Oman is one of the most fantastic and diverse countries I have ever visited and if you’re looking for the ultimate travel route for 10 days in Oman you are in for a real treat. Underrated if you ask me because this country is pure magic. Omani people are friendly, it’s very safe to travel and the country is very easy to travel due to the amazing infrastructure. This country has everything to offer from rugged landscape, emerald waters, beautiful beaches and the highlight if you ask me; the desert.
So are you planning a road trip and you need a the ultimate travel route for 10 days in Oman? Then you’ve come to the right place, rent a car and follow me on the move.
Ultimate travel route 10 days Oman
- Day 1-2: Start your tour in Muscat
- Day 3: on the move to Turtle beach
- Day 4-5: Desert experiences in Wahiba sands
- Day 6: On the move to Nizwa
- Day 7: Hiking in Jebel Shams, Oman
- Day 8: Visit Jabreen castle, Bahla city, Bahla fort
- Day 9-10: Best things to do in Muscat
Because of the size of the country and the many things to do you can easily spend 10 to 20 days here. If you want to know the absolute best things to do in Oman, read more here.
Day 1-2: Start your trip in Muscat | travel route 10 days Oman
Oman’s capital Muscat is magical and so inspiring you can easily spend 2 days here. Start with the Muttrah Souq, the Royal Opera House and top this off with the highlight of the city; Sultan Qaboos Mosque.
♥ Read our guide to Muscat here
Sultan Qaboos Mosque
The largest mosque in Oman is enchanting and my photos will convince you on its own. Entrance is free and as a non-Muslim you can visit from 8am to 11am every day except for Fridays. When visiting the mosque, you have to wear long sleeves and pants and women have to cover their hair as well. You can also easily rent your abayas in front for around 2.5 reals.
» Read more: about what to wear in Oman
Muttrah Souq, Oman
Get lost in a jumble of narrow alleys and shop at the same time at one of the oldest markets in Arab world. For centuries the market served as a trading place for goods from China, Europe and India and this is the perfect place to taste the culture and to buy that souvenir for your mom 😉
Royal Opera House
The premiere venue for musical arts and culture, the Royal Opera House is located in Shati Al-Qurm district of Muscat. The thrilling cultural performances are held from September until March in this architectural marble wonder.
Taking a guided tour is one of the best ways to explore a new city. So below I’ve chosen 3 of my favorite ones.
Where to stay in Muscat?
» Majan Continental Hotel is where I’ve stayed, check the rates here
» If love luxury The Chedi Muscat is your hotel, check the rates here
» Go to Muscat Hills if you want your own beach hut, check the rates here
For more of our favorite hotels, go to our Muscat travel guide
Day 3: On the move to Turtle beach | travel route 10 days Oman
After having experienced the city for two days, you get in the car for a nice trip along the coast. On the move to Turtle beach, you can make stops at Bimah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab. After about another half hour drive you will arrive at your first stop of today.
Read more about car rental in Oman, here
Bimmah Sinkhole
Make sure you bring your swimsuit because you will definitely want to swim in one of the most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world. Bimah Sinkhole is one of the rarest things I have ever seen and you can compare it a little bit to a cenote in Mexico.
Wadi Shab
Drive from Bimmah Sinkhole for about half an hour to Wadi Shab. Park your car in the parking lot, pay around 1 OMR to cross the river by boat and only take what you want to leave unattended while swimming. Wadi Shab has the best of both worlds, you have beautiful rock formations and beautiful emerald green water. You can easily spend three to four hours here, including walking and swimming. Make sure you walk all the way to the end, because here you come to the swimming point and from here you can swim into a true underwater cave. I only brought some extra water, watersheds and my GoPro, so you can really focus on your adventure.
» Book your trip here, or just go alone it’s very safe to travel as a woman in Oman.
Turtle watching in Oman
Something that had been on my travel bucket list for a long time, watching turtles. The best way to see the turtles is in the summer, in the east of the country. I was there in November, by the way, and I also saw a lot of eggs hatching in Oman. You start your tour at the museum which costs 9 OMR and you can do the tour during sunset and sunrise.
I slept at the Turtle Beach Resort, beautiful little houses right on the beach but another tip I have for you is Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. Here you sleep in a tent on the beach, and you receive an excursion as a gift during your overnight stay.
♥ Discover 8 Hidden Gems in Oman
Day 4-5 Desert Oman | travel route 10 days Oman
Wadis are river valleys among golden yellow rocks. Clear blue water that flows through this dry piece of desert area and is created by the large differences in height in Oman. Paradise including palm trees, in the middle of the desert, who would have expected that. Find everything at Wadi Bani Khalid.
