Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will drive to Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman with its fascinating souk and impressive 17th-century fort. If your visit is on a Friday you will also be able to experience the weekly cattle market. You will then continue to Bahla where you can see the UNESCO World Heritage walled fort. The final stop before heading to Jebel Shams will be Jabreen Castle which is unique for the fact that it was built during a time of peace and prosperity by a ruler who was fascinated by science and the arts.

Several goats and cows are tied to posts as Omani men look at them
The walled fort at Bahla seen from a distance at the base of the Jebel Akhdar highlands
A view from inside the courtyard of Jabreen castle. A small crescent moon cab be seen in the blue sky
The view along a corridor in Jabreen Castle with an intricately carved ceiling

You can spend the evening exploring the viewpoints on the rim of the Grand Canyon of Oman and watching the changing colours of the rock as the sun sets.

You have the option to overnight at one of the resorts at Jebel Shams or you can camp on the rim of the canyon under the vast canopy stars.

After breakfast you will have free time to spend the morning hiking into the canyon of Jebel Shams along the balcony walk to the abandoned village of Al Sab which is nestled into the cliffside, if you choose. You can also climb up the terraces, that were once farmed by the residents of Al Sab, to a pool and cave in the cliff face where you can have a cooling swim before the return hike.

The abandoned buildings of the village of Al Sab nestled into the cliff face of Jebel Shams
A large deep green pool of water surrounded by rocks at Jebel Shams
View across a clear green pool of water towards a cave in the cliffside at Jebel Shams
two cairns of rocks are piled on the edge of the path of the balcony walk at Jebel Shams

 

 

 

On the return to Muscat you will visit the village of Misfat Al Abryeen, Al Hamra and then take an exhilirating off road drive through Wadi Bani Awf before returning to your hotel.

Contact us now to find out more about this trip or the many alternative routes that can be taken to Jebel Shams.