Oman 360°: Muscat, Sandboarding the Dunes & the Grand Canyon of Arabia

Check-in at the hotel in Muscat, one of the oldest cities in the Middle East: from the very beginning, it's like being in an enchanted world!

• First sunset in Muscat: we enjoy the sunset, perhaps near the Great Mosque of Sultan Qaboos, whose white marble contrasts with the pink sky.

New day, new horizons! We collect our rental cars and say goodbye to the capital.

• Rustaq Fort: first stop is Rustaq, a town in northern Oman, where we visit the fort and its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

• Off-road in the Hajar Mountains: just after lunch comes the real gem of the day: 60 km of dirt road through the Hajar Mountains, a real travel experience.

• Canyon stops: along the way we can stop to admire the incredible canyons that characterise this land.

Early start today: first a cave, then a canyon!

• Inside Al Hoota Cave: Al Hoota Cave is a stunning 2-million-year-old cave extending 4.5 km: inside, four lakes host a unique ecosystem, including blind fish found only in Oman. Our local guide shares the cave's history as we admire the mesmerising rock formations.

• Trek in the Grand Canyon of Arabia: next, we drive to the Grand Canyon of Arabia, every bit as impressive as its American counterpart: a 3-hour trek leads us to a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint.

• Night in Nizwa: later, we settle in Nizwa for the night.

Good morning, Nizwa! We start early to explore this enchanting Omani town with an Aladdin-like feel.

• Is it Friday? On Fridays, we can experience the tradition of the camel market.

• Otherwise, Bahla Fort: if it's not Friday, don't worry: we visit Bahla Fort, a UNESCO heritage site since 1987.

The next stop is Birkat Al Mauz, a picturesque village surrounded by lush date-palm plantations.

• Scenic route from Wadi Al Madeen: from Wadi Al Madeen, a stunning 36-km scenic route winds through dramatic landscapes.

• Up to Jebel Akhdar: the journey leads to Jebel Akhdar, rising 2,000 metres above sea level: the green jewel of the Al Hajar Mountains, with a cooler climate, breathtaking views and terraced orchards fed by ancient aflaj irrigation systems.

• Through mountain villages: along the way, we pass through the villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib and Al Ayn, overlooking deep gorges and winding wadis.

It feels worlds away from the surrounding desert!

From emerald pools to the dunes in a single day!

• Relaxing at Wadi Bani Khalid: at Wadi Bani Khalid, a famous Omani wadi, we relax in its emerald pools and explore its perennial source.

• Into Wahiba Sands: later, we venture into the sandy desert, driving through the dunes to reach the Bedouin camp in Wahiba Sands.

• Night under the stars: an unforgettable dinner, sunset and a magical night of stargazing await!

In the desert, we rise early to witness a mesmerising sunrise over the dunes.

• Jeep and sandboarding: the morning is filled with adrenaline as we explore the desert by jeep and try sandboarding for a truly unique experience.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Sur, overlooking the Persian Gulf, where we can slow down and recharge on this stunning stretch of Omani coastline.

• Ras Al Jinz Turtle Centre: then comes one of those truly unforgettable moments: we visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Centre to see the sea turtles in their natural habitat.

This morning we wave goodbye to the beach and set off for Wadi Shab, where nature's beauty shines amidst harsh deserts and rocks.

• Walk to the Bimmah Sinkhole: a short walk leads us to the Bimmah Sinkhole, without a doubt one of the most stunning spots along the coast.

• Swimsuit on: the water is crystal-clear and totally tempting, so let's dive right in!

In the afternoon we head back to Muscat: the trip is almost over, but there's still time to soak up Oman’s unique culture.

• Stroll and local dishes: a leisurely stroll through the city and a stop at a traditional restaurant to taste some delicious local dishes.

The perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable adventure.

Our final day starts at the Mutrah fish market, then sea or culture: it's up to us!

• Fancy a boat trip? A half-day boat trip for some sea adventures.

• More into culture? We can visit the Great Mosque and the Opera House.

• Shopping in Mutrah souq: in the lively Mutrah souq, we shop for handicrafts and local specialties.

• Farewell dinner: a farewell dinner marks the end of this incredible journey: let's cherish this last evening together!

We have to say goodbye: see you at the next WeRoad adventure! You are free to leave whatever time suits you on this day.