Muscat, Jebel Akhdar and Nizwa in 7 days

The best of the north in a week

This trip brings together the three faces of northern Oman in seven days: the capital on the Gulf of Oman, the terraced villages of the Jebel Akhdar mountains, and the great forts of the interior around Nizwa. Drives stay short: about two hours from Muscat to the Saiq Plateau, an hour from the plateau to Nizwa, and under two hours from Nizwa back to the airport.

It works from October to April. On the coast, average highs then range from 25 to 35 °C; on the Saiq Plateau, at 2,000 m, they stay between 12 and 17 °C from December to March, and nights can drop below freezing. Pack a proper jumper for the mountains.

Days 1 and 2: Muscat

Arriving

Muscat is a few hours' flight from Europe's main cities, direct or with one stop. Oman is on UTC+4 all year round: 4 hours ahead of London in winter and 3 hours ahead in summer. The documents accepted and the visa depend on your nationality:

The visa and entry requirements guide explains these rules in detail.

The Chedi Muscat

The Chedi Muscat, opened in 2003 in Ghubra, describes itself as Oman's first contemporary beach hotel. It spreads over 21 acres of water gardens, with three pools, a private beach and a 13-room spa, and the Grand Mosque is about ten minutes away by car. Rates start from around €440 a night for two with breakfast in March 2027.

The city

On day two, the 4.5-hour guided tour included in this trip covers three sights:

• the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, opened in 2001, with its 50 m dome and a prayer hall for 6,500 worshippers. Non-Muslims can visit from Saturday to Thursday, 8 to 11 am local time, with arms and legs covered, and hair too for women;
• Mutrah souk, below the Portuguese fort built in the 1580s;
• Al Alam Palace, in old Muscat.

In the afternoon, the National Museum, opened in 2016 in old Muscat, displays more than 7,000 objects across 14 galleries; entry is 5 Omani rials. The Royal Opera House, opened in 2011, offers guided tours from Saturday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm local time, for 3.15 rials.

Days 3 and 4: Jebel Akhdar

The road to the Green Mountain

The road up to the plateau starts at the Birkat al Mouz police checkpoint, about 120 km from the airport. Only 4x4 vehicles are let through, with licence and registration papers, so you go up with a driver or with the hotel's transfer. At the foot of the road, Bayt Ar-Ridaydah, a 17th-century fort, is crossed by the Al Khatmeen falaj, one of the five irrigation channels, or aflaj, listed by UNESCO in 2006.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar sits on the edge of a canyon on the Saiq Plateau. It has 82 canyon-view rooms and 33 villas with private pools; the Premier Canyon View Rooms measure 60 m², with a large balcony. There is a heated pool, a spa with a hammam, and clubs for children and teenagers. Activities include hikes, sunrise over the canyon, stargazing and rose-water outings. Rates start from around €450 a night with breakfast.

Two days on the plateau

One day is enough for the terraced villages, walking from hamlet to hamlet; the second can include the Jebel Akhdar via ferrata, a two-hour guided outing from around €100 per person. In spring, from late March to early May, the villages pick and distil the Damask rose: this is the rose season.

Day 5: Nizwa, Bahla and Jabreen

Drive down to Nizwa, about an hour away, for a day of great forts:

• Nizwa Fort, built under Imam Sultan bin Saif between 1649 and 1679, with its round tower 34 m high and 45 m across, above the souk;
• Bahla Fort, Oman's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed in 1987, in an oasis ringed by 12 km of walls;
• Jabreen Castle, a fortified palace of 1675 with painted ceilings, 8 km from Bahla.

The night is spent at the Antique Inn, a few minutes' walk from the fort and souk: a 300-year-old property of restored mudbrick houses, with a small pool and breakfast on the roof terrace facing the fort. It is a character hotel and a simple one, with low doors, narrow stairs and compact rooms. Rates start from around €100 a night with breakfast.

Day 6: back to the sea

Nizwa souk is next door in the morning. Then drive back to Muscat, about 1 hour 45 minutes, for a last night at the Grand Hyatt Muscat, right on Qurum Beach, from around €230 a night, room only. The airport is under half an hour away.

Day 7: departure

Flight home: Muscat is a few hours' flight from Europe's main cities, direct or with one stop.

Good to know

• Driving. A 4x4 is compulsory for Jebel Akhdar. It is best not to drive at night outside Muscat because of animals on the road.
• Dress. Shoulders and knees covered in public places, for men and women.
• Drones and photos. Drones need a licence; do not photograph military installations, police officers or soldiers.
• Regional situation. Since the Iranian strikes in the Gulf, foreign ministries have not all given the same advice; the Oman travel situation guide has the details. Yours:

Your country's advice is shown in the box at the top of the page.

The areas on this route are covered on the Muscat, Jebel Akhdar and Nizwa pages. Prices are recorded including taxes, with any local taxes on top.