Oman Highlights 9 Days

Day 1 and 2 Amsterdam - Departure to Oman, Muscat

The journey begins at Schiphol Airport, where we check in for the overnight flight to Muscat, the capital of Oman. The flight takes an average of 7 to 10 hours, depending on the airline, and is comfortable thanks to modern aircraft that fly direct or with a short stopover to the Gulf.

Arrival is usually in the early morning or around noon, which means there is still plenty of time to acclimate quietly. After arrival, transfer to a luxury hotel in Muscat, where you can relax by the pool and recover from the flight. The city is known for its excellent hotels, soft beds and the typical smell of incense that you can smell everywhere in the air.

At the end of the afternoon, an important moment is scheduled: motorcycle pickup and a brief trip briefing on the next few days. We go over the route, discuss safety and terrain guidelines, and meet the rest of the team who will be supporting us.

We will end the first day in style with a traditional Omani meal.... Here you will taste the flavors of Oman for the first time: fragrant rice, gently spiced meat and sweet dates with coffee. A perfect introduction to the hospitality and charm of this special country - and the beginning of an unforgettable motorcycle trip.

Day 3 Muscat - Sur

After a full breakfast at the hotel, the time has finally come: we get on our motorcycles and begin our adventurous journey of discovery through Oman. The sun is already low over the Gulf of Oman when we leave the city of Muscat behind us. The first few kilometers we still follow the main road, but soon we turn onto smaller roads that lead us out of the city and into nature.

The asphalt gives way to gravel, and the surroundings change to a landscape of low mountains and vast valleys. Here you immediately experience the sense of freedom that Oman is so famous for. The lightweight 450cc engines feel perfect on the gravel trails - stable, agile and just powerful enough for this terrain.

Along the way, we stop at a simple traditional eatery for lunch, where we are introduced to the local cuisine: freshly baked flatbread, spicy rice and chicken or lamb with lemon and cardamom. Omani hospitality is genuine and warm, and a smile is never far away.

In the afternoon we drive on toward Dayqah, where we follow a beautiful unpaved route that takes us right through the interior. Here we traverse several wadis - riverbeds that are dry most of the year. The surface of sand and stones makes for a playful ride, with the ancient riverbed literally forming our track.

Later in the day we reach the coast again and follow the main road towards Sur, a charming coastal town known for its dhow shipyards and relaxed atmosphere. Our luxury hotel is close to the sea and offers a lovely pool to wash off the dust of the day.

In the evening, we enjoyed a leisurely dinner at the hotel or on the promenade, with fresh fish and ocean views. It was a day full of contrasts: from urban departures to deserted mountain roads, from dusty wadis to refreshing sea air - just the mix that makes Oman so special.

Day 4 Sur - Al Wasil (via the mountains of Jabal Al Akhdar)

After breakfast in Sur, we load up the motorcycles and get ready for a long and adventurous day's ride through Oman's mountainous interior. Today is all about challenging mountain roads, rugged nature and silence - exactly what makes this trip so special.

We leave Sur via a short stretch of main road, but soon turn onto smaller mountain roads that lead us deep into Jabal Al Akhdar. The scenery soon changes: the asphalt gives way to gravel and rocky paths winding up along steep slopes. The views are phenomenal - every turn offers a new panorama of valleys, gorges and rock formations that change color with the sunlight.

The route is varied: stretches of smooth gravel alternate with loose stones and sharp turns. It requires attention and technique, but with the light 450cc motorcycles we keep excellent control. Along the way, we stop frequently to enjoy the views and take pictures; this is the Oman you can only really experience by motorcycle.

Since we are riding through remote mountainous areas today, we hardly encounter any villages. Consequently, lunch facilities are not guaranteed, so we bring our own provisions and plenty of water. Under a makeshift shady spot among the rocks, we take a moment to pause and enjoy the silence - only the sound of the wind and the ticking of cooling engines break the peace.

During the afternoon, we gradually descend from the mountains and approach the edge of the Wahiba Sands desert. Here lies Al Wasil, a small town that serves as the gateway to the sand dunes. Just outside the village, our luxury desert camp awaits, where we spend the night in spacious air-conditioned tents with private bathrooms.

After a refreshing shower in the tent and a short rest, we gather atop a dune around sunset. As the sun turns the dunes golden, dinner is prepared: a traditional Omani barbecue under the stars. The silence, the warmth of the sand and the infinite starry sky make this a magical end to an intense and unforgettable day.

Day 5 Al Wasil - Nizwa

For early risers, the day begins with a special experience: the sunrise over the dunes. Those who wish can experience this magical moment during a camel ride, a baby carriage ride or a quad bike ride. The first rays of the sun color the sand golden and red, while the silence of the desert is broken only by the gentle sound of animals and the wind.

After breakfast at camp, we pack up the motorcycles again and set sail for the interior. Today the terrain is flat, but no less intense. We ride alternately on paved roads and gravel paths with some loose or deep gravel here and there - so concentration remains important. The horizon shakes in the heat, and the smell of sand and dust is now as much a part of the journey as the sound of the engine.

We follow the route along the edge of the Wahiba Sands, where the landscape is constantly changing. Occasionally we leave the main route to explore a looser stretch of sand - a few playful miles of pure fun for those who like a little extra challenge.

Along the way, we stop in a small village for a simple lunch or a refreshing drink. The people here are friendly and curious; a few words of Arabic or a smile are enough for a warm welcome.

