From Muscat: Nizwa and Oman's Historical Gems Tour

Experience Oman’s rich history and stunning landscapes on this extraordinary tour from Muscat, featuring the vibrant Nizwa Souq, the iconic Nizwa Fort, and Oman’s historical gems.

Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
×
Modal Image

Overview

Embark on an enriching journey through Oman’s vibrant history and captivating culture with this fully customizable tour, tailored to suit every traveler’s interests. Choose from three unique experiences that highlight the country’s historical landmarks and cultural treasures.

Begin your adventure with

Option 1, a dive into the lively ambiance of the Nizwa Friday Market. This bustling marketplace is a hub for traders showcasing livestock, traditional crafts, and local produce, offering a glimpse into Oman’s trading heritage. Nearby, explore the historic Nizwa Fort, a majestic structure symbolizing Omani resilience and heritage. Conclude this option with a visit to the picturesque village of Al Hamra, renowned for its ancient mudbrick houses and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Option 2 is perfect for architecture enthusiasts. Start with a guided tour of the iconic Nizwa Fort, before heading to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bahla Fort. This medieval Islamic architectural marvel is steeped in history and surrounded by a charming old town. Complete your journey at Jabreen Castle, a stunning example of Omani artistry, featuring intricately painted ceilings and elaborate carvings that narrate tales of the past.

For those seeking a blend of tradition and innovation,

Option 3 offers a unique perspective. Begin at the historic Nizwa Fort, followed by a visit to the award-winning Oman Across Ages Museum. Honored with the prestigious Versailles World Architecture and Design Award, this state-of-the-art museum delivers an immersive experience, showcasing Oman’s evolution from its ancient roots to its modern-day vibrancy through interactive exhibits.

Each of these tailored options includes pick-up and drop-off from Muscat, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with an expert guide who will bring Oman’s history to life through engaging stories and insightful commentary. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or a cultural explorer, this tour provides a memorable journey into Oman’s soul.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1

Adult

Age 10-25+

Excursion Itinerary

Muscat
Start Activities

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 2 Hours

Relax and enjoy the scenic drive through Oman’s captivating landscapes as you head towards Nizwa.


Nizwa Souq
Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk,
Duration: 1.5 Hours

Explore the vibrant Nizwa Souq, a hub of activity where you can discover traditional Omani crafts, aromatic spices, and colorful textiles. This guided tour and leisurely walk immerse you in the local


Nizwa Fort
Photo stop, Guided tour, Sightseeing,
Duration: 1 Hour , Extra Fee

Step back in time at the historic Nizwa Fort, a symbol of Omani heritage. Take in the stunning panoramic views from the top and learn about its fascinating history.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 1 Hour

Continue your adventure with a short drive to the charming village of Al Hamra.


Al Hamra
Lunch,
Duration: 1 Hour

Savor a delicious traditional Omani meal in the serene surroundings of Al Hamra, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and refuel.


Al Hamra
Guided tour, Sightseeing,
Duration: 1 Hour , Extra Fee

Explore the timeless beauty of Al Hamra with a guided tour showcasing its ancient mudbrick houses and unique architectural charm.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 2.5 Hours

Reflect on the day’s highlights during the return journey to Muscat, soaking in the picturesque views along the way.


Muscat
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Discover the vibrant Nizwa Souq and its traditional Omani crafts.
  • Explore the iconic Nizwa Fort with panoramic views of the oasis.
  • Visit the charming villages of Al Hamra and Misfat Al Abriyeen.
  • Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort and the exquisite Jabreen Castle.
  • Enjoy scenic drives through Oman’s stunning landscapes.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Guide
  • Bottled water

Not Included

  • Entrance Fees
  • Personal Expenses

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Important Information

What to Bring

Camera
Cash
Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes
Credit card
Shorts

Information Before Booking

  • This tour involves walking on uneven terrain; moderate physical fitness is recommended.
  • The tour is ideal for travelers interested in history, culture, and architecture.
  • Entrance to visited attractions have an extra cost of: $13 per person for Nizwa Fort, $8 per person for Bait Al Safah Museum (Al Hamra), $5 per person for Bahla Fort, $8 per person for Jabreen Castle, and $14 per person for Oman Across Ages Museum.

Know Before You Go

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

4.7/5

34
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 8  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

€95

per person

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

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Fabrizio - Italy
07 December 2024

Nizwa is beautiful, especially the market on Fridays, but unfortunately, the quality/price ratio is disappointing. The guide didn’t meet expectations, and the lunch was barely sufficient, not a buffet as described. Everything felt too rushed.

Hartmut - Germany
13 November 2023

Our guide sometimes added unnecessary hectic to the process, and his driving style was equally 'breathtaking.' Perhaps less rush would have been better. We did get to see impressive landscapes from the car, but maybe an additional short photo stop would have been a nice touch.

