An Epic one week Itinerary to Explore Oman from Deserts to Coastline

Are you visiting Oman for the first time but have no idea where to go, what places to visit in Oman, or what to eat? And stuck on planning what to do in Oman? No worries, leave the planning to me and just enjoy the experience. I've created the perfect one-week itinerary with the best things to do in Oman. With genuine excitement, I’m bringing you a detailed, day-to-day, hour-to-hour exploration map. That helps you to experience one of the best of Oman tours. From top attractions to hidden gems. Who doesn't want a little bit of everything: Oman nature, adventure, culture and breathtaking landscapes. So, are you ready to visit Oman? Here is my route outline for you…!

Day 1: Fly to Salalah airport and start your Oman trip. 

Let's begin the Oman journey with Salalah first. It is one of the top destinations of Oman. Especially in the monsoon season (June-September). The dry mountains become green hills, waterfalls start flowing and a refreshing cool breeze fills the air. On the other side you can relax your feet at white-sand beaches and in turquoise waters.

Day Trip: Must-See Stops

Morning: Visit Al Mughsail Beach and enjoy the shorelines. Later visit the magical place, Marneef Cave & Blowholes, where seawater shoots through holes in the rock.

Afternoon: In the noon, explore the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. It is one of Oman’s most beautiful mosques. Walk into Al Husn Souq to discover Salalah’s best offerings in frankincense, textiles, and handicrafts.

Evening: As the sun begins to set, let's go to see some nature. Drive to Wadi Darbat to see a Lush green valley with streams, camels and paddleboats.

Night: End your day with a relaxing dinner at a seafront restaurant.

• Optional: walk in the beach or return to hotel 

Accommodation Options in Salalah

Affordable Hotels:

• Star Emirates Downtown Hotel (prices starting at OMR 20 per night)

Luxury Star Hotels: 

• Al Baleed Resort by Anantara (prices starting at OMR 350 per night)

Popular Local Tastes of Salalah

• Mandi Rice (fragrant rice with meat or chicken, cooked underground)
• Mashuai (grilled kingfish with lemon rice)
• Lamb Shuwa (marinated lamb wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked underground)

Day 2: Fly to Muscat – The Gateway to Oman

The capital – Muscat welcomes you with tradition and modernity. It has impressive attractions and stunning spots, with its low-rise white architecture, grand mosques and vibrant souqs. Lets start your tour from Muscat.

Day Trip: Must-See Stops

Morning: Begin your day exploring the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and then engage in Oman culture at the Royal Opera House.

Afternoon: Stop by the vibrant alleys of Mutrah Souq, explore historic Al Jalali Fort, and if you have time left, then you can  enjoy spending some time at Al Mirani Fort.

Evening: To see the beautiful sunset and waterfront view, visit Mutrah Corniche.

Night: Walk under the stars of Muscat streets and have local delicious street food.

Accommodation Options in Muscat

Affordable Hotels: 

• Mutrah Hotel and Muscat Hills Hotel (prices starting at OMR 15 per night)

Luxury Star Hotels: 

• The Chedi Muscat and Kempinski Hotel Muscat (prices starting at OMR 150 per night)

Popular Local Tastes of Muscat

• Makbous (rice dish with meat and vegetables)
• Harees (slow-cooked chicken and barley)
• Mashuai (grilled kingfish)

Day 3: Muscat → Nizwa – Dive into History

Let's start the 3rd day by visiting a historic site, Nizwa. For architectural lovers, it features iconic landmarks and unique fort constructions from the 15th - 17th centuries. And let's make it a more adventurous tour by exploring the mountains too.

• Drive early in the morning from Muscat to Nizwa. Start your Nizwa exploration tour.

Day Trip: Must-See Stops

Morning: Start your day visiting the iconic, Nizwa Fort. Then, visit the famous Nizwa Souq. it is right next to the fort, walk around in and shop for traditional crafts, spices, and souvenirs.

Afternoon: Under the sun, drive to one of the oldest irrigation systems in Oman, Falaj Daris. Walk around in the garden and in between palm groves. Later, drive to nearby local farms for an authentic Omani agricultural exploration. 

Evening: Discover the 400-year-old historic village, Al Hamra and enjoy the stunning sunset view between the mountains of Misfat al Abriyeen.

Night: Upon moon arriving, relax watching the stars from the Hajar Mountains.

