Day 1 – Arrival in Muscat
- Arrive in Muscat and check in
- Hotel we stayed at
- Our recommended hotel
- If time permits, stroll the Muttrah Corniche or visit a local cafe
Important Links
Resources and tools we relied on while planning and booking.
Essential Resources
- Self-drive rental platform we used Check Rates Now
- VPN Service Used — essential for app access + WhatsApp calling
- Travel Insurance
- Recommended Flight Search and Booking Platform
- eSIM / SIM for Data — skip airport SIM queues
- Install OTaxi before coming
- Install Mwasalat if you plan to use buses
- 0% Forex Fees Card (for Indians)
- Air Doctor — non-emergency online doctor consult (emergencies: 9999)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A clean, readable plan that you can follow or customize.
Day 2 – Muscat → Salalah (Bus Journey)
- Board the Mwasalat bus for the long overnight trip to Salalah
- Book the bus ticket online
- Can fly if budget permits or short on time!
Day 3 – Exploring Salalah
- Salalah YouTube Vlog for more details
- Pick up a rental car and explore Salalah (self-drive platform)
- Visit beaches (Iftalqoot, Fazayah), waterfalls, and sample local frankincense
- Hotel we recommend
- Eat at Baalbeck Lebanese Restaurant Salalah
Day 4 – More of Salalah
- Visit Wadi Darbat (Wilayat Taqah)
- Explore coastal spots and green mountains
- Discover Al Baleed Archaeological Park or Museum of the Frankincense Land
Day 5 – Salalah Adventures
- Morning at Coconut Beach
- One more day of hidden beaches + local cafes
- Return rental car in the evening
Day 6 – Return to Muscat
- Take the Mwasalat bus back to Muscat
- Rest after the overnight journey
Day 7 – Muscat → Nizwa
- Rent a car in Muscat and drive to Nizwa (about two hours)
- Explore Nizwa Souq and the historic Nizwa Fort
- Hotel we stayed at
Day 8 – Nizwa & Jabal Shams
- Day trip to Jabal Shams (or Jabal Akhtar)
- Hike the rim for dramatic mountain views
- Stop at Bahla Souq on return
- Rooftop cafe view of Bahla Fort — Kark AlQanadil
- Return to Nizwa for a second night
Day 9 – Nizwa → Wahiba Sands
- Drive into the desert to Wahiba Sands
- Dune-bashing adventure + Bedouin culture
- Camp we recommend
- Stargazing in the desert
Day 10 – Wahiba Sands → Sur
- Head toward the coastal town of Sur
- Walk the harbor and visit Pink Beach for sunset
- Hotel we stayed at
Day 11 – Sur, Wadi Bani Khalid & Tiwi
- Swim at Wadi Bani Khalid
- Continue to Tiwi and stroll Tiwi Beach
- Look for bioluminescent plankton after sunset
- Return to Sur for another night
Day 12 – Sur/Tiwi → Muscat
- Drive back to Muscat, stop at coastal viewpoints
- Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque + Royal Opera House
- Hotel we stayed at
Day 13 – Daymaniyat Islands Snorkeling Sharing Trip
One of the most beautiful tours in Oman — a must do.
Book the tour on ViatorDay 14 – Departure from Muscat
- Final breakfast and last-minute shopping at Muttrah Souq
- Head to the airport and fly back to India
- Muscat priority lounge is excellent if you have access
Alternative Tours
If you prefer guided trips over self-driving, these are my top picks.
Video Guides
Quick videos to help you plan each part of the journey.
Is Oman Safe to Travel?
Practical safety overview
Best Way to Book a Self-Drive Car in Oman
Rental tips + platforms
Helpful Tips for Visiting Oman
First-timer advice
Stunning Beaches of Oman
Coastline highlights
Hidden Gems of Salalah
Salalah deep dive
Who Gets Free Visa on Arrival in Oman?
Visa rules explained