Oman is where frankincense once bought fortunes and forts guarded caravan routes. Today, it welcomes travelers with a rare mix of authentic Arabian culture, immaculate beaches, wild mountains, and wadis of jade-green pools. Expect friendly smiles, safe roads, and a pace that feels unhurried and human.

Muscat, the capital, balances marble-clad grandeur with seaside calm. Nizwa preserves the country’s trading soul beneath its mighty fort. Along the coast, natural wonders like Wadi Shab and the Bimmah Sinkhole invite swims beneath palm groves, while the Daymaniyat Islands glow with coral gardens and turtles.

Practical notes: October–April offers the best weather. Dress modestly in villages and mosques (women need a headscarf and arms/legs covered at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque). Alcohol is served in licensed hotel venues; craft breweries are not a thing here, but gastropubs offer imported beers. Renting a car is popular; tours are great for wadis, mountains, and the desert.

Muscat

Muscat is elegant yet low-slung, framed by dramatic brown mountains and the blue Gulf of Oman. Its highlights run from the dazzling Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House to the old harbor at Mutrah, with its corniche, Portuguese-era forts, and labyrinthine souq.

• Top sights: Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House Muscat, National Museum, Al Alam Palace, Mutrah Souq, Al Jalali & Al Mirani Forts (exteriors), Qurum Beach.
• For foodies: Bait Al Luban (heritage Omani plates near the corniche), Kargeen (garden setting; shuwa and date ice cream), Turkish House (grilled fish and mezze), Bin Ateeq (traditional Omani).
• Beach & sea: Shatti Al Qurum sunset strolls; boats to Bandar Al Khayran; Daymaniyat Islands snorkeling for turtles and reef life.
• Evenings: Licensed venues include Trader Vic’s (at InterContinental Muscat), Duke’s GastroPub (Crowne Plaza Muscat), and O’Malley’s Irish Pub (Radisson Blu Muscat) for imported beers.

Stay (Hotels.com): Budget: Mutrah Hotel. Mid-range beachfront vibe: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. Splurge classic: Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Or browse more stays on Hotels.com (Muscat) or apartments via VRBO (Muscat).

Getting in: Fly into Muscat International Airport. Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxis and ride-hailing are available at the airport; many hotels also arrange transfers.

Nizwa

Once Oman’s capital, Nizwa thrived as an oasis on vital trade routes. Its circular fort is one of the country’s most photographed sights, while the souq still buzzes with silverwork, pottery, and Friday livestock auctions.

• Top sights: Nizwa Fort & Souq, Bahla Fort (UNESCO), Jabrin (Jibreen) Castle, date plantations. Mountain gateways to Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams are nearby.
• Foodie notes: Try qabooli (spiced rice), harees, and halwa; tea with cardamom; and local dates sold by the kilo in the souq.
• Fun fact: Nizwa was a renowned center of Islamic scholarship and Ibadi culture.

Stay (Hotels.com): Best-value base: Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel. Budget-friendly apartment comfort: Nizwa Hotel Apartments. Iconic splurge in the mountains (about 1.5 hrs from Nizwa): Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort. Browse more on Hotels.com (Nizwa) or VRBO (Nizwa).

Sur & the Eastern Coast

Sur’s seafaring history endures at its dhow-building yard and whitewashed lighthouse. It’s also your launchpad for coastal gems—Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Fins Beach, and the turtle nesting beaches at Ras Al Jinz.

• Top sights: Sur Lighthouse and Corniche, Dhow Yard, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (night tours), Fins Beach, Wadi Tiwi.
• Dining: Fresh fish at Sahari Restaurant; casual grills and mezze at Zaki; sweet karak tea along the corniche.

Stay (Hotels.com): Browse Sur and Ras Al Jinz stays on Hotels.com (Sur) or self-cater across the coast on VRBO (Sur).

Day 1 – Arrive in Muscat, Mutrah Corniche and Souq

Afternoon: Land in Muscat and settle into your hotel. Take a gentle stroll along the palm-lined Mutrah Corniche, watching dhows and fishing boats bob in the harbor. Pop into the modern Mutrah Fish Market to see the day’s catch artfully displayed.