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

4.7/5

Based on 34 Reviews

Guide

4.7/5

Transportation

4.7/5

Value for Money

4.7/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
F
Fabrizio - Italy
07 December 2024

Nizwa is beautiful, especially the market on Fridays, but unfortunately, the quality/price ratio is disappointing. The guide didn’t meet expectations, and the lunch was barely sufficient, not a buffet as described. Everything felt too rushed.

Helpful? Yes

H
Hartmut - Germany
13 November 2023

Our guide sometimes added unnecessary hectic to the process, and his driving style was equally 'breathtaking.' Perhaps less rush would have been better. We did get to see impressive landscapes from the car, but maybe an additional short photo stop would have been a nice touch.

Helpful? Yes

K
Khaled - Kuwait
27 January 2024

The tour started early at 6 am and lasted 12 hours. More time was spent on the bus than at the actual destinations. Both the guide and driver were good, with no complaints on that front. However, the tour would benefit from better organization.

Helpful? Yes

F
Faisal - Oman
14 September 2024

There wasn't enough personal time in the Souk, and the shops were run by the guide. The visit to the fort was very good, and the museum in Al Hamra was interesting. However, there was no explanation or tour of the village by the guide.

Helpful? Yes

G
George - United Kingdom
19 November 2024

I looked through many companies offering tours to Nizwa, and this was the only one that allowed solo bookings at a reasonable price. The tour was well-organized—we first visited the souk, then Nizwa Fort, and an old village. Lunch was provided, and it was a set meal for everyone, which is exactly what I expected. The only downside was that it was advertised as an 8-hour tour, but in reality, it lasted 12 hours. Overall, I am very impressed with this tour.

Helpful? Yes

f
federica - Italy
27 December 2024
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image

It was a very nice day ???? discovering Nizwa and climbing the mountains of Oman was truly amazing!

Helpful? Yes

H
Han - Vietnam
27 December 2024

I really enjoyed Nizwa market and the fort, as well as Abdullah's guidance along the way. I highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Muscat for the first time.

Helpful? Yes

A
Ana - United Kingdom
23 December 2024

This tour was fantastic! We had an amazing day with Fahad, our guide, exploring Nizwa, Jebreen Castle, and Bahla Fort. The guide was very knowledgeable and took us through the souk and market in Nizwa, where we got to explore every Omani delicacy. We also had plenty of time to take everything in, which was wonderful. The pick-up and drop-off were smooth and on time. I highly recommend this tour to anyone!

Helpful? Yes

P
Pierre - France
09 December 2024

A must-do! We really learned a lot about the culture and history of Oman. The guide was perfect—educational, open-minded, and welcoming. He was always ready to answer all our questions, helping us discover the culture. The places we visited were beautiful, and the guide had many special spots to show us. Plus, we had free time to explore on our own.

Helpful? Yes

R
Robbie - Australia
22 December 2024

It's hard to say what I liked most—it was just a fantastic day exploring remnants of the "old Oman." Also, if you're interested in mingling with the locals selling their cows and goats, then make sure to visit the Friday market in Nizwa—it’s definitely worth it!

Helpful? Yes

A
Anne - Germany
15 November 2024
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image

Sehr netter Guide und guter Transport. Die Führung durch die Festung war ebenfalls großartig.

Helpful? Yes

K
Karl - Germany
11 November 2024
Review Image

Nizwa is definitely a must-see, and the local guide was excellent! Don’t miss the Omani bread/crepe at the entrance to the fort, and of course, enjoy the dates at the date market with some coffee!

Helpful? Yes

R
Rosio - Kuwait
02 November 2024

The whole trip was amazing, and I learned so much! A big thank you to our guide, Mahmoud!

Helpful? Yes

A
Anna - Germany
01 November 2024

Excellent! Our guide/driver, Rashid, was very kind and helpful. Nizwa is stunning, and the overall experience was well-organized.

Helpful? Yes

M
Mathias - Austria
18 October 2024

Very friendly and competent guide!!!!

Helpful? Yes

S
Stephanie - United Kingdom
12 October 2024

This is a great day trip, and we’d highly recommend it! Although it started early (pick-up at 6 am), it was definitely worth it to see a more traditional side of Oman. It ended up being a longer day than expected (around 10.5 hours for us), but you can always sleep on the bus and will definitely enjoy the experience. Our guide, Mahmood, was brilliant (this was our second trip with him in a week). He was incredibly friendly and helpful. Thank you!

Helpful? Yes

K
Karolina - Poland
04 October 2024

The guide was very nice, sharing a lot of information with us. There was a great atmosphere in the group, and we had amazing experiences while admiring the monuments.

Helpful? Yes

N
Nadia - Switzerland
03 October 2024
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image

Where do I begin? I was initially hesitant about which tour to book, but I’m so glad I chose this one. Mahmood was beyond amazing and felt like a friend right from the start. We had the chance to explore the stunning town of Nizwa, including pottery shops, the fortress, and the Friday market, as well as the lovely Al Hamra. Throughout the day, we were treated to local delicacies like dates, coffee, traditional biscuits, and much more. The included lunch was also absolutely delicious and plentiful! Overall, it was a perfect day with a perfect guide—I cannot recommend this activity enough!

