Ultimate 5-Day Oman Itinerary: Cultural Gems, Desert Adventures & Coastal Beauty

Day 1: Muscat City Tour

Muscat, Oman on May 31, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kargeen Caffe

Enjoy traditional Omani breakfast in a charming garden setting. A perfect start with mint tea, Omani bread, and honey.
OMR5, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Explore one of the largest mosques in the world with exquisite Islamic architecture. Visit hours 8am-11am for non-Muslims.
OMR0, 1h

11:00am

Royal Opera House Muscat

Admire beautiful architecture and check for guided tours or upcoming performances.
OMR0 for self-guided, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bait Al Luban

Savor authentic Omani food like shuwa and fragrant rice in a traditional ambiance.
OMR8-12, 1h

2:00pm

Mutrah Souq stroll

Wander through winding alleys to shop for frankincense, silver jewellery, and handicrafts.
OMR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Corniche walk and Mutrah Fort visit

Walk along the scenic waterfront and visit the historic Mutrah Fort offering panoramic views.
OMR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Beach Restaurant (The Chedi Muscat)

Dine by the sea with fresh seafood and luxurious ambiance.
OMR20-30, 2h
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Day 2: Nizwa Fort & Souq

Nizwa, Oman on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Depart to Nizwa

Early morning 1.5-hour drive from Muscat to Nizwa.
OMR20 for taxi or rental, 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Al-Maqbali Traditional Restaurant

Fuel up with Omani halwa, dates, and tea.
OMR4-6, 45m

9:30am

Explore Nizwa Fort

Visit the 17th century fort with its massive round tower and learn Omani history. Open 8am-4:30pm.
OMR0.5, 2h

11:30am

Nizwa Souq

Discover local crafts, silver jewellery, and traditional coffee pots.
OMR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tirma Restaurant

Taste delicious Omani lamb and vegetable dishes.
OMR7-10, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Jebel Akhdar

Short drive to Jebel Akhdar foothills, famous for terraced orchards and cooler climate.
OMR10 toll/rental, 1h

3:30pm

Walk in Saiq Plateau

Scenic trails with views over valleys and rose gardens, perfect for photography and nature walks.
OMR0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Alila Jabal Akhdar

Fine dining with mountain views and modern Omani cuisine.
OMR25-35, 2h

8:00pm

Overnight at Alila Jabal Akhdar

Stay in luxurious mountain resort enjoying spectacular sunset and tranquility.
OMR100+, Rest
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Day 3: Desert Safari experience

Wahiba Sands, Oman on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Buffet breakfast with local fruits and pastries before desert departure.
Included with stay, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Wahiba Sands

2-hour drive via scenic route to the sandy desert region.
OMR15-20, 2h

10:30am

Desert dune exploration & camel ride

Experience riding camels and the vast golden dunes of Wahiba Sands.
OMR15-25, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at desert camp

Enjoy authentic Bedouin lunch served under shaded tents.
OMR10-15, 1h

2:30pm

4x4 dune bashing & sandboarding

Thrilling off-road adventure across dunes and try sliding down on sandboards.
OMR20-30, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at desert camp

Relax and enjoy spectacular sunset views over the undulating dunes.
OMR0, 1h

7:00pm

Traditional Omani dinner at camp

Dinner with grilled meats and local delicacies around a campfire.
OMR15-20, 2h

9:00pm

Overnight stay at desert camp

Experience peaceful desert night under stars in comfortable tents.
OMR50-80, Rest
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Day 4: Jebel Shams & Mountain Hiking

Jebel Shams, Oman on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Morning desert breakfast

Hearty breakfast before leaving Wahiba Sands for mountain journey.
Included with camp stay, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Jebel Shams

2.5-hour scenic drive to Oman’s highest mountain, the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia'.
OMR20, 2h30m

11:00am

Hiking Balcony Walk

Moderate 3-4 hour trail with stunning cliff views of deep canyons.
OMR0, 3h30m

3:00pm

Lunch at Jebel Shams Resort

Light mountain cuisine with beautiful panoramic vistas.
OMR10-15, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at the resort

Rest and enjoy amenities or visit nearby viewpoints for sunset.
OMR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jebel Shams Resort

Enjoy warm local dishes or international options in cozy atmosphere.
OMR15-20, 2h

9:00pm

Overnight at Jebel Shams Resort

Stay overnight amid the tranquil mountain environment.
OMR70+, Rest
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Day 5: Sur & Wadi Shab Adventure

Sur and Wadi Shab, Oman on June 4, 2025

6:30am

Early departure from Jebel Shams

Drive down to coastal town Sur (approx. 3 hours).
OMR20, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at Al Ayjah Terrace Restaurant, Sur

Beachfront breakfast with fresh juices and Omani breads.
OMR5-7, 45m

10:30am

Dhow Factory Tour

Learn traditional wooden dhow building, a UNESCO heritage craft.
OMR0, 1h

11:30am

Drive to Wadi Shab

Short 30-minute drive to stunning canyon with turquoise pools.
OMR0, 30m

12:00pm

Hike and Swim at Wadi Shab

1.5-hour hike followed by swimming in crystal-clear pools and exploring hidden caves.
OMR0, 3h

3:00pm

Lunch picnic by Wadi Shab

Enjoy a packed lunch amid beautiful natural surroundings.
OMR5-8, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Muscat

Drive back to Muscat (approx. 2 hours).
OMR15-20, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ushna Restaurant, Muscat

Contemporary Indian-Omani fusion cuisine in vibrant setting.
OMR15-20, 2h
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