Read on for three suggested Oman itineraries spanning three, five and seven days.
Three-day itinerary
Day 1: Muscat city tour
A tour to most of Muscat landmarks is a must. Stops include the majestic Sultan’s Palace /The National Museum, the marvellous Royal Opera House and the outstanding architecture of the Sultan Grand Mosque.
Mutrah Souk & Corniche
Feel the authenticity by walking in the narrow paths of the vibrant souk of Mutrah. It is a great spot to buy souvenirs and Frankincense. Then enjoy the cool breeze by the Corniche, mingling with local people followed by a visit to Al Mirani Fort where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset view of the Sea of Oman and the Al Alam palace (the residence of the Sultan of Oman) while sipping a cup of coffee in the fort’s café.
Day 2: Daymaniyat Islands
The Daymaniyat Islands are a beautiful marine reserve off the coast of Muscat. There is nothing better than spending the day exploring coral reefs and watching turtle and colorful fish swim past in the azure waters of the islands. The island is also home to migratory and indigenous birds and are a great location for camping, with the peak camping season being from October to February.
Try traditional Omani food
In the evening, you can visit one of the restaurants serving traditional food such as Bait Al Luban or Rozna. Try Shuwa that is often dubbed as the national dish of Omanis, it is slow-cooked meat, very tender, with distinctive smokiness like nothing you’ve experienced before. You can end with the famous dessert called Halwa which is s a melt in the mouth dessert that has a jelly-like texture.
Day 3: Wadi Dayqah, Fins Beach and Wadi Shab
Wadi Dayqah is about 75km from the capitaland is home to one of the largest dams in the Arabian Peninsula. Dayqah Damm was built to collect the rain falling from the high peaks. The result is a stunning freshwater lake and river which extends 7km from the main body of the damm. During winter season, you can experience a variety of outdoor activities includes kayaking, pedal boats, camping and mountain biking. Choose your adventure here.
If you are a nature lover then make your way to one of the secluded white sand beaches, Fins Beach. Enjoy the cool breeze and turquoise clear water of the Arabian Sea. About 12km from here you can also reach the popular wadi shab. Enjoy a boat ride to a canyon hike through azure blue waters, swimming along multiple pools and finishing at a waterfall in a cave.
Five-day itinerary
Day 1: Muscat to Khasab
Travel from Muscat to Oman’s northernmost region – Musandam, flights are available throughout the week except for Fridays.
Dhow cruise in Khasab
Visit historic Khasab Castle to experience history and culture. Next, head west along the stunning coastal road to Qadah to discover ancient rock drawings. Once you are in this part of Oman, a dhow cruise is a must to explore Musandam’s many fjords and attractions, such as Telegraph Island, which also offers the opportunity for dolphin watching, snorkelling and swimming.
Day 2: Mountain Safari
Khasab, a port town, is just the starting point for several fun-filled activities, including mountain biking or a safari in the surrounding mountains. Jabal Harim, a beautiful and famous mountain, has panoramic views.
Muscat to Khasab
Back to Muscat as per the flight availability.
Day 3: Muscat city tour
A tour to most of Muscat landmarks is a must. Stops include the majestic Sultan’s Palace/The National Museum, the marvelous Royal Opera House and ending with the outstanding architecture of the Sultan Grand Mosque.
Mutrah Souk & Corniche
Feel the authenticity by walking in the narrow paths of the vibrant souk of Mutrah. It is a great spot to buy souvenirs and Frankincense. Then enjoy the cool breeze by the Corniche, mingling with local people followed by a visit to Al Mirani Fort where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset view of the Sea of Oman and the Al Alam palace (the residence of Sultan of Oman) while sipping a cup of coffee in the fort’s café.
