Oman, a true hidden gem in the Middle East, is an absolute must-visit destination for a unique and unforgettable experience. From pristine beaches to vast deserts, rugged mountains to ancient forts, this country offers a diversity of attractions that will leave you in awe over and over again. Embark on this 10-day Oman itinerary, and prepare to be in awe the entire trip.

This Oman travel guide takes you through an incredible roadtrip around the Northern area of the country. Initially, I had no idea what to expect on our trip to Oman, but we went with an open mind and it ended up being one of our favorite trips EVER. In fact, I’d dare to say it is the most authentic and unique of all the places I’ve visited in the Middle East.

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7 Essential Tips & Travel Advice for 10 Days in Oman

Before we dive into the itinerary, here are 7 essential tips to keep in mind when planning your Oman road trip.

1. Timing Matters

If you travel during Ramadan, be aware that the holiday will affect restaurant hours and other business operations. Most establishments will remain closed during daylight hours until sunset. You cannot openly eat or drink in public places. For more tips on what to expect while traveling during Ramadan in Oman, check out this travel guide on visiting Abu Dhabi during Ramadan. Many of the restrictions and closures are the same.

2. Dress Conservatively

Respect local customs by dressing modestly. Men should wear pants covering their knees, and women need to cover their shoulders, chest, and knees, even when hiking or swimming. Additionally, I recommend always having a scarf handy to cover your shoulders.

3. Driving in Oman

Rent a car with 4WD to explore the country’s diverse landscapes. The well-maintained roads and Google Maps make it easy to get around and its cheaper than hiring a driver. However, you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to access the Jebel Akhdar mountains and the Wahiba Sands desert. The police will stop you on the way up the mountain to check. Additionally, we found ourselves taking a few wrong turns and driving down rocky, unpaved roads.

4. Language and Hospitality

The Omani people speak Arabic as their official language, but they widely use English and are known for their warmth and hospitality. In Muscat, when our local parking app failed, a gentleman paid for our parking on his app and refused to accept payment in return. He warned us that not paying the fee could result in a big fine. IT WAS SO NICE.

5. Alcohol Restrictions

As Oman is a Muslim country, drinking alcohol is not a common practice among the general population. However, most hotels provide alcohol to guests.

6. Weather Considerations

Pack a sweater or jacket, as nights in Oman can get chilly depending on your location and the time of year.

7. Supermarkets

Stock up on snacks and water for your road trip at Lulu’s Hypermarkets, which are located all over the country and offer everything and anything you could ever need.

10 Day Oman Road Trip

Where to Stay in Muscat

It’s best to stay in Muscat and use it as a home base for daily excursions because there aren’t any nice hotels (that I’d recommend!) close to the other areas you’ll visit the first 4 days of your 10 day Oman itinerary. Staying in Muscat adds a bit of driving, but I think it’s worth it to stay there so you can be in a nice hotel.

The Chedi Muscat

I highly recommend booking your stay at the renowned Chedi Muscat resort, located just 15 minutes from Muscat International Airport. Firstly, the hotel’s prime location keeps you central to all the best activities and attractions in Muscat. The Chedi Muscat is a beachfront resort renowned for its stunning architecture, impeccable service, and serene ambiance. Additionally, it has 21 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and a blend of Omani and Asian design elements.

Take advantage of the Chedi’s incredible pool facilities, boasting three massive swimming pools – one claiming the impressive title of the largest in the Middle East. The adults-only pool areas provide a peaceful oasis, which I greatly appreciated! The Chedi also has a beautiful spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a few restaurants with incredible food, including one of the best breakfast buffets I’ve ever had. They also offer free valet parking, so guests never have to worry about paying or parking their rental car.

Tip: If you’re interested in booking The Chedi Muscat with complimetnary perks like breakfast, upgrades and more, book through me directly! I am a certified Fora Advisor and can book your stay at no extra cost.

