Exploring the Best of Oman: A 5-Day Cultural and Scenic Itinerary in October 2025

Day 1: Muscat city tour

Muscat, Oman on October 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bait Al Luban

Enjoy a traditional Omani breakfast with fresh dates, halwa, and local coffee in a historic setting, perfect to start your day.
OMR5, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Admire one of the world’s largest mosques with its stunning architecture, intricate tile work, and peaceful gardens. Open 8am-11am except Friday mornings.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Mutrah Souq

Walk through the vibrant traditional market, perfect for buying Omani souvenirs like frankincense, silver jewelry, and spices.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kargeen Caffe

Savor Omani and Middle Eastern specialties in an atmospheric garden setting; try the shuwa if available.
OMR7, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum

Discover Oman’s rich heritage through traditional artifacts, costumes, and weaponry. The museum opens 9am-5pm.
OMR3, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll along the Corniche

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Mutrah Corniche with scenic views of the sea and Muscat’s old harbor.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Beach Restaurant, Al Bustan Palace

Dine on fresh seafood and international cuisine by the sea in a luxurious resort setting.
OMR15, 1h30m

Day 2: Heritage & Forts

Nizwa, Oman on October 2, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Muscat

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast including local fruits and traditional breads, to fuel your travel to Nizwa.
OMR4, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Nizwa

A scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Muscat to Nizwa, set in Oman’s interior and known for its historic forts.
Transportation cost varies, 2h0m

10:00am

Explore Nizwa Fort

Visit the iconic 17th-century fort with its massive circular tower and learn about Oman’s history and architecture. Open 8am-5pm.
OMR5, 1h30m

11:45am

Visit Nizwa Souq

Famous for silver jewelry, pottery, and traditional cattle market, this bustling market is a shopper’s delight.
Free to browse, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Al-Masharef

Taste authentic Omani grilled dishes and local favorites in a cozy setting near the souq.
OMR6, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Jabrin Castle

Drive 30 minutes to Jabrin Castle, a stunning example of Islamic architecture and a palace with intricate frescoes. Open 8am-5pm.
OMR1, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel in Nizwa

Enjoy some downtime and local hospitality at a traditional guesthouse or hotel.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Golden Bull

Dine on a fusion of Arabian and continental dishes in an inviting atmosphere.
OMR10, 1h30m

Day 3: Mountain Adventure

Jebel Akhdar, Oman on October 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Nizwa

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local mountain honey and fresh bread before heading to Jebel Akhdar.
OMR4, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Jebel Akhdar

Travel approximately 1 hour by road up to the Green Mountain, renowned for its scenic terraces and cooler climate.
Transportation cost, 1h0m

9:15am

Hiking and Exploring Jebel Akhdar

Explore walking trails trekking past pomegranate orchards, rose gardens, and traditional villages. Early October offers perfect weather.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Enjoy a gourmet meal reflecting Omani flavors with spectacular mountain views.
OMR12, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Saiq Plateau

Discover the fertile highlands with fruit orchards and local farms, ideal for photography and nature lovers.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Nizwa

Drive back to Nizwa for overnight stay.
Transportation cost, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Al-Bahja Restaurant

Relax with traditional Omani dishes served in a friendly local setting.
OMR8, 1h30m

Day 4: Desert Safari

Wahiba Sands, Oman on October 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Nizwa

Have a filling breakfast to prepare for a day in the desert environment.
OMR4, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Wahiba Sands

Drive about 2 hours to the Wahiba Desert, famous for its towering sand dunes and Bedouin culture.
Transportation cost, 2h0m

10:30am

Desert Activities

Experience dune bashing, camel rides, and visit a Bedouin family camp to learn about traditional life.
OMR15, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Desert Camp

Enjoy a traditional meal in the desert camp, featuring grilled meats and local sides.
Included in tour, 1h0m

2:30pm

Free time or sandboarding

Try sandboarding on dunes or relax watching the desert scenery.
Free or small fee for sandboarding, 1h30m

4:00pm

Drive to Sur for Overnight

Head to the coastal city of Sur, approximately 1.5 hours drive, settling in for the night.
Transportation cost, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Al Ayjah Lighthouse Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood specialties with a view of the Gulf of Oman.
OMR12, 1h30m

Day 5: Coastal Exploration

Sur and Muscat, Oman on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Sur

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring fresh local bread and fruit.
OMR4, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Dhow Factory

Tour the traditional boat-building yard where wooden dhows are made by skilled craftsmen. Open 9am-5pm.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Explore Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve

Drive 30 minutes to the reserve and learn about sea turtle conservation efforts; October is nesting season.
OMR3, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Turtle Beach Resort

Enjoy fresh seafood and light meals near the beach with a relaxing ambiance.
OMR10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive back to Muscat

Return journey of about 2.5 hours back to Muscat.
Transportation cost, 2h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel in Muscat

Rest and prepare for onward travel or departure.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at The Chedi Muscat

Celebrate the end of your Oman journey with fine dining in a luxurious setting offering Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
OMR20, 2h0m