Oman: Mountains, Fortresses and Desert Tour

Ringed by majestic mountains and the ocean, Muscat is an ancient port city that justly means ‘safe anchorage’. Check out 16th century Portuguese forts like Al Jalali and Mirani that perch on clifftops, while looking out on the bustling harbor below. Browse through Omani arts and artifacts at the Bait Al Zubair Museum where the country’s cultural heritage comes alive. The marble-built Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, on the other hand, is a modern marvel, topped by a 50-meter dome that dominates the city skyline. Spend lazy afternoons lounging on white sandy beaches or chasing sea turtles in picturesque lagoons just outside the city. Watch the last rays of the sun slant into exquisite gardens of the Royal Opera House and if possible, catch a show in this elegant arts complex. As the dusk spreads across the desert sky, the glittering lights of its shopping malls and restaurants invite you to sample Muscat’s bustling nightlife.

Get a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings from the water on this enjoyable tour. Settle into a comfortable boat as it sails down the coastline to enter the natural harbor of Muscat. Enjoy views of the Royal Palace Qasr Al Alama and the 16th century twin forts of Jalali and Mirani. Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise past the beautiful Al Bustan Palace hotel with the Hajar mountain range making for the perfect backdrop. See glimpses of the quaint fishing villages of Qantab and Bandar Jassah, with their picturesque beaches. Take pictures to your heart’s content before it’s time to return. (Duration: 2 hrs; Start Time 1600; Shared Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

The former capital city of Oman, Nizwa continues to bustle with the commercial significance of an ancient trading center. Indeed it was to defend the city's position on a major trade route that Nizwa Fort, a castle marked by an imposing cylindrical tower, was built in the 17th century. Learn more about the city’s past at historic sites like Bahla, Jabreen, and the ruins of Tanur. Past rugged highland routes, Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams make for truly spectacular views of the Al Hadar mountain range. Serenade the nature lover in you with a ramble through palm groves in the oasis and the lush environs of Falaj Daris Park. Spend a vibrant afternoon at the high-walled Nizwa Souk that pulsates with the sights, sounds, and aromas of local produce like hand-woven fabrics, pottery, and livestock but is best known for the Omani silver khanjar or traditional curved dagger.

Explore some of the landmark attractions in and around the historic town of Nizwa. First, visit the 17th century Nizwa Fort, which is an excellent example of ancient Omani architecture. Heading up to the tower, enjoy panoramic vistas of the palm-covered town with picturesque white houses, surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Proceed to the magnificent Jabreen Castle, set at the foot of Jebel Akhdar mountains. Learn about its significance in Omani science, art, and education. The many halls, adorned in rugs and cushions, feature painted ceilings, calligraphy. and latticed windows. Wander through the courtyards and climb the towers for scenic views. Later, stop by Bahla Fort. See wind towers, wells, maze rooms, and mosques spread across this complex. Learn about the fort’s ancient rulers, the Banu Nebhan tribe. Spot traditional irrigation channels beside mud-brick houses that showcase medieval Islamic architecture. (Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain at about 10,000 feet (3,000 m), is situated north of Al Hamra town. Set close to Jebel Akhdar, it offers stunning views of Wadi Ghul, also known as Oman’s Grand Canyon, as well as Al Nakhr canyon. The high altitude and cool climate make it a popular getaway with locals and tourists seeking to escape the desert heat. Hikes along the rugged terrain and rides in four-wheel drives top the list of popular outdoor pursuits here. Those looking for a complete experience could try camping overnight while picnics are ideal for visitors in a hurry. Day trips to Nizwa fort and remote villages in the area are perfect for a peek into local culture. Besides the sweet dates sourced from local plantations, the Jebel Shams region is known for its colorful rugs made of goat hair and natural dyes.

Experience the many attractions around Nizwa, across the picturesque Ad Dakhiliyah region. Set off from your Nizwa hotel for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bahla, home to a 13th century fort, one of the oldest in the country. Pass through the ruins of an outer wall to enter an ancient fortified area with towering ramparts, massive buildings on stone foundation and mud brick huts. You can also check out traditional Bahla pottery, famous for its beautiful ribbed designs on terracotta, before you leave for Jabreen. This historic town is best known for a sprawling 17th century castle with ornate painted ceilings, intricately latticed windows and interesting structures like a room used to store dates. Next make your way to the rugged environs of Wadi Al Muaydin. This picturesque gorge takes you along vibrant cliff walls, massive limestone boulders in the distance and an underground spring that occasionally emerges as cool refreshing pools. Duration: Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate;Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes)