Other amazing hotels to stay in Muscat:

• Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa, Muscat
• Six Senses Zighy Bay, Muscat
• Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat

Days 1-4: Muscat

Day 1: Enjoy the Resort

Assuming you arrive mid-day, spend the remainder of the day relaxing at one of the stunning resorts I mentioned above. Swim in the beach or pools. Then, indulge in spa treatments or read. Make the most of your time to truly unwind and relax, as the rest of this 10-day Oman travel guide will keep you on the move with many activities!

Day 2: Explore Muscat

Spend the 2nd day exploring Muscat’s most iconic sights: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, and the vibrant Mutrah Souq and Fort.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an absolute must for your 10-day Oman itinerary! It is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world and features exquisite architecture, intricate tilework, and a massive Swarovski crystal chandelier. Additionally, the design architecture in the mosque is stunning and perfect for photography. Thankfully, it wasn’t crowded when we visited and there are plenty of spots to take photos without other tourists in them. (2h)

Make sure you’re fully covered and adhere to the local dress code. If you don’t have anything to wear (you should because you should be dressed pretty conservatively throughout the whole country!), you can rent an abaya in the shop outside the entrance.

What to Wear at a Mosque – Women:

• Hair and whole body must be covered, face can remain uncovered.
• You must wear a headscarf or abaya (robe) to cover your hair and body.
• Clothing must not be transparent or revealing.

What to Wear at a Mosque – Men:

• Shoulders and knees must be covered.
• Jeans or shorts above the knee are not allowed.

Royal Opera House

No Oman travel guide is complete without a visit to the Royal Opera House. The Royal Opera House is another architectural marvel, renowned for its world-class performances and stunning design inspired by Omani traditions. If you are able to book a performance you should buy tickets ahead of time, otherwise I recommend taking time to admire the architecture and beautiful grounds. (1h)

Additionally, there is a complex next door featuring luxury stores and restaurants that you can check out.

Mutrah Souq and Fort

The Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest marketplaces in Oman, dating back over 200 years. It is a labyrinth of narrow alleys and stalls, retaining the chaotic charm of a traditional Arab market. First, explore the maze of shops selling a wide array of products, including Omani handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, antiques, spices, and perfumes. Make sure you bargain! Then, wander the charming neighborhood or walk along the corniche. The shop owners can be pretty relentless, so be confident just walking away if you’re not comfortable. (1h)

The Mutrah Fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, is a historic landmark overlooking the Mutrah Corniche and harbor. You can purchase a ticket and climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline, the souq, and the mountains. The architecture and fortifications are well-preserved. Additionally, sometimes they have movies or events there, so check to see if anything is going on before you visit! (1h) It was a really unique landmark and we had the whole place to ourselves!

Tip: This area can be hard to find parking and you need to pay for it through their local parking app. The app didnt work for anyone in my group. Thankfully a nice gentleman saw us struggling and offered to pay on his app and refused repayment. It’s less than $1 USD but the ticket fine can be hefty if you dont pay! I recommend asking a local to do the same for you, park in a non-payment required area, or take a taxi to the area.

Day 3: Day Trip to Daymaniyat Islands

On Day 3 take a relaxing boat trip to the Daymaniat Islands for the day. You can find tours that offer snorkeling, scuba diving, or simply sunbathing and swimming. The Daymaniyat Islands are a breathtaking nature reserve located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) off the coast of Oman. You’ll likely see a lot of turtles and other marine life! It’s a bit rough and the current is strong so be careful while swimming or doing any water activities.

Check out these tours of the Daymaniat Islands:

• Muscat: Dimaniat Islands Snorkeling Trip
• Scuba Diving Tours To Daymaniyat Islands

Day 4: Relax or Visit Bandar Al Khairan

We spent the day relaxing and hanging out at the resort, but if you want more adventure I recommend heading to Bandar Al Khairan for the day. It’s about a 45 – 60 minute drive from Muscat depending on the location of your hotel.

Bandar Al Khairan

Bandar Al Khairan is a scenic coastal area located about 50 km from Muscat, Oman, and offers a range of outdoor activities. Typically people swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters, kayak through the fjord-like inlets, or paddle to hidden beaches and caves. There are also a lot of great hikes to secluded beaches and from October to March you can see bioluminescent plankton in the water, which is pretty magical!

