Discover Muscat – The Past & Present
Muscat City Tour
| Duration: 4 Hours |
| Distance: 100 km |
| Timing: 9am – 1pm |
Our half-day tour of the capital, Muscat, offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial center existing in harmony with its traditional culture.
The tour begins with a visit to the Grand Mosque, a must see for all tourist.
(Open daily for visitors, between 8 & 11am, except Fridays)
Dress code
Women should wear attire covering their arms and legs and should cover their head with scarf.
Men should wear normal shirt and trousers.
Enjoy the beautiful drive along the waterfront corniche past decorative, old merchants’ houses overlooking an intimate harbour, visit the fish market and the colorful Muttrah Souk, the oldest in Oman with its distinctive antique silver and spice shops. We then visit the intriguing Bait Al Baranda or Bait Al Zubair Museum (except Friday) offering a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle and traditions of ancient and modern Muscat. We proceed for a photostop at the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani & Jalali. We end your tour with a drive pass quaint fishing village, the picturesque marina and the prominent hotel in Muscat Al Bustan Palace- Ritz Carlton Hotel.
Tour includes: Water / Soft drinks / Entrance to the forts and Museums
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
Journey Into The Past
Al Hazm, Rustaq, Nakhal Fort
Duration 6Hours -400 kms (Timing – 0900hrs – 1600hrs)
Departing from Muscat you head towards Barka, famous for unusual bullfights. En route, explore the historical charm of Bait Naam, a fortified overnight rest house for imam’s travelling to the interior. Further drive through the batinah plain, to take a photo stop at the massive military stronghold of Al Hazm fort with huge wooden entry door, secret escape tunnels and hidden passages, dungeons ,and gun ports in the upper floors .Visit the ancient town of Rustaq , the former capital of the great grandfather of the ruling Sultan .Passing through picturesque wadis you approach the oasis of Nakhl and tour 17th century Nakhl fortress ,standing guard on rocky prominence the fort commands a superb 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. Before returning to Muscat, stop and refresh at the mineral-laden springs of Ain Al Thowrah hot springs which flows out of a wadi and disappears into the nearby date plantations through a falaj channel. The spring is a highly important source of water for the locals since it irrigates about 90% of the surrounding land Return to Muscat.
Tour includes: Picnic lunch /Water and Soft Drinks
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
Oman’s Grand Canyon
Nizwa, Jebel Shams, Misfah
Duration 8 Hours -560 kms ( Timings 0900hrs -1800hrs )
Departing Muscat, drive through scenic hajar mountains to reach Fanja, take a photostop at Fanja to see the old village. Reach Nizwa, the verdant oasis city with its blend of the modern and the ancient was the capital of Oman. Visit the Nizwa Round Fort and the Nizwa souk. Visit Al Hamra, 300years old town bordering an oasis and still around 2 storey mud brick house, the oldest in Oman, some still occupied .Drive the rugged, winding mountain road to Ghul village; stop at the terrace farming village of Wadi ghul before you reach Jebel Shams. Reach Oman’s tallest mountain, Jebel Shams also known as the Mountain of the Sun, which stands 3000 metres above sea level. From atop Jebel Shams one can view Wadi Nakhr below, known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia; vertical steep, cliffs drop down precipitously, from the summit of Jebel Shams to 1000 meters or more below. On your way back track off –road to isolated 13th century Misfah, clinging to the cliff. Walk along the high terraced falaj and peer over the date palms to the canyon below .
Return to Muscat.
Tour includes: Picnic lunch /Water and Soft Drinks
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
Wadi Shab Trail
Quriyat, Sinkhole, Wadi Shab
Duration 8 Hours -350 kms (Timing 0830hrs – 1800hrs)
Depart Muscat in a 4WD; pass through the coastal road to Quriyat. En route stop & peer into the sinkhole, a huge chasm of collapsed mountain filled with sea water and colorful sponges. Hugging the shoreline, you pass many little beaches tucked between small rocky cliffs. Reach Wadi Shab and be taken over by the unexpected sight of the estuary and restful green pools, banana & date plantation in Wadi Shab. The lush narrow gorge is overlooked by the square houses of shab village and old fort clinging to the cliff side. Cross the green expanse of the estuary pools for a spectacular 40 minutes walk along the rocky canyon path into the wadi & discover the deep water wonderland. On the way back stop at the Fins Beach to relax for a while. Return to Muscat along the cost and through the mountains.Return to Muscat.
