How to Experience Oman in 5 Days: A Travel Itinerary & Tips for visiting

Oman is a country that is quickly becoming a travel hot spot, and I think it is the perfect destination to combine with a trip to Dubai! It is only a 1 hour flight from Dubai, or a 3-4 hours by car. Here is a 5 day itinerary that offers a mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure, allowing you to experience the best that Oman has to offer.

Day 1:

• Arrive at Muscat International Airport and check in at Shangri-La Al Husn, a luxurious resort located on the shores of the Gulf of Oman.
• Head on a tour to Nizwa Fort, which is located about two hours away from Muscat. This impressive fortress dates back to the 17th century and features a large central tower, as well as a museum that showcases traditional Omani crafts and artifacts.

• Explore the Fort: The Nizwa Fort is a remarkable piece of architecture and engineering that has withstood the test of time. You can explore the various rooms, halls, and chambers inside the fort, including the exhibition hall, the weapon room, the prison, and the tower.
• Visit Nizwa Souq: The Nizwa Souq is located just a short walk from the fort and is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Oman. This is a great spot to shop for traditional Omani goods, such as pottery, silverware, spices, and textiles.

• Visit the Nizwa Castle: The Nizwa Castle is another historic building located in the heart of the city, and it’s worth visiting. Visitors can explore the castle’s various rooms and this is a great place to take Instagrammable photos!
• Optional: Visit the Birkat Al-Mouz: Birkat Al-Mouz is a beautiful oasis town located about 20 minutes drive from Nizwa. Visitors can explore the town’s traditional mud-brick houses, palm groves, and ancient ruins.

• Return to Shangri-La Al Husn and spend the rest of the afternoon/evening relaxing at the resort’s private beach or taking advantage of its many amenities, such as the spa, fitness center, and swimming pool. Have dinner at one of its many restaurants, which serve a variety of international cuisine.

Day 2:

• Enjoy an early breakfast at the resort before embarking on a tour of Muscat, Oman’s capital city. Start your day by visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque when it opens at 8am so you can avoid large groups of tourists and have the mosque to yourself to take photos.

More about the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque:

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, is a magnificent Islamic place of worship located in the heart of the capital city, Muscat. It one of the largest mosques in the world. One of the most striking features of the Grand Mosque is its impressive dome, which is made of 1,122 tons of solid marble and is the largest in the world. The mosque also has a beautiful courtyard with landscaped gardens, fountains, and a reflecting pool.The main prayer hall is particularly impressive, with a massive chandelier hanging from its domed ceiling that weighs over 8 tons and is adorned with Swarovski crystals.

When you visit the Mosque it is a requirement that you dress modestly and respect Islamic customs and traditions. Women must cover their hair and wear long sleeves and skirts or pants, and men should wear long pants and shirts that cover their shoulders. Women can rent an Abaya at the entrance for a few dollars; I think this just adds to the experience and so I highly recommend doing this. Guided tours of the mosque are available for free and take place several times a day, except on Fridays and during Islamic holidays.

• After the Mosque you can visit the Royal Opera House, and the Muttrah Souq, a bustling marketplace where you can buy traditional Omani handicrafts, spices, and clothing.

• Return to Shangri-La Al Husn for afternoon tea and then enjoy another evening of relaxation.

Day 3:

• After breakfast, set off on a day trip to Wadi Shab, a picturesque valley located in the Al Hajar Mountains about 2 hours drive southeast of Muscat. The wadi is known for its its stunning rock formations and natural pools where you can swim. It is a scenic canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs, that offers a unique opportunity to explore Oman’s natural beauty. (Click here for the Wadi Shab tour I booked).

• When you arrive at Wadi Shab you have to take a short boat ride across a narrow channel of water, and the hike in. The hike to the main attraction – a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls – takes around 45 minutes, and involves some moderate climbing and wading through shallow pools.
• Along the way, you can admire the stunning scenery of the canyon, which is dotted with date palms and other desert vegetation, and spot various wildlife, including colorful birds, lizards, and even mountain goats.
• The pools at Wadi Shab are the highlight of the trip, offering visitors a refreshing dip in cool, clear water surrounded by natural beauty. To reach the main pool, visitors need to swim through a narrow gorge that opens up to a large, deep pool with a stunning waterfall at one end.

