Nick's Trip To Oman
Your Preferences
- When: September 2021
- Duration: 7 Days
- Who Comes: 1 adult
- Budget: from 2500 USD to 3500 USD per person
Let's Go To Oman!
Thanks for sending your request, Nick! September is a great month to visit Oman. Temperatures may still be a bit warm, but we've planned some refreshing visits to the mountains and the wadis to freshen you up!
The Pre-Travel Checklist
- Book your accommodations at least one month in advance
- Book your guide's services
- Check updated Covid-19 travel restrictions on www.omanairports.co.om
- Pack light clothes, walking shoes, and a light coat for the nights in the mountain
- No visa needed for the duration of your stay!
- No vaccine required to travel to Oman
Your Road Map
Your Choices Of Services For This Itinerary
Airport Shuttle
Public Transportation: Mwasalat Buses, lines 1A and 1B 1 OMR (about 2.6 USD)
Local Airport Taxis Starts from 10 OMR (about 26 USD)
Private Transfer Starts from 20 OMR (about 51 USD)
Transportation
Public Transportation: due to the lack of public transportation, this itinerary requires a private car
Car Rental with 200 km free, insurance coverage and GPS 4WD starts at 168 OMR (about 436 USD) for 6 days Compact starts at 102 OMR (about 265 USD) for 6 days
Local Omani Driver-Guide Between 90 OMR (about 234 USD) to 120 OMR (about 312 USD) per day
Accommodations types
Wild Camping is authorized for free almost anywhere in Oman; except near villages and wadi beds
Budget hotels start from 19 OMR (about 49 USD) per night
3-star hotels start from 30 OMR (about 78 USD) per night
Luxury hotels are available in Muscat and Wahiba Desert from start from 50 OMR (about 130 USD) per night
Others
International Travel Insurance
Meal prices range: from 3 OMR (about 8 USD) to 14 OMR (about 36 USD) per day
Your Day By Day Plan
Day-1
π MUSCAT
β Flight From London Heathrow (LHR) To Muscat International Airport (MCT)
Your departure is at 8:50 PM with a direct flight from Oman Air. You'll arrive the next day, in the morning, at 7:15 AM at Muscat International Airport.
π Airport Transfer To Hotel
Muscat Airport is located about 40 minutes from the city center.
To reach your hotel, you can use public buses (operated by Mwasalat, lines 1A and 1B), which run every 30 minutes except on Friday.
You can also use local taxi services (orange and white) but they tend to overcharge, so we instead recommend booking the service of a private transfer in advance.
πΆββοΈDiscovering Oman's Capital
Start your journey with the visit of Muttrah Souk. Whether you're in the mood for shopping or just wandering in the colorful alley, this traditional market is the beating heart of Oman.
Then, explore the Muscat Corniche on foot. Of course, you must stop by the Al Alam Palace! You can't visit the interior as it's for the royal family, but the view from outside makes perfect photoshoots.
π Sunset At The Beach
We suggest you end the day at Bait al Zubair Museum, a pretty private museum where you'll learn everything about Oman's culture.
After the visit, you can go to the beach to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Oman.
Best Choice Hotels In Muscat
A large range of hotels are available in Muscat. The most popular are:
- InterContinental Muscat (5-star)
- The Chedi Muscat (5-star)
- Wyndham Garden Muscat Al Khuwair (4-star)
- Muscat Inn Hotel (2-star)
β The Hotel We've Picked Just For You
Wyndham Garden Muscat Al Khuwair ****
Day-2
π BIMMAH SINKHOLE & RAS AL-JINZ
π Muscat's Masterpiece
In the morning, before leaving Muscat for the East Coast, visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It is free and open to visitors from 9 AM to 11 AM. It's one of Oman's must-sees, a masterpiece of modern Arabic architecture.
π Hit The Road
Driving all along the east coast, your first stop is Bimmah Sinkhole. It's a fantastic natural cave where you can even swim.
If you prefer swimming in the sea, no worries: you can go to Fins beach. For lunch, have a picnic in the famous Wadi Shab, between natural pools and waterfalls. Fancy a walk? There are plenty of opportunities for a short hike!
π’ Turtle Watching Night
By the end of the day, reach Ras al-Jinz and the Turtle Reserve. Between May and August, the endangered green turtle comes here to lay eggs. They can be observed from close sight but should not be disturb. That's why you need to attend this incredible show under the guidance of a local guide (8 OMR ~ about 21 USD).
