7-Day Ultimate Oman Cultural and Natural Adventure

Day 1: Explore Muscat

Muscat, Oman on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kargeen Caffe

Enjoy traditional Omani breakfast dishes and fresh Arabic coffee in a charming garden setting, perfect for starting your day immersed in Omani culture.
OMR5, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Explore Oman's magnificent mosque, featuring stunning Islamic architecture and the world’s second-largest hand-woven carpet; open 8:00am-11:00am for non-Muslim visitors.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Royal Opera House Tour

Take a guided tour of Oman's premier performing arts venue, showcasing elegant architecture and cultural significance, tours run in the morning till 12pm.
OMR3, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bin Ateeq

Savor authentic Omani cuisine in a traditional ambience; try the shuwa or lamb dishes, with lunch service from 12pm to 3pm.
OMR7, 1h

2:30pm

Mutrah Souq and Corniche Walk

Wander through the bustling souq for souvenirs and spices, then enjoy a relaxing walk along the scenic Mutrah Corniche; souq open till evening.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts (exterior viewing)

View these historic forts from the outside for great photo opportunities and insight into Oman's maritime history; forts are not open to public inside.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Beach Restaurant, The Chedi Muscat

Dine on fresh seafood and international dishes with a view of the Arabian Sea in an upscale setting open till 10pm.
OMR15, 1h30m

Day 2: Nizwa Heritage Tour

Nizwa, Oman on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Muscat

Have a quick breakfast to prepare for the 1.5-hour drive to Nizwa.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Nizwa

Travel through the scenic Hajar Mountains on the way to Nizwa.
Free (transport cost varies), 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Nizwa Fort

Explore Oman's most famous fort, a 17th century structure providing panoramic views of the city and historic defense systems; open 8am-6pm.
OMR0.5, 2h

11:30am

Nizwa Souq Visit

Shop for silver jewelry, pottery, and carpets in the lively souq; great for cultural souvenirs and people watching; souq open till late evening.
Free to browse, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Al-Masharef Restaurant

Taste traditional Omani and Middle Eastern dishes with a cozy atmosphere, open from 12pm to 3pm.
OMR5, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Bahla Fort (UNESCO site)

Drive 30 minutes to Bahla to explore this massive, mud-brick fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich history; open 8am-5pm.
OMR1, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Nizwa & Relax

Take time to relax or explore local cafes for Omani coffee.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Al Diyar Restaurant

Enjoy a flavorful Omani meal with dishes like majboos in a pleasant setting, open till 10pm.
OMR7, 1h30m

Day 3: Mountain Adventure Jebel Shams

Jebel Shams, Oman on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Nizwa

Start early with a hearty breakfast to prepare for hiking and outdoor activities.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Jebel Shams

Travel the 1-hour scenic mountain road to Jebel Shams, ‘Mountain of the Sun’, the highest peak in Oman.
Free (transport cost varies), 1h

9:00am

Hike the Balcony Walk

Enjoy a moderate 3-4 hour hike with breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of Arabia; bring water and sun protection.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Jebel Shams Resort Restaurant

Relax and refuel with local and international dishes at the resort’s cozy restaurant, open till 3pm.
OMR6, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Al Hamra Village

Drive 25 minutes to this heritage village with traditional mud-brick houses and a lush palm oasis; open all day.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Nizwa

Head back to Nizwa for the evening.
Free (transport cost varies), 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Al Shifa Restaurant, Nizwa

Try local delicacies and fresh seafood in a welcoming atmosphere, open till 10pm.
OMR7, 1h30m

Day 4: Wahiba Sands Desert Camping

Wahiba Sands, Oman on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Nizwa

Prepare for a desert adventure with a light breakfast before departure.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Wahiba Sands

Travel about 2 hours to reach the vast Wahiba Sands desert, a striking expanse of rolling dunes.
Free (transport cost varies), 2h

10:00am

Visit Bedouin Family Camp

Meet a Bedouin family, learn about their culture, traditional crafts, and lifestyle; camps welcome visitors through the day.
OMR5, 1h

11:30am

Desert Safari and Dune Bashing

Experience thrilling dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle and enjoy panoramic desert views.
OMR20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Desert Camp

Enjoy lunch with traditional Omani flavors served at a desert camp, typically including lamb and rice dishes.
OMR10, 1h

3:00pm

Relax and Explore Desert

Walk in the dunes, observe desert flora and fauna, or simply relax at the camp.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Sunset Viewing and Camel Ride

Experience breathtaking desert sunset and enjoy a camel ride during golden hour.
OMR7, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner and Overnight at Desert Camp

Enjoy a traditional Omani dinner under the stars with local music and storytelling, an unforgettable desert experience.
OMR15, Overnight

Day 5: Wadi and Coastal Exploration

Wadi Bani Khalid and Sur, Oman on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Desert Camp

Have a traditional breakfast before heading out to Wadi Bani Khalid.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Wadi Bani Khalid

Travel approximately 1 hour to one of Oman’s most famous wadis, known for its clear blue water pools.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Swim and Walk Wadi Bani Khalid

Enjoy a refreshing swim in natural pools and walk along scenic trails in this stunning oasis, open all day.
OMR0.5, 2h

12:00pm

Drive to Sur

Journey 1.5 hours to the historic coastal town of Sur, famous for dhow shipbuilding.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Al Ayjah Lighthouse Restaurant

Taste fresh seafood with sea views at this popular Sur spot, open 12pm-4pm daily.
OMR8, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Sur Dhow Shipyard

See traditional wooden dhows being crafted, a unique cultural experience highlighting Oman's maritime heritage; open till 5pm.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Sur Corniche and Lighthouse

Relax with walks by the sea, take photos of the lighthouse, and enjoy the coastal ambiance.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Drive to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Travel 30 minutes to reach the famous turtle reserve for the night tour.
Free, 30m

7:30pm

Ras Al Jinz Night Turtle Watching

Guided visit to observe nesting green turtles on the beach; tours operate 8pm-11pm and require advance booking.
OMR7, 2h

Day 6: Beach and Return

Ras Al Jinz to Muscat, Oman on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Lodge

Enjoy breakfast by the seaside before departing for Muscat.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Visit Bimmah Sinkhole

Drive 1.5 hours to visit this stunning natural limestone sinkhole filled with turquoise water, ideal for photos and a short swim; open daily.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Relax at Fins Beach

Stop at nearby Fins Beach for a relaxing walk and optional swim in pristine waters.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Drive back to Muscat

Return to Muscat airport area or hotel for last night, approximately 2 hours drive.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Mumtaz Mahal

Experience Indian cuisine with Omani influences in Muscat; open 12pm-3pm.
OMR8, 1h

3:00pm

Free Afternoon at Hotel or Souq Visit

Relax at your hotel or visit another souq for last-minute shopping.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Bait Al Luban

Celebrate your Oman trip with traditional Omani dishes and live music in a palace setting; open till 10pm.
OMR15, 2h

Day 7: Departure Day

Muscat, Oman on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Muscat International Airport

Leave for the airport allowing ample time for international flight procedures.
Free (transport cost varies), 30m