Oman · Culture

2-Day Jebel Shams and Nizwa Tour from Muscat with Forts

2 Days Round trip from Birkat Al Mouz Ruin Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Jebel Shams, Oman's highest mountain and the Arabian Grand Canyon
02 Browse the famous Nizwa souk for Omani silver crafts and handmade souvenirs
03 Explore Nizwa Fort, the biggest fort in Oman built by Sultan Bin Saif Al Yarubi
04 See historic villages including Birkat Al Mouz, Al Hamra, and Misfah Al Abryeen
05 Visit UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort and the 17th-century Jabrin Fort

Discover some of Oman's most remarkable cultural and natural landmarks on this 2-day journey from Muscat to Jebel Shams. Travel through Fanja, Birkat Al Mouz, Nizwa, Al Hamra, and Misfah Al Abryeen before reaching the dramatic canyon landscapes of Jebel Shams, often called the Arabian Grand Canyon. Along the way, browse the famous Nizwa souk, visit Nizwa Fort, and explore historic forts such as Bahla Fort and Jabrin Fort. With overnight accommodation at Jebel Shams, this tour combines mountain scenery, heritage sites, and traditional Omani villages.

The canyon itself is so remarkable that you can easily lose yourself in wonder.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Nizwa, Muscat, Jebel Shams

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Muscat to Nizwa, Al Hamra, and Jebel Shams

First thing in the morning, we depart Muscat and make our way to Nizwa. On the way, we will stop at a fantastic photo stop in Fanja, where we can take pictures and make memories. Fanja is known as the gateway of the Al Dakhiliyah region since it is the first city from Muscat. As many people say, it is the most beautiful tourist destination in the Wilayat of Bid Bid in the Al Dakhiliyah region.
Afterwards, we will continue to the old village of Birkat Al Mouz. This village runs up the side of a small mountain and is home to its own oasis containing gorgeous plantations of banana trees and various date palms. You can see the one-of-a-kind irrigation system in Oman known as Aini, Dawoodi, and Ghaily.
Afterwards, we will move on to the city of Nizwa. The old capital of Oman, Nizwa is home to the famous souk markets. We will stop here for a chance to browse and purchase various souvenirs such as Omani silver crafts and other handmade items.
Nearby, we will pay a visit to Nizwa Fort. This fortress was built by Sultan Bin Saif Al Yarubi and remains the biggest fort in Oman.
Afterwards, we will visit the old village of Al Hamra, a 400-year-old town in northeastern Oman. Al Hamra is home to the mountain village of Misfah Al Abryeen. Al Hamra is also known as Hamra Al Abryeen, which is a reference to the Al Abri tribe who live there. This is where some of the oldest preserved houses in Oman can be found.
Later, we will make our way to Jebel Shams, where we can have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 02

Jebel Shams, Bahla Fort, and Jabrin Fort to Muscat

We wake up to have breakfast at the hotel and soon depart for the biggest and most famous canyon in the Sultanate of Oman - Jebel Shams. The canyon itself is so remarkable that you can easily lose yourself in wonder. There is so much to see as you walk through it.
We will then drive down the mountains for approximately 25 km, where we will visit Bahla Fort. This fortress is listed by UNESCO as one of the oldest pieces of heritage in the world.
We will also pay a visit to Jabrin Fort, originally designed as a residential property in 1670 by Sultan Bin Saif Al Yarubi. Jabrin Fort dates to 1670, and it was designed and built under the supervision of Imam Bilarab Bin Sultan.
In the late afternoon, we will make our way back to Muscat.