Yiti Round Point of View

Stop at the Yiti Round Point of View (which is marked on my Google Maps) on the way back to Muscat. It’s a scenic overlook where you can admire the white city framed by the natural mountains surrounding it. Almost every building in Oman is either white or a light tan so it looks striking against the brown mountains.

Where to Eat in Muscat

There are so many amazing Middle Eastern restaurants in Muscat. From Iranian to Lebanese, Omani, and more. Here are some of my favorites:

• Shandiz Restaurant
• Ubhar Restaurant (their shuwa is SO good – Shuwa is meat (usually lamb or chicken) marinated in a spice mixture and slow-cooked underground for up to two days. The meat becomes extremely tender and flavorful.
• Al Angham
• Turkish House
• Ramssa Omani Restaurant
• Al Angham Oman
• Rozna Restaurant

We noticed Muscat has a big cafe culture. There are many charming, aesthetic cafes with excellent coffee, pastries, and food. Here are some I recommend:

• ARAM
• KAIA
• Capulus Cafe

Days 5-7: Wahiba Sands Desert

Where to Stay in Wahiba Sands

The best places to stay in Wahiba Sands are Desert Nights Camp or Thousand Nights Camp. After staying at the most incredible desert camps in Namibia and Morocco, I did not find these camps super impressive. However, they are the best option available in Wahiba Sands. There is also Magic Camps, which is very expensive – not worth it in my opinion, but it is super luxurious.

Day 5: Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab, & Sur

You can complete the drive from Muscat to Wahiba Sands in about 3 hours, but you should stop at several amazing places along the way to break up the drive. I recommend exploring Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab for swimming and hiking. Then, if you have time, visit the coastal fishing town of Sur to admire its beautiful white buildings, forts, and old Omani architecture. Finally, arrive in the desert in the late afternoon for a vibrant sunset. Day 5 was definitely one of the highlights of our 10 day Oman itinerary.

Bimmah Sinkhole

About 1 hour from Muscat, Bimmah Sinkhole is a stunning natural wonder. It’s a deep, turquoise-blue swimming hole formed by a collapsed limestone cave. Once you arrive you can park and enter for free in the parking lot and walk a few minutes to the staircase that takes you down to the swimming hole. Then, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters or simply admire the sinkhole from above. Despite being surrounded by a man-made platform and stairs, it was quite beautiful and refreshing. I recommend bringing water shoes as the area is very rocky! (1h)

Wadi Shab

Continuing south for another 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at Wadi Shab, a stunning wadi (a dry riverbed or valley that typically remains dry except during the rainy season) with crystal-clear pools and waterfalls. First, you’ll want to drive to the little parking area near the entrance. Next, you have to take a small boat for about 2 minutes across the river. It costs 1 Omani Rial (around $2.50 USD) per person and you have to pay in cash.

Then, it’s about a 45-minute hike through the wadi until you reach the pools. The trail is pretty easy, but the ground can be slippery in parts so wear good shoes that can grip the rocks. Once you get closer, you’ll see stunning cliffs rising up on both sides – it’s like walking into a desert canyon!

When you finally reach the end of the trail, you’ll be greeted by the most incredible turquoise pools and waterfalls. The second pool is where most people hang out, swim, and relax. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can actually swim through a cave to get to a few more secluded pools (3 and 4)! Just be ready to do a little rock scrambling. Bring a dry bag to keep your stuff dry while you’re swimming. And don’t forget to pack snacks and water – you’ll want to spend a few hours soaking it all in. The whole place feels like a hidden desert oasis. It’s easily one of the best wadis in Oman! Plan to send 3-4 hours here.

Sur

After your adventures at Wadi Shab, drive for another 1 hour to the coastal town of Sur. Explore its charming old quarter, with its whitewashed buildings, ancient forts, and traditional Omani architecture. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about Oman’s maritime history, there is the Sur Maritime Museum, where you can hear more about the traditional dhow shipbuilding industry. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here.

