From Muscat: Nizwa and Jebel Shams Day Trip

Uncover the breathtaking beauty of Oman on this day trip from Muscat to Nizwa, Al Hamra, and Jebel Shams, where rich history meets stunning natural landscapes for an unforgettable experience.

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Overview

Start your journey in the historic city of Nizwa, Oman’s former capital, which brims with cultural and historical significance. Wander through the vibrant Nizwa Souq, where colorful spices, silver jewelry, and handcrafted goods fill the market stalls. Visit the iconic Nizwa Fort, a 17th-century architectural wonder offering panoramic views of the surrounding oasis and mountains. This city seamlessly combines history and bustling market life, making it a captivating beginning to the tour.

Continue to the picturesque village of Al Hamra, famous for its traditional mud-brick houses that have withstood the test of time. Strolling through the village feels like stepping back centuries, with its narrow alleyways and ancient architecture showcasing the craftsmanship of early Omanis. The charm of Al Hamra lies in its authentic preservation, making it a living testament to Oman’s rich heritage.

Ascend to Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman, and behold the spectacular Grand Canyon of Arabia. The rugged cliffs and deep canyons create a dramatic landscape, offering breathtaking vistas for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The cool mountain air and serene atmosphere make Jebel Shams a highlight of the tour, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.

As you travel between these destinations, you’ll experience Oman’s diverse terrains, from lush oases to arid deserts and towering peaks. Each location offers its unique allure, providing a blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty. This journey showcases the very best of Oman’s rich history and stunning landscapes.

Throughout the day, enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned transport and the expertise of your guide, who will enrich your experience with fascinating insights. Whether you’re drawn to history, nature, or adventure, this tour guarantees an unforgettable exploration of Oman’s treasures.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1

Adult

Age 10-25+

Excursion Itinerary

Muscat
Start Activities

Jeep / SUV (Transfer)
Duration: 160 Minutes

Relax as you traverse Oman’s scenic routes, experiencing the beauty of the countryside on the way to Nizwa.


Nizwa Souq
Photo stop, Guided tour, Shopping, Walk, Scenic views on the way, Scenic drive,
Duration: 45 Minutes

Explore this vibrant marketplace, perfect for shopping, strolling, and experiencing local culture amidst scenic surroundings.


Nizwa Fort
Photo stop, Sightseeing, Self-guided tour,
Duration: 1 Hour , Extra Fee

Discover the historical Nizwa Fort with its breathtaking views and self-guided tour options. Entrance fees apply.


Jeep / SUV (Transfer)
Duration: 30 Minutes

Continue your adventure with a short, relaxing drive to a local restaurant.


Local restaurant
Lunch,
Duration: 1 Hour

Indulge in a delicious Omani meal, offering authentic flavors in a cozy setting.


Jeep / SUV (Transfer)
Duration: 1 Hour

Travel towards Jebel Shams, soaking in the dramatic landscapes en route.


Jebel Shams
Photo stop, Sightseeing, Walk, Scenic views on the way,
Duration: 1 Hour

Marvel at the Grand Canyon of Arabia with a sightseeing walk, incredible vistas, and the serene atmosphere of Oman’s highest peak.


Jeep / SUV (Transfer)
Duration: 3 Hours

Return to Muscat, reflecting on the day’s memorable experiences.


Muscat
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Discover the historic Nizwa Fort and its bustling souq.
  • Stroll through the traditional mud-brick village of Al Hamra.
  • Marvel at the stunning views of the Grand Canyon of Arabia from Jebel Shams.
  • Learn about Omani history and culture from an expert guide.
  • Enjoy a scenic journey through Oman’s diverse landscapes.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Tour GuideVisit to Nizwa Fort and Souq
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Drive to Jebel Shams and visit to the viewpoint

Not Included

  • Personal expenses
  • Entrance Fees

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • Children under 6 years
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Important Information

What to Bring

Change of clothes
Comfortable shoes
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

Information Before Booking

  • Moderate physical fitness is recommended due to uneven walking terrain.
  • Ensure you are prepared for walking and exploring outdoor locations.
  • When visiting Nizwa, it’s important to respect the local culture and dress modestly:
  • For Men: It is recommended to wear long trousers and a short or long-sleeved shirt. Shorts and sleeveless tops should be avoided.
  • For Women: Women should wear clothing that covers the shoulders, arms, and knees. A loose-fitting top paired wi

Know Before You Go

  • Entrance fees to certain attractions, such as Nizwa Fort, are not included and must be paid on-site.
  • The itinerary may vary based on weather conditions and other factors.
  • Confirmation details, including pick-up time, will be provided after booking.
  • Bring your booking voucher for smooth check-in.

