Joanna James
Prepare to be dazzled by the beauty of Oman with this itinerary that highlights some of the country's most incredible sights. You'll wish you had more time to explore, but don't worry, this itinerary captures the best of Oman's treasures, so you won't have any regrets!
Start your adventure with some sightseeing in Muscat. There's so much to do here! Check out the grand Sultan Qaboos Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Oman. This impressive building is a feat of architecture, boasting sturdy arches, marble floors, gorgeous gardens, courtyards and prayer hall. The mosque is open for non-Muslims from 8 am to 11 am from Saturday to Thursday. After lunch, head to Mutrah, the bustling seaport region in the capital. Spend your afternoon and evening exploring the souq and the corniche, and don't forget to haggle a little!
Book a day trip to the Daymaniyat Islands, where you'll be surrounded by turquoise waters, wild turtles, and amazing coral life. The journey begins from Al Mouj Marina, near the Muscat airport, at 8 am. A 45-minute boat ride will take you to the islands, where you can witness incredible corals and multicoloured fish. This is an ideal spot for snorkelling, and you may even see turtles and schools of fish leaping out of the sea and swimming directly towards you! Expect a day of fun and laughter in the sun and sea!
According to local folklore, a falling star created the sinkhole thousands of years ago. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, as swimming here will be an unforgettable experience. You can find steps leading you down to its bottom, or dive in if you're an expert swimmer. Be cautious, as its depth ranges over 300 feet. From the sinkhole, it's just a 21-minute drive to Wadi Shab. The two-hour hike across Wadi Shab is spectacular, allowing you to hike along stunning gorges, emerald green rocky pools, secret caverns, and a breathtaking landscape. Get there by 7 am when it's cooler and you're more likely to have the terrain all to yourself.
Sur is a fishing village near the edge of Oman's eastern coast, offering plenty of things to see and do. At the centre is Sunaysilah Fort with four watchtowers encircling a courtyard. You can also visit the Maritime Museum, which has live models of ships. Southeast of Sur is Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, a nesting site for green turtles. West of Sur are the rugged hills surrounding the lush Wadi Bani Khalid Valley.
Head to the Wahiba Sands, about 50 km from Sur, for an unforgettable desert experience. Book an overnight camp among the dunes, with traditional camps and glamping options like the Alsarmadi Desert Night Camp. The campsites have a bonfire and staff to cook your meals, like fire-roasted bread and meat, while you watch the sunset. There are also activities like dune bashing! The star attraction will be the skies, surrounded by millions of stars among the dunes. Wake up at 6 am to witness one of the most magical sunrises of your life.
On day six of your Omani adventure, take a journey northwards from the Wahiba Sands towards Nizwa, which is an approximately 180 km drive that will take about 2 hours. Along the way, be prepared to be amazed by the breathtaking landscape that surrounds you. Upon arrival at Nizwa, don't miss out on the opportunity to visit the Nizwa Fort and its famous souq, which usually opens after 4.00 pm. Situated at the base of the magnificent Hajar Mountains, the souq is one of the star attractions of the city.
In addition to the souq, there are many other places to explore, such as Bahla Fort, Jabreen Castle, Wadi Ghul (also known as the Omani Grand Canyon), and Jebel Shams (commonly referred to as the Green Mountain). For a luxurious stay in Nizwa, there are Oman luxury resorts the likes of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort that offer top-notch amenities.
On day seven, venture out to the mountainside villages of Misfat Al Abriyyin and Al Hamra, which are situated 50 km from Nizwa. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and gain an in-depth understanding of traditional life in Oman. Wander through the narrow lanes of the villages and marvel at the mud-brick houses located near the falaj, which is the ancient irrigation system used by the Omanis.
In addition, you can discover more about the culinary techniques and crafts of the area, as well as visit the Bait Al Safah, a museum housed in a 400-year-old building that was once a private residence. This will undoubtedly be a fascinating experience that will leave you with cherished memories of your time in Oman.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