Tour includes: Picnic lunch /Water and Soft Drinks
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
Desert Wilderness
Al Sharqiyah Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid
Duration 9 Hours- 600 Kms by 4WD (Timing 0900hrs – 1800hrs)
Your 4WD departs Muscat in the morning along the landscaped highway past cultivated gardens and acres of date palms. You cross wide gravel plains with distant mountains, onward through a trading town, and arrive at a charming village of traditional mud brick dwelling .tracking though the silent , empty desert of Al Sharqiyah Sands dunes rising up to 200 meters ,you cross the soft golden dunes to reach the Bedouin desert camp in the isolated wilderness. Take pleasure in the warm hospitality of the hardy and colorful Bedouin who make their living rearing camels and goats .For those who dare, a fun camel ride is available, in sharp contrast, shake the sand from your shoes as you wind though hills to the pretty mountain village of the lush, fertile Wadi Bani Khalid famous for its beautiful turquoise blue pools, nestled amongst giant rocks and caves. This provides the perfect place to enjoy a swim in clear deep pools, or take a walk into the rocky canyon surrounded by massive boulders and sheer cliffs. Return to Muscat.
Tour includes: Picnic lunch or lunch at a local restaurant /Water and Soft Drinks
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
(It is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes).
Enchanting Forts & Post
Nizwa, Bahla & Jabreen Castle
Duration Hours -400 kms (Timing 0900hrs – 1700hrs)
Depart from Muscat for a breathtaking drive through the Hajar Mountains to reach historic Nizwa, ancient town of scholarship and birthplace of Islam in Oman. Explore old Nizwa fort, completed in 1650, its earth filled defensive round tower was build to withstand the battering of enemy cannons. Wander the alleys of Nizwa Souk, renowned for its Friday Cattle Market (Cattle Auction), ornamental silver bedouin jewelers and carved Omani khanjers(daggers). You next stop is the Mysterious Town of Bahla, which is also known for its pottery .Take a look around the working Handicraft centre. The huge loam fort of Bahla is currently undergoing renovation is also a UNESCO World heritage site and still standing sentinel above the village. You continue to the magnificent and solitary 17th century Jabreen Castle. Former seat of learning ,it holds the finest examples of old Omani craftsmanship ,beautifully painted ceiling murals ,refined plaster work ,carved balconies and wooden stairs. Return to Muscat.
Tour includes: Picnic lunch or lunch at a local restaurant /Water and Soft Drinks
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
Jabel Al Akdhar Trail – “Green Mountain”
Nizwa , Birkat Al Mauz ,Jebel Akdhar
Duration 9Hours -400 kms by 4WD (Timing 0900hrs – 1800hrs)
Depart from Muscat and proceed to visit the Nizwa, the verdant oasis city with its blend of the modern and the ancient was the capital of Oman. Visit the Nizwa Round Fort and the Nizwa souk. Drive to pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz. Enjoy a walk through the lush green date plantations. Atop the view point see a scenic view of Birkat Al Mawz and the abandoned houses. We further drive pass Wadi Al Madeen to take the a 36 km stretch of winding road which leads us to Jebel Al Akhdar (2000m above sea level) the Green Jewel of the Al Hajar mountain ranges, a truly unique spot in the Arabian peninsula. Enjoy the cool climate up in the mountains.
Jebel Al Akhdar is famed for its fruit orchards, laid out terrace style along the slopes of mountains, which are endowed with natural springs and falaj. A large variety of fresh fruits such as peaches, apricot, fig, grapes, apple, pears, plums, almond and walnuts are grown here. The region is well known for its superior quality of pomegranate. The villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) & Al Ain dot the landscape. The villages overlook a spectacular landscape of dramatic peak, gorges and wadis. The roses of Jebel Al Akhdar fill the air with fragrance when in full bloom (March/April). Rose water is distilled in the homes of the villagers.
Return to Muscat.
Tour includes: Picnic lunch /Water and Soft Drinks
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
(It is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes).
