Muscat-Nakhal Fort-Wadi Bani Awf Snake Canyon-Balad Sayt-Jabal Shams (The Grand Canyon of Oman)-Nizwa

Nakhal Fort - Departing from Muscat, the journey leads to Nakhal, where the stunning Nakhal Fortress awaits. Nestled at the base of the mountains in a charming village known for its vast date palm plantations, this impressive 1500-year-old fortress emerges from the mountain rock, standing tall above the ancient village as a testament to its formidable strength. It has witnessed numerous battles and is filled with hidden escape routes and secret passages.

Visitors can explore the restored fortress, admiring rooms beautifully decorated in the original old style. The view from the top over the mountains and lush date plantations is truly breathtaking.

Balad Sayt - Continuing from Nakhal, the trip proceeds to Wadi Bani Awf. The road winds through the Wadi, passing by the impressive Wadi Canyons (Snake Canyon) and several villages, with Balad Sayt being the most picturesque, surrounded by mountains on all sides.

Jabal Shams - From Balad Sayt, the journey ascends the mountain road to Jebel Shams, standing at 3009 meters (The Grand Canyon of Oman). It is one of Oman’s most adventurous mountains, offering thrilling off-road experiences and spectacular views. At the 2000-meter Canyon viewpoint, visitors can pause to enjoy the scenery and capture memorable photos.

Nizwa - From Jabal Shams, the journey continues to Nizwa, where the first night of the tour is spent.

Nizwa Market (Souq) and Fort-Birkat Al Moz-Wahiba Sands Desert

Nizwa Souk - The day begins with a visit to the renowned Nizwa Market (Souq), where a diverse array of vendors offer goods in the souk’s streets. Visitors can find vegetables, pottery, jewelry, handicrafts, Omani sweets (Halwa), dates, spices, and souvenirs in authentic old market halls. The Friday cattle market is particularly fascinating, as locals from nearby villages gather to sell goats, cattle, sheep, and chickens in a lively open marketplace.

Nizwa Fort Oman - Adjacent to the Souq is Nizwa Fortress, now a museum offering splendid views of the ancient town and surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the impressive fortress, visiting its many rooms, passages, and towers. The fort is an architectural testament to the economic and military achievements of the early Yaruba dynasty from the mid-17th century, designed to withstand even the strongest attacks of the time, with traps laid along corridors to deter intruders.

Birkat Al Mouz Ruins - From Nizwa, the journey continues to Birkat Al Moz, home to a large Falaj system that irrigates date palms and vegetables for many orchards. Listed by UNESCO, it is worth spending time exploring the old part of the village.

Wahiba Sands - From Birkat Al Moz, the journey proceeds to the Wahiba Sands desert camp. This spectacular desert spans 12,500 square kilometers and is also known as Al Sharqiya Sands, formerly “The Wahiba Sands.” Named after the Bani Wahiba tribe, it is divided between the northern and southern Governorates in the eastern region. The area is defined by a boundary of 180 km north to south and 80 km east to west. Visitors can relax at the camp or embark on an adventurous 4×4 sand dune drive, followed by watching the stunning desert sunset from one of the large sand dunes. The day concludes with dinner at the camp and a relaxing evening.

Wahiba Sands-Wadi Bani Khalid-Sur-Ras Al Hadd

Wadi Bani Khalid - After a leisurely breakfast at the Desert Camp, the journey leaves the desert for Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s largest and most beautiful wadis. Upon reaching the magnificent Wadi, a short 10-minute walk (walking shoes required) leads to sparkling clear water pools, 9 meters deep, perfect for a long swim, relaxation, and sunbathing in the scenic Wadi Canyon.

Sur - From the Wadi, the journey continues to Sur, where a city tour includes a visit to the Dhow Factory and old ships. The tour also explores the old part of Sur, showcasing houses with beautifully designed wooden doors and windows.

Al Hadd - The tour then proceeds to Ras Al Hadd, where guests check in at a hotel/resort for the night. In the evening, after a buffet dinner, a guided walking tour at the Turtle Sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz offers a chance to see Oman’s great sea turtles coming ashore to nest and lay eggs. With luck, visitors may even witness baby turtles hatching.

Ras Al Hadd-Wadi Shab-Fins Beach-Bimmah Sinkhole- Muscat

Wadi Shab - The day begins with a visit to Wadi Shab, an enormous canyon gorge lined with palm trees, showcasing the power of water descending from the mountains. A 35 to 40-minute hike through the canyon (walking shoes or trainers & swimming shoes required) leads to crystal-clear water pools. Tourists can swim through the warm waters from pool to pool, eventually reaching the last pool, where an opening among the rocks allows swimming into a stunning crevice cave with a small waterfall. Inside, sunlight filters in, turning the water a beautiful turquoise blue as water cascades down one side of the cave.

Fins Beach - From Wadi Shab, a stop at Fins Beach, also known as White Sands Beach, reveals a panorama of strikingly white sands and intriguing pebbly beach, with sparkling turquoise waters and a soft, cool breeze.

Bimmah Sinkhole - On the return journey to Muscat, a stop at Bimmah Sinkhole offers the opportunity to swim in the sinkhole lake. Bimmah Sinkhole is a water-filled depression in the limestone of eastern Muscat Governorate in Oman, featuring a lake of turquoise waters, 50 m by 70 m wide and approximately 20 m deep. Located only 600 m from the sea, between the coastal towns of Dibab and Bimmah village, the sinkhole was formed by the collapse of the surface layer due to the dissolution of the underlying limestone. To preserve the sinkhole, the local municipality developed a park there.

After visiting the sinkhole, the journey returns to Muscat.

• Pick up & Drop off from Hotels, Port, Airport, Residence
• 3 Nights accommodation
• Dinner included
• Breakfast included
• All fees and taxes covered
• Transportation by Air-Conditioned 4WD vehicle
• Bottled water provided

• Lunch

On this 4-day, 3-night tour, you’ll traverse the Al Hajar Mountains, renowned for their geological significance. Visit Jabal Shams, known as the Grand Canyon of Oman, and explore Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman from 500 years ago. You’ll have ample time to wander through Nizwa Market and Nizwa Fort. Spend a night in the tranquil desert, stargazing under the clear night sky. Dive into the pristine blue water pools of Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab. In the evening, observe turtles at Ras Al Jinz, and discover many more sights. Please refer to the itinerary for further details.

Places & sights you’ll visit:

Nakhal Fort, Wadi Bani Awf, Snake Canyon, Balad Sayt, Jabal Shams (The Grand Canyon of Oman), Nizwa Fort & Market, Wahiba Sands, Wadi Bani Khalid, Sur, Ras Al Hadd, Ras Al Jinz (turtle watching), Wadi Shab, Fins Beach, Bimmah Sinkhole

• Not stroller accessible
• Infants must not sit on laps

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.