Day Tours
Our various tours, journey into the heart of Oman and discover the essence of Arabia. From Muscat, Oman’s eclectic capital, 4WD’s will transport you to a world of dramatic peaks and wadis, pristine coastline and rolling sand dunes.
Observe the turtles at Ras Al Hadd, get swallowed by the rolling golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands, which you could discover by jeep or camel. Visit the oasis town of Nizwa, to see some of Oman’s most famous forts, experience the varied scenery with a trek along the rim of Oman’s very own Grand Canyon, spot dolphins or discover the rich marine life of Oman.
Follow the frankincense trail in the south and the daunting sand dunes of the Empty Quarter explored by Wilfred Thesiger, the renowned explorer! A fitting finale to your tour of Oman will be to see the hauntingly beautiful landscape and fjords of the Musandam Peninsula.
Muscat City Tour (Half-Day) – “Mystic Muscat”
Timing – 0900 Hrs to 1330 Hrs (approximately)
The tour starts with a visit of the Grand Mosque, standing in stately grandeur. A visit to this beautiful piece of architecture is a must for all tourist (open daily for visitors, between 0800–1100 Hrs, except Fridays/holidays) Dress code – Women should wear attire covering their arms and legs and should cover their head with scarf. Men should wear normal shirt and trousers), From here move on to the Fish and vegetable markets in Muttrah. Feel free to mingle with the crowd. Visit the Muttrah Souq where you will find a mix of old and new. Sights, sounds and fragrances are in abundance. You then proceed past the Corniche and to the capital area before you take a photo stop at the Sultan’s Palace flanked by the 16th Century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. You visit Bait Al Zubair Museum for a fine display of Omani culture and history. End of Tour.
Nizwa / Bahla / Jabrin Fort (Day Trip) – “Inspiring Interior”
Timing – 0900 Hrs to 1700 Hrs (approximately)
A journey to the past through the Sumail Gap that divides the Western and Eastern Hajars and onto the Old Capital of Oman, Nizwa, famous for its silver souq and a big round fort. After visiting the souq and the fort, you move to Bahla with the huge loam fort (photo stop) Bahla is also known as the pottery capital of Oman. Because of its cultural value, Bahla is placed in the UNESCO’s list of heritage monuments. Lunch in a local restaurant. Next visit is Jabrin fort, where you will find one of the most magnificent forts of Oman with its painted ceiling, dungeons, and hidden passages. Return to Muscat.
Amouage / Fanja village / Wadi Taiyyin (Day Trip)
Timing – 0830 Hrs to 1700 Hrs (approximately)
Start your journey from Muscat and visit the famous Amouage perfume factory which is renowned for creating some of the most finely crafted and exotic fragrances in the world. (Perfume factory is closed on Fridays/Saturday) Continue to the village of Fanja – known for its 400 year old history & abandoned mud houses. The village is located on a hill top and hence provides beautiful views of the Wadi and the surrounding Hajars. Later, proceed to the scenic Wadi Tayyin which is located deep within the mountains and is known for its crystal clear waters which are perfect for an afternoon dip. Picnic Lunch. Return to Muscat in the late afternoon.
Wahiba Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid (Day trip) 4WD – “Desert Safari”
Timing – 0830 Hrs to 1800 Hrs (approximately)
Board a 4wd and head towards Fanjah, where you stop to take photos of an abandoned village. You drive through the Sumail Gap that divides the Western and Eastern Hajars. See the ruins of the old mercantile community of Al Mansfah near Ibra. Head towards the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid. Picnic Lunch. Drive past the village with its endless date plantations. Reach the magnificent Wadi. The pools are cool, deep and absolutely stunning and the silky water perfect for a long swim. From here, proceed to Wahiba, the undulating golden sands. Indulge in some thrilling Dune Bashing. Return to Muscat.
Jebel Shams (Day trip) 4WD – “The Grand Canyon of Oman”
Timing – 0830 Hrs to 1730 Hrs (approximately)
Leave Muscat. Travel via Fanjah, Izki on to the region of Al Hamra, we visit the scenic Wadi Ghul and stop at the old village of Ghul to see the abandoned Persian ruins. From here you make our way up to Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman at 3000 meters. From here you will have an outstanding view deep into the Grand Canyon of Oman. Lunch at Jebel Shams Resort.
On your way back, you will stop at Misfat Al Abrein, a picturesque village strapped on to the side of a mountain. As you walk around this beautiful village where time has come to a standstill, you will be moved by the simplicity and friendliness of the people. Return to Muscat in the evening.
Jebel Akhdar (Day trip) 4WD – “Cool and Green”
Timing – 0830 Hrs to 1730 Hrs (approximately)
Drive through Sumail Gap and Izki. On the way you stop at Birkat Al Mouz for a photo stop. The old and the new village are both immersed in a lush green date and banana plantation. Birkat Al Mouz is also home of one the most famous and longest falaj system in Oman, the “Al Khateem Falaj ” 2450 meter long (UNESCO SITE). Thereafter, you proceed to the roof of Oman, the Saiq Plateau which for hundreds of years has been accessible only by donkeys. The sight of terraced gardens is very interesting. A variety of fruits like, pomegranates, apricot, and lemon are grown here. There are rose gardens here and they bloom in April. There are interesting walks in Wadi Bani Habib, Shrejaya, Al ain and Aqur. The weather here is cool and dry. You have picnic lunch in one of the shades. Return to Muscat in the evening.