Evening: Dive into Omani flavors at Bait Al Luban—try shuwa (slow-roasted lamb) and halwa for dessert. Browse Mutrah Souq for frankincense, khanjars (ceremonial daggers), and silver jewelry. For a drink, head to Trader Vic’s (InterContinental) for a tiki cocktail or sample imported beers at O’Malley’s Irish Pub (Radisson Blu).

Day 2 – Muscat’s Icons and Souqs

Morning: Join a focused city overview with the Half-Day Private Muscat City Tour - Top Landmarks in Just 4 Hours (typically ~$60–$100 per person, includes hotel pickup). Highlights include Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (world-famous Persian carpet and chandelier), the Royal Opera House exterior, and Old Muscat photo stops.

Afternoon: Explore the National Museum to trace Oman’s maritime epics and Bronze Age treasures. Wander the ceremonial plaza around Al Alam Palace, framed by Portuguese forts (exteriors only). Coffee break at Dukanah Cafe for Omani halwa crepes and spiced karak tea.

Evening: Dinner at Kargeen for garden-lit ambiance and traditional breads baked in a clay oven. If performance schedules align, catch a show at Royal Opera House Muscat; otherwise, unwind at Duke’s GastroPub (Crowne Plaza) overlooking the cliffs of Qurum Heights.

Day 3 – Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling

Morning: Boat out to a protected marine reserve on the Snorkeling trips to Daymaniat Islands Sharing Trip (~$90–$120). Expect turtles, schools of reef fish, and bright corals; whale sharks sometimes cruise past in late summer.

Afternoon: Return to shore for a late lunch at Turkish House—order the grilled seabream, hummus, and fatoush. Siesta or beach time at Shatti Al Qurum.

Evening: Explore Al Mouj Marina’s promenade for gelato, coffee, and a casual bite. Nightcap at O’Malley’s or a quiet tea back by the water.

Day 4 – Wadi Shab & Bimmah Sinkhole

Morning: Drive southeast for a classic wadi adventure on the Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole Group Full Day Tour (~$70–$100). Short boat hop, palm-fringed hike, then swim through limestone pools to a hidden cavern waterfall.

Afternoon: Cool off at the turquoise Bimmah Sinkhole (locals call it Hawiyat Najm). Snack on dates and karak tea from roadside cafés; return to Muscat by late afternoon.

Evening: Keep it casual at Bin Ateeq (Omani homestyle cooking; try the mashuai kingfish). Stroll Qurum Beach under the stars.

Day 5 – Museums, Old Ports, and Coastal Views

Morning: Breakfast at Dukanah Cafe (eggs with khubz rakhal flatbread). Visit Bait Al Zubair to see traditional dress, weaponry, and household artifacts that bring Oman’s past to life.

Afternoon: Head to Marina Bandar Al Rowdha to join a local dhow cruise or dolphin-watching boat (pay on the spot) and admire the serrated coastline of Bandar Al Khayran. Coffee at Caramel in the Opera Galleria.

Evening: Splurge night at Al Bustan Palace’s beachfront restaurants or keep it wallet-friendly with shawarma stands along Qurum. For drinks, Trader Vic’s tiki classics or a pint at Duke’s; remember, breweries aren’t part of Omani culture, but hotel gastropubs carry imports.

Day 6 – Muscat to Nizwa (Fortresses & Souqs)

Morning: Drive Muscat→Nizwa (via Route 15), 1.5–2 hours. Renting a car runs roughly $35–$50/day; private transfers ~$120–$180 one-way. No trains in Oman. Settle into your Nizwa hotel, then tour the imposing Nizwa Fort—climb to the cannon tower for oasis views.

Afternoon: Browse Nizwa Souq for dates, pottery, and silver khanjars. If it’s Friday, the traditional goat market starts early; arrive around 6:30–7:00 a.m. for the full scene.

Evening: Dinner near the fort—look for Omani rice dishes (maqbous) and grilled meats. Try khubz rakhal rolled with honey and cheese for dessert.

Day 7 – Mountains: Jebel Akhdar or Jebel Shams

Morning: Choose your mountain: Jebel Akhdar (terraced villages and rose plantations in spring; 4x4 required) or Jebel Shams, “the Grand Canyon of Arabia.” For hikers, consider the Balcony Walk (W6) to the abandoned village of Sab Bani Khamis.