4.8/5

31
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 10  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Live Tour Guide

English

Pickup Optional

Our guests are kindly requested to wait at the outer security gate of their hotels. For hotels without a security gate, guests should wait at the main building entrance.

Location

Muscat Oman

Book Today

From

€143

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Giacomo - Italy
15 December 2024

Everything—from works of art to natural attractions and local food—was delightful!

Haruto - Japan
30 December 2024

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The experience was outstanding! This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of four people, felt intimate and well-organized. Our guide, Faisal, was exceptionally kind and humorous. He was an excellent driver, and the car was spotless. Aware of our limited English proficiency, he spoke slowly and used simple, easy-to-follow language. He was also accommodating with toilet breaks and other needs, ensuring our comfort throughout. Drinks were generously provided, including two bottles of water, tea, and juice. Nizwa: The ancient city had a charming and quaint atmosphere. Though the visit felt slightly rushed, Faisal was happy to help with purchases if something caught our interest. Nizwa Fort was expansive and required about an hour to fully explore. Taking photos there was particularly enjoyable. Lunch: The meal was delicious, featuring chicken with spiced rice and mutton soup. It was flavorful yet easy to eat, catering to different tastes. Jebel Shams: The views were absolutely breathtaking—a must-visit destination! With strong sunlight, sunglasses and a hat are essential. The journey included some fun off-road driving, but if you're prone to motion sickness, bringing medication is advised. In summary, this tour is highly recommended, especially for those with limited time. Every aspect of it, from the scenic routes to the thoughtful touches by our guide, made it truly memorable.

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.9/5

Based on 29 Reviews

Guide

4.9/5

Transportation

4.9/5

Value for Money

4.9/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
G
Giacomo - Italy
15 December 2024

Everything—from works of art to natural attractions and local food—was delightful!

Helpful? Yes

H
Haruto - Japan
30 December 2024
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The experience was outstanding! This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of four people, felt intimate and well-organized. Our guide, Faisal, was exceptionally kind and humorous. He was an excellent driver, and the car was spotless. Aware of our limited English proficiency, he spoke slowly and used simple, easy-to-follow language. He was also accommodating with toilet breaks and other needs, ensuring our comfort throughout. Drinks were generously provided, including two bottles of water, tea, and juice. Nizwa: The ancient city had a charming and quaint atmosphere. Though the visit felt slightly rushed, Faisal was happy to help with purchases if something caught our interest. Nizwa Fort was expansive and required about an hour to fully explore. Taking photos there was particularly enjoyable. Lunch: The meal was delicious, featuring chicken with spiced rice and mutton soup. It was flavorful yet easy to eat, catering to different tastes. Jebel Shams: The views were absolutely breathtaking—a must-visit destination! With strong sunlight, sunglasses and a hat are essential. The journey included some fun off-road driving, but if you're prone to motion sickness, bringing medication is advised. In summary, this tour is highly recommended, especially for those with limited time. Every aspect of it, from the scenic routes to the thoughtful touches by our guide, made it truly memorable.

Helpful? Yes

G
Giovanni Pietro - Italy
27 December 0224

Guida eccellente e ottimo autista, ma il tour in montagna prevede un lungo viaggio in auto che non sembra giustificare l’esperienza. Sarebbe preferibile includere visite a luoghi più tipici, come fortezze o villaggi.

Helpful? Yes

L
Lina - Italy
26 December 2024
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An amazing tour! Abdullah was an exceptionally well-prepared guide—polite, always cheerful, and wonderfully flexible to accommodate our needs.

Helpful? Yes

U
Urs - Switzerland
22 December 2024
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Ein großartiger Guide und eine kleine Gruppe. Der Guide hat unsere Wünsche berücksichtigt und war sehr aufmerksam!

