A Romantic Week In Oman
Emily C, Eleanor and Jacqui are here to help give you the inside track.
On this week-long holiday, trek in the Hajar Mountains for magnificent views, explore Wahiba Sands rolling sand dunes, get lost in Muscat's souqs haggling for souvenirs and dive among swirls of marine life at the Daymaniyat Islands for the most diverse, and memorable, romantic sojourn yet.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Trek in the towering Hajar Mountains - either on a relaxed stroll or via an exhilarating via ferrata trail of bridges and ladders - for spectacular views over the canyons, wadis and mountains below
- Camp under the stars in a luxury tent in the dunes of the Wahiba Sands
- Uncover the local Omani culture with a private tour around Muscat, visiting impressive mosques and vibrant souqs along the way
- Dive the marine rich reefs around Bandar Al Khairan and Fahal, including the Al Munassir wreck.
Why Book with Original Diving?
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1: International Flight
Your overnight international flight to Muscat leaves London in the evening and takes seven-and-a-half-hours.
Day 2: Arrive in Oman
The flight lands in Muscat first thing in the morning. Once you have cleared customs, one of our team on the ground will meet you in arrivals and transfer you to your hotel in the Hajar Mountains. The scenic journey should take approximately three hours, passing ancient villages and forts, vibrant markets and majestic ranges.
Whether you choose to stay in a centrally located eco retreat or 6,000ft up in an architectural wonder, the main draw to the area is the spectacular scenery. Running along the east coast of the country, Oman's Hajar Mountains are a blend of plunging cliffs, wadis and canyons equating to some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. You will be spending the next three nights here.
Day 3 – 4: Hajar Mountains
Enjoy these days at your leisure. There's a wealth of activities to uncover in the local area, including embarking on a number of hikes into the mountains for magnificent views of dramatic gorges, visiting local villages for an insight into local traditions and, for the adrenaline junkies, via ferrata.
Located near the Saiq Plateau, these climbing routes of cables, ladders and suspension bridges are not for the faint hearted but great fun! Either take the leisurely route down the wadi to the hidden village of Al Khutaymi, or pump up the adrenaline even higher with a caving adventure en route.
If this all sounds a little exhausting, the more relaxation inclined can unwind with a spa treatment or try sunrise yoga sessions and cookery classes. Come evening, indulge in a romantic private dining up in the mountains then stargaze - with no light pollution you're in for a treat.
Day 4: Wahiba Sands
After breakfast bid farewell to the mountains and begin your journey to the desert. On the way you will visit Wadi Bani Khalid, stopping for a dip in its clear deep blue waters that flow between the boulders scattered along the course of the wadi.
You will be spending the night in a luxury desert camp in Wahiba Sands. A stark contrast to the cool mountainside, Wahiba Sands allows you to experience the desolate beauty of the desert. Ride a camel, learn how to drive a 4x4 up the towering sand dunes or sandboard back down. After all the exertion, refresh with a sundowner while watching the sun disappear behind the dunes and then indulge in a delicious supper by the crackling fire.
Day 5: Muscat
Either watch sunrise from the comfort of your bed or climb up a dune for the full panoramic effect, then depart to Wadi Bani Khalid for a final swim before visiting the town of Sur to visit the traditional dhow (Omani sailing boats) boatyards.
Continuing from Sur you will visit the Wadi Shab to walk along terraced plantations, turquoise pools and waterfalls that characterise the gorge. As you head towards Muscat you will visit the ruins of the Bimah Sinkhole, an expansive limestone crater with blue-green water at the bottom.
Once you have checked into your hotel in Muscat, spend the rest of the day at leisure. You will be spending the next three nights here.
Day 6: Diving around Bandar Al Khairan and Fahal
This morning you will be heading out to dive the sites around Bandar Al Khairan and Fahal. Explore the sunken wreck, Al Munassir, and enjoy the stunning reefs that support a soup of marine life. Keep watch on the surface for pods of dolphins as you cruise back to shore.
Visibility might not compare to other regions of the world, but its nutrient-rich waters have enabled a flurry of species to thrive. Expect to see huge shoals of fish, turtles, moray eels, leopard sharks and dolphins, as well as healthy hard and soft coral reefs.
Day 7: Muscat
After a leisurely breakfast, set out to explore the souqs of Muscat.After a leisurely breakfast, set out to explore the souqs of Muscat.
While they're no match for the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, this mazy market, complete with whirls of colour, smells and activity is a fun place to pick up souvenirs along the way. After refuelling on a fresh seafood lunch by the port, set out on a private city tour to find out more about the local culture, stopping by the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
This evening set out on a romantic dhow cruise to watch the sunset before feasting on a private candlelit supper.
Additional Activities
- Hit the seas on a dolphin watching tour
- Snorkel the local reefs with a snorkelling tour, looking out for moray eels, turtles and colourful reef fish
Day 8: Hometime
Today, after an early breakfast, it's sadly time to depart for your flight home. You will be transferred back to the airport in good time for your flight back to the UK, which takes just over eight hours, landing in London at lunchtime.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£5,230pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to add business or first class flights, stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
£6,276pp
Emily C, Eleanor and Jacqui are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.