Muscat Oman 7 Day Itinerary

Muscat, Oman 7-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Style)

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

  • Arrive at Muscat International Airport.
  • Transfer to your hotel: Recommended hotels - Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort, InterContinental Muscat or The Chedi Muscat.
  • Rest and freshen up.
  • Evening: Explore the local area around your hotel, have dinner at a nearby restaurant like Karak House (traditional Omani cuisine) or Al Khaima (authentic Arabic ambiance).

Day 2: City Sightseeing & Heritage

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Remember to dress modestly.
  • Head to Bait Al Zubair Museum for a glimpse into Oman’s history and culture.
  • Lunch at Al Andalus (Mediterranean & Middle Eastern cuisine).
  • Afternoon: Explore Muttrah Souk, shop for local goods, spices, and textiles. Don’t forget to haggle!
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Omani dinner at Al Tanoor or Royal Mirage.

Day 3: Natural Beauty & Wildlife

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Drive to the Dolphin Watching Point in Qurum. Book a boat tour to spot bottlenose dolphins (early morning is best).
  • Head to Ras Al Hadd to visit the turtle reserve and have lunch at Sea View Restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Relax on the beaches of Ras Al Hadd or explore Wadi Shab, a stunning gorge with a crystal clear pool.
  • Return to Muscat for dinner at PF Chang’s (American-Asian fusion).

Day 4: Modern Muscat & Shopping

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Visit the Al Alam Palace and the nearby National Museum of Oman.
  • Lunch at Al Maqs (contemporary Omani cuisine).
  • Afternoon: Spend time at the vibrant Al Hamra Street for shopping, or head to the City Centre Qurum for international brands.
  • Evening: Dine at Fish Market by The Sea, offering a variety of seafood dishes.

Day 5: Day Trip to Nizwa

  • Early breakfast and road trip to the historic town of Nizwa (~1.5 hours).
  • Visit the Nizwa Fort and Souk, Jabreen Castle, and the nearby Wadi Nakhr.
  • Lunch at Al Raffaq Restaurant in Nizwa.
  • Return to Muscat for dinner at Rostang’s (French cuisine) or The Grill Room by Toscana (Italian).

Day 6: Relaxation & Exploration

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Spend a relaxed day either at the beach, exploring local markets, or indulging in spa treatments at your hotel.
  • Dinner at Al Mazaar Souq & Restaurant, offering various food stalls and traditional entertainment.

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Depending on your flight time, you may want to explore any missed attractions or souvenir shopping.
  • Transfer to Muscat International Airport for departure.

Things to Note:

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques and public places.
  • Haggling is common in local markets.
  • Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available.
  • Keep an eye on the weather as summer temperatures can be extreme.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are readily available, or consider renting a car for more flexibility. The public bus system is also available but may require some planning.