How to Spend a Week in Oman on Your Vacation - A 7-Day Holiday Itinerary for Your Omani Getaway

Ranked among the Middle East's most fascinating destinations, Oman requires at least a full week to explore and enjoy. While it may be impossible to cover every highlight in this cultural Mecca during a 7-day period, a week-long stay is more than enough to see the sights and experience the activities that make an Omani holiday a thing of wonder. Regardless of the timing of your visit, here's an itinerary that anyone can use to spend 7 glorious days in Oman.

Day One

Kick start your vacation in Oman with an unforgettable day in Muscat, the nation's capital and the beating heart of its cultural heritage. Some of the top locations to visit during a day in Muscat include the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is a place of worship that is also a historical landmark. Drop by Yiti Street to take in the views of the Ruwi region before strolling along the Mutrah Corniche and making your way up to iconic Mutrah’s Fort and the Mutrah Souq to stock up on souvenirs before winding down your first day.

Day Two

Get up bright and early to drive 2.5 hours to the Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab, which are two natural wonders that every tourist should visit in Oman. After taking a dip in the natural pool and admiring the views available from its limestone surroundings, head over to Wadi Shab to marvel at its gorges and pools. Accessible via a short boat ride, the first natural pool one comes across at Wadi Shab will come in view 40 minutes into the hike. Don't forget to explore the hidden caves, streams and waterfalls occupying this area before driving on towards Sur for an overnight stay.

Day Three  

Spend the third day travelling to Wadi Bani Khalid in the northern reaches of Oman to experience a desert camping trip like no other. Located 170 km from Sur, Wadi Bani Khalid will take about two hours to reach. While the natural and manmade pools in the area are ideal for cooling off, it is best to take a dip in the pools off the Muqal Cave as they are less crowded. Spend the day dune bashing and enjoying 4x4 drives across the desert. 

Day Four 

Head to your base at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar or any other Oman resort first thing in the morning, as it is a four-hour drive to this mountainous region of Oman. Spend your time in Jebel Akhdar taking part in long hikes and cave exploration tours as this is where one can really get back to nature. The Al Hoota Cave as well as the iconic Nizwa Fort is also worth visiting in addition to the sprawling Nizwa Souk.

Andries Oudshoorn, Nizwa (5), CC BY-SA 2.0 

Day Five

The fifth day of the holiday is the perfect time to drive over to nearby Misfat Al Abriyeen village where one can immerse oneself in the local culture and the main highlights. Apart from walking through the labyrinthine alleys of the village, visitors can explore an ancient irrigation system, enjoy traditional cuisine, and interact with friendly locals. Savouring special coffee drinks at the Halwa Coffee shop and hiking on the Hajar mountain trails are other fun things to do during a day trip to the village.

Day Six

Only 2.5 hours from Muscat, the drive back from Misfat Al Abriyeen village won't leave one too tired to make the most of the last full day in Oman. Make this day a relaxing beach day at Qurum Beach. Take part in the many water sports activities available by the coastline and wine and dine before spending the rest of the day uncovering the beauty of the Qurum nature reserve. 

Last Day

It is best not to schedule activities for your last day in the country as it is important to be well-rested for your flight back home. Spend the remaining hours at your disposal shopping for souvenirs at other famous bazaars in the city including Al Mintarib Souk and Sohar Souq until it is time to go back to the hotel to pack your belongings.