Al Hoota Caves
Nizwa, Al Hoota Cave & Birkat Al Mauz
Duration 7 Hours – 450 KM (Timing 0900hrs 1600hrs)
The highlight of this trip is visit to the One of the largest cave systems in the world, the Al Hoota cave located in the Nizwa region. Depart from Muscat to reach Nizwa; the verdant oasis city with its blend of the modern and the ancient was the capital of Oman during the 6th and 7th century. Explore old Nizwa fort, completed in 1650, its earth filled defensive round tower was build to withstand the battering of enemy cannons. Wander the alleys of Nizwa Souk, renowned for its Friday Cattle Market (Cattle Auction), ornamental silver Bedouin jewelers and carved Omani khanjers (daggers). Proceed to the Al Hoota Caves where one gets a chance to view stalactites and stalagmites as well as an underground lake. The show-cave can only be reached by visitors in an electrical train that runs through a tunnel alongside the main entrance. The show-cave is equipped with pathways and special lighting system. Guided tours provide explanation and are customized according to visitor’s expectations. En route to Muscat visit the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz situated at the foothills of Jebel Al Akhdar (Green Mountains).
Enjoy a walk through its oasis and dense date plantations.
Return to Muscat.
Tour includes: Picnic lunch or Lunch at local restaurant /Water and Soft Drinks
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
(It is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes).
Canyons & Terrace Villages
Wadi Bani Awf and Bilad Sayt (Snake Gorge)
Duration 7 Hours – 450 KM (Timing 0900hrs 1600hrs)
Departing Muscat drive to Nakhal Oasis and tour 17th century Nakhl fortress, standing guard on rocky prominence the fort command a superb 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. We further proceed to the mineral-laden springs of Ain Al Thowrah hot springs which flows out of a wadi and disappears into the nearby date plantations through a falaj channel. The spring is a highly important source of water for the locals since it irrigates about 90% of the surrounding land
The tour continues along jagged hills past palms and scattered dwellings to the river bed of the beautiful Wadi Bani Awf. Enjoy a cool and refreshing stop at the hidden water pools in a narrow gorge. Climbing higher, the panorama along this road carved into the mountain is spectacular. At the entrance to a narrow canyon, locally known as Snake Gorge, walk into the extraordinary village of Bild Sayt with its steep agricultural terraces spread below the village. Stop for lunch, stroll around the picturesque mud brick dwelling and meet friendly locals via Wadi Bani Awf and its panoramic views. Return to Muscat by Nizwa – Muscat Road.
Tour includes: Picnic lunch or Lunch at local restaurant /Water and Soft Drinks
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera / Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes.
Multi-Terrain Oman
Nakhal Fort & Spring, Al Abiadh Wadi & Sands
Duration 7 Hours – 270 KM by 4WD (Timing 0900hrs – 1600hrs)
Departing Muscat we head towards Barka, then drive through the batinah region, to visit the Nakhal Oasis and tour 17th century Nakhl fortress, standing guard on rocky prominence the fort command a superb 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. We further proceed to the mineral-laden warm springs of Ain Al Thorah hot springs which flows out of a wadi and disappears into the nearby date plantations through a falaj channel. The spring is a highly important source of water for the locals since it irrigates about 90% of the surrounding land.
We further proceed to explore Wadi Al Abiadh which is vested in green vegetation and white boulders and rocks, from which the wadi probably takes its name. The rough road runs through the middle of the wadi. There are pink oleander trees and many beautiful birds. Before returning to Muscat enjoy the drive to cross the soft golden dunes of Al Abiadh. Then return to Muscat.
Tour includes: Picnic lunch or Lunch at local restaurant /Water and Soft Drinks
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
Green Turtles of Al Jinz
Day1: Al Sharqiyah Sands, Wadi Bani Khalid & Ras Al Jinz
Duration;7 Hours – 350 KM by 4WD
Morning departure from Muscat, you journey through Hajar Mountains and through the golden dunes and emptiness of Al Sharqiyah Sands, stopping to meet local Bedouin and enjoying their hospitality enjoy some dune bashing en route. We further drive, wind down into the lush green oasis of beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid. A perfect place to stop for a swim in the deep blue rocky pools shaded by date palms and sheer cliffs. We continue the drive to the Town of Sur which has a history of being an ancient boat building city. Visit the Dhow yard where you might be able to see Dhows (Ships) been made or repaired by bare hands. Further reach Ras Al Hadd, after dinner drive to Ras Al Jinz Sea Turtle Conservation Reserve. Watch in awe as the giant turtles arrive at the beach dig out their nest and lay their eggs, then lumber back to the sea. Overnight at Ras Al Hadd.
