10-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Muscat

1. Day 1: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
   20 minutes (10.5 km) from Muscat International Airport

   Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.

2. Day 2: Bimmah Sinkhole
   2 hours 30 minutes (157 km) from Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

   Cool off at this incredible natural pool, created by the collapse of a limestone cavern.

3. Day 3: Wadi Shab
   50 minutes (45 km) from Bimmah Sinkhole

   Swim in crystal-clear pools, hike through stunning canyons, and visit a hidden waterfall in this picturesque wadi.

4. Day 4: Muttrah Souq
   45 minutes (33 km) from Wadi Shab

   Bargain for textiles, spices, and silver jewelry at this traditional Omani marketplace.

5. Day 5: Royal Opera House Muscat
   25 minutes (15 km) from Muttrah Souq

   Catch a performance or take a guided tour of this stunning cultural landmark.

6. Day 6: Qurum Beach
   20 minutes (10 km) from Royal Opera House Muscat

   Relax on the soft white sands of this popular public beach with calm waters and family-friendly amenities.

7. Day 7: Al Alam Palace
   15 minutes (8.5 km) from Qurum Beach

   Admire the impressive facade of this ceremonial palace, the official residence of the Sultan of Oman.

8. Day 8: Wadi Bani Khalid
   2 hours (170 km) from Al Alam Palace

   Swim in turquoise pools and explore the natural caves and rocky landscapes of this off-the-beaten-track wadi.

9. Day 9: Nizwa Fort
   1 hour 40 minutes (145 km) from Wadi Bani Khalid

   Discover the fascinating history of Oman at this historic fort, built in the 17th century.

10. Day 10: Jebel Akhdar
    1 hour 45 minutes (120 km) from Nizwa Fort

    Escape the heat and enjoy breathtaking views of the Al Hajar Mountains from the high-altitude plateau of Jebel Akhdar.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (1 hour, free)
• Bimmah Sinkhole (2 hours, free)
• Wadi Shab (4-5 hours, free)
• Muttrah Souq (2-3 hours, price varies by purchase)
• Royal Opera House Muscat (1-2 hours, guided tour 3 OMR per person)
• Qurum Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• Al Alam Palace (1 hour, free)
• Wadi Bani Khalid (5-6 hours, free)
• Nizwa Fort (2-3 hours, 5 OMR per person)
• Jebel Akhdar (full day, requires 4x4 vehicle rental and guide, cost varies)
Total Estimated Costs: 8 OMR per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other wadis like Wadi Tiwi or Wadi Al Arbeieen. For families with young children, you may want to skip Jebel Akhdar due to the lengthy drive and steep mountain roads. Instead, check out the Children's Museum in Muscat or enjoy a picnic at Riyam Park.