Musandam, turning it from a two-week trip to a three-week trip.

What is a better way to experience Oman than to take your time, explore at a gentler pace and let this magical destination unfold slowly? This journey generally has you in each destination for three days rather than one or two, allowing for lazy afternoons with a good book beside the pool, or a potter through a local village before sitting down to a long lunch.

Luxury Tour of Oman

This luxury tour of Oman uses the most fabulous hotels and private camps to ensure the overall experience is breathtakingly wonderful in every respect.

Family Holiday to Oman

There is so much that will excite your children on a family holiday to Oman. Tales of Arabian nights, of vast golden deserts, bustling souqs, dramatic mountain scenery, turtle watching, and ending with some well-deserved beach time.

A Honeymoon to India and Oman

Rajasthan is unquestionably one of the most romantic places on earth, with amazing hotels to match. See the forts and palaces, tigers, the Taj Mahal and kick-back on the beach in Oman to end.

Make an Enquiry

We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.

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Discover Oman's Hidden Treasures with Nomad Tours

Nomad Tours is a premier tour operator specializing in providing unique and authentic travel experiences in the Sultanate of Oman.

LET’S GO CAMPING IN OMAN

We make adventures of a life time happen on Land and at Sea

Roof Top tents

Camping equipment rental, about nomad tours.

We have been operating in the Sultanate of Oman since 2006. Nomad in Arabic is Al Rahal which means Bedouin. It’s the Bedouin love of the outdoors and their world famous hospitality that we have tried to emulate at Nomad Tours. Our ambition is to enable our guests to enjoy this beautiful country as much as we have and to leave with a feeling that they have not been ripped off and that they cannot wait to come again.

Oman is an outdoor enthusiast’s dreamland it has to have some of the best camping in the world. With wonderful camp sites high in the Jebel (mountains) on majestic beaches with white sand that stretches for miles and beautiful Wadis with lush date plantations.

On top of all that the Omanis are some of the most hospitable people on this planet.

I am an Expat who has lived in Oman for over 27 years I am still absolutely in love with the place.

To be honest, we would like to have kept this little known secret jewel of the Middle East to ourselves but when the Government decided to open up the country for Tourism we decided we better be part of it.

As we watched mountain tops being leveled and beaches barricaded off to build huge 5 star hotels it was of course with mixed feelings. I guess the 5 star decadence appeals to some but not us at Nomads. Our objective is to enable people to explore this beautiful country without breaking the bank.

It is widely publicized that the goal of the Ministry of Tourism is to target the affluent Tourist I have argued vociferously that this will not be sustainable in the long term and that Oman should be encouraging tourists whatever their Budget.

There is absolutely no doubt that the best way to explore Oman is to hire a 4WD car and camping gear and head off for an adventure of a lifetime. You really do need as much time as possible there is so much natural beauty to blow your mind away. And on a budget a fraction of what the affluent are spending in the 5 star hotels you are going to see so much more

When I get inquiries from those only planning to visit for a few days, asking me what they should do … I am at a loss, there is so much to do…. I have been doing it for 27 years and still I want more!

Come to Oman, with the kids, if possible and enjoy the Jewel in the Middle East.

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Nomadtoursom, quick tours.

please check out our latest packages

One Day Tour

• Bimmah sink hole & Wadi Shab
• Bimmah sink hole & Wadi Tiwi
• Wahiba Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid
• Nizwa & Jebel Shams + The Grand Canyon
• Wadi Dayqah Dam & Wadi Arbiyyinn & Bimmah Sink Hole
• Nakhal & Wukan & Wadi Hoqain & Nazm Castle

For more info

• [email protected]

Two Day Tour

• Muscat City Tour – Bimmah sink hole – Tiwi - Wadi Shab – Wadi Arbeieen – Wadi Dayqah
• Muscat City Tour – Desert Camp - Camel Ride* – Wadi Bani Khalid
• Muscat City Tour – Turtles – Sur – Wadi Tiwi – Bimmah Sink Hole
• Muscat – Bimmah Sink Hole – Wadi Shab – Turtles– Wadi Bani Khalid – Wahiba Sands

Three Day Tour

• Muscat City Tour – Bimmah sink hole – Tiwi – Wadi Shab – Wadi Tiwi – Desert Camp – Camel Ride* – Wadi Bani Khalid – Muscat
• Muscat – Nizwa – Jabrin – Bahla – Desert Camp – Wadi Bani Khalid – Sur – Turtles - Ras Al Jinz – Wadi Shab – Bimmah Sink Hole
• Muscat – Nakal – Wadi Bani Awf – Over the top – Jebel Shams – Misfah – Jabrin – Bahla – Nizwa – Desert Camp – Wadi Bani Khalid

Our Special

• Self Drive Guided Tours
• Muscat City Tour
• One DayTours
• Two Days Tours
• Three Days Tours
• Multi Days Tour
• Camping & Adventure Tours
• Desert Crossings
• A Bumpy Road to Paradise
• The Sugar Dunes
• Climbing & Canyoning Tours
• Trekking Tours
• Oman Turtles
• Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling
• Dhow Cruise
• Game Fishing
• Yacht Charters
• way 4468, Muscat 100, Oman
• https://nomadtours.com
• +96895495240

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YOUR LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR IN OMAN

Desert Camels Adventure Tours is a local tour operator based in Oman specialized in tailor-made tours for individual travelers and small groups .