Wadi Bani Khalid

We didn’t end up visiting Wadi Bani Khalid because we were exhausted and it was already getting late in the day. I want to include it here in case there is time to visit during your 10-day Oman itinerary. Wadi Bani Khalid is about 1.5-2 hours from Sur. It has beautiful pools and cascading waterfalls carved into the rocky canyon walls. Spend a few hours exploring the wadi, swimming, and soaking in the beautiful scenery. The wadi is free to visit, but you may need to pay a small fee for parking. Once your finished, drive about 1h southwest to reach the entrance of Wahiba Sands desert.

Drive to Wahiba Sands Desert

On your final leg to Wahiba Sands, stop at the last gas station before driving on the sand to lower your tire pressure. The staff at the gas station can help you adjust your tires. If the thought of driving in the sand makes you nervous, you can coordinate a pickup somewhere with your camp, but honestly, it wasn’t that bad!

Once you arrive at your camp, enjoy the incredible sunset from the dunes. It’s so peaceful and serene. Your camp will most likely have a delicious Omani buffet dinner. Then, before bed, make sure you take advantage of the dark sky and admire the stars!!

Day 6: Wahiba Sands Desert

On Day 6 spend the day enjoying the desert. No 10 day Oman itinerary is complete without exploring Oman’s beautiful desert. You can walk/ride the camels and the camps offer many paid and free activities. You can try more adventurous activities like ATVs, dune bashing, hot air ballooning, or sandboarding. We did the quad around the dunes and it was an exhilarating experience! We also ran into lots of camels along the way, which was fun to see!

Days 7-10: Jebel Akhdar Mountains

Where to Stay in Jebel Akhdar

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

The best place to stay is the incredible Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort. It’s the highest resort in the world and sits on the side of the mountain overlooking a massive canyon. It’s one of the most epic hotel views I’ve ever seen, and most rooms have a view of the canyon. Staying here was one of the highlights of our 10 day Oman itinerary!

The hotel is beautifully landscaped with hundreds of different plants and flowers. It has a luxurious spa, a pool overlooking the canyon, and multiple restaurants. The resort also offers many unique activities including rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, and more.

Tip: If you’re interested in booking the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort with complimetnary perks like breakfast, upgrades and more, book through me directly! I am a certified Fora Advisor and can book your stay at no extra cost.

Day 7: Explore Nizwa & Jabreen Castle

I recommend leaving Wahiba Sands early for a full day of adventures. Head to Nizwa to visit its souk, castle, and fort before driving to the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Mountains. The drive is about 2.5-3 hours.

Nizwa

Nizwa is a can’t miss spot in Oman during your 10 day itinerary. First, start the day at the famous Nizwa Souk, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Oman. Then, wander through the maze of alleys, admiring the displays of pottery, jewelry, spices, and traditional Omani crafts. Finally, make sure you stop at the dates shop – they have tons of different varieties and flavors.

Additionally, if you’re there on a Friday, you can experience the goat market, a traditional livestock market that starts as early as 6AM. Because it’s so early it might be best to visit again on another day if this is something you want to see.

The market has hundreds of goats, sheep, and cows brought by local farmers and Bedouin herders. Then they are auctioned off through a bidding process that involves shouting and sometimes you will see animals charging each other. Unsurprisngly, the market is predominantly attended by local men, but it’s open to foreign tourists.

Next, walk to the impressive Nizwa Fort, which is next to the souk. It costs about 5 Omani Rials ($13 USD) to visit. It’s a 17th-century fortress with panoramic views of the city from its towering walls and turrets. You can wander the fort and learn about its rich history and architectural significance. The fort also makes for some stunning photos. It’s best if you can arrive early or late in the day to avoid the direct sun. It gets quite hot and bright against the light-colored walls!

