Destination

It's referred to as Oman's Grand Canyon - located on Jebel Shams (the mountain of the sun). The Balcony Walk is a famous hike that offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Oman- a huge natural amphitheater with kilometer-high cliffs overlooking the village of Nakhr. The round-trip hike starts from Khateem at the top of Jebel Shams and winds around cliffs halfway up the rim of Wadi Nakhr to the abandoned village of As Sab. The total roundtrip is around 4 hours in duration.

The tour starts with a visit to the Grand Mosque, standing in stately grandeur. A visit to this beautiful piece of architecture is a must for all tourists. 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 and stop at the Sultan’s Palace flanked by the 16th Century Portuguese.

Leave Muscat and your first stop is at Barka, a seaside town with small souks 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 spring 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.

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. The 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.

The regal all-white Royal Opera House Muscat is a must-see while in Oman. Eloquent with its white marble, graceful arches, and geometrically carved stone, the Opera House is one of the most important performing arts centres in the Middle East. Opened only in 2011, the artists who have performed here are impressive, as are the venue’s lavish interiors — a combination of Islamic, Asian, and European influences.

Prepare to barter and to get lost in this winding labyrinth of ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and Omani artefacts. Distinctive items for sale include serving dishes for the traditional Omani Shuwa is a dish of marinated lamb cooked in an underground oven, frankincense, and colourful bespoke carpets.

Oman’s Sultan Qaboos lent his wealth (and name) to many of Muscat’s finest constructions. But most notable is his namesake Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Opened in 2001, it is the only Oman mosque open to non-Muslims. Most impressive are the two prayer halls, replete with Persian rugs, Swarovski chandeliers, and the surrounding courtyard.

To gain deeper insight and an understanding of the local culture and heritage, visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum in Old Muscat. The Sultan's residence, the Al Alam Palace, and the two 16th-century Portuguese forts, Jalali and Mirani, are also distinctive destinations.