Famous for its countless sinkholes, wadis, desserts and dates, Oman is a country that should be on your radar. For a perfect stay in this country, it is always better to know in advance where to go. Here are some examples of itineraries lasting a few days in Oman.
DAYS 1-2
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Probably Muscat’s most famous landmark, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque is well worth a visit. The mosque took 6 years to build, covers an area of 416,000 square meters and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshipers at a time. Made up of 300,000 tones of Indian sandstone, the mosque is the second largest in the world. During this Oman travel, you can sit down and learn about Islam and ask any questions you have about the country.
Muttrah Souk
Located opposite the Corniche, the Muttrah Souq is a 20-25 minute drive from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. This lively district is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. You’ll find a mix of Indian and African locals selling tourist souvenirs, bags, carpets, gold and household items. The souk opens Saturday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Old Muscat
Another 5-10 minute drive along the Corniche is Old Muscat, the original historic town of Muscat and current home of the ruling Sultan. You can see Al Alam Palace, the residence of the ruling monarch, Sultan Qaboos, and the most important of the country’s six royal residences. Surrounded by rugged mountains, there are several towers and a reconstructed wall that protected the city.
DAY 3
Bimmah Chasm
About a 90-minute drive from Muscat is the Bimmah Sinkhole. It’s the perfect place to stop, swim and cool off. The turquoise water is very inviting! It is a popular swimming hole with locals and tourists and particularly busy on weekend days Friday and Saturday.
Wadi Shab
From Bimmah Sinkhole, continue driving for 20 minutes and you will find the Wadi Shab parking lot. You will probably have to take a small boat to cross a small river, from where you will have to walk 30-45 minutes through rough paths and rocks to reach the swimming hole. It’s worth the detour as the waterhole is truly beautiful, the water perfectly clear and it’s a great place to cool off. The dress code is more casual here.
On
Continue along the coastal road to the town of Sur. There is a large supermarket just outside Sur where you can stock up on ice cream, food and drinks. If you have time, stop and explore the city. Make sure you allow plenty of time to find a place to camp!
DAY 4
After a breakfast morning, spend time exploring Sur. This ancient East African trading port has a pretty lighthouse, a fort and typically Omani architecture. Fishing boats line the shore and it’s a great place to get a feel for local life!
Wadi Bani Khalid
After exploring Sur, head to the desert, via Wadi Bani Khalid for a dip and a picnic. There is an area towards the back of the site where tourists can swim in western swimwear.
Wahiba Sands
From Wadi Bani Kahlid, head to Wahiba Sands and find a place to set up camp. Climb a dune to watch the sunset and admire the sparkling Milky Way above.