Jabreen Castle

After Ninza, the drive to Jabreen Castle takes approximately 1 hour. There is an entrance fee of 500 baisa ($1.30 USD). Jabreen Castle is a must-visit historical gem located in the town of Bahla. The 17th-century castle is renowned for its intricate carvings, frescoes, and beautifully decorated ceilings. Be prepared for incredible photo opportunities at every corner. The intricately painted ceilings and latticed windows provide stunning backdrops.

Al Jabal Al Akhdar Mountains

Finally, drive about 1.5 hours to the beautiful Al Jabal Al Akhdar Mountains, which stands for “green mountain” and refers to its fertile valleys and terraced orchards amidst the rugged terrain. Make sure you have 4WD or the authorities won’t let you drive up the mountain. Arrive at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort and relax for the rest of the day. Don’t miss the beautiful sunset over the mountains. The best view is at the pool and viewing area next to the pool.

Day 8: Enjoy the Resort

My favorite part of visiting the mountains was honestly just hanging out at the beautiful Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort property. You can swim in the infinity pool overlooking the canyon, go to the spa, enjoy one of their amazing restaurants, or do one of their more adventurous activities, like hiking, climbing, zip-lining, archery, and yoga classes.

Fun fact.. Princess Diana visited the Al Jabal Al Akhdar region during a royal tour to Oman with Prince Charles in 1986. During this visit, she stopped at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the rugged canyon. The viewpoint is now known as “Diana’s Viewpoint” and is right next to the resort.

Day 9: Explore Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Close to the hotel you will find sprawling rose terraces and a local village where you can learn about how the locals have made rose water for thousands of years. You can pay a few Rials to see how they make it. There is a guided path where you can walk through the village and get a glimpse into how the locals live outside the big city.

Next, drive about 15 minutes to Wadi Bani Habib, an abandoned mountain village. The town was abandoned in the 1980s when many people moved to more modern areas. When you arrive, park on the street and take the steep staircase down about 200 steps to the wadi. Finding the village entrance can be confusing, so look for the abandoned mosque’s entrance, although tourists cannot enter the abandoned mosque itself. Instead, climb the stairs around it to explore the rest of the abandoned town.

The village is built entirely of mud and stone in a traditional Omani style clinging to the slopes of the mountain. It’s pretty incredible how they built these houses and buildings on the side of a cliff. Wander the intricate network of rugged paths and stairs that lead through the crumbling ruins of old houses, many now missing doors, windows and roofs. Many of the interior walls are still decorated with floral patterns. There are old Koran’s left behind and some other interesting artifacts. Make sure you wear good sneakers and be careful because everything is falling apart and you can easily lose your footing. Visiting Wadi Bani Habib was one of our favorite things we did during our 10 day Oman itinerary.

Day 10: Time to Head Home

Expect the drive back to Muscat to take around 2 hours. It’s not that far, but the road down the mountain is quite windy!

Best Local Omani Foods to Try

I highly recommend trying some of Oman’s traditional dishes. Trying Oman food is one of the highlights of your 10 day itinerary. Here are a few we enjoyed:

• Shuwa – This slow-roasted meat dish is considered Oman’s national dish. Beed or lamb is usually marinated in spices and herbs, wrapped in palm leaves, and cooked underground for over 24 hours. Shuwa is often served during Eid celebrations.
• Qabuli – A spiced rice dish with meat (chicken, lamb or camel), thought to have origins from Afghan traders.
• Majboos – A fragrant rice dish cooked with whole spices like cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. It can contain meat like lamb or camel.
• Halwa – A sweet dessert made from cornstarch, sugar, ghee and rose water.

Oman is a true gem, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. From the vast Wahiba Sands Desert to the rugged Al Jabal Al Akhdar Mountains, this country will leave you in awe at every turn. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Oman has something for everyone. I hope this 10 day Oman itinerary is helpful in planning your own adventure.

Book Your Trip With Me: As a certified Fora Travel Advisor, I can book your 10 Day Oman Itinerary from end to end. That includes flights, hotels, activities, rental cars, and more. Send me an email at [email protected]

For more Middle East itineraries, check out my 2 Day Guide to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Other Important Oman Tips & Things to Know

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