Day2: Ras Al Jinz ,Sur ,Wadi Shab ,Quriyat To Muscat
Duration; 7 Hours – 350 KM by 4WD
After breakfast at the hotel & check out departure to Sur. Visit the Dhow Yards where you might be able to old dhows still been made or repaired with bare hands. The next stop is take the coastal belt to reach one of the most scenic wadis in Oman Wadi Shab with its clear green pools, canyons, date and banana plantation, overlooked by its picturesque cliff top village. It has at least seven pools of emerald green water and is studded with dramatic boulders. One of the pools is in a cave where light streams in dramatically from above and there are fantastic echoes heard when one swims in it. Last stop is the fishing village of Quiryat before returning to Muscat thought the mountains.
Tour includes:
Sharing accommodation in hotel on Bed & Breakfast Basis.
Picnic lunch or Lunch at local restaurant
Water and Soft Drinks / Over Night
Tour in 4WD as per itinerary
Services of a English speaking guide and driver
Things suggested to carry along: Sunglasses/ Hat or a Cap / Camera.
Round Trip
Day1: Nizwa ,Birkat Al Mauz ,Wadi Al Madeen ,Jebel Akdhar
Duration 7 Hours – 300 KM by 4WD start 9am
The tour starts in the morning from Muscat to proceed to visit Nizwa, the verdant oasis city with its blend of the modern and the ancient was the capital of Oman. Visit the Nizwa Round Fort and the Nizwa souk. Drive to pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz. Enjoy a walk through the lush green date plantations. Atop the view point see a scenic view of Birkat Al Mawz and the abandoned houses. We further proceed to Wadi Al Madeen from here a 36 km stretch of winding road takes us to Jebel Al Akhdar (2000 mts above sea level )the Green Jewel of the hajar mountain range, a truly unique spot in the Arabian peninsula. Enjoy the cool climate up in the mountains Jebel Al Akhdar is famed for its fruit orchards typically laid out terrace style along the slopes of mountains, which are endowed with natural springs and falaj. The village of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (the village of the old houses) & Al Ain dot the landscape. The village overlooks a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges and wadis. The roses of Jebel Al Akhdar fill the air with fragrance when in full bloom (March\April).Rose water is distilled in the homes of the village (it is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing and walking shoes ). Visit Diana point which was named after the visit of late Princess Diana. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the rim of the mountain. Return to Nizwa. Overnight stay at a hotel in Nizwa .
Day2: Nizwa – Wadi Bani Khalid- AL Sharqiah Sands
Duration: 7 Hours – 350 KM by 4WD start 9am
Breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid. Its stream maintains a constant flow of water throughout the year. Large pools of water and boulders are scattered along the course of the wadi. As a geographical area, Wadi Bani Khalid covers a large swathe of low land and mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch or a lunch at the local restaurant in this lovely wadi. After lunch proceed to the Al Sharqiyah Sands longitudinal dunes 200 km long and 100 km wide running south from the Eastern Hajars to the Arabian Sea.
The Al Sharqiyah Sands is home to the traditional Bedouin tribe which is known for their hospitality and knowledge of the sands. The ever changing patterns of the dunes are photographers delight .In stark contrast to this is Wadi Bani Khalid. Check in at the camp for an overnight stay.
Dinner & overnight stay in tents at the Al Sharqiyah Sands .
Day3: Sur -Wadi Shab – Sinkhole – Fins – Muscat
Duration: 7 Hours – 300 KM by 4WD start 9am
Breakfast at the camp. Experience the thrills of dune driving before departure to Sur. Visit the Dhow Yards where you might be able to old dhows still been made or repaired with bare hands. The next stop is Wadi Tiwi it provides a surprising contrast with its lush green wadi and dense plantations. Our next stop is the Bimah sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom .Visit Fins Beach for a short stop to relax or take a short walk along the shore on one of the most beautiful white sandy beach of Oman .
Return to Muscat.