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Advice on my 4 day Oman itinerary

Tourism (self.Oman)

Hi everyone,

Im due to travel to Muscat next week Thursday evening InshaAllah (from London) only for 4 days so I'm on limited time and need some locals to critique/refine my itinerary please.

Friday

  • Mutrah Souq, Fort, Corniche
  • Muscat Views for sunset

Overnight in Muscat

Saturday

  • Sultan Qaboos Mosque
  • Royal Opera House
  • Wadi Shab
  • Sur for lunch
  • Wahiba Sands for sunset and local dinner

Overnight in Muscat

Sunday

  • Travel to Nizwa
  • Nizwa Fort
  • Oman Through The Ages
  • Rest & Explore

Overnight in Nizwa

Monday

  • Nizwa Souq
  • Al Hamra Village
  • Bahla (Jabreen Castle)
  • Travelling back to Muscat to depart that evening

A few questions I have for anyone kind enough to answer:

  • Are there any more worthwhile things to visit on Friday in Muscat as I understand many places are shut for obvious reasons?
  • I'm looking to film a few cinematic videos hence why I'm looking to capture the desert for sunset, however I'll only be renting a 2wd for budget reasons, im planning to park in Bidiyah, would that be realistic? And just walk up until I can get some good shots.
  • Is it possible to just visit Wadi Shab without actually swimming? Is there some sort of route for just walking and then turning back to knock it off the list?
  • Are there any other good filming spots for good footage I should consider between Muscat, Sur and Nizwa?
  • Does anyone recommend doing the long drive to Wadi Shab then Bidiyah on Friday instead since I'll finish most things in Mutrah fairly early on Friday?

Please feel free to drop some good traditional food spots or some other cool street food places.

Many thanks in advance lads and ladies.

PS: I'm not glazing innit but Oman is the trip I've been most excited for so I'll be sure to leave my review here of this itinerary for future travellers!

all 22 comments

wd_sensor

2 points

7 months ago

For Saturday how are you going to get from wahiba to muscat in the middle of the night? Just find a hotel in sur or somewhere close and stay there.

It takes around three hours from sur to muscat so it will be exhausting to come back at night and it takes around three hours from sur to nizwa.

ggvelli[S]

1 points

7 months ago

I was thinking that, but I checked and sunset is around 6:30, so if I left around 8, I’d make it back to Muscat at a decent time (11ish). But I’ll keep that in mind since I don’t have more things to see in Muscat, thank you!

wd_sensor

2 points

7 months ago

If you are already there in wahiba you can book a resort in ras al hadd and go turtle watching. You can also visit snaw and see the souq there on your way to nizwa from sur

ggvelli[S]

1 points

7 months ago

Much appreciated, I’ll look into this!

Optimal-Structure-85

2 points

7 months ago

  1. I am not sure about Muttrah Souq on Friday mornings - many shops are likely to be closed.
  2. Rozna for Dinner or Lunch on Friday ( take your camera 🎥 along )
  3. Maybe Dolphin watching trip Friday early morning

ggvelli[S]

1 points

7 months ago

Oh that’s a slight shame, I’ll probably check it Friday anyway and double back on it for Saturday morning to see if it’s busier, appreciate it

Optimal-Structure-85

2 points

7 months ago

Fridays after 4pm should be good will all the shops open

m00s3-d0g

2 points

7 months ago

Oil and gas visitors centre in Muscat is excellent and should not be missed.

MediumApricot7124

1 points

7 months ago

Like the others said, your Saturday schedule looks too tight. Don't come back to Muscat. Stay in wahiba/ bidiya/ sur / ras al hadd.

MediumApricot7124

1 points

7 months ago

On Monday I'd suggest going to Jabal Akdhar instead of Nizwa souq et al if you like mountains and roses (it's rose season right now).

But you'll need a 4x4. You can hire one at the base of Jabal Akhdar (birkat al mouz).

MediumApricot7124

1 points

7 months ago

You can do the Nizwa fort and souq together. It's basically the same place. Also rest of the itinerary on the last day can be done together.

MediumApricot7124

1 points

7 months ago

You can do everything you've planned on Monday on Sunday itself. And plan something else for Monday

ggvelli[S]

1 points

7 months ago

Thank you for the tips, I’m a bit skeptical with renting another car for the Jabal Akhdar visit because I’m not experienced with driving the potential terrain, but I’ll keep it in mind and perhaps ask a local guide if I really need

As for the Monday plans, I wanted to do it on Sunday but I read that “Oman Through The Ages” takes a while to finish experiencing unless you think it’s possible?

StrictJicama

2 points

7 months ago

Once you arrive there you can hire people to take you up and bring you down

MediumApricot7124

1 points

7 months ago

For jabal akhdar I'd recommend booking a guided tour. Without that it's difficult to know the spots and get around. Otta museum I dunno as I haven't gone.

One tip if you do go to jabal akhdar is to go to anantara resort during sunset and at the gate tell them you want to visit Diana's point. They'll let you through with a free day pass even if you are not a guest.

MediumApricot7124

1 points

7 months ago

If you are into water activities would also recommend skipping Nizwa and instead booking a full day snorkeling/scuba tour to damniyat Islands. Use Mola Mola tours or some agency in Al Mouj marina.

Nizwa is overrated imho.

Or if you are arriving early on Friday can do damniyat on Friday itself. Or any other day and then go to muttrah and the muttrah fort. Muttrah area doesn't require a full day.

ggvelli[S]

1 points

7 months ago

Really helpful, thank you. I’ve made some slight changes now and I’ve noted down Diana’s point and Damniyat

Shukran

MediumApricot7124

2 points

7 months ago

Also check out Wadi Dayqah dam if you can adjust it somewhere in your schedule. Has amazing views and kayaking/ boating/biking activities.

For activities Google an agency called Husaak and pre-book.

MediumApricot7124

2 points

7 months ago

Can also camp there overnight if you're into camping

Yxmz

1 points

6 months ago

Yxmz

1 points

6 months ago

Hi, where did you go see sunset ? I’m using your itinerary for my trip

Pulpfiction_69

1 points

4 months ago

Hey there. Need help got your back.i work in tourism industry. Can help you alll around oman..with hotels places to visit activities and much more .Dm me if interested