Day 1-3: Muscat
Day 1: Arrival in Muscat
Activities:
Start your journey in the capital city, Muscat. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, and the Mutrah Souq. Stroll along the Mutrah Corniche for views of the harbor and old town.
Transport:
Arrive at Muscat International Airport. Use taxis or rented cars to navigate the city.
Day 2: More of Muscat
Activities:
Visit the National Museum, Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, and the Al Alam Palace. Relax at Qurum Beach and take a boat tour to spot dolphins.
Transport:
Use local taxis or rented cars.
Day 3: Day Trip to Nakhal and Rustaq
Activities:
Drive to Nakhal to visit the Nakhal Fort, surrounded by date palms. Continue to Rustaq to see the Rustaq Fort and the hot springs. End the day with a visit to the Al Hazm Castle.
Transport:
The drive from Muscat to Nakhal takes about 1.5 hours (120 km), and from Nakhal to Rustaq takes about 30 minutes (40 km). Use a rented car for the trip.
Day 4: Day Trip to Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole
Activities:
Visit Wadi Shab, one of Oman's most beautiful wadis. Hike through the wadi, swim in natural pools, and explore hidden caves. On the way back, stop at the Bimmah Sinkhole, a stunning turquoise water-filled depression.
Transport:
Wadi Shab is about a 1.5-hour drive from Muscat (150 km), and the Bimmah Sinkhole is on the way back to Muscat. Use a rented car.
Day 5-6: Nizwa
Day 5: Travel to Nizwa
Activities:
Drive to Nizwa, the cultural capital of Oman. Visit the Nizwa Fort and Nizwa Souq. Explore the ancient village of Al Hamra and the Bait Al Safah Museum.
Transport:
The drive from Muscat to Nizwa takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (150 km). Use a rented car.
Day 6: Jebel Akhdar
Activities:
Head to Jebel Akhdar, part of the Al Hajar Mountains. Explore the terraced orchards, visit local villages, and enjoy panoramic views from Diana's Point. Take a hike along one of the many trails.
Transport:
Jebel Akhdar is about a 1-hour drive from Nizwa (50 km). A 4x4 vehicle is required for this trip due to the mountainous terrain.
Day 7: Bahla and Jabrin
Activities:
Visit Bahla, known for its UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort. Explore the pottery workshops and the nearby Jabrin Castle, renowned for its beautiful interior decorations.
Transport:
The drive from Nizwa to Bahla takes about 40 minutes (45 km), and from Bahla to Jabrin takes about 20 minutes (20 km). Use a rented car.
Day 8-9: Wahiba Sands
Day 8: Travel to Wahiba Sands
Activities:
Drive to the Wahiba Sands, a vast desert known for its stunning dunes. Engage in desert activities such as dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. Experience a traditional Omani Bedouin camp, enjoy a sunset over the dunes, and have a traditional dinner under the stars.
Transport:
The drive from Nizwa to Wahiba Sands takes about 2.5 to 3 hours (200 km). A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for navigating the desert.
Day 9: More of Wahiba Sands
Activities:
Spend another day exploring the desert. Visit a Bedouin family to learn about their way of life. Enjoy more desert activities or relax at the camp.
Transport:
Use a 4x4 vehicle for navigating the desert.
Day 10: Wadi Bani Khalid
Activities:
Depart from Wahiba Sands and head to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most picturesque wadis in Oman. Enjoy swimming in the clear blue pools, explore the caves, and relax by the palm-fringed water.
Transport:
The drive from Wahiba Sands to Wadi Bani Khalid takes about 1.5 hours (90 km). Use a 4x4 vehicle.
Day 11-12: Sur and Ras Al Jinz
Day 11: Travel to Sur
Activities:
Continue to the coastal city of Sur. Visit the dhow shipyard where traditional wooden boats are built, explore the Sur Maritime Museum, and take a stroll along the corniche.
Transport:
The drive from Wadi Bani Khalid to Sur takes about 2 hours (125 km). Use a rented car.
Day 12: Ras Al Jinz
Activities:
Visit the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve to witness the nesting of green turtles. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring the coastal region.
Transport:
Ras Al Jinz is about a 1-hour drive from Sur (45 km). Use a rented car.
Day 13-14: Masirah Island
Day 13: Travel to Masirah Island
Activities:
Drive to Shannah Port and take a ferry to Masirah Island. Explore the island's pristine beaches, and enjoy water sports such as kite surfing and snorkeling. Visit the Masirah Island Museum.
Transport:
The drive from Sur to Shannah Port takes about 4 hours (300 km). The ferry ride to Masirah Island takes about 1.5 hours. Use a rented car for the drive.
Day 14: More of Masirah Island
Activities:
Spend another day exploring Masirah Island. Visit the local villages and enjoy the island's natural beauty.
Transport:
Use local transport or rented bikes to explore the island.
Day 15-17: Salalah
Day 15: Travel to Salalah
Activities:
Fly from Masirah Island to Salalah. Visit the Al Baleed Archaeological Park and Museum of the Frankincense Land, and the Sultan Qaboos Mosque.
Transport:
Take a ferry back to the mainland and fly from Masirah Island to Salalah (about 2 hours).
Day 16: Explore Salalah
Activities:
Visit the beautiful beaches of Salalah, including Al Mughsail Beach. Explore the nearby Wadi Darbat and its waterfalls, and visit the Sumhuram archaeological site.
Transport:
Use local taxis or rented cars to navigate Salalah.
Day 17: More of Salalah
Activities:
Take a day trip to the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali), the world's largest sand desert. Enjoy the stunning desert landscapes and visit the Lost City of Ubar.
Transport:
Arrange for a guided tour with a 4x4 vehicle for the desert excursion.
Day 18-19: Dhofar Mountains
Day 18: Travel to the Dhofar Mountains
Activities:
Explore the Dhofar Mountains, known for their lush greenery and cool climate. Visit the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve and enjoy hiking in the mountains.
Transport:
The drive from Salalah to the Dhofar Mountains takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Use a rented car.
Day 19: More of the Dhofar Mountains
Activities:
Explore more of the Dhofar Mountains, visit the Ayn Razat spring, and take a trip to the Tawi Atayr Sinkhole, one of the largest sinkholes in the world.
Transport:
Use a rented car or arrange for a guided tour.
Day 20: Fly back to Muscat
Activities:
Fly back to Muscat and spend your final days visiting any missed attractions or shopping for souvenirs in the city's markets.
Transport:
Fly from Salalah to Muscat (about 1.5 hours). Use taxis or rented cars to navigate Muscat.
Day 21: Departure
Activities:
Enjoy a farewell meal at a local restaurant. Visit any last-minute sights or relax before your departure.
Transport:
Use taxis or rented cars to get to Muscat International Airport.
Visas:
Ensure you have a valid visa for Oman before arrival. Check requirements and apply in advance if necessary.
Health:
No specific vaccinations are required for Oman, but it's always good to be up-to-date with routine vaccines. Carry a basic first aid kit.
Safety:
Oman is generally safe for tourists, but always stay updated on current conditions and follow local advice.
Currency:
Omani Rial (OMR). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places, but having some cash on hand is advisable.
Packing:
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warmer layers for the evenings. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
Final Thoughts:
This three-week itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Oman's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse landscapes, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this fascinating country.