Discovering Oman: A 3-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Muscat City Tour
    2 hours from Muscat International Airport

    Start your Oman trip with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Next, head to the Royal Opera House Muscat to admire its stunning architecture. Then, visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum to learn about Oman's rich heritage and culture. Finish the day with a stroll along the Mutrah Corniche, a beautiful seaside promenade offering stunning views of the city.

  2. Day 2: Nizwa & The Wahiba Sands
    2 hours and 30 minutes from Muscat (Nizwa)

    Start your day by visiting the Nizwa Fort, a beautiful and historic fortress in the heart of Nizwa. Then, head to the Nizwa Souq, a traditional Arabic market that offers a wide range of products, including silverware, handicrafts, and fresh produce. In the afternoon, explore the Wahiba Sands, a stunning desert region with rolling sand dunes that can reach up to 100 meters in height. You can take a camel ride or go dune bashing for a thrilling experience.

  3. Day 3: Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole
    2 hours and 20 minutes from Wahiba Sands

    Start your day with a visit to the Bimmah Sinkhole, a natural wonder formed by the collapse of a limestone cavern. Next, drive to the beautiful Wadi Shab, a canyon with turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and stunning waterfalls. You can hike along the wadi and swim in its refreshing pools. End your day with a visit to the Al Alam Palace, an iconic landmark of Oman's capital, before heading to the airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (1 hour, free)
  • Royal Opera House Muscat (1 hour, free)
  • Bait Al Zubair Museum (1 hour, OMR 2)
  • Mutrah Corniche (1 hour, free)
  • Nizwa Fort (1 hour, OMR 2)
  • Nizwa Souq (1 hour, free)
  • Wahiba Sands (4 hours, OMR 20 for camel ride or OMR 30 for dune bashing)
  • Bimmah Sinkhole (30 minutes, free)
  • Wadi Shab (3 hours, free)
  • Al Alam Palace (30 minutes, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: OMR 54-64

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions in Muscat such as the Muscat Gate Museum or the Oman National Museum. You can also spend an extra day exploring the beautiful coastal town of Sur or go hiking in the stunning Jebel Shams mountain range. If you have less time, you can skip the Bait Al Zubair Museum or the Al Alam Palace. Keep in mind that Oman's weather can be quite hot, so make sure to stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing.

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