By the afternoon we reach Nizwa, one of Oman's oldest and most distinctive cities. Just outside the city is our comfortable hotel, equipped with a pool, bar and luxurious rooms - a wonderful place to relax after the dusty drive.

Day 6 - Nizwa - Jebel Shams

Today we begin what many call the highlight of the trip: the ascent of the impressive Jebel Shams Mountains - the "roof of Oman." This mountain range, with peaks above 3,000 meters, offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country: rugged cliffs, deep gorges and panoramas you won't see anywhere else.

After an early breakfast, we leave Nizwa and drive a short distance on the main road. Soon we turn onto a narrow, winding mountain road that winds its way up through the mountains. The route is steep and technically challenging, with sharp hairpin turns and breathtaking views of valleys and rock formations. This is motorcycling at its best - focused, intense and incredibly beautiful at the same time.

After this first climb, we follow a stretch of through road toward the Jebel Shams plateau. The scenery gets rougher the higher we get, and the air noticeably cooler. Then the real ascent to Jebel Shams itself begins: first over perfect asphalt with spirited gradients, then continuing on unpaved mountain paths. Here we rise to over 2,000 meters, where the air becomes thinner and the views more expansive.

In the late afternoon we reach our mountain hotel, beautifully located at altitude and not far from the famous "Grand Canyon of Oman" viewpoint. From here you can look hundreds of meters deep into the gorge - one of the most impressive views in the Middle East.

The hotel offers comfortable rooms and even a swimming pool, although the water here is fresh thanks to the altitude. So a refreshing dip after the hot climb is more than welcome.

In the evening, we enjoy dinner overlooking the mountains as the sun slowly sinks behind the cliffs. The silence, cool mountain air and starry skies make this an unforgettable end to a day full of highlights - literally and figuratively.

Day 7 - Jebel Shams - Bilad Sayt

Today awaits another day of adventure, views and unforgettable routes - a day that many will count among the best of the trip.

After breakfast, we start a round trip around Jebel Shams, on a dirt mountain road that offers perhaps the most impressive panoramas of the entire trip. The route winds along deep gorges and rugged rock faces, with steep and technical passages here and there. It is a ride that requires both driving skill and concentration, but the reward is phenomenal: vistas that stretch to the horizon.

We then descend toward the mysterious Al Ayn Beehive Tombs, ancient burial mounds listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road there is mostly off-road, which adds to the sense of discovery. Here we take time to walk around and enjoy the silence and history that hangs between the mountains.

After this special visit, we follow a stretch of paved road to catch our breath and give the bikes some rest. Around noon we will stop somewhere along the way for lunch, probably in the Rustaq area, where we will have simple but tasty Omani dishes - rice, chicken, salad and fresh fruit.

In the afternoon, the next highlight arrived: the route to Valley Splitting. First a short stretch of asphalt, then completely off-road again. The scenery here is spectacular: jagged rock formations, dry river beds and varied gravel paths. A perfect place for photos and a short rest among the mountains.

From here we drive on toward Bilad Sayt, one of Oman's most beautiful villages, tucked among high mountain peaks. The access roads to the village are some of the most scenic in the country - narrow off-road paths zigzagging through the valley. Depending on the level and energy of the group, we choose from two routes: a technically challenging variant or a slightly more accessible gravel route.

At the end of the day, we reach our hotel overlooking the village of Bilad Sayt and the surrounding valley. The sun is slowly sinking behind the mountains, and the atmosphere is serene. As evening falls, enjoy the view, the tranquility and the knowledge that you have experienced one of Oman's finest off-road days.

Day 8 - Bilad Sayt- Muscat

The last morning of our trip dawns. As the first rays of sunlight glide over the mountain peaks, we enjoy a delicious breakfast on the terrace, overlooking the charming village of Bilad Sayt that lies in the valley. The view seems to change every minute, but never bores - a peaceful moment to reflect on all we have experienced over the past few days.

After breakfast, we start the motorcycles for the last leg of the trip. We leave Bilad Sayt via a beautiful off-road route that slowly descends from the Hajar Mountains. The road winds past wadis and mountain slopes, offering one more time that sense of adventure and freedom that makes Oman so unique.

Gradually the terrain flattens out, and at Rustaq we get back on the paved road. Here we take some time for a short break or a cup of coffee, before covering the last kilometers towards Muscat. The route follows the main road, where the landscape changes again: the mountains slowly disappear into the background and give way to the coastal plain and the smell of the sea.

In the afternoon we arrive in Muscat, where we return the motorcycles and move into a comfortable hotel for the last night. A refreshing dip in the pool or a stroll along the promenade is a relaxing end to this special trip.

In the evening we conclude with a communal dinner, where memories and stories of eight days of adventure circulate - of dusty wadis, steep mountain passes, warm hospitality and endless vistas. A perfect conclusion to a journey that will stay with you for a long time.

Day 9 Muscat - Amsterdam

After a final breakfast at the hotel, it is time to say goodbye to Oman. Depending on the airline and departure time, you will fly back to Amsterdam in the morning or afternoon.

During the drive to the airport, the images of the past few days pass by you one more time: the rugged mountains of Jebel Shams, the silent dunes of the Wahiba Sands, the smell of incense in Muscat, and the welcoming smiles of the Omanis along the way.

What remains is the memory of an extraordinary motorcycle trip - full of contrasts between coast and desert, mountains and valleys, adventure and relaxation. Oman revealed its secrets to those who dared to veer off the beaten path, leaving a lasting impression.

A journey never to be forgotten.