Oman uncovered: Road trip to dunes, dhows and desert

Final boarding call! You put your everyday life behind you and embark on the journey of a lifetime. You're heading to Oman, a country full of stark contrasts, from modern cities to endless dunes and wild mountains to turquoise wadis – now that sounds like true adventure! So, you take one last glance at the gate before you fly off into the clouds! 

First day, first vibes – and they're totally next-level! Welcome to Nizwa, the cultural and spiritual heart of Oman. Surrounded by the mighty Hajar Mountains and criss-crossed by winding alleyways, you're sure to immerse yourself in true Arabia here. But first things first, you gotta grab your hire car. So you pick up the keys, roll down the windows and hit play before heading off. And when you arrive, with a bit of energy left, you slip on your headscarf and sunglasses (it's hot, hot, hot!) and head straight into the souks. From glittering gold and fragrant spices to handmade pottery and fresh dates, there's so much to discover – and snack on! But the real highlight is the iconic Nizwa Fort (entrance fee payable on site). This former defence structure is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a view that's bound to blow you away. The tower lords over the green oasis, turning every scene into an Insta-worthy snapshot, and the Hajar Mountains in the background provide the perfect selfie backdrop, with a spoiler for what's to come! 

Your alarm clock rings, you stir under the covers and your adventure mode's ON! Today, you're getting out of the city and into the countryside, where Oman is wild, rugged and totally breathtaking. First stop: Al Hamra. At the grand old age of 400, it's one of the oldest mud-brick towns in Oman. You stroll through its narrow alleyways between half-ruined but still impressive mud-brick houses, which provide the perfect backdrop for some mystique-filled pics! Next, it's off to Misfat Al Abriyyin. With dusty ruins hidden among lush greenery, this little town is known for its winding alleys, old stone houses that seem to be stuck to the rocks and the UNESCO-protected Aflaj Irrigation Systems of Oman. Here, it's time to pull on your hiking boots, because there are some epic trails to explore! One of them is the Misfat Trek, which leads you along oasis-like fields with stunning views of the Hajar Mountains. Finally, you head to the last stop of the day: Wadi Nakhar. Also known as Oman's Grand Canyon, here, gigantic rock faces plummet into a deep gorge and provide the perfect spot for a breather with incredible views. And when the setting sun turns the rocky walls to shining gold, you're certain that today's gonna be hard to beat! 

Fridays in Nizwa hit different, and you're ready for an adventure! The day starts early, but honestly, it's worth it! At 6 am, the legendary goat market comes to life. Surrounded by haggling, shouting and handshakes, you feel like you're in the middle of a film! You fully immerse yourself and enjoy the moment before heading off to the Old Town, where you get lost between narrow alleyways, mud-plastered houses and ornate doors and follow the tantalising smells of spices, incense and dates. After letting yourself drift, it's time to check out a hidden gem: the Al Aqr farming terraces. Just behind the Old Town, this green paradise with date palms, mango trees and old falaj channels awaits. While the locals chill out in the shade, you walk barefoot through the water – perfect for cooling off! Feeling refreshed, you hop in your hire car, turn up the music and speed off to Birkat Al Mouz. This lost city feels like it's jumped right out of Arabian Nights! Here, half-ruined mud houses and a centuries-old irrigation system hide between the palm trees, delivering ultimate photo spots and pure Indiana Jones vibes!