4-Day Adventure Road Trip in Oman

Day 1: Discover Muscat

Muscat, Oman

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kargeen Cafe

Start your day with a traditional Omani breakfast featuring foul medames (fava beans) and freshly baked khuboos (bread) at the charming Kargeen Cafe.
Located in the heart of Muscat, easily reached by car.
OMR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world with a breathtaking chandelier.
Head south on Sultan Qaboos Street, follow signs to the mosque.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Mutrah Souq

Wander through the vibrant Mutrah Souq, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, spices, and jewelry.
Drive towards the Corniche area and find the souq near the harbor.
Variable, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Bait Al Luban

Enjoy authentic Omani cuisine at this restaurant, with specialties like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb) and mashuai (spiced fish).
Located near the Mutrah area.
OMR8, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Royal Opera House

Take in the elegance of the Royal Opera House Oman, an architectural masterpiece that reflects Omani heritage.
A short drive from Bait Al Luban.
OMR3 (entry to the garden), 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive to Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts

Visit these historic forts overlooking Muscat’s harbor for stunning views of the city.
Located at the entrance to the harbor; parking available nearby.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Beach Restaurant

End your day with a seaside dinner while enjoying grilled seafood and traditional Omani salads.
Within the Shangri-La Hotel, a short drive from the forts.
OMR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Journey to Nizwa

Nizwa, Oman

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet at your hotel before your journey to Nizwa.
Coordinate your start time based on where you are staying in Muscat.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Nizwa

Hit the road for the picturesque drive to Nizwa, a city known for its rich cultural heritage.
Take the Route 15 highway heading southwest.
Variable (fuel cost), 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Nizwa Fort

Explore the impressive Nizwa Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique architecture and history.
Located in the center of Nizwa, signage is prevalent.
OMR5, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Al-Masharef Restaurant

Taste delicious Omani dishes like mutton biryani and vegetarian rice served in a cozy atmosphere.
Located near the Nizwa Fort.
OMR7, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Nizwa Souq

Stroll through the vibrant Nizwa Souq, famous for its silver jewelry, handicrafts, and local produce.
Walk from Al-Masharef Restaurant to the souq.
Variable, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the UNESCO Listed Bahla Fort

Drive to Bahla and witness the magnificent Bahla Fort, notable for its intricate mudbrick construction.
A short 30-minute drive from Nizwa, follow signs.
OMR3, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Nizwa

Head back to Nizwa and relax before dinner.
Return along the same road.
Variable (fuel cost), 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Al-Buwaib Restaurant

Savor Omani and Arabic dishes inside a charming atmosphere, ideal for family-style dining.
Located in Nizwa.
OMR10, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure at Jebel Shams

Jebel Shams, Oman

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a continental breakfast at your hotel in Nizwa before heading to Jebel Shams.
In-house dining at your accommodation.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Jebel Shams

Set out for a scenic drive to Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman, known for its spectacular views.
Take Route 15 towards Al Hamra and follow signs for Jebel Shams.
Variable (fuel cost), 2 hours

10:00AM

Hiking in Jebel Shams

Embark on the Balcony Walk, an easy trail offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of Oman.
Follow the marked trailhead at the viewpoint.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch with a View

Pack a lunch of sandwiches and fruits to enjoy amidst the panoramic mountains.
Bring your own food; no facilities at the picnic area.
Variable, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Ancient Village of Al Hamra

Discover the historic village of Al Hamra, known for its traditional mud houses and beautiful landscapes.
A short 30-minute drive from Jebel Shams.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Traditional Coffee Experience

Experience Omani hospitality with a traditional coffee and date serve at a local home.
Ask locals or look for inviting tents on your way.
OMR3, 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive to Nizwa for Dinner

Return to Nizwa in time for dinner while enjoying the scenic vistas.
Head back the same way towards Nizwa.
Variable (fuel cost), 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Al-Masharef Restaurant

Indulge in some more authentic Omani flavors at the restaurant in Nizwa.
Conveniently else; back at the restaurant you visited on Day 2.
OMR7, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Adventure in Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands, Oman

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your Nizwa hotel, preparing for a day of adventure in the desert.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Wahiba Sands

Travel to the striking Wahiba Sands Desert, famous for its rolling dunes and stark beauty.
Follow Route 15 and then Route 23 to the desert area.
Variable (fuel cost), 2 hours

10:30AM

Dune Bashing Adventure

Experience an adrenaline-pumping ride over the sand dunes with a local driver.
Book in advance with a local tour company.
OMR30, 2 hours

12:30PM

Traditional Bedouin Lunch

Savor a traditional Bedouin meal served in a tent, such as lamb and rice, along with dates and coffee.
This will be arranged as part of the dune bashing experience.
Included in dune bashing, 1 hour

1:30PM

Camel Riding Experience

Take a leisurely camel ride across the sands while soaking in the desert landscape.
Organize this with the local tour company upon arrival.
OMR5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Desert Camp

Visit a desert camp to learn more about Bedouin culture, including crafts and traditions.
Stays about a 30-minute drive into the desert from your initial meeting point.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return Drive to Muscat

Make your way back to Muscat while reminiscing about your adventurous days.
Follow the same route back, letting GPS assist you.
Variable (fuel cost), 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Chedi

Conclude your Oman adventure with an upscale dinner in a luxurious setting, featuring a fusion of international and Omani cuisine.
Located back in Muscat; reservations are recommended.
OMR25, 2 hours
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