Best Choice Hotels In Ras al-Jinz
The most popular hotels and resorts in Ras al-Jinz are:
- Turtle Beach Resort (4-star)
- SAMA Ras al Jinz Resort (3 star)
- Sur Plaza (3 star)
- Ras al Jinz Turtle Guesthouse
β The Hotel We've Picked Just For You
Turtle Beach Resort ****
Day-3
πΆββοΈWadi Bani Khalid Oasis
Leave the coast toward the interior. It takes about 3 hours to reach Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Omanβs most famous wadis. It's perfect for swimming in its large natural pools or simply relax.
π Sands Dunes of Wahiba
In the afternoon, enter the realm of the desert: Wahiba Sands. It's the typical desert you've been dreaming of! Your last destination of the day? A Bedouin desert camp. There, you can ride camels and have fun with other activities in the sand.
π A Night In The Desert
The Wahiba Sands is home to the Bedouins, an Arab nomad tribe. You'll be their guest for one night and share a traditional barbecue under the stars with them. We promise you will never forget their hospitality.
Best Choice Hotels In Wahiba Sands
A large range of desert camp are available in Wahiba desert. The most popular are:
- 1000 Nights Camp (5-star)
- Desert Nights Camp (5-star)
- Arabian Oryx Camp (3-star)
- Safari Desert Camp
β The Hotel We've Picked Just For You
Arabian Oryx Camp ***
Day-4
π IBRA & JABREEN CASTLE
π° Ancient Oman
Leave the dunes to explore Oman's history. Drive one hour to reach Ibra, Oman's oldest city. It has a beautiful historical center that you can explore on foot. Ibra is also famous for its traditional market.
π΄ Birkat Al-Mauz Ruins
Drive 2 hours more to enter the mountainous region of central Oman. There are many small hidden villages there, and you can visit Birkat Al-Mauz, one of the most famous. The village is now abandoned and the ruins of old houses can be explored on foot.
π A Night In The Ancient Capital
For your next stop, you can stop by Jabreen, to visit its 17th-century castle. AT night, stay in the historic city of Nizwa, another former capital of Oman.
Best Choice Hotels In Nizwa
The most popular hotels in Nizwa are:
- Al Diyar Hotel (3-star)
- Tanuf Residency Hotel (3-star)
- Nizwa Heritage Inn
β The Hotel We've Picked Just For You
Nizwa Heritage Inn
Day-5
π NIZWA & JEBEL SHAMS
β A Quiet Morning In Nizwa
Start your day in Nizwa with a walk in its Souq. This traditional Arab market is probably one of Oman's most picturesque and a great place to buy souvenirs.
After the market, you can visit Nizwa Fort to enjoy the view over the Hajar Mountains.
β° Oman Mountain Villages
Explore the Hajar Mountains, the highest mountain range in the eastern Arabian peninsula. You can visit the small mudbrick town of Al Hamra, with 400-years of history. Drive one hour more in the wild nature of Wadi an Nakhr or park for a hike.
If you are an experienced driver, or if you are accompanied by a driver-guide, you can go to the top of the Jebel Shams, Oman's highest peak. The view over the valley is breathtaking.
πΏ Traditional Lifestyle
By the end of the day, go to Misfat Al Abriyeen village, one of Oman's most picturesque villages. There, you can spend the night in a traditional Omani homestay.
Best Choice Hotels In Al Hamra
The most popular hotels and resorst in Al Hamra are:
- The View (4-star)
- Misfah Old House (2-star)
- Bait Bimah (2-star)
β The Hotel We've Picked Just For You
Misfah Old House **
Day-6
πWADI BANI AWF & NAKHAL
π A Day In Nature
It takes 45 minutes to reach Wadi Bani Awf, a lush wadi with diverse landscapes. If you are not comfortable driving through its narrow roads, you can park your car and explore it on foot.
On the way, you can visit the remote village of Bilad Sayt.
π Natural Spring Waters
As you return toward the north coast, you reach the city of Nakhal, famous for its hot spring. Al-Thawarah Hot Springs is a popular attraction where you can relax and enjoy the benefits of mineral water. By the end of the day, return to Muscat for your last night in Oman.
β The Hotel We've Picked Just For You
Wyndham Garden Muscat Al Khuwair ****
Day-7
π DEPARTURE DAY
π Ma'a Asalama!
If you're an early bird, consider waking up early to watch one last sunrise on the beach.
π Transfer From Hotel To Airport
You need to arrive at Muscat International Airport at least 3 hours prior to departure. You can go to the airport by bus, local taxi or arrange a private transfer.
β Flight From Muscat International Airport (MCT) To London Heathrow (LHR)
Your departure is at 4:25 PM with a direct flight from Oman Air. You'll arrive at London Heathrow Airport on the same day, at 9:10 PM.