Jebel Shams Resort

Adventurous Oman

Wildlife & Nature Adventure + 2 more + 3 more

12 days of self-drive adventure around Oman's highlights.

13 days

from £3,270 pp

Dhofar Delights

Wildlife & Nature Culture & History + 1 more + 2 more

Discover Oman’s southern treasures on this 13-day holiday.

13 days

from £4,780 pp

Musandam Moments

Wildlife & Nature Adventure + 1 more + 2 more

Explore the Musandam Peninsula, Oman's 'Norway of Arabia'.

12 days

from £4,745 pp

Go Local in Oman

Wildlife & Nature Go Local + 2 more + 3 more

Experience the real Oman, with locals leading the way.

11 days

from £5,320 pp

Classic Oman

Classic Wildlife & Nature + 3 more + 3 more

Explore the highlights of Oman in one unforgettable trip.

10 days

from £3,980 pp

Gentle Oman

Classic Wildlife & Nature + 3 more + 3 more

A relaxed journey through Oman’s desert, mountains, and culture.

9 days

from £3,345 pp

Quirky excursions

View all excursions in Oman

Nizwa Souq

In the shadow of the vast fort, Nizwa souq has been a focal trading point for as long as the town has been around; recently the buildings themselves have been restored, making this one of the best-looking souqs to tour. However it’s on a Friday morning that the place really comes alive for the weekly livestock auction. Goats and calves are led in a ring around a central dais, with buyers shouting out prices until a sale is agreed – like a rowdy auction with no auctioneer. It’s a wonderful place to people-watch: everyone is in traditional dress (as they are the whole time) and venerable men with grey beards and ageing weapons haggle alongside local women, their colourful shawls offset by the distinctive black face masks of the region. In amongst everyone’s legs, children run, shout and play, much as they do anywhere in the world. It’s as genuine a slice of traditional Omani life as you’ll find anywhere.

Bait Al Safah

Thirty minutes from Nizwa you'll find yourself in the charming village of Al Hamra which is home to the living history museum, Bait Al Safah. You enter what is in effect an old Omani home where you can interact with locals and learn how Omani's lived from years past. You will see how Omani women used to bake traditional bread, how they made flour, and how they made oils from different nuts and maybe even get to try your hands at mastering the skill. You can even play dress up and try on some of the traditional Omani clothing. This is a uniquely interactive experience and well worth a visit during your time in Nizwa.

Nizwa Fort

The town of Nizwa was for a while the capital of Oman and has always been a centre of Islamic learning. The fort is its most prominent structure, completely overshadowing the town. The vast central tower is packed with stones and rubble and penetrated only with the odd room and staircase: as such it has proven virtually indestructible since its construction in the 17th century, a trait that was borne out when it survived an RAF bombing during a revolt in 1955. The fort is a fascinating and impressive structure to explore, and the views over the palm plantations and mountains from the ramparts are a major attraction as well.

Misfat Al Abriyeen Agricultural Garden Walk

Join a very special agricultural tour to get an insight into the daily life of an Omani farmer, learning all about how these people have used the land here in the Middle East to survive and thrive. Along the walk you'll learn about different agricultural tools that these farmers use to make the most of nature on their land, and you'll even have a chance to help the farmer with his daily chores if you wish. Your local guide will translate for you as you go along. You'll see a variety of farm products, irrigation systems, and seasonal fruit plantations during this informative experience that helps you to get to know local people and their way of life. This tour can be conducted in the morning or afternoon, your choice, and combines a local culture element as well as a bit of walking – the tour itself is about three hours in total and the walk is an easy to moderate level.