Oman 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Travel Itinerary for Oman

Day 1: Muscat City Exploration

Places to Go:

  1. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: An architectural marvel, this mosque is the largest in Oman and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers during prayers. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit between 8:30 AM - 11 AM (Sunday - Wednesday) and 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Thursday - Saturday).

  2. Muttrah Souk: A traditional marketplace where you can buy souvenirs, spices, textiles, silver jewelry, and more. Don’t forget to haggle!

  3. Al Alam Palace: While not open for public visits, the exterior of this stunning palace is worth seeing. It serves as the official residence of the Sultan.

Activities:

  1. Dolphin Watching in Gulf of Oman: Take a boat tour and enjoy dolphin watching.

  2. Visit the Bustling Fish Market: Witness the daily catch and try some fresh seafood.

Things to Know:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or public areas in Muscat.
  • Omani Rial (OMR) is the official currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and tourist spots.
  • Arabic is the official language, but English is also widely spoken.

Visa Requirements:

  • Many nationalities can obtain a 30-day visitor visa on arrival at Muscat International Airport for a fee. Check your country’s specific requirements before travel.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are readily available and affordable. You can also rent a car, but remember to drive on the right side of the road.

Day 2: Wadi Bani Khalid & Surroundings

Places to Go:

  1. Wadi Bani Khalid: A beautiful wadi (valley) with clear pools and stunning rock formations.

  2. Al-Hoota Cave: The largest natural cave in Oman, offering guided tours.

  3. Qalhat Archaeological Excavations Site: An ancient port city dating back to the 14th century.

Activities:

  1. Swimming in Wadi Bani Khalid’s Pools: Perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

  2. Exploring Qalhat Archaeological Excavations Site: Learn about Oman’s rich history.

Things to Know:

  • The drive to Wadi Bani Khalid is approximately 2 hours from Sur (the nearest city).
  • Carry enough water and snacks, as facilities might be limited in these areas.

Day 3: Nizwa & Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain)

Places to Go:

  1. Nizwa Fort: A historic fortress offering insight into Oman’s past.

  2. Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain): Known for its stunning landscapes, traditional villages, and fruit orchards.

  3. Rouge Cave: One of the longest caves in Oman, it offers guided tours.

Activities:

  1. Shopping at Nizwa Souk: Purchase traditional handicrafts, silver jewelry, and spices.

  2. Visiting Jebel Akhdar’s Villages: Explore the beautiful villages of Al-Ghubrah, Al-Ain, and Wadi Ghul.

Things to Know:

  • The drive to Jebel Akhdar is approximately 1.5 hours from Nizwa.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the villages.

Day 4: Ras Al Jinz & Sur

Places to Go:

  1. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve: A protected area where you can see green turtles lay their eggs during the night.

  2. Sur: A traditional coastal town known for its dhow-building industry and Fort Ras Al-Jinz.

Activities:

  1. Green Turtle Watching at Ras Al Jinz: Join a guided tour to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.

  2. Visiting Sur’s Dhow Yard: Learn about the traditional dhow building process.

  3. Exploring Fort Ras Al-Jinz: Discover the history of this 17th-century fortress.

Things to Know:

  • Book your turtle watching tour in advance as spaces are limited.
  • The best time to see turtles is from September to March.

Transportation:

  • Rent a car or take a guided tour for exploring these areas.