Discover the best of Oman on a 2-day tour from Muscat. Explore the charming villages of Fanja, Birkat Al Mouz, and Al Hamra, visit the Nizwa Market, and see the Nizwa Fort. Watch the sunrise from Jebel Shams, and visit the Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle.
Day 1:Nizwa SOUQ – NIZWA FORT – Misfath Abreen – Jebel Shams
We will take you to Nizwa, the old capital city of Oman, and our first stop there is the famous Nizwa Souq. It is among the largest of its kind in Oman. A wide variety of vendors offer their goods in the streets of the souk from 05:00 am to about 10:00 am each morning. Here you can find fish, meat, vegetables, pottery, jewelry, handicrafts and souvenirs which are sold in authentic old market halls that few places can boast. Especially interesting is the Friday cattle market when the locals from the nearby Villages come to sell their donkeys, goats, cattle, sheep, and chickens in a circus-style open marketplace.
Next to the Souq is Nizwa Fortress. The fort is a museum today and offers splendid views of this ancient town and the surrounding mountains. You can walk around in this impressive fortress and visit its many rooms, passages, and towers. The fort is an architectural testimony to the economic and military achievements of the early Yaruba dynasty from the mid-17th century. It was a military stronghold designed to withstand even the strongest of attacks at the time. Even along the corridors, many traps were laid to deter any intruders that might have penetrated the defenses.
From Nizwa we drive to Misfath al Abreen. This pictures village lies on a steep slope at the foot of Jebel Shams, a few kilometers from the village of Al Hamra and consists of old homes and narrow streets. It has a large Falaj system which supplies water for many orchards, date palms and vegetable gardens. It is worth to spend at least 1 ½ hours walking around the village. There are marked footpaths through the village and surrounding area.
Then we drive up the Jebel Shams Mountain; 3000 meters high, it is the highest mountain of Oman. After check-in into the Jebel Shams Resort, you have leisure time for the rest of the day. You can relax or explore the rim of the Grand Canyon.
Day 2: Jebel Shams – Bahla Fort – Jabrin Castle – Back to Muscat
Start the day early with a sunrise view from Jebel Shams, where you can watch the sun rise over the vast mountain ranges and valleys. After sunrise, head to Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. Explore the fort and its surroundings.
Visit Jabrin Castle, one of Oman’s most beautiful castles, famous for its intricate carvings and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After a day of exploration, drive back to Muscat, concluding the tour with unforgettable memories of Oman’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
