Muscat-Nizwa Market (Souq) and Fort-Ibra-Wahiba Sands

Nizwa Souk - Departing from Muscat, the journey leads to Nizwa, the historic capital of Oman. Visitors will explore the renowned Nizwa Market (Souq), where a diverse array of vendors display their goods along the souq’s streets. Here, one can find vegetables, pottery, jewelry, handicrafts, Omani sweets (halwa), dates, spices, and souvenirs, all sold in authentic old market halls that are rare to find. 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 breathtaking views of the ancient town and surrounding mountains. Visitors can explore the impressive fortress, wandering through its many rooms, passages, and towers. The fort stands as an architectural testament to the economic and military prowess of the early Yaruba dynasty from the mid-17th century. It was a formidable military stronghold, designed to withstand even the strongest attacks of its time, with traps laid along corridors to deter intruders.

Ibra - Continuing from Nizwa, the journey proceeds to Ibra, where the old part of the town, nearly 1000 years old, awaits exploration. Built from mud and limestone, the village offers a glimpse into the past, with some residents still living there.

Wahiba Sands - From Ibra, the adventure continues to the desert region of Wahiba Sands, also known as Al Sharqiya Sands. This stunning desert spans 12,500 square kilometers and is named after the Bani Wahiba tribe. It stretches 180 kilometers north to south and 80 kilometers east to west. Visitors can relax at the camp or embark on an exciting 4×4 drive across the sand dunes, culminating in a breathtaking sunset view from one of the large dunes, followed by dinner at the camp.

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

Wadi Bani Khalid - After checking out from the desert camp, the journey continues to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s largest and most beautiful wadis. A short 10-minute walk (walking shoes or trainers recommended) leads to sparkling clear water pools, 9 meters deep, perfect for a refreshing swim and sunbathing in the scenic Wadi Canyon.

Sur - From Wadi Bani Khalid, the journey proceeds to Sur, where a city tour includes a visit to the dhow factory to witness traditional wooden dhow building and view an old ship. The tour also explores the old part of Sur, showcasing houses with beautifully designed wooden doors and windows.

Al Hadd - Continuing from Sur, the journey reaches Ras Al Hadd, where guests check into their hotel or resort for the night. After a buffet dinner, a visit to the Turtle Sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz offers a guided night tour on the beach under the stars, with a high chance of witnessing Oman’s great sea turtles nesting and laying eggs. Lucky visitors may even see baby turtles hatching.

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

Wadi Shab - The tour continues to Wadi Shab, a vast canyon gorge lined with palm trees, showcasing the power of water from the mountains. A 35 to 40-minute hike through the canyon (walking shoes or trainers recommended) leads to crystal-clear water pools. Visitors can swim through the warm waters from pool to pool, eventually reaching a final pool where an opening among the rocks allows entry into a stunning crevice cave with a small waterfall. Inside, sunlight filters in, turning the water a beautiful turquoise blue as it 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 a pebbly beach, with sparkling turquoise waters and a gentle breeze.

Bimmah Sinkhole - The journey continues from Fins Beach to Bimmah Sinkhole, a large crater near the sea with a lake at the bottom, where swimming is possible. The Bimmah Sinkhole is a water-filled depression in the limestone of eastern Muscat Governorate, Oman. The turquoise lake is 50 meters by 70 meters wide and approximately 20 meters deep, located 600 meters 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, a park has been developed by the local municipality.

The tour concludes with a drive back to Muscat.

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

• Lunch

A 3-day round trip offers the chance to explore Nizwa, the historic capital of Oman, enjoy a night in the breathtaking desert, observe turtles at Ras Al Jinz, and swim in the pristine blue waters of Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid. Additionally, visit Fins Beach and the Bimmah Sinkhole.

Attractions and landmarks to explore:

• Nizwa Fort & Market
• Wahiba Sands
• Wadi Bani Khalid
• Sur
• Ras Al Had
• Ras al Jinz (Turtle watching)
• Wadi Shab
• Fins Beach
• Sinkhole

• Immerse yourself in Oman’s rich culture and history in Nizwa
• Enjoy the tranquility and breathtaking sunset in the desert
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from hotels, ports (for shore excursion passengers), airports, and residences
• All fees and taxes are included
• Private tour

• 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.