The Wahiba Sands is an undulating expanse of shimmering sand that seems to stretch endlessly along the eastern part of Oman. Situated in the Ash-Sharqiyyah region, the beautiful sand dunes promise you a desert experience like no other. Exciting off-road safaris in 4x4 vehicles across the shifting dunes guarantee an adrenaline rush. Guided walks across the soaring dunes and leisurely camel rides as the sun goes down make for cherished memories. Remote villages amid the arid landscape offer a glimpse into the traditional Bedouin way of life that is fast becoming a rarity. Overnight camping trips under the starry sky, be it in indulgent desert camps or in rustic tents, leave you with the experience of a lifetime. Those short on time can have just as much fun with a sumptuous picnic at one of the camps. Top it off with live cultural performances for the ultimate desert holiday!

Sur, the capital city of Ash-Sharqiyyah South Governorate, is located along the coast of the Gulf of Oman. This ancient port city makes for a pretty picture with the azure sea on one side and the majestic Hajar Mountains in the backdrop. Once a hub of dhow-building, the city is now a popular tourist destination given its sandy beaches and bustling souqs. Ancient forts, a lighthouse, and a splendid corniche add to the charm of the place. With a modest selection of cafes and restaurants, it’s easy to soak up the local vibe while savoring authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Exotic sweetmeats from cozy bakeries make for the perfect end to a delicious meal! The turtle reserve at Ras Al Jinz and the attractions of Tiwi are just an hour’s drive away. Only a 45 minute drive away is Ras Al Jinz, with its dramatic cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches. Apart from the lure of its sun-drenched shorelines, the possibility of watching endangered sea turtles nesting up close is what draws visitors to the region. The turtle reserve here is a protected site and entry of visitors is restricted to escorted groups with a limited number of people. An ancient castle and a museum that underscores the love for turtles dating back decades are the main attractions in this laidback region. That apart, soaking in the sun on the picturesque beach and a refreshing dip in the waters of the Arabian Sea are must-do activities in Ras Al Jinz!

Enjoy an exciting turtle-viewing experience in the coastal wilderness of eastern Oman. Arrive at the protected shores of Ras Al Jinz, considered to be the largest turtle nesting site at the Indian Ocean. Follow your specialist marine guide to find turtles and their nests on the beach. Learn about the many species of turtles, including the olive ridley and the endangered hawksbill and green Turtles, which frequent Omani waters. Your guide will give you plenty of information about the various stages of a turtle’s life and its nesting behavior. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot turtle hatchlings break out from eggs and slowly make their way to the Arabian Sea. Wrap up with a visit to the state-of-the-art interactive museum that houses research laboratories, educational displays, and archaeological exhibits. (Duration: 2h; Morning or Evening; Shared Activity; No Transfer; Fitness level: Easy)

Ringed by majestic mountains and the ocean, Muscat is an ancient port city that justly means ‘safe anchorage’. Check out 16th century Portuguese forts like Al Jalali and Mirani that perch on clifftops, while looking out on the bustling harbor below. Browse through Omani arts and artifacts at the Bait Al Zubair Museum where the country’s cultural heritage comes alive. The marble-built Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, on the other hand, is a modern marvel, topped by a 50-meter dome that dominates the city skyline. Spend lazy afternoons lounging on white sandy beaches or chasing sea turtles in picturesque lagoons just outside the city. Watch the last rays of the sun slant into exquisite gardens of the Royal Opera House and if possible, catch a show in this elegant arts complex. As the dusk spreads across the desert sky, the glittering lights of its shopping malls and restaurants invite you to sample Muscat’s bustling nightlife.

Dive into the culture, history, and heritage of Muscat City on this full day tour. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and take you to the Grand Mosque to see its stunning architecture. From there, drive to Muttrah souk, a traditional Omani market in the old part of the city. Browse the wide range of goods for souvenirs such as frankincense, the Omani dagger, or Khanjar, and Pashmina shawls. Visit the Sidab Women Group, located in the village of Sidab. See their range of colorful fabrics made in traditional designs and learn how the group works to bridge cultures. Proceed to Bait Al Zubair Museum, a converted small-town house that displays archaeological findings, national costumes, and jewelry. Then proceed to the Sultan’s Palace, which is surrounded by the Mirani and Jalali forts that were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Along the way, stop for lunch. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Royal Opera House, considered to be one of the world’s finest acoustic spaces. The opera house is open to the public in the mornings, so you can arrange your own visit to see its architecture and interior decoration, if you like. (Duration: full day; Time: 0800 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees are not included; Fitness level: easy; Please note video recording is prohibited in the Sultan’s palace; Not available on Fri & Sat)