Accommodation Options in Nizwa 

Affordable Hotels:

• Al Diyar Hotel and Nizwa Hotel Apartments (prices starting at OMR 14 per night)

Luxury Star Hotels: 

• Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel and Intercity Hotel Nizwa (prices starting at OMR 35 per night)

Popular Local Tastes of Nizwa 

• Shuwa (slow-cooked lamb)
• Halwa (Omani-style sweet made with dates and spices)
• Omani bread with honey.

Day 4: Jebel Akhdar

Wake up early in the morning, if you don't want to miss the greenery landscapes of Jebel Akhdar. 4th day tour, call it a nature day. I must tell you to have a stomach-full breakfast. Because to hike over a green mountain, you need it. 

• Drive early in the morning from Nizwa to Jebel Akhdar.

Day Trip: Must-See Stops

Morning: Lets start adventurous hiking to the scenic villages from Al Aqur to Al Ayn. Along the way, you'll see traditional stone houses, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and walk by breathtaking views.

Afternoon: Upon continuing, visit the rose gardens, if you are flower lovers and you can also learn about rosewater harvesting. We are not yet done, save your energy to visit Diana’s Point, because you're going to witness a stunning view of the canyon. 

Evening: when the moon is about to come, don’t miss the chance to see the stunning sunset view over the canyon.

Night: After a long day, relax watching charming stars from an elevation of 2,000 meters. You’ll especially enjoy it if you’re an astronomy lover.

Accommodation Options in Jebel Akhdar

Affordable Hotels: 

• Sama Hotel Jebel Akhdar and Green View Hotel (prices starting at OMR 30 per night)

Luxury Star Hotels: 

• Alila Jabal Akhdar and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar (prices starting at OMR 110 per night)

Popular Local Tastes of Jebel Akhdar

• Mountain honey
• Omani rose water-infused sweets

Day 5: Jebel Akhdar → Wahiba Sands

Moving forward in our journey, we reached Wahiba Sands before the sun arrived. Let's have fun exploring the desert. Golden dunes and shimmering heat waves offer a breathtaking desert experience. Of course, a single day isn't enough to fully explore its slippery sand beauty, but we can still enjoy covering exciting desert activities. From camel rides to thrilling dune bashing.

Day Trip: Must-See Stops

Morning: Drive to the desert sands and experience the thrill of sandboarding.

Afternoon: Exploring the desert region more, riding on a camel and capturing pictures in the sands and recording trending Instagram reels creates an unforgettable desert experience .

Evening: when sun is about to sleep, try out the desert adventurous activity: dune bashing and enjoy watching the desert side sunset.

Night: As you're situated in golden sands, take part in delicious BBQ dinner, traditional music under the Galaxy.

Accommodation Options in Wahiba Sands

Affordable Hotels: 

• Sama Al Wasil Camp and Nomadic Desert Camp (prices starting at OMR 35 per night)

Luxury Star Hotels: 

• Desert Nights Resort and Luxury Desert Camp Oman (prices starting at OMR 85 per night)

Popular Local Tastes of Wahiba Sands

• Camel meat dishes
• Omani coffee
• dates 

Day 6: Wahiba Sands → Wadi Bani Khalid → Sur

After a desert tour, you can reach out to another must-visit destination. To a place where it features turquoise natural pools, date palms, and stunning canyon landscapes. Along with this, let's go to discover beach destinations and explore the coastlines.

Day Trip: Must-See Stops

Morning: Swim and relax in the stunning turquoise pools of Wadi Bani Khalid. Then, visit Muqal Cave for a jaw-dropping nature experience.

Afternoon: Drive to Sur, it will take you 1.5 hours to reach and directly visit Dhow Yard. You can explore unique and traditional wooden boats.

Evening: Walk around the Sur corniche and watch the beachside falling sunset.

Night: End your day having a fresh fish dinner by the sea.

Accommodation Options in Sur

Affordable Hotels: 

• Sur Hotel and Al Ayjah Plaza (prices starting at OMR 15 per night)

Luxury Star Hotels: 

• Sur Plaza Hotel and Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Lodge (prices starting at OMR 35 per night)

Popular Local Tastes of Wadi Bani Khalid and Sur

• Grilled kingfish
• Omani lobster
• Coconut rice

Day 7: Sur → Ras Al Jinz

We have a lot more to explore in Sur. So let's cover it…! And then, we can move to another destination. Guess where? To Turtle Beach. What can you expect here? You can experience the lifestyle of the tortoise and unique architectural wonders too. I will describe the tour more in your Day trip activity. 

