City Tour of Khasab (Half Day)
Muscat offers the visitor a unique opportunity to witness a modern commercial center existing in harmony with its traditional culture. With its natural harbor, Muscat means 'Anchorage' and lies in natural volcanic bowl. Our tour of the Grand mosque*(except Friday) and Bait Al Zubair Museum (except Friday) is a brief introduction that traces Oman's history and development. Drive along the waterfront cornice visiting the Fish market and the colorful mattrah souq. We proceed for photo stop to magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts mirani & jalali.

Visit to the restored Portuguese Fort of Khasab. In its prime it was famous for supplying the Portuguese troops with fresh water, dates and fish. A central tower predates the rest of the low walled fort, also the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th Century. Oman's Imam Nasir bin Murshid Al Ya'rubi managed to regain control of the coast in 1644. The fort itself was renovated in the 17th century and was used as a strategic outpost, and again restored in 1989-92. Today this fort has a Museum where many Omani handicraft items are displayed. Visits to the old and new souk offer the opportunity to bargain for a souvenir or two, including the Musandam axe, known as a 'jerz,' or the clay incense burner, its decorations unique to Musandam. The Iranian souk is still a bustling trade zone. The tour also includes the nearby villages of Qadah and Tawi. The village of Qadah is set inside a deep bay, with palm tress and mountains overshadowing it. Behind Qadah is Tawi, where there are prehistoric rock carvings depicting camels, ships and warriors, said to be more than 2000 years old.

Tour price: OMR 31 per person

Tour is by 4-wheel drive vehicles (closed and air-conditioned). Driving is partially on winding mountain roads.  

Guests on this adventure tour will be able to enjoy some of Oman’s most stunning sceneries. Board your 4-wheel drive vehicle and get ready for an exciting and breathtaking trip to Jebel Harim (translated as the Mountain of Women). With a height of 6,260 feet it is the highest peak on the Musandam Peninsula. 

During your journey to Jebel Harim, you will be able to enjoy incredible vistas, including terraced mountain villages, lush Acacia forests and wadis (dry river beds). Following a drive of a little over an hour, a stop will be made at a Bedouin village located at an elevation of 3,000 feet. The village of Sayah, surrounded by palm groves, is one of the most picturesque villages on the Musandam Peninsula. After a stop for photographs and to enjoy this idyllic setting, continue with your drive to Jebel Harim. There will be time to admire the grand panorama from the mountain’s summit. 

The return drive takes you pass Khawr Najid a stunning sea view point overlooking to Indian Ocean and then driver to  Al Khalidya nature park before concluding your adventure trip back at Khasab.

Tour prices: OMR 28 per person

The Khor Sham is a sheltered, 17 km long Fjord. The water is crystal clear and calm, very inviting for snorkelling or swimming. The mountains rise out of the sea and reflect back on the water. There are almost always dolphins playing and following the boats as they cruise around the villages:

Tour price: OMR 17 per person

This half-day excursion provides an introduction to parts of the Musandam Peninsula and its capital of Khasab. 

Khasab Fort Visit this picturesque stronghold built in the 17th century by the Portuguese seeking dominion over the maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz. The fort was erected to prevent attacks from the sea. Teak wood from India was used for its construction and the roof was fashioned from a mix of palm leaves and clay. Within its low, crenellated walls, the fort contains a large central tower which is thought to pre-date the fort itself. The structure you see today is the result of extensive restoration work carried out in the late 20th century. The fort’s location offers excellent views and photo opportunities.

Wadi Tawi - drive to Wadi Tawi where one could see the pre-historical rock paintings depecting camel, ship, warrier etc.

Tour price: OMR 11 per person