Oman: Mountains, Fortresses and Desert Tour

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.)

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)

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)

Ride a camel and catch a desert sunset on this adventure in Oman. Meet your expert guide at the resort in the evening. Learn how to safely mount, dismount and control your camel. Then set out into the desert roughly 30 minutes before sunset. Enjoy the experience of traveling over the sand in the way the inhabitants of the desert have been doing for centuries. Reach the designated sunset point. Relax on the dunes, take photos and soak in the golden light as the day silently slips away. Once the sun has set, mount your camel and ride back to the resort, a journey of about 30 minutes. (Duration: 1.5 hrs; Time: evening; Private activity; Transfers not required; Fitness level: easy)

Ride a camel and catch a desert sunset on this adventure in Oman. Meet your expert guide at the resort in the evening. Learn how to safely mount, dismount and control your camel. Then set out into the desert roughly 30 minutes before sunset. Enjoy the experience of traveling over the sand in the way the inhabitants of the desert have been doing for centuries. Reach the designated sunset point and settle down with a beverage. Relax on the dunes, take photos and soak in the golden light as the day silently slips away. Once the sun has set, mount your camel and ride back to the resort, a journey of about 30 minutes. (Duration: 1.5 hrs; Time: evening; Private activity; Transfers not required; Meals included: refreshments; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy).

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)

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)