
moderate
7 days
Comfortable walking 5–8 km on uneven terrain in warm conditions; able to climb stairs in forts and manage short swims.
Swim in blue-walled canyons, crest desert dunes by 4x4, and wander UNESCO-listed forts—all in one well-paced week from Muscat. This classic Oman route blends adventure with culture and smart logistics so you can focus on the views, not the guesswork.
Dawn slides over Muscat in soft peach light, the Arabian Sea breathing against the Corniche while minarets call the city awake. Your week begins here—bags in the van, cool air from the A/C, and the road unfurling along limestone headlands where cliffs meet turquoise water. Oman doesn’t rush; it opens, one wadi, one fort, one dune at a time, each with its own rhythm.

Wear long sleeves and trousers; women should bring a scarf to cover hair at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Closed-toe water shoes or sticky-soled hikers help on slick limestone and protect feet during Wadi Shab swims.
Start activities early, carry 2–3 liters of water per person, and use SPF 50+ on reflective sand and water days.
Jebel Shams and dune drives are in 4x4s; if you get motion sick, take medication before the ascent and sit forward.
Portuguese-built forts still guard Old Muscat’s harbor, while Nizwa’s 17th‑century fort reflects the Ya’rubi dynasty’s rise and consolidation of the interior.
Use reef‑safe/mineral sunscreen in wadis, pack out all trash, and avoid crest-walking on fragile dune ridges to reduce erosion.
Grippy soles and quick drainage make Wadi Shab and slick limestone safer and more comfortable.
High UV exposure on the coast and in the desert makes full-coverage sun protection crucial.
summer specific
Desert nights and Jebel Shams can drop near freezing in winter despite warm days.
winter specific
Keep devices charged during long transfer days and at desert camps with limited outlets.