• If you are adventurous, there is an opportunity to swim through a narrow underwater cave to reach a second pool with a smaller waterfall and there is a rope swing if you want to jump in from the top.

• Overall, Wadi Shab is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves hiking, swimming, and exploring the natural beauty of Oman. It’s a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

In the evening, return to Shangri-La Al Husn for a dinner by the beach, followed by a sunset stroll along the shore.

Day 4:

• Get up early and check out of Shangri-La Al Husn and into the Royal Tulip Hotel, a stylish and modern hotel located in the heart of Muscat (ask them to store your bags for the day).
• Then, take a taxi to the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha in Muscat and take a day trip by boat to the Daymaniyat Islands (click here for the link to the exact trip I booked). The Daymaniyat Islands are a group of nine uninhabited islands located off the coast of Oman. They are known for their stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life, making them a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.

Here’s what you can expect on a day trip to Daymaniyat Islands:

1. Getting there: The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour from the marina
2. Snorkeling and diving: You can snorkel or dive in the crystal-clear waters and see tropical fish and colorful coral reefs, but there are also lots of sea turtles in this area, and this is definitely a highlight of the trip!
3. Relaxing on the beach: If you’re not into water activities, you can simply relax on the pristine white-sand beaches and soak up the sun. The islands are also a popular spot for bird watching, with various species of seabirds nesting there.
4. Facilities: Daymaniyat Islands are uninhabited, so there are no restaurants or cafes on the islands. Make sure to bring your own food and drinks (or ask when booking your tour what food or drinks are provided), as well as sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. There are basic facilities on the islands, such as restrooms and changing rooms.

• Spend the evening exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife scene or relaxing at the Royal Tulip hotel’s rooftop pool/bar.

Day 5:

• Head to Wahiba Sands, a vast desert region that is home to Bedouin tribes and a variety of unique flora and fauna.
  • Enjoy a camel ride through the dunes, take in the stunning desert scenery, or go dune bashing, which involves driving over the sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. It’s a thrilling experience that will get your adrenaline pumping as you navigate the steep slopes and sharp turns of the dunes.

• Many visitors make a point of staying until dusk to watch the sun go down over the desert. As the sky changes color, the sand dunes take on a golden hue, creating a magical atmosphere.
• If you have the time to spend a 6th day in Oman I would suggest staying overnight in the desert at a Bedouin camp. It is a great way to learn about the traditional way of life in the desert. You can enjoy a cup of Omani coffee, listen to stories and songs, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Bedouin people.

Please note: If you want luxury, but are on a budget I recommend staying at the Royal Tulip Muscat for all 3 or 4 nights you are in Oman. It offer great value and is centrally located!

Tips on Visiting Oman:

1. Respect local customs: Oman is a conservative country with a strong Islamic culture. Dress modestly when in public places, and avoid public displays of affection. Women should cover their heads when entering mosques, and men should wear long pants.
2. Be mindful of the weather: Oman is known for its scorching summers, so make sure to pack light and breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. If you’re visiting in winter, the evenings can get chilly, so bring a light jacket.
3. Plan your itinerary: Oman has a lot to offer, from stunning beaches to rugged mountains and historical landmarks. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip.
4. Rent a car: Oman is a large country, and renting a car is the best way to explore it. The roads are well-maintained and relatively easy to navigate.
5. Visit the souqs: Oman’s traditional markets, or souqs, are a great place to shop for souvenirs and experience the local culture. Muttrah Souq in Muscat is a must-visit.
6. Try the local cuisine: Omani cuisine is a delicious fusion of Arabian, Persian, Indian, and African flavors. Don’t miss out on trying Omani coffee, dates, and halwa, a traditional sweet.
7. Learn some Arabic phrases: While English is widely spoken in Oman, learning some basic Arabic phrases will go a long way in showing respect to the locals.
8. Combine your trip to Oman with a trip to Dubai: Click here for my Travel Guide to Dubai!