Rhapsody Shore & Land Excursions > Muscat - Oman > Muscat, Nizwa & Omani Countryside

Muscat, Nizwa & Omani Countryside

Drive through the Hajar Mountain range inland towards Oman's former capital, the town of Nizwa.

Several small traditional villages and towns dot the countryside between the stark mountain range of the Hajar and the green, cultivated slopes of the Jabal Akhdar range of mountains.

A stop will be made for photographs at Fanja then continue to Nizwa. In Nizwa visit the meticulously renovated fort built in the 17th century.

The fort has the widest tower in the country measuring 40 meters high and 50 meters across. Panoramic views of the town can be seen from the top of the tower.

Browse through the traditional souks surrounding the fort where local artisans specialize in gold and silver curios and jewelry and shop for souvenirs. Khanjar, the curved silver dagger worn by Omani men on ceremonial and cultural occasions, traditional pottery, ethnic silver jewelry, paintings, perfumed oils, bronze coffee pots and perhaps the most known fragrance in the world, frankincense and the traditional incense burners are some of the other merchandise on display.

Take time out to enjoy a lunch buffet at one of Nizwa's hotels. Back in Muscat a photo stop at the Grand Mosque will take place before returning to the ship.

 

Special Notes:
No shorts, beachwear or sleeveless outfits on the excursion.

Comfortable non slippery shoes recommended.

Not wheelchair accessible.

Possible for persons with restricted walking.

Nizwa Souk closes at noon.

Thursdays, Fridays and national holidays affect operation of the tour.

Shops in the Souk accept US$.

Partially sloping ground with gravel and several steps at the fort.

Toilets available at the fort and hotel.

 

Tour Timings:

Tours begin at times suitable for the ship's arrival in port. The breakdown of the excursions is as follows:
00hr00 -> Depart from Muscat Port

00hr00 -> 01hr45 Drive to Fanja
01hr45 -> 01hr55 Photo stop at Fanja
01hr55 -> 03hr05 Drive to Nizwa
03hr05 -> 04hr05 Visit the fort
04hr05 -> 04hr35 Visit surrounding souk for souvenirs
04hr35 -> 04hr45 Drive to hotel
04hr45 -> 05hr45 Serving buffet lunch
05hr45 -> 08hr00 Drive to Muscat
08hr00 -> 08hr10 Photo stop at the Grand Mosque

08hr10 -> 08hr30 Drive to the port

 

 

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