Mustafa (Omani from Nizwa) and Chiara (Italian from Turin) work side by side to organize unforgettable customized tours in Oman .

We offer authentic experiences thanks to our deep knowledge of the country and we guarantee high quality services and customer care.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY TO OMAN

Explore, dream, discover with a reliable tour operator based in Oman!

Small Groups Tours

Check the season schedule for our small groups tours in Oman. Our 4x4 tours and expeditions are designed for a limited number of travelers, allowing you to get in touch with locals and to reach the most beautiful and remote places safely.

Tailor-Made Tours

Our team of experts organizes tailor-made tours in Oman for private groups, families with children, honeymooners, independent travelers, cultural associations, travel agencies and tour operators. Ask us for a customized program!

Day Trips & Excursions

Are you temporarily in the Sultanate on a short business trip? Does your cruise ship stop in Muscat for a few hours or do you have a long layover at the airport? Explore Oman's mosques, canyons, deserts, beaches with our personalized private day trips!

WELCOME TO OMAN

More than three thousand kilometers of coastline, two vast sandy deserts and high rocky mountains: Oman offers a variety of landscapes that can fully satisfy all those travelers looking for pristine nature and outdoor activities. Forts, castles, archaeological sites, villages and traditional markets witness a long history that takes you back to ancient times.

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

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Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

Duration 3 days

Price from USD $730 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

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This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures

3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour : Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
• Moscow Metro Tour : Go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous Moscow metro. The world’s deepest metro system is renowned for its palatial, art-adorned stations, complete with marble columns and chandeliers.

On your first day, you’ll be treated to a panoramic, drive-by tour of Moscow to get a feel for the immense scale of one of the world’s most rapidly developing urban centres. The city’s history unfolds in real-time as you pass lavish imperial mansions, solemn Soviet structures and luxurious modern shopping centres.

Day two kicks off exploring Moscow’s historic centre on foot, followed by a tour of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power and political intrigue for centuries. Stand in the Red Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture as you hear stories of the people and events behind many of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks.

On your final day, we’ll head beneath the city for a tour of the Moscow Metro and its famously ornate underground stations. Art lovers should hit up one of Moscow’s many world-class galleries such as the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum or Garage, Moscow’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. History fans can follow a Soviet trail through the city including Stalin’s Bunker, while those seeking a more indulgent experience can browse trendy neighbourhoods like Kitay Gorod or shop for everything from fashion to kitsch souvenirs at the enchanting Izmaylovo Flea Market. Foodies can head to one of the countless speciality stores sampling vodka, caviar and chocolate.

If you only have a few days to spend in Moscow, this tour will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. Let the experts navigate you through this complex and occasionally overwhelming capital, giving you plenty of time to soak up the city’s most unmissable attractions.

Accomodation

Not Included

Sightseeing

Action rating ?

Type of tour

3 days / 2 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Panoramic city tour

Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia, Moscow! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel.

After check-in and rest, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby for a comprehensive tour of Moscow by car. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre, pass Tverskaya Street, the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store.

You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Moskva River, where a huge, controversial state of Peter the Great was erected. Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent, and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills, for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Day 2 Red Square and Kremlin

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical city centre. Stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its elaborate ‘stone flower’ fountain and fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Admire the grandiose façade of GUM, the city’s most luxurious shopping centre, and visit Alexander’s Garden, with its eternal flame and the chance to watch a changing of the guards.

Break for lunch before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber, famous of its collection of tsarist fashion, with regalia such as jewel-encrusted crowns, orbs and sceptres as well as arms and armour, exotic gifts from the leaders of faraway lands, and an illustrious case of Imperial Faberge eggs.

As an option* spend an evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 3 Metro and Arbat Street

Start a day with a tour of Metro, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Take a stroll along Old Arbat street - the most famous street in Moscow. Through the centuries Arbat used to be one of the most bohemian places in Moscow. Today Arbat is a promenade full of small cozy cafes and street life.

The afternoon is free for you to either enjoy the rest of the day on your own or choose among optional excursions to explore more of Moscow. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum to admire Russian art. Join locals for a stroll at the Gorky or VDNH park.

Visit beautiful Kolomeskoye Estate or Izmailovo Kremlin, or spend a day exploring the beautiful city of the Golden Ring (Russian province) - Sergiev Posad. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to your next destination.

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Group airport/train-station arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with a private driver

4* hotel accommodation in the historical city center (twin/double)

Local licensed English-speaking guide

All activities, indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry fees according to the itinerary (skip-the-lines policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions/activities

*Private tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

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Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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From USD $730

Day 1: Panoramic city tour

Day 2: red square and kremlin, day 3: metro and arbat street, not included, start planning your tour.

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