Oman blends modernity and tradition and extends a sumptuous platter of fabulous attractions for the visitors. An exemplary itinerary drawn up by your expert travel partner can help you feel assured about an overwhelming Oman experience. The friendly people will further add to the ambiance of your exciting Oman tour.
The natural beauty of Oman is diverse and awe-inspiring. You will be amazed by the range. From the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains to pristine beaches, valleys, sands, and deserts like the expansive Wahiba Sands desert.
Plan for the visa, get set with all travel documents, and follow the norms on dressing before packing your bags. Oman is not only about sites; there are festivals too that make Oman a befitting destination. Take, for example, the Salalah Khareef Festival starting in late June to September. During this season, Salalah turns green, changing its desert hues, and becomes a natural paradise, attracting thousands of visitors.
Oman is also famous for its ornate Islamic architecture and natural beauty. You cannot take eyes off gold-domed mosques, gorgeous beaches, and tourist places that are ever memorable.
Bulk of Oman tours are adventure tours and heritage sightseeing. There are gorgeous cities beckoning visitors, such as the capital Muscat, the green mountains of Barka, and the rustic Rustaq.
To explore natural beauty, head over to the Wahiba Sands or take a swim through the river in Wadi Shab. To soak into the historical tourist places, explore the umpteen castles and forts. Hire a car and driver and kickstart your Oman tour.
Muscat: Muscat is one of the oldest and most picturesque cities of Oman and the capital city too. It is a vital trading link between the east and the west and a haven for visitors. Muscat is also home to the beautiful Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace and forts Al Jalali and Al Mirani. The two ends of the city are punctuated with pristine beaches and ornate historical monuments, making it a rich repertoire for culture enthusiasts.
Muscat offers many heritage spots, including the acclaimed marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Muscat also got many museums, including the National Museum of Oman, the Bait Al Zubair Museum, and the Museum of Natural History, among them. For a luxurious evening, head to the Royal Opera House and watch the best of Omani cultural performances at the theater.
Located on the northwestern part of the coastal town, As SuwayQ,'meaning'market'', had been a trading hub. Now it is a very popular weekend destination in Oman.
It has both coasts and the mountains as borders and houses a number of beautiful historical monuments with unparalleled charm. Among the biggest attractions are Al Sawaiq Fort, the Al Hilal Fort, or the Al Tharmad Fort. As a market place, Suwayq is well known for its souqs and other wonderful locally made wares like handicrafts, clothing, and accessories.
In terms of activities in the town, trekking the hills and forts via clear trails is the major one. You can also head to the beautiful Oman Coast to enjoy the clear waters and swim or snorkel to partake in its beauty. There are also many dolphin-watching cruises on the coast.
Located on the northeastern edge of Oman, this little fishing city captures the perfect Omani beauty. Its beautifully landscaped gardens are a honeymooner’s paradise. The Oman Botanical Garden has a multitude of mini forests and flowering plants, while waterfalls and Japanese gardens at the Naseem Park evoke a special appeal. The Seeb Beach and the Corniche are ideal for scenic strolls. There are many souqs and local markets for handmade trinkets, gold jewelry, and also the delectable delicacy Omani halwa.
The city of Salalah is famous for amazing architecture and shopping avenues. Head to this gorgeous place between June and August when monsoons lash and make the place a green haven with flowing streams and waterfalls. That is also the time of the Salaah festival as a harvest celebration.
Nestled in the Ad Dakhiliyah region, Nizwa is an old city known for its architectural charm and splendor. The city of Nizwa sits on a plain where many seasonal rivers and palm fronds add to its beauty. The rustic charm of ancient forts and classic buildings spread a special glow over the place. Nizwa Fort is very famous as the ancient 17th-century fortification constructed as a defense barrier against invaders.
Nestled in the northeastern coast of Oman, Barka is a beachside town in the Al Batinah region and a popular weekend getaway for locals and tourists. The city has the Al Hajar mountains on one side and the coast on the other side, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Barka Fort is the biggest attraction in the city. You can explore its various beaches on foot. The nearby An Naman Zoo is a top destination for day trips and picnics, where you will watch a variety of birds and animals native to Oman.
Facing the Gulf of Oman, the coastal town of Sohar has a blend of tradition and modernity. On the one hand, the skyline brims with skyscrapers, and on the other, any ancient mosques line up. It is home to some of the best beaches of Oman and many vibrant souqs that contrast natural beauty with bustling markets of light and color. The ancient Sohar Fort is an architectural marvel atop a cliff. At the seaside, enjoy the beauty of Sohar walking the Sohar Corniche. The Sohar Handicraft Souq is quite famous.
Here, the traditional life of Bedu people at Wahiba Sands can be seen up close. Start your tour from the city of Ibra. You can start the Wahiba Sands tour and enjoy a camel ride and dune bashing on the sand dunes.
Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, Kasab Fortress is a circular tower and now housing an ethnographic museum located in the Musandam Governorate’s local capital, Kasab. The central tower has many interesting exhibits, including the local flora and fauna with a preserved video playing the sea chants of local fishermen. Explore the Bait Al Qufl too, designed by a master craftsman with a floor below ground level that keeps houses safe during the summer months when occupants go fishing and to harvest dates.
For an offbeat adventure, never spare Majlis Al Jinn, one of the largest caves in the world. For believers in the paranormal, the belief is that Majlis Al Jinn is the meeting point of local spirits who still reside there. This deep shaft in the Al Sahrqiya region of Oman attracts hordes of visitors.
