Nizwa Forts Day Tour from Muscat
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Nizwa Fort's ancient architecture
- Shop at Nizwa Souq's traditional markets
- Visit Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Discover Jabrin Castle's historical significance
- Experience Oman's rich cultural heritage
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Muscat
- Guided tour of Nizwa Fort and Souq
- Visit to Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Drive to the historic town of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital. You visit the beautiful Nizwa Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, making it one of the most impressive forts in Oman and walk through the traditional Nizwa Souq. Then you proceed to Jabrin castle, built in 17th century and one of the finest of its kind. Its magnificent plasterwork, the carved doors and the painted wooden beams of the ceilings makes this castle amazingly different. Thereafter continue to Bahla, one of the oldest small towns of Oman and in the 12th century the capital of the tribe living in the region. The monumental fort is open for public after a long restoration activity. Bahla is also famous for its pottery and you will visit a potter’s workshop
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas; follow local guidelines.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring forts and markets.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, Steady shoes, Hat Please pay attention to the local customs when taking photographs
- What to Wear: Please ensure you dress respectfully. Knees and shoulders should be covered at all times. Please pay attention to the specified dress code by visiting Sultan Qaboos Mosque from inside.
- This tour involves walking over rough and inclined ground. There are many steps at Nizwa fort, Jabreen Fort.
- This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may not be able to climb the steps or walk through rough and inclined terrain. Pregnant women may not participate
Traveler reviews
An enjoyable trip with an excellent guide
Our tour guide was excellent and the old forts were amazing. The guide was very friendly and polite and he provided excellent commentary along the way. We were given ample time to walk around the sites and take photographs. We were offered to go into some shops for local souvenirs and produce, including free coffee, but no pushy sales pitch to buy anything. The vehicle we travelled in was comfortable and overall it was a very enjoyable trip.
Nizwa Full Day Tour
Mr Rasheed Mohammed Albanushi was the driver and guide to the Nizwa area. He was an excellent driver, a knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Mr Rasheed addressed our questions, patiently waited for us to explore the forts and souks. He stopped at the requested sites and enriched our understanding about Oman, its past, present and offered thoughts for Oman in the future. Both my wife and I without condition recommend Mr Albanushi as a guide.
Excellent trip which was very...
<p>Excellent trip which was very informative. Rasheed was a fantastic guide and he was very patient with our many questions about the history of -and life in- Oman. A great way to see a different part of the country from the coastal resort we were staying in.</p>
Pleasant day trip
A very nice outing and good value for money. I did this trip with my daughter and she explored every little corner in the Souk! The dates was the surely her favoutite and all the lovely pictures will bring back our memories for years to come. This tour should be on everyone's short list.
Disappointing
Pros: our guide, Rashid, was affable, patient and sympathetic, and the driver was excellent. Overall this was a relaxing and interesting day out, provided one had a guide book, and plenty of water. Cons: this was not really a tour, more a 'guided drive'. There was no tour inside any of the forts; the entrance fee for Nizwa was (surprisingly) not included (resulting in one family opting not to go in); and communication was an issue, with guests often left with unanswered questions about the itinerary and timings. This resulted in the group frequently splintering off, often in crowded areas, causing confusion and delays. Based on the reviews, perhaps the private tours are more coordinated affairs, with better commentary?