Muscat
3 Nights / Day 1- 4
To start this epic two-week road trip in Oman, the first stop is the captivating city of Muscat, where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern wonders. Muscat is a very clean city, with frankincense filling the air and colourful textiles lining the streets. Unlike neighbouring Dubai, Muscat has kept its traditions very much alive, you won’t see high-rise buildings or massive shopping malls, just a few international restaurant chains.
With three nights to immerse yourself in this vibrant capital, you’ll discover a wealth of experiences that will set the tone for this entire road trip.
What to do in Muscat
Mutrah Souq:
Stroll through the maze-like alleys of Mutrah Souq, where the aroma of frankincense fills the air and vibrant textiles and glittering jewellery tempt your senses. Mutrah Souq is the best place for shopping in Muscat and you will also find treasures from India, Nepal & Tibet. The Souq is open 7 days a week from 9 am – 1 pm & 4 pm – 10 pm. The best place to park when visiting Mutrah Souq is the Mutrah Fish Market, which is free and only a short walk away.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque:
Marvel at the magnificence of the Grand Mosque, a true architectural masterpiece that showcases the country’s deep-rooted Islamic heritage. It’s important to note that the Grand Mosque does have a strict dress code and women are only permitted to have their face and hands exposed. At the main entrance of the mosque, visitors have the option to hire appropriate clothing if required.
The mosque is free to enter and for non-muslims is open from 8 am – 11 am, Saturday to Thursday.
Mutrah Corniche:
Spend an evening along the picturesque Mutrah Corniche, savouring delicious Omani cuisine at local restaurants and watching the sunset over the glistening waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Royal Opera House:
Muscat also offers fascinating cultural sites, such as the Royal Opera House and the Bait Al Zubair Museum, which provide a deeper understanding of Oman’s rich history and artistic heritage.
To get a closer look at this architectural beauty, book a House Tour and discover the Opera House from behind the scenes. Check out their website for more information.
Qurum Beach:
One of the most popular beaches in Muscat is Qurum Beach which is a beautiful coastal destination offering pristine golden sands and crystal-clear waters. This can be the perfect escape for sunbathing and leisurely walks along the shore.
Muttrah Fort:
This is a fascinating historical landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into Oman’s rich cultural heritage. Perched atop a hill, the fort provides panoramic views of the surrounding harbour and Muttrah Souq, making it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and those seeking a captivating view of Muscat.
Muttrah Fort is open daily from 8 am-9 pm and entry is 2 OMR for foreign tourists.
Where to stay
Muscat offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. During these first three days of your road trip in Oman, I would recommend booking accommodation near Muttrah.
This neighbourhood is known for its historic charm, with easy access to attractions like Muttrah Souq and the Corniche. It offers a mix of boutique hotels and budget-friendly options.
This is where I stayed and thoroughly enjoyed my time there, so I would also recommend it for your stay in Muscat.
Sur
3 Nights / Day 4- 7 / Drive time 2.5 Hours
Continuing this two-week road trip in Oman, head south to the enchanting coastal town of Sur. Spend three nights exploring this gem nestled between the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and majestic mountains.
Sur is the perfect place to base yourself for a few days of this road trip. From Sur, you can explore incredible places like Wadi Shab and Al Hadd. Plus you can relax on pristine beaches, catch mesmerizing sunsets, and eat delicious local food by the sea.
What to do in Sur
Bimmah Sinkhole:
Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Oman’s Bimmah Sinkhole, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Hajar Mountains. With its emerald green waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, this natural wonder offers a surreal oasis for those seeking tranquillity and adventure during their road trip in Oman.
Bimmah Sinkhole is best to be visited while you’re driving from Muscat to Sur, as it’s located between the two cities. And, make sure you have maps turned on because you can’t free Bimmah Sinkhole from the road.
Like many of these incredible attractions in Oman, entry is free and there is plenty of parking. Enter through the blue gate and the sinkhole is about a 5-minute walk from there, also it starts to get very busy from 3 pm.
Sur Lighthouse:
Perched majestically on Oman’s rugged coastline, Sur Lighthouse stands as a shining beacon of maritime history and natural beauty. Its commanding presence overlooks the blue waters of the Arabian Sea and is the perfect location to watch the sunset against a backdrop of the city and Sur’s breathtaking coastal vistas.
Sur Corniche:
This picturesque coastal stretch captivates visitors with its serene ambience and look into the lifestyle of the local Omanis. The vibrant promenade lined with palm trees offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and is the perfect setting for leisurely strolls or relaxing moments by the shore.
The Sur Corniche is a popular place for locals to meet at the end of the day. And, there is no better place to enjoy a meal and immerse yourself in the tranquil charm of Sur.
Two restaurants I would recommend in Sur are Sahari Restaurant & Al Hawash.
Al Hadd:
Nestled along the picturesque coast of Oman and only a 40-minute drive south of Sur. Al Hadd beckons travellers with its untouched natural beauty and captivating charm. These pristine beaches have crystal-clear waters and a rich marine ecosystem! There is a very good chance you will see a Turtle. Al Had is the ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity, adventure, and an authentic taste of Omani hospitality.
The beaches that can’t be missed in Al Hadd are Al Hadd Beach for Turtles (type exactly that into google maps, the end of the road is dirt but no need for a 4WD) & Pink Beach.
The northern beaches will be better for spotting wildlife then towards the south the beaches are better for Snorkeling.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve:
The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a captivating destination that attracts nature enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. This pristine sanctuary serves as a vital nesting ground for endangered green turtles, providing a unique opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring moments of these magnificent creatures emerging from the waters to lay their eggs on the sandy shores.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is only a 15-minute drive from Al Hadd. The resort takes groups to the shoreline at 5 am and 9 pm when turtles emerge from the sea and for non-guests of the resort this cost 8 OMR.
Embarking on an unforgettable journey to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve will have you immersed in the wonders of nature while contributing to the conservation efforts that safeguard these majestic turtles for future generations.
Wadi Shab:
Tucked between the captivating mountain landscapes of Oman, Wadi Shab stands as a mesmerizing testament to nature’s beauty, enticing travellers to embark on an unforgettable journey. Out of all the places you will visit during a road trip in Oman, Wadi Shab should be a non-negotiable. It’s absolutely incredible!
With its emerald pools, majestic cliffs, and concealed caves, this hidden treasure promises a harmonious blend of serenity and excitement, inviting adventurers to plunge into its pristine waters and discover its captivating views.
Wadi Shab is free entry, although you will be required to get a short local boat ride that cost only 1 OMR, and these boats start from 8 am. The hike to the first pool is relatively easy but you do need to watch your step and it should take about 45 minutes.
Once you reach the pools you will be in the water pretty much the entire time. You’ll know you’re at the end when you reach the cave. To get inside the cave you do need to swim through a very narrow section of the gorge, but it’s 100% worth it and not as scary as it sounds.
Three things you must take with you to Wadi Shab are water shoes, a waterproof camera or case and a dry bag for any other belongings.
Where to stay
To minimize moving around too much during this road trip in Oman I would recommend staying in Sur for the 3 nights and doing day trips from there. Although two other places you could spend the night would be Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and Tiwi (closer to Wadi Shab).