City Tours and Excursions in Oman

MAJESTIC FORTS : Forts and castles are Oman's most striking cultural landmarks and together with its towers and city walls, they have historically been used as defensive bastions or look-out points. It is estimated that there are over 500 forts, castles and towers in Oman. Our visit today would include a few of them, which are more remarkable & striking in their architecture & style. The ancient capital of Oman, Nizwa was a seat of learning and the birthplace of Islam in Oman. The 17th century round fort and the souq famous for silver jewelry are the major attractions of Nizwa, not to mention the popular & interesting cattle auction, which takes place on every Friday. Built on a solid base of rock, the huge tower was designed to withstand the vibrations of 24 cannons. We move on to Bahla famous for its handmade pottery. Bahla is listed in UNESCOS world heritage sites, however the fort here is now under renovation and is not open to public. Built as a defensive stronghold, the Jabreen is perhaps the finest of Omani castles. The castle has dungeons, passages, rooms and ceilings decorated with fine carvings & paintings. Back to Top

BATINAH BECKONS! : The fertile Batinah coast is dotted with beautiful beaches, forts, fishing villages and places famous for camel racing & bull fighting. We would have a short stop at the Seeb Fish market before continuing to the Nakhl Fort and the hot water springs, followed by the majestic fort of Rustaq, which is one of the oldest forts in Oman and is surrounded by watch towers. Before returning to Muscat we would visit the Al Hazm Fort, which has been restored by the government. Back to Top

DUNES OF WAHIBA : Running south from the Eastern Hajjar Mountains to Arabian Sea, the Wahiba Sands, described a Sand sea, stretches almost 200 kms in length and about 100 kms in width. The dunes rise above 100-150 meters in different shades of colour and shifting sands, is the perfect place for both the romantic and the adventurous. There are still Bedouin families living in this vast expanse of sands. A roller-coaster ride over the dunes would a thrilling fun especially for those who are first time visitors to the desert. The trip also includes a refreshing visit to the lush pools of Wadi Bani Khalid. Back to Top

HEIGHTS OF HAJJAR : Having finished a quick visit to the Nizwa souq and the Round Fort in Nizwa, we drive towards the Western Hajjar Mountains rising over 2000 metres, which can be seen from far away as we approach them. We would stop at Al Hamra where 400 years old mud houses are still standing and occupied. The Wadi Nakhr gorge is a one of Oman’s greatest natural wonders. The mountain village of Misfah and the terrace farming village of Wadi Ghul also would be visited. Jebel Shams (mountain of the Sun) is the tallest peak in Oman at a height of 3010 metres offering spectacular views of the surroundings. Back to Top

COASTAL ESCAPADE : With stunning views of the waters of the Arabian Sea on one side and the rocky cliffs on the other, this is an exciting drive along the coast road. The first stop on this drive is at Bimah Sinkhole a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. Stop at the white sandy Fins beach for a swim and continue to Wadi Shaab & Tiwi Village. A walk through the narrow roads leads you to lush plantations and pools with clear water. Further ahead are the ruins at of Qalhat, one of the oldest towns and seaports in Oman. Today however only the remnants of the city walls remain. Visit the tomb of the holy lady, Bibi Miriam, which stands high up on the cliff top.

We would now drive back to Muscat on the tarmac road. Back to Top

WOW! WAKKAN! : Having visited Nakhal & Rustaq, we now start ascending to the beautiful village of Wakkan. The village is very lush with plantations and is known for its terrace farming and a variety of fruits and vegetables are grown here. After visiting Wadi Abheyad (White Wadi) we return to Muscat. Back to Top

DANCE WITH DOLPHINS : The coast of Oman is blessed with a variety of Dolphins & Whales. About 21 different species of Whales & Dolphins have been identified along the coast of Oman, including the Blue Whale which is seldom seen anywhere else in the world.

You would be transferred from your hotel to the jetty. While it is not guaranteed that you would spot dolphins on every trip, it would be an enjoyable experience in the sea and our onboard cetacean specialist would enlighten you with quite a lot of information about these interesting marine mammals.

NOTE: Soft drinks & snacks onboard included. Back to Top

SUNSET DHOW CRUISE & DHOW DINEER CURISE: No other trip would offer you such panoramic view of the coast of Muscat. This short trip would take you all along the beautiful promenade of Muscat and would provide you with ample opportunities to film some of the landmarks of the city going past the port, Al Bustan Palace Hotel and the Al Aalam Palace with its twin Portuguese forts.

NOTE: Soft drinks & snacks onboard included. Back to Top