Wadi Shab (4WD)-“Coastal Trek”
Timing – 0830 Hrs to 1630 Hrs (approximately)
Travel through the Coast from Muscat to Quriyat and over the plateau down to the narrow coastal track. Reach Wadi Shab and take a hike up one of Oman’s scenic wadis. At the end of Wadi Shab there is a swim through the famous keyhole into the secluded world thrilling of fantasy. Trek back and definitely you need well deserved lunch. Head towards local restaurant. After Lunch continue towards white sands “Fins Beach”. Enjoy the waves and beauty. Afterwards drive towards Bimah sink hole (Hawaiyat Najm park), a geological wonder. Return to Muscat.
(Kindly note that the wadi is strewn with rocks and pebbles which makes walking difficult. Advisable to wear sturdy walking shoes.)
Wadi Sahtan (Day trip) 4WD –“Mandoos-The Chest of Oman”
Timing – 0830 Hrs to 1700 Hrs (approximately)
Visit the Seeb fish souk. You then head to Wadi Sahtan via the road that leads from a round-about just north of Rustaq. This road is a connector with the interior town of Ibri via Wadi Bani Ghafir, Wadi Mabrah and Wadi Hidaq. Drive through narrow tracks and dodging boulders once you reach the entrance of the Wadi. Picnic Lunch. We reach Sahtan Bowl which old timers call the “mandoos”, “The Chest of Oman” because it is so secluded. Here you will see small settlements set among lush plantations. Return to Muscat.
Billad Sayt (Day trip) 4WD – “Magnificent Remote Village”
Timing – 0830 Hrs to 1700 Hrs (approximately)
You proceed along the Batinah Coast towards the most beautiful remote village in Oman, Billad sayt in the Western Hajars. Near Awabi you turn into a beautiful wadi, Wadi Bani Awf. After a spectacular drive you reach the beautiful village of Bilad Sayt, where your eyes are treated to an amazing view, of Palm groves and terraced gardens between the stone walls. Picnic Lunch in the lovely shades.. You head back to Muscat via Nakhl.
Wadi Abyadh and Wekan Village (Day trip) 4WD – “Wadis and Mountains”
Timing – 0830 Hrs to 1700 Hrs (approximately)
You leave Muscat and head towards Barka, where you will visit the fish souq. Mingle with the fishermen, who are bringing in their latest catch. You then proceed to Wadi Abyadh. On the way you will see a picturesque village set among date plantations. Enjoy the crystal clear rock pools and experience an adrenaline rush with some wadi bashing. Picnic Lunch. Later you travel to Wadi Mistal which cuts through the Hajar Mountain Ranges. After a 30 km drive through the wadi, we reach the face of a mountain which is ophiolite; there are two villages here, Hadash and Wekan. You turn towards the right and drive up the steep and winding rock, to visit the agricultural village of Wekan which is 1700m above sea level. Marvel at the beautiful landscape and enjoy the cool and pleasant weather here. You will find Pomegranates, grapes, walnuts, apricots and dates grown here. Return to Muscat.
Dolphin watch (2 hours) minimum 2pax
Timing – 0800 Hrs to 1000 Hrs Or 1000Hrs to 1200Hrs
You will be picked from your hotel at 7.15 am and transferred to the Marina. Make a dream come true as you step aboard a speed boat to explore the hidden treasures of Oman’s magic coastline. Two hours cruise will give you a fascinating experience and it is rare to miss the swimming dolphins. Chances of seeing dolphins (usually common, spinner, bottlenose or Indo-Pacific species) are high at any time of the year. A dolphin in flight is a wonderful sight that thrills onlookers. Soft drinks on board. Later return to the Marina.
Sunset Dhow Cruise (2hours)-“Sunset Serenity” (Operates only on Thursdays, Friday, Saturday & Mondays with minimum of 2 pax)
Timing – 1600 Hrs to 1800 Hrs
You will be taken to Marina Bandar Rawdha. Embark a traditional Omani Dhow for a 2 hours Dhow Cruise. You pass the Yacht club of Muscat and the fishing village of Sidab. Pass by the harbor of historic Muscat, the Sultan’s Palace flanked by Jalali and Mirani forts and then sail past Al Bustan Palace, Oman’s premium hotel. From here you go by Qantab and at Bandar Jissah you can have a glimpse of the Shangri-la Resorts. Return to Muscat. Kahwa and dates served on board.
Nakhl Rustaq (Day trip) – “Fascinating Forts”
Timing – 0900 Hrs to 1600 Hrs (approximately) (Currently not offered as forts are under renovation)
Leave Muscat and your first stop is at Barka, a seaside town with small souqs and a fort along the shoreline. As you approach Nakhl, keep an eye out for the fortress that sits on a hillock outside the town. The fort’s origin is pre-Islamic with major contributions by the Al Ya’ruba and the Al Bu Sayed dynasties. You visit the fort. Visit the mineral-laden hot springs water in Nakhl. Picnic Lunch under one of the many shades. You then move to Rustaq for a photo stop for another pre-Islamic fort. Later in the evening you return to Muscat.