Admire the forts and oases of rural Oman on this private full-day trip from Muscat. Accompanied by a private guide, travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the coastal town of Barka to visit its morning fish market and restored house-turned-museum of Bait Na'am to learn about life here in the 1600s. Then, drive through gorgeous palm groves and 'wadis' (dry river beds) to see three of Oman's beautiful forts, Al Hazm, Rustaq and Nakhl. View each splendidly restored fort, and then visit the natural springs at Thowarah before returning to Muscat.
Visit the fish markets and souks of Barka
Explore the impressive Rustaq Fort
See some of the areas most picturesque scenery
Visit the warm natural springs of Thawarah
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Hotel pick up and drop off
Luxury air-conditioned car or mini-bus transport
Exclusions
Optional gratuities
Food and drink, unless specified
Departure & Return
Departure point
Tour departs from centrally located Muscat hotels
Departure Time
Approximately 8:00amExact pick-up time from your hotel to be arranged with the supplier at time of re-confirmationHotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
Return Details
Tour returns to original point of departure.
What To Expect
After pickup from your central Muscat hotel, meet your guide and relax into your private, air-conditioned car or minibus. Let your guide know if you have any preferences for what's ahead: your tour is private, so the itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests.Begin with a drive north to the coastal town of Baka. Hop out at the morning fish market, and with your guide, explore the stalls piled with fresh tuna, marlin, crabs and more. Watch the vendors haggle over their wares, and learn about the daily rituals of the fishermen and locals.Visit Barka souk and then see inside Bait Na'am, a fortified house dating from the 1600s. Admire the square and round towers, and take in the restored interiors, furnished as they would have been centuries ago. See the main quarters, secret passages and other rooms as your guide details the lives of the imams who once stayed here.Next, drive through the picturesque fields of Oman's main agricultural region toward Al Hazm, a hilltop fort considered one of the country's finest.Delve into the maze-like corridors, living quarters and cells, and ogle the magnificent wooden doors, richly carved with religious verse.Continue to Rustaq Fort, a large, three-level fort surrounded by palm groves. Take photos of the exterior as your guide explains how the town of Rustaq was Oman's capital during the 1600s and 1700s.Next, drive through beautiful wadis to the oasis of Nakhl, and visit Nakhl Fort, a magnificent fort set against a backcloth of jagged mountains. Finish at Thowarah, where natural springs form a stream under shady palm trees. Ogle the idyllic setting and perhaps paddle in the warm waters before your tour ends back at your Muscat hotel.
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel within 3 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is 100 percent cancellation fee