The city of Bahla lies houses the Bahla Fort, a 13th-century monument. The walls of this magnificent fort stretch up to 7 miles in length. The local tribes are ace craftsmen of pottery whose handmade souvenirs are in high demand in local markets.
This most picturesque place in Oman is a turtle reserve where sea turtles are protected. In the months of May through October, you can see turtles hatch on the beach too. It makes for a nice visit during the summer.
This highest point in Oman is made of limestone, but the cooler temperature is a pleasant relief during a vacation. It is a place for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and trekking.
Away from the main coast, you have Masirah Island reachable with a small ferry ride. It has small towns, some villages that are into fishing, and the highest peak of Jabal Al Humr is open to visit. Camping at the beach will help you see the life of turtles to make a memorable holiday.
The Wadi Dayqah Dam is splendid, with the views from the dam looking surreal. The high dam fences an 8-km-long lake, and the amazing man-made project is a must-see item in most Oman itinerary.
Ibri city, located in the Al Dhahirah region, is 160 kilometers from Muscat and is accessible by road. Ibri is rich in archaeological sites, including the UNESCO Heritage Site of Bat, Al-Khutm, and Al-Ayn, featuring a series of ancient necropolises and tombs. The city has bustling souqs and mudbrick houses and forts. The landmark Ibri Castle with its surrounding desert landscapes, mountains, and wadis are best for outdoor activities like hiking.
The place has a timeless allure and captivates adventurers with its appeal of cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and emerald pools. Lush vegetation thrives in an oasis-like setting with diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can hike trails, soak in natural pools, and immerse in tranquil ambiance. The Wadi’s majestic landscapes are a testament to its grandeur and appear like a carving made on winding streams. The ochre hues of towering cliffs contrast the verdant looks of the wadi. The waterfalls offer a symphony of sound, guiding visitors to a tranquil ambiance.
Bassa Beach is a serene and picturesque destination in the coastal town of Khasab, part of the Musandam governorate in Oman. It has crystal-clear waters and a pebbly shoreline, and the beach is ideal for contemplation and relaxation. There are rugged hills and dramatic cliffs enveloping the beach, creating panoramic views. Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving, and undertake boat tours to see the coastal landscape. Enjoy dhow cruises to explore the bays and neighboring islands.
This is a natural wonder located in the Dhofar region of Oman and a paradise for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. Enjoy the majestic waterfall, swim in the lake, explore the mystery cave, hike the lush greenery, and dig into its historic past. Wadi Darbat offers something for all. Wadi means a valley or a dry riverbed that attracts water during the rainy season. Oman has more than 100 wadis with unique features and attractions. Wadis are also habitats for various plants and animals and enrich the local culture in terms of irrigation, agriculture, and trade.
The Ras Madrakah is a beautiful beach with its soft, clean sands and azure waters. Ras Madrakah’s white sand makes a perfect camp spot. Located in the Wilayat of Duqm in the Central Region, the beach is characterized by clear blue waters, where tourists practice fishing, surfing, camping, and swimming. It is closer to the Special Economic Zone of Duqm.
Known as the ‘Norway of Arabia,’ it is a dramatic landscape of mountains and cliffs with a winding road leading to a blue bay. The Musandam Peninsula reminds me of the Nordics with its magnificent fjords that fold across the Omani coast. The rugged peninsula offers immense opportunities for outdoor adventure such as dhow rides, scuba diving, and dolphin watching.
Off the coast from Oman’s capital city, Muscat, you have Al Daymaniyat Islands or Ad Dimaniyat Islands reachable by boat. The Protected Reserve has a series of nine islands with azure blue waters and beautiful corals around it, making it best for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Quench your thirst and cool off on a hot day at Bimmah Sinkhole with a day trip from Muscat. It is a star in the Oman tourism and the most beautiful spot in the country. Located south of Muscat in local parlance, it is called Hawiyyat Najm. It was formed as a natural depression with a deep lake developed at the bottom. Many believe the sinkhole had been formed by a meteorite fall.
Misfat al Abryeen is where Oman’s natural beauty and cultural elegance converge. Lying on the south-western side of the Al Hajar mountains, the traditional Omani village is very unique. There, all the houses are constructed from mud and situated atop massive boulders. Here cars are not allowed as the narrow lanes cannot let them pass. So, lock the car and explore the area on foot.
It is the highest peak in Oman’s Al Hajar range and apt for hiking, especially in the summer when the temperature is an average 20 degrees Celsius. Among the trails, the W6 Balcony walk route is most popular.
The highlight of the Jebel Shams area is Jebel Shams Canyon, or Al Nakhur Canyon, hailed as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Middle East.' The oval-shaped canyon extends over 8 km, with depths running to a kilometer at many points.
1. Is Oman worth visiting?
Oman has a unique allure with a rich culture, serene nature, mesmerizing sights, and amazing food like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb) and fresh seafood. Also, Oman offers a peaceful environment to enjoy.
2. What is famous in Oman?
There is breathtaking scenery, beaches, the best seafood, Omani Halva, Omani Souks, Omani milk tea called Karak, and Omani bread.
3. Which is the best season to visit Oman?
The ideal time to visit Oman is from October to March. These winter months offer pleasant weather. For those who like fewer crowds, the April to May window is best when the weather is pleasant with a warmer tone than the winter time.
4. How safe is Oman for tourists?
Oman is quite safe with its friendly people and caring nature for visitors. The crime rate is very low, barring some occasional petty crimes on the streets. For tourists, Oman gives zero hassle, and they can go on exploring the sites with full peace of mind.