Day 4: Jebel Al Akhdar
As one of Oman’s highest points, Jebel Al Akhdar offers a day of fun exploration in a truly unique spot in the Arabian Peninsula. Enjoy the cool climate up in the mountains. Jebel Al Akhdar has numerous hiking trails, some passing mountain villages, others through wadis and abandoned settlements which overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic terraces, peaks, gorges and wadis. If you are lucky, you can walk through the Rose farms from March untill April. These precious pink flowers hold the key to a centuries-old tradition: the creation of Omani Rose Water – one of the country’s best-kept secrets that can be only seen once a year.
Day 5: Misfat Al Abriyeen
Chosen as one of the best tourism villages by UN Tourism in 2021, Misfat Al Abriyeen is one of the beautiful old villages in Oman that keeps its identity through the ages. Most of the old buildings and houses are now heritage inns and cafes, so you still feel the authenticity of the place. Enjoy the trickling water from Aflaj (an ancient irrigation system used through the ages) that showcases the intelligence of Omanis or simply explore the village by Donkey ride tour.
Seven-day itinerary
Day 1: Muscat city tour
A tour to most of Muscat landmarks is a must. Stops include the majestic Sultan’s Palace/The National Museum, the marvelous Royal Opera House and ending with the outstanding architecture of the Sultan Grand Mosque.
Mutrah Souk & Corniche
Feel the authenticity by walking in the narrow paths of the vibrant souk of Mutrah. It is a great spot to buy souvenirs and Frankincense. Then enjoy the cool breeze by the Corniche, mingling with local people followed by a visit to Al Mirani Fort where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset view of the Sea of Oman and the Al Alam palace (the residence of Sultan of Oman) while sipping a cup of coffee in the fort’s café.
Day 2: Feel the maritime history of Sur
Located less than two hours from Muscat, Sur is a great place to visit thanks to its rich cultural heritage. Sur is home to the last remaining Dhow yard in Oman, where visitors have the unique chance to witness how traditional Dhows are made by hand. Close to the Dhow factory, the Sur Maritime Museum focusses on the city’s maritime history as a trading and Dhow building centre. Travelling in the direction of the lagoon, visitors can see Al Ayjah and its lighthouse overlooking the sea.
Day 3: Enjoy the golden red sands of Ash Shariqiyah
Head towards Sharqiyah Sands and the town of Bidiyah, which is a great place to start a desert excursion. Start with dune bashing into the desert by 4WD vehicle, an unforgettable experience. Spend the night in one of the camps there and enjoy the different activities: outdoor cinema, star gazing, sand boarding, camel riding, exhilarating quad bike rides, exotic sunset/sunrise camel safari and much more!
Day 4: Nizwa, the heart of history
Home to Nizwa Fort and Souq – both of which are attractions in their own right. With its massive circular watchtower and interior living spaces, Nizwa Fort is a great example of an Omani fortification. The fort is surrounded by a sprawling souq, where visitors can spend hours bargaining for local pottery, handicrafts, and jewelry. The wadi and village of Tanuf is a 20-minute drive away from Nizwa Fort. Here you can explore old ruins and walk along the river before setting out for your return to Muscat.
Day 5: Muscat to Salalah
Travel from Muscat to Oman’s southern governorate of Dhofar. Home to one of the UNESCO heritage sites in Oman, The Land of Frankincense. Daily flights are available.
Salalah, the land of frankincense
Arrive in Salalah and stay at one of the beach resorts/ hotels.
You can visit AL Baleed archaeological park and the Land of Frankincense Museum to gain a detailed history of the Frankincense trade in Dhofar.
Day 6: Full-day mountain safari
Enjoy a rewarding full day jeep safari by combining the highlights of the Mountainous area of Dhofar. The scenic tour includes the rugged Jebel Samhan Mountains dotted with Wadis, gorges, sinkholes and other geological curiosities.
Witness Dhofar’s most remarkable natural attractions during this tour: Wadi Derbat, Jebel Samhan plateau and Tawi Attir Sink hole, alive with small birdlife and probably a few wandering camels.
Day 7
Back to Muscat for a flight to UK.
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