Nakhl, Jabal Shams and Nizwa

Tour Details

Day 1: Nakhl, Jabal Shams

• Guests will be pick up from the hotel and tour of the day begin that leads us to Barka to explore the fish market and observe local residents engaging in the trade of freshly caught fish.

• Next stop will lead us to explore the Nakhl, where the prominent fort stands atop a hill. This 350-year-old fort. Situated within a gorge and encircled by mountains was meticulously restored in 1990 using traditional materials and period furnishings. The intricately carved main gate is believed to date back to the 1830s during the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan.

• Next stop will lead us to explore the Wadi Bani Auf where the key attraction is the antique houses nestled on the mountain slopes. This wadi is also known as the “snake gorge” due to the diverse array of desert snakes inhabiting the area.

• Next stop will lead us to explore the Bilad Sayt, a village renowned for its clay houses and the oasis where the inhabitants reside. Following this visit, relish a picnic lunch atop the mountain.

• Next stop will lead us to explore the Al Hamra, a town in Ad Dakhiliyah that boasts a history of 400 years. Often referred to as Hamra Al Abryeen after the Al Abri tribe who inhabit it. Al Hamra houses is some of Oman’s oldest well-preserved dwellings constructed upon a sloping rock slab. Many of these houses consist of two stories, featuring ceilings crafted from palm beams and fronds covered with mud and straw.

• Next stop will lead us to explore the Misfat Al Abryeen also known as Misfat or Misfah, acclaimed as one of Oman’s most charming traditional villages. Characterized by clusters of ochre-colored stone structures, it presents a picturesque scene.

• Last stop will lead us to explore the Jabal Shams mountain towering over 3,000 meters in height and ranking as the country’s highest peak. Translated as “Sun-Mountain” in Arabic, Jabal Shams provides an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Grand Canyon from its summit. This mountain stands as the loftiest pinnacle within the 700-kilometer-long Hajar mountain range.

• Guests will spend the night at the Jabal Shams

Day 2: Nizwa

• Guests will have a breakfast in the hotel and later will be check-out.

• Guests will be pick up from the hotel and tour of the day begin that leads us to Next stop will lead us to explore the Nizwa, an outstanding tourist destination and the original capital of the Sultanate of Oman during the sixth and seventh centuries. Nizwa has effectively preserved its allure over time, characterized by its robust architecture and the protective guard tower that stands to ward off potential invaders. This region holds historical significance as the homeland of Imam Ibn Al Julanda, the first democratically appointed imam in the seventh century. Guest will encounter a fortress enveloped by palm trees constructed in the seventeenth century under the direction of Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya’ruba, this fort stands as a testament to the past. Guest will be also able to explore the Nizwa Souq. A bustling hub renowned for its handicrafts and agricultural offerings, boasting a sprawling marketplace brimming with a diverse array of merchandise. The souq buzzes with vendors peddling various goods, ranging from meat, fish, and fruits. Notably, Nizwa is famed for its superior silver jewelry celebrated as the country’s finest. The local artisans excel in crafting Khanjar, the distinctive curved dagger, which showcases unique styles and patterns. In addition, they skillfully create copperware, coffee pots, swords, leather items, and pottery.

• Next stop will lead us to explore the Birkat Al Mauz, a place adorned with the remnants of clay houses. Some still inhabited amidst the once-famous banana plantations that have now transitioned into date plantations. Here, guests can witness the ancient irrigation system that sustains the village’s Oasis. Enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant.

• Next stop will lead us to explore the Samail, a town steeped in history dating back to the pre-Islamic era. Samail’s historical significance lies in being the hometown of Mazin Ben Ghadooba, the first Omani Muslim. Mazin played a pivotal role in introducing Islam to Oman by constructing the region’s first mosque during the era of princes Aabd and Jayfar, sons of King Al-Juland. Although the mosque has been restored multiple times, it retains its antiquity in its foundational elements. Samail’s landscape is also dominated by date palm trees and the area is home to various date processing facilities. The local inhabitants continue to practice traditional crafts like weaving. Samail boasts several forts and castles including the Samail Hon, Bait Al Khubar, Al Shahbaa Fort and numerous small forts and watchtowers.

• Next stop will lead us to explore the Fanja, a city enriched with a deep cultural heritage and breathtaking natural vistas. Fanja’s 5,000-year-old civilization coexists harmoniously with contemporary progress revealing a hidden beauty waiting to be explored. Wadi Fanja often flows with water especially after periods of rain making it a favorite spot for residents and visitors to enjoy serene evenings particularly on weekends. Encircled by date palms and other trees, the wadi’s beauty is undeniable.

• Guests will be drive back to Muscat.

Route Map