Helpful? Yes

M
Matthew - United States of America
27 September 2024

The activities and sites were fantastic, but it was our guide, Mahmood, who truly made the experience incredible. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful, and it was clear that he really enjoyed being a tour guide. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

a
amitis - Austria
27 September 2024

Everything was perfectly arranged, and I enjoyed the tour immensely. Mahmoud, our guide, was very friendly and did his best to ensure we had joyful moments. My tourmates were all friendly as well, making it a wonderful experience.

Helpful? Yes

B
Balthazar - United States of America
16 September 2024

It was great! The village was very nice, and the lunch was also delicious.

Helpful? Yes

S
Shigeko - United Arab Emirates
12 August 2024

During the Eid holiday, I spent three nights in Oman and took a mountain tour of Nizwa with Rashid as my guide and driver. The beauty of the mountains was truly unforgettable. Even though it's been a while, I still can't get over the spectacular views. There were red soil mountains, brown mountains, rocky mountains, terraced mountains, areas with rain, and places where greenery and flowers bloom due to irrigation. The vast nature, the kindness and sincerity of the people, and the stunning contrast with the sky made me fall in love with Oman. Our guide, Rashid, worked hard and was incredibly kind, so I was very satisfied with the experience.

Helpful? Yes

B
Barbara - Poland
22 July 2024

It was a very nice trip. Our guide, Rashed, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The fort in Nizwa was beautiful, and the museum in Al Hamra was fascinating. I highly recommend this tour!

Helpful? Yes

D
Derrick - Australia
08 July 2024
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image

Rashid was so much fun to be with and took us to all the interesting places in Nizwa, including the live cattle market and souks. We had time to shop and explore Omani cultural items and historical sites like Nizwa Fort. All meals were included, except for the museum entrance fees, which were reasonably priced. We can't thank Rashid enough. The itinerary was fantastic for a day tour, despite the early start at 6 am, but it was worth every minute. Loved it!

Helpful? Yes

F
Federica - Italy
07 June 2024
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image

The best excursion ever! Rashid, our guide, was magnificent—friendly, well-prepared, and always attentive to everyone's needs. It's especially wonderful to go on Fridays when the livestock market is held. Truly an authentic experience!

Helpful? Yes

P
Philippe - France
18 May 2024
Review Image

A must-do! Marmoud and his intern Racheed are incredibly efficient. Thanks to both of them!

Helpful? Yes

E
Emeline - France
10 May 2024

One of the best activities I had the pleasure of doing in Oman. Many thanks to Mahmoud, our guide, who was fantastic from start to finish. It’s a memory I will cherish!

Helpful? Yes

A
Ayesha - United Kingdom
27 April 2024
Review Image
Review Image

I highly recommend this tour. It was well-organized and ran smoothly, with our guides, Rashid and Mahmoud, being responsive and punctual throughout. Both had a great sense of humor! The fort was amazing, offering beautiful views of the city. I learned a lot about the fort’s defensive mechanisms and old Omani customs. Plus, exploring the markets was a perfect way to do some souvenir shopping!

Helpful? Yes

N
Neda - Switzerland
19 April 2024

The tour was great, and our guide, Mahmoud, went above and beyond to make it a top-notch experience. I highly recommend it, especially if you want to explore more of the traditional life in Oman and its current village culture.

Helpful? Yes

H
Hocein - Germany
22 March 2024

Thank you, Abdullah! You were a great guide and driver! It’s a shame that the entrance fees to Nizwa Fort and Al Hamra weren’t included, but otherwise, everything was perfect!

Helpful? Yes

L
Lina - France
23 February 2024

A very nice excursion with just two people for nine, where we were offered snacks and tea/coffee in addition to lunch. Nizwa is a must-visit town if you're passing through Oman, and on Fridays, with the different markets, it’s even better! Al Hamra is also very beautiful, and I would never have visited without this excursion. A little more time in Nizwa would have made it perfect!

Helpful? Yes

A
Ahlem - France
11 February 2024
Review Image
Review Image
Review Image

Two magnificent cities with magnificent people. We were warmly welcomed in Nizwa and Al Hamra, both cities filled with history and authentic Omani culture. A big thank you to Mahmoud for explaining everything to us and accompanying us throughout the visit. He’s a fantastic guide ????????.

Helpful? Yes

t
tadeusz - Poland
09 February 2024

Mahmood, our tour guide, was excellent—very helpful and well-organized. The tour itself was carefully planned, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Helpful? Yes

A
Anna - Greece
09 February 2024

I had a great tour with Mahmoud. He took excellent care of us and provided a lot of information about the places we visited. The lunch was okay.

Helpful? Yes

Book now

Select person

Adult

12y+

01
Children

2 - 12 years

01
Infant

Below 2 years

01
Proceed to Booking