Helpful? Yes

K
Kim - United Kingdom
22 December 2024

What a spectacular day! Our guide, Abdullah, was absolutely fantastic and made us feel comfortable from the start. His extensive knowledge and skillful driving, especially on the mountain roads, gave us a great sense of safety. Abdullah was truly exceptional, and we can’t praise him enough for his professionalism and warm demeanor. The sights were incredible—Nizwa Fort was fascinating, and Jebel Shams offered breathtaking views. Keep in mind that a significant portion of the day involves traveling by car, but the destinations are undoubtedly worth it.

Helpful? Yes

O
Omar - Australia
22 December 2024

It was a wonderful trip, and our guide, Fahad, was fantastic. Nizwa and its fort were fascinating, and Jebel Shams was absolutely spectacular. While the drive was quite long, the intermittent stops made it more manageable. We were also fortunate to have a great traveling companion from Australia, which added to the experience. Overall, it was an enjoyable trip, and I would recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

M
Meghana - United Arab Emirates
02 December 2024

From the very start, Abdoullah's infectious energy and enthusiasm set the tone for an incredible experience. His deep knowledge of the destination’s history and culture was matched by his talent for keeping the tour lively and enjoyable. With his funny anecdotes, clever jokes, and constant humor, he had us laughing the entire time. I highly recommend this tour, especially for those seeking a fun and engaging guide. Abdoullah made the trip truly unforgettable!

Helpful? Yes

C
Côme - France
27 November 2024
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An excellent guide!

Helpful? Yes

N
Nour - France
20 December 2024

Une journée magnifique qui débute par la découverte de Nizwa, avec son marché traditionnel et son impressionnant fort. Les informations fournies, notamment sur la tenue vestimentaire, étaient complètes et claires. Notre guide, Mohammed, s'est montré très gentil, attentionné et à l'écoute. Sa conduite était irréprochable, même sur les routes non goudronnées. La journée s'est terminée en beauté avec le Grand Canyon d'Oman, Jebel Shams, offrant une vue à couper le souffle. Une excursion incontournable si vous êtes de passage à Oman !

Helpful? Yes

Y
Yulia - Russia
07 November 2024

The trip went smoothly, and the schedule was well-maintained. The main highlight was the paid entrance to Nizwa Fort, which was sufficient for us. The key aspect was that the driver ensured we visited all the locations listed in the program. Jebel Shams is a stunning destination, and we spent about half an hour enjoying the breathtaking canyon views. The driver was kind and attentive, providing unlimited water. Lunch was at a local restaurant, with a budget of 3 rials per person—simple, tasty, and enough for a quick meal. Overall, we were satisfied with the trip.

Helpful? Yes

E
Eliana - Italy
29 December 2024

Il viaggio è stato molto confortevole, con l'utilizzo di un fuoristrada necessario per raggiungere la vetta della montagna. La nostra guida, Abdullah, è stata estremamente gentile e socievole. Alla prima sosta ci ha offerto un tè locale con latte e un dolcetto, arricchendo l’esperienza con racconti sul paese, cosa che lo ha distinto da altri che si limitano ad accompagnare il gruppo. Inoltre, ci ha consigliato saggiamente di pranzare dopo la visita alla montagna per evitare problemi con le numerose curve, particolarmente utili per chi soffre di mal di stomaco. L'unico punto debole è stato il tempo dedicato alle visite. A Nizwa abbiamo trascorso poco più di un'ora e a Jebel Shams circa mezz'ora. In definitiva, gran parte della giornata è stata trascorsa in macchina, anche se il viaggio è stato piacevole. Il consiglio è di pernottare nei pressi della montagna per fare un trekking fino alla cima e ammirare l'alba, dedicando il giorno successivo qualche ora in più a Nizwa.

Helpful? Yes

T
Taher - United Kingdom
27 December 2024
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Tariq is an outstanding guide and a wonderful person! He ensured our comfort throughout the trip, drove safely, and was incredibly friendly. What stood out most was his patience—he allowed us to take our time exploring each site without ever feeling rushed. I highly recommend him! Thank you, Tariq, for an amazing day!

