5-Day Adventure and Hidden Gems Tour of Oman with Vegetarian Eats and Budget Stays

Day 1: Muscat Discovery

Muscat, Oman on April 29, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at The Coffee Corner

Start your day at The Coffee Corner, a popular cafe offering excellent vegetarian breakfast options and fresh coffee, perfect for fueling your Muscat exploration.
OMR3, 1h0m

10:30am

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Visit this stunning architectural masterpiece. Open 8:00am-11:00am Saturday to Thursday, closed on Fridays, featuring beautiful Islamic art and a serene ambiance.
OMR0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Mutrah Souq

Explore this vibrant marketplace filled with handicrafts, spices, and unique souvenirs—a perfect hidden gem for shopping and photography.
OMR0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Al Vahaa

Enjoy vegetarian-friendly Omani and Middle Eastern cuisine in a cozy setting at this well-reviewed cafe near the Corniche.
OMR4, 1h0m

2:30pm

Bait Al Zubair Museum

Discover Omani culture and heritage through exhibits of traditional clothing, weaponry, and jewelry. Open 9:00am-5:00pm daily.
OMR1, 1h0m

4:00pm

Drive along Mutrah Corniche

Enjoy a scenic walk or drive along the beautiful waterfront, capturing views of the harbor and traditional boats.
OMR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kargeen Caffe

Dine on delicious vegetarian Omani and international dishes in a charming outdoor garden atmosphere; popular with locals and visitors alike.
OMR5, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar

Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar, Oman on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bohour Almasaffah

Enjoy a simple, budget-friendly vegetarian breakfast featuring local breads and fresh dates to energize your day.
OMR2, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Nizwa Fort

Explore the historic Nizwa Fort, famous for its massive circular tower and panoramic views. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.
OMR0.5, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Nizwa Souq

Wander the lively market known for silver jewelry and handicrafts, and enjoy freshly squeezed juices at one of the stalls.
OMR0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Al Maisan

Savor vegetarian Middle Eastern dishes with local flavors in a relaxed space in Nizwa, known for fresh ingredients.
OMR3, 1h0m

1:15pm

Drive to Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to this mountainous region known for terraced fruit orchards and hiking trails.
OMR0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Hiking at Jebel Akhdar

Take a moderate hike along the Richard's Trail or Firqa Trail for breathtaking views and fresh mountain air.
OMR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check into budget guesthouse in Nizwa

Rest for the night at a welcoming budget guesthouse with basic amenities.
OMR10, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse or local eatery

Enjoy a simple home-cooked vegetarian meal either at the guesthouse or a nearby small restaurant.
OMR3, 1h0m
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Day 3: Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid

Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at guesthouse

Fuel up with a wholesome vegetarian breakfast before desert adventures.
OMR2, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Wahiba Sands

Travel to the expansive desert landscape famous for its rolling dunes and Bedouin culture; roughly 2 hours drive.
OMR0, 2h0m

10:00am

Desert Safari Experience

Join a budget-friendly 4x4 dune bashing safari or camel ride with a local Bedouin guide to experience authentic desert life.
OMR15, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Desert Camp

Enjoy a vegetarian meal prepared at the desert camp, featuring fresh local produce and traditional flavors.
OMR4, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid

Short 45-minute drive to this stunning desert oasis known for turquoise pools and palm trees.
OMR0, 0h45m

2:45pm

Wadi Bani Khalid Exploration and Swimming

Relax and swim in the crystal-clear natural pools of this picturesque wadi; open all day.
OMR0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive to budget accommodation nearby

Check into a budget-friendly guesthouse in or near Wadi Bani Khalid for the night.
OMR8, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy a simple vegetarian dinner at your guesthouse emphasizing local ingredients.
OMR3, 1h0m
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Day 4: Coastal Sur and Ras Al Jinz

Sur and Ras Al Jinz, Oman on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start with a nourishing vegetarian breakfast before heading to the coast.
OMR2, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive to Sur

Drive approximately 2 hours to Sur, known for its dhow shipyards and beautiful coastlines.
OMR0, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Dhow Shipyards

Explore the traditional craft of dhow building, an essential part of Oman's maritime heritage; open during daylight hours.
OMR0, 1h0m

11:15am

Sur Corniche Walk

Enjoy a scenic walk along the seafront with views of forts and the pristine waters of the Gulf of Oman.
OMR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bidiyah Restaurant

Savor vegetarian-friendly Omani dishes known for their wholesome flavors and fresh ingredients.
OMR4, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

A 30-minute drive to the famous turtle reserve where endangered green turtles nest.
OMR0, 0h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Ras Al Jinz Beach

Enjoy the scenic beach and learn about turtle conservation efforts before the evening turtle watching tour.
OMR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Turtle Watching Tour

Join the guided night tour (requires prior booking) to watch turtles nesting. Open sunset to night; lasts approximately 2 hours.
OMR7, 2h0m

9:30pm

Overnight at Ras Al Jinz Guesthouse

Stay at budget accommodation nearby to rest after a full day of activities.
OMR12, Overnight
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Day 5: Wadi Shab and Return

Wadi Shab and Muscat, Oman on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a light vegetarian breakfast before heading to your final adventure.
OMR2, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Wadi Shab

Travel about 1 hour 15 minutes to Wadi Shab, one of Oman's most famous natural spots known for hiking and crystal-clear pools.
OMR0, 1h15m

9:00am

Wadi Shab Hike and Swim

Embark on a scenic 1-2 hour hike through the canyon with stops to swim in natural pools and visit waterfalls; open dawn to dusk.
OMR0, 2h0m

11:30am

Picnic or light lunch at Wadi Shab

Bring or purchase vegetarian snacks nearby and enjoy a picnic amid beautiful surroundings.
OMR2, 1h0m

12:30pm

Drive back to Muscat

Return approximately 1.5-hour drive to the capital city for departure or further exploration.
OMR0, 1h30m

2:00pm

Drop off at Muscat airport or city center

End of itinerary. Optionally explore local cafes such as No. 5 Coffee Roasters for a farewell coffee and vegetarian snack if time allows.
OMR3, Variable
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