Afternoon: If you prefer a guided hiking day, there’s a dedicated option: Private Full Day Guided Balcony Walk Hiking to Jebel Shams (usually ~$140–$220; inquire about pickup logistics if you’re already in Nizwa).

Evening: Return to Nizwa for a hearty dinner and a relaxed tea at a local café.

Day 8 – Nizwa to Wahiba Sands (Sharqiya Sands) Desert Overnight

Morning: Drive Nizwa→Wahiba Sands (about 3 hours; last stretch requires 4x4—arrange a camp pickup if you have a sedan). Stop at Al Mintarib to deflate tires and meet your camp guide.

Afternoon: Check into a desert camp. Activities typically include dune bashing, sandboarding, and sunset on a high ridge. The Sands glow copper as the light fades—truly cinematic.

Evening: Barbecue dinner under the stars with Omani music around the campfire. Stargazing is exceptional—identify Orion and the Pleiades with the naked eye.

Day 9 – Wadi Bani Khalid, Sur & Ras Al Jinz Turtles

Morning: After sunrise dunes, drive 1–1.5 hours to Wadi Bani Khalid for an easy swim in clear natural pools beneath date palms. Modesty applies—consider a T-shirt and longer swim shorts when not in the water.

Afternoon: Continue ~1–1.5 hours to Sur. Visit the dhow-building yard to see traditional wooden ships in various stages, then walk the corniche to the lighthouse.

Evening: Book the night turtle tour at Ras Al Jinz (about 45 minutes from Sur). Green turtles nest year-round with peak in summer; guides help keep viewing respectful. Dinner beforehand at Sahari Restaurant (grilled catch of the day) or Zaki for mezze and grills. Overnight in Sur.

Day 10 – Coastal Drive: Fins Beach & Back to Muscat (Departure)

Morning: Drive Sur→Muscat via the coastal route (2.5–3 hours without stops). Pause at Fins Beach for white sands and turquoise water; consider a short wander into Wadi Tiwi for village and palm-grove scenery.

Afternoon: If you missed it earlier, swing by the Bimmah Sinkhole for a final dip, then continue to Muscat for your afternoon departure. If you need flights home, compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have extra time before the airport, an early dinner back in Muscat at Kargeen or Turkish House wraps the trip on a delicious note.

Optional/Alternative Day Tours (from Muscat)

• Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar Discovery: Guided Small Group Experience (~$80–$130; culture and mountain viewpoints in one day).

  

• Full-Day Wahiba Desert and Wadi Bani Khalid Group Tour (~$80–$120; if you’d prefer a day trip instead of an overnight).

  

• Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole Full Day Tour (an alternative operator; similar inclusions, ~$70–$100).

  

Suggested Meals & Cafés You’ll Love

• Breakfast/Cafés: Dukanah Cafe (Omani breakfasts, date syrups), Mani’s (eggs, salads, juices), Café Bateel (excellent coffee and dates).
• Lunch/Dinner: Bait Al Luban (heritage recipes), Kargeen (garden setting), Turkish House (grilled fish), Ubhar (modern Omani twists), Bin Ateeq (hearty classics). In Nizwa, try Nizwa Fort Restaurant for qabooli and fresh juices.
• Drinks (licensed hotel venues): Trader Vic’s (tiki and live music some nights), Duke’s GastroPub (sea views and pub fare), O’Malley’s (Irish pub vibe). Expect imported beers and classic cocktails; breweries don’t operate in Oman.

Logistics & Getting Around

• Car rental: ~$35–$50/day; affordable for a couple or small group. Good roads, English signage. 4x4 required for Jebel Akhdar/Jebel Shams offshoots and desert driving (or arrange local pickup).
• City-to-city times: Muscat→Nizwa 1.5–2 hrs; Nizwa→Wahiba Sands ~3 hrs; Wahiba→Sur 1–1.5 hrs; Sur→Muscat 2.5–3 hrs.
• Taxis & apps: Widely available in Muscat and major towns; agree on price or use ride-hailing where available.
• Flights: For your international route, compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. There are no trains in Oman.

In ten days you’ll thread together Muscat’s gleaming architecture, Nizwa’s fort and souq, canyon vistas, desert nights, and sea turtles under starry skies. With a mix of tours and self-drive, plus wallet-friendly eats and a few standout splurges, this Oman itinerary balances adventure and ease—memories guaranteed.