12 Days
Daily Tour
1 person
English, Espanol, Francais, Japanese, Vietnamese, русский
Here is a concise, SEO-optimized English version of the itinerary, designed for a blog post or travel website. It focuses on keywords like “Oman Family Trip,” “Self-drive,” and “Musandam.”
Meta Description: Discover the perfect 12-day family road trip in Oman. From the Wahiba Sands desert and Jebel Shams mountains to a dhow cruise in the Musandam fjords. A complete travel guide for 2026.
Target Keywords:
Oman family travel itinerary
Oman self-drive tour 4×4
Musandam dhow cruise
Wahiba Sands camping
Best wadis in Oman
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Best Time: February – March
Travel Style: Self-drive Adventure & Guided Tours
Route: Muscat Loop + Musandam Peninsula (The “Norway of Arabia”)
Day 1: Arrival in Muscat & City Highlights Arrive in Muscat. Visit the architectural masterpiece Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House. Explore the vibrant Muttrah Souk before checking into your hotel.
Day 2: Coastal Drive & Wadi Shab Hiking Pick up your 4×4 rental. Drive south to Wadi Shab for a family hike and swim in hidden caves (or choose the quieter Wadi Al Arbaieen). Overnight at Turtle Beach Resort.
Day 3: Maritime History in Sur & Ras Al Hadd Explore the dhow shipyards of Sur and the historic Al Ayjah lighthouse. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden beaches of Ras Al Hadd.
Day 4: Wadi Bani Khalid & Wahiba Sands Desert Swim in the crystal-clear pools of Wadi Bani Khalid. In the afternoon, drive into the Wahiba Sands for a 4×4 dune bashing experience and a magical night in a Bedouin desert camp.
Day 5: Green Mountain Villages (Jabal Akhdar) Travel to Birkat Al Mouz to see ancient ruins. Ascend to Jabal Akhdar to explore the cliffside village of Wadi Bani Habib and enjoy cool mountain weather.
Day 6: Nizwa Culture & History Start early at the famous Nizwa Livestock Market (Friday morning essential). Tour the massive Nizwa Fort and Souk. Visit the living museum at Al Hamra.
Day 7: The Grand Canyon of Arabia (Jebel Shams) Drive to the summit of Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak. Hike the spectacular Balcony Walk (W8 Trail) or take a guided village tour in Misfat Al Abriyeen.
Day 8: Off-Road Adventure to Muscat Return to the capital via the thrilling Wadi Bani Awf off-road track (Snake Canyon) or take the relaxed paved route through historic Izki.
Day 9: Flight to the North (Musandam) Fly to Khasab in the Musandam Peninsula. Discover ancient petroglyphs in Wadi Qadah and visit the historic Khasab Fort.
Day 10: Musandam Fjord Dhow Cruise Sail the turquoise waters of Khor Sham on a traditional Dhow. Enjoy dolphin watching, snorkeling at Telegraph Island, and a majestic fjord landscape.
Day 11: Jebel Harim Mountain Safari Take a 4×4 mountain safari to Jebel Harim (The Mountain of Women). Enjoy panoramic views of the Strait of Hormuz and spot ancient marine fossils.
Day 12: Transfer to Dubai Enjoy a scenic coastal drive from Khasab, crossing the border into the UAE for your drop-off in Dubai.
Diverse Scenery: Combines beaches, deserts, and canyons in one trip.
Teen-Friendly: Hiking, snorkeling, and dune bashing keep adolescents engaged.
Comfort: Private 4×4 allows for a flexible pace suitable for all ages.
✅ Advantages :
⚠️ Disadvantages :
✅ Advantages :
⚠️ Disadvantages :
In both cases, the day will end in the tranquility of the Turtle Beach Resort, nestled in front of the sea, for a relaxing evening in a preserved natural setting. Please let me know which option best suits your pace and preferences! Room category: 1 Hamoor DBL Room + 1 Hamoor TPL (DBL + Extra Bed) Transport - 4X4 Toyota Prado TXL (Automatic – 4L) or similar
As night falls, you will enjoy an Omani dinner under the stars , in a friendly and authentic atmosphere. The silence of the desert and the starry sky will provide an unforgettable setting to end this unique day.
To experience an exceptional moment, you can participate in a hot air balloon ride , departing from the camp around 4:30 am . 🎈 Flight duration : Approximately 1 hour 🌄 Highlights :
This poetic and spectacular experience must be booked in advance and is weather dependent. Room category: 1 VIP Tent for 5 people (Al Sarmadi Camp) Ou 2 Sheikh Standard Tent ( 1000 Nights Camp ) Or 2 Deluxe Eco Tents (Twilight Dunes Camp) Transport - 4X4 Toyota Prado TXL (Automatic – 4L) or similar
In the early afternoon, you will arrive at Jebel Shams , where you can settle in and relax in an exceptional natural setting , at an altitude of over 2000 meters. Enjoy the peace and quiet, fresh air and breathtaking scenery to recharge before a peaceful night in the mountains. Let's finish with a walk on Jebal Shams, relaxing in Sama Heights Resort Room category: 1 Standard Chalet Tent (1 DBL + 1 TPL) (Sama Heights Resort) Ou 2 Private Chalets ( 1 DBL + 1 TPL ) ( Jebal Shams Resort ) Transport - 4X4 Toyota Prado TXL (Automatic – 4L) or similar
After breakfast overlooking the majestic mountains, you'll take the spectacular track that descends from Jebel Shams to the secluded village of Bilad Sayt , nestled in a picture-perfect mountain cirque. This traditional hamlet, with its terraced fields, palm trees, and stone houses, seems frozen in time. A short walk allows you to soak up its serene and authentic atmosphere. You will then continue along the famous Wadi Bani Awf track , one of the most impressive in Oman. This 4x4 journey through steep canyons, towering cliffs, and verdant valleys is an unforgettable adventure, reserved for experienced drivers. Thrills guaranteed throughout the descent! On the way, stop in the peaceful village of Al Awabi , known for its gardens and relaxed atmosphere, before rejoining the main road to Muscat , where you will arrive at the end of the day. A well-deserved rest awaits you at your accommodation in the city. ⚠️ Route not recommended for people who are not comfortable on stony tracks, narrow passages and steep inclines.
For a more relaxed journey, you can take a fully paved road. After breakfast, descend to Al Hamra , a charming traditional village with earthen houses and terraced gardens. A short stop allows you to appreciate its authenticity. The road will then take you to Izki , one of the oldest cities in Oman. If you wish, you can stop there to explore its ruins or enjoy a traditional lunch in a small local restaurant. Finally, you will join the highway leading directly to Muscat , with a smooth, safe and pleasant journey through the Omani landscapes. 🕒 Estimated journey time: approximately 4 hours including breaks ✅ Advantages :
Before 6:00 PM, please return the keys to the 4x4 to one of our representatives at the Royal Tulip Hotel. Room category: 2 Superior Double Room Transport - 4X4 Toyota Prado TXL (Automatic – 4L) or similar
This visit includes:
Late morning, you will be transferred to your hotel to settle in and enjoy a free afternoon, perfect for resting after this first cultural immersion. ✨ This day marks the beginning of an unforgettable discovery of the preserved beauty and rich heritage of Musandam. Room category: 2 Deluxe Sea View DBL Room (1 DBL + 1 TPL) Transportation - car with driver from the airport to the hotel in Muscat / transportation for the Khasab city tour
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