Helpful? Yes

L
Lucy - United Kingdom
21 December 2024

This was the highlight of my visit to Oman! Fahad was an exceptional guide—welcoming, knowledgeable, and fun. He was incredibly helpful and attentive while also giving us the freedom to explore on our own. Though it’s a long day, it’s absolutely worth it, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history. Every moment was enjoyable!

Helpful? Yes

S
Stephen - United Kingdom
20 December 2024

An excellent trip and a fantastic experience!

Helpful? Yes

L
Lukas - Switzerland
19 December 2024

Fahad provided excellent care, making the trip both smooth and beautiful!

Helpful? Yes

M
Mohammed - United Kingdom
17 December 2024

This was undoubtedly one of my favorite tours in Oman (Muscat, Nizwa, Jabal Al Shams). From the very start, I felt welcomed as Omar, our guide, greeted us warmly and shared all the necessary details, including departure times, via WhatsApp. The friendly atmosphere set the tone for an amazing experience! Omar was an exceptional guide—flexible, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about Omani history, culture, and geography. His warm personality and motivation made the tour even more enjoyable. Walking through Nizwa and Jabal Al Shams was a highlight, with stunning scenery and a serene, peaceful environment that offered a refreshing escape. All my respect goes to Omar for his dedication and professionalism—he is a perfect example of an outstanding guide. Thank you once again, and I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to everyone!

Helpful? Yes

C
Carsten - Germany
24 November 2024

Truly outstanding and highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

A
Alex - Spain
15 November 2024

We had a fantastic time on this trip! Our guide, Hussein, did an excellent job showing us the highlights of Nizwa and even helped us shop in the souq. The drive to Jebel Shams was smooth and safe, and the views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. This tour is highly recommended for anyone looking to explore a different and stunning side of Oman!

Helpful? Yes

S
Sandra - Spain
12 November 2024

We had an amazing experience with our guide Ahmed. Before anything else, it’s worth mentioning that he’s an excellent driver, particularly on off-road paths. The breathtaking scenery we encountered was made even better by Ahmed’s detailed explanations, patience, and assistance throughout the day. I highly recommend this tour!

Helpful? Yes

C
Christoph - Austria
12 November 2024

An excellent guide and a fantastic restaurant made the experience even better!

Helpful? Yes

S
Souad - France
11 November 2024

A big thanks to Qais, who ensured we had an unforgettable experience. Always smiling and attentive to our needs, he made the trip truly special. The places we visited were stunning, and the canyon was absolutely awe-inspiring!

Helpful? Yes

C
Chloé - France
11 November 2024

An exceptional experience—this trip was undoubtedly the highlight of my visit to Oman. A huge thanks to Saif, the best guide ever!

Helpful? Yes

R
Rohan - India
30 October 2024
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I truly enjoyed the experience with such an awesome guide!

Helpful? Yes

O
Olga - Russia
20 October 2024

It was an incredible day with Mohammad as our guide. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the journey very comfortable with his excellent driving skills. Plus, he’s great at taking amazing photos! The sights were absolutely stunning and a must-see. I’m so glad I chose this day trip!

Helpful? Yes

M
Mayellaaa - France
24 December 2024

Un beau tour

Helpful? Yes

A
Aman - United Kingdom
06 November 2024

A very nice and scenic experience! While it was a bit expensive, the guide was great, and it was wonderful to witness the natural beauty of Oman.

Helpful? Yes

S
Sizah - Australia
15 October 2024

An amazing trip with our guide, Abdulla! He was absolutely fantastic, taking the time to thoroughly explain all the sites and even pointing out details along the journey. The views were breathtaking, and the lunch spot was delicious and authentically local.

Helpful? Yes

M
Max - Germany
04 November 2024

It was a wonderful trip! Our guide provided an excellent explanation of Nizwa and allowed us to personalize the tour to our liking. We drove through stunning landscapes, and the journey to the highest mountain was truly fascinating. The guide’s driving skills were exceptional, and the view of the canyon was absolutely breathtaking. I would highly recommend this tour!

Helpful? Yes

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Select person

Adult

12y+

01
Children

2 - 12 years

01
Infant

Below 2 years

01
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