» Book your day trip here, or just go on your own.
After this refreshing morning, continue your travel route for 10 days in Oman to the desert. Make sure you leave on time because you don’t want to miss the sunset in the desert. Most camps can only be reached with a 4×4, so make sure you rent a large car or contact your hotel. Before you go into the desert, deflate your tires and stay for a minimum of 2 days for the ultimate experience because there is so much to do here.
» More about car rental and other useful tips, here
I stayed two nights at Arabian Oryx desert camp where I explored the desert by camel and quad. Go stargazing or photograph the milky way for the professionals among us.
Day 6: On the move to Nizwa | travel route 10 days Oman
Start your adventure from the desert towards Ibra, one of the oldest cities in Oman. Continue and make a stop at Jebel Akhdar and return in time after visiting these now abandoned stone villages.
» Hotel tip –> Tanuf residency, Nizwa
Day 7: Hiking in Jebel Shams, Oman | travel route 10 days Oman
Jebel Shams is very easy to reach from Nizwa. Jebel Shams is also called the grand canyon of the middle east. The view is really beautiful and I can’t believe it’s not already full of tourists here. For the experienced walkers Oman is a true treasure, because you can walk here for days.
Because of the long day and the big differences in hight, we stayed in Jebel Shams and booked a room at the Sama Heights resort where you have the cutest houses to spend the night in.
» Take a look at Sama Heights Resort here
Day 8: Visit Jabreen castle, Bahla city, Bahla fort
If you like culture, you have now arrived at your favorite part of the 10 day travel route in Oman. Nizwa is a traditional village that is bustling, with an animal market on Friday (which I personally did not like, read very sad for the animals) a beautiful fortress and a bustling city center.
Jabreen Castle
One of the most beautiful historic castles of Oman, Jabreen Castle. Constructed in the late 17th century and located in Bahla city about 2 hour drive from Muscat. Book a day trip here because there are a lot of amazing guided tours.
» See all: Day trips around Nizwa
Bahla Fort
The only UNESCO World Heritage-listed fort in Oman, stands proud over the modern city of Bahla. Located at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar mountain, built from baked brick and following the counters of the mountain while offering panoramic views over the city.
Day 9-10: Best things to do in Muscat
Before you leave for Muscat, there are a few things you should not miss in Nizwa. Think of Nizwa Souq and Nizwa Fort to taste the atmosphere of the real Oman. See the culture of the Omani people in the souq as they negotiate their daily groceries for meat and fish. You can buy almost anything in the souq, mostly handmade and according to years of tradition.
» Read more: 7x important tips for Oman
Nizwa Fort, Oman
Located right next to the souq, you will find the beautiful Nizwa Fort. You pay 5 OMR here, a lot more than at the other cultural sites but it is certainly worth it. From the tower you have a beautiful view of the city as well as the old defense method of the fort.
From Nizwa, it’s about an hour and a half drive back to Muscat. You can dine here delicious traditional Arabic at Kargeen and we chose to spend the last two nights at the Ramada Muscat. You can also watch dolphins in Oman and spend the day on the water. I have seen a lot of dolphins. Oman from the water is beautiful, and the perfect end to this trip.
My trip was organized by Afaq Tourism and not only the trip was great but their guides really made my trip. Want to know more about my travel route for 10 days in Oman? Let it know below, or read more here.
DO YOU WANT TO SEE MORE TRAVEL ROUTES?
We’re always on the move to discover new places and create the perfect travel route guides for you. Are you going to travel to Oman? Then for sure read our other articles about Oman here and 7x important tips for Oman before when you go.
DISCOVER MORE OF OUR OMAN ADVENTURES
If you’re interested in learning more about Oman and its culture, I suggest checking out some of the other blog posts I’ve written about Oman. In particular, I recommend reading my 7 tips before travelling to Oman and if you’re going to Muscat, read our guide here as well. You can find our Oman guide with all the highlights here as well. Are you curious about when would be the best month for you to visit Oman? I’ve written a month to month guide on what month would be ideal for you, depending on your wishes and things you would like to do and see while you’re there.
If you’re inspired to explore these hidden gems and more, consider following our ultimate 10-day travel route through Oman for an unforgettable journey.
ADDITIONAL GUIDES
- Is Oman Safe for Women?
- Ultimate Muscat Travel Guide
- Important Tips for Traveling to Oman
- Ultimate Travel Route for 10 Days in Oman
- Luxury resorts in Oman: Insider’s Guide
- 8 Hidden Gems in Oman