Day Trip: Must-See Stops

Morning: There's a lot more to explore in Sur. Visit the historic Sur Lighthouse, step into the traditional Dhow Shipyard to see the craftsmanship behind ancient wooden boats, and enjoy a walk along the scenic coastal promenade.

Afternoon: Drive from Sur to Ras Al Hadd. Visit and explore the Ras Al Hadd Fort.

Evening: Turtle-watching tour. Watch green sea turtles emerge from the sea and lay eggs (must book in advance).

Night: Overnight stay at the Eco Tents or Carapace Lodge and enjoy the beachside wind and breeze.

Accommodation Options in Ras Al Jinz

Affordable Hotels:

• Eco Tents at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (prices starting at OMR 35 per night)

Luxury Star Hotels: 

• Carapace Lodge at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (prices starting at OMR 60 per night)

Popular Local Tastes of Ras Al Jinz

• Fresh seafood 
• local flatbreads

Day 8: Ras Al Jinz → Bimmah Sinkhole → Wadi Shab → Muscat

Pack everything, we are covering the two mind-blowing nature destinations today. Want to swim in naturally formed swimming pools? Okay…! Let me take you to Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab. Everything in here is beyond your expectations. Isn't it exciting? Let's Go….!

Day Trip: Must-See Stops

• Drive early in the morning from Ras Al Jinz.

Morning: Firstly, visit Bimmah Sinkhole and swim until your body sinks in the turquoise waters. After that, you can relax at Hawiyat Najm Park. It is nearby only.

Afternoon: Start driving to Wadi Shab. Hike over the mountain and swim through turquoise pools to reach a hidden cave. And bathe a second time under the waterfalls. Spend time with nature to create unforgettable natural bathing experiences.

Evening: Drive return to Muscat via scenic coastal highway.

Night: Check back into your Muscat hotel and pack everything, including adventures and unforgettable memories, with you.

Accommodation Options in Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab

Affordable Hotels: 

• Wadi Shab Beach Resort and Wadi Shab Resort (prices starting at OMR 25 per night)

Luxury Star Hotels: 

• Wadi Shab Beach Villa and Nomad Inn Tiwi (prices starting at OMR 45 per night)

Popular Local Tastes of Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab

• Lamb biryani
• Fresh juices
• Omani desserts at local cafes

Day 9: Departure from Muscat

My list of destinations are completed. You can now book your return tickets. Meanwhile, if you have time before your flight, make your bags a little heavier with some shopping. Oman has some wonderful items to take back home!

Here are some shopping sites for you…. !

• Muscat Grand Mall
• Oman Avenues Mall
• OASIS Mall

Must-do activities right after you land in Muscat

Oman currency withdrawal: After landing in the Muscat airport. There will be ATMs within the airport. Draw some Oman currency cash (OMR). For most expenses you can use your international cards (credit/debit card) but still have some cash in hand.

Buy a SIM Card: To catch up with the local signals, buy one e-SIM card. You can find it within the airport.

Best time to visit Oman: 

• October to April (pleasant, cooler temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities).

Travel tips for your Oman itinerary

• Rent a car or hire a driver for easy exploration.
• Carry some lightweight snacks and drinks in your backpack.
• Book your individual activity entry tickets in advance.
• Dress moderately and wear comfortable shoes.

Covering Oman in a week can be a challenge, but I’ve made it easy for you with a well-planned tour map. Each day offers a different experience. Goes smoothly exploring popular cities, standing on golden desert sands, racing with beach waves, and relaxing in naturally formed pools surrounded by mountain rocks. We totally covered, from historic landmarks to thrilling adventures, we’ve covered it all. My plan and your tour. 

Now, pack your bags and get everything ready, because Oman is calling. Have a safe and joyful journey…!

FAQs

Is 8 days in Oman enough?

Yes, 8 days is enough to see Oman’s top attractions, especially with a well-planned itinerary. You can comfortably cover Oman in a week.

How much would a trip to Oman cost?

It depends on your expenditure range. But, approximately, it can cost from 300 to 700 OMR.

Is Oman safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Oman is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. The local culture is respectful, and street harassment is rare.

Is food expensive in Oman?

Not at all! Food is affordable and delicious too.

Which is the most beautiful city in Oman?

Each has its charm, but Nizwa and Muscat top the list.

Is there Uber in Oman?

No, Uber does not operate in Oman, but there are alternatives you can use: Otaxi and Mwasalat taxis.