Three Days Program to Nizwa, Bahla, Jabreen, Misfat Al Abreen, Jabal Shams, and Al Akhdar

Exploring the Mountains – Culture and Heritage of Oman.

Day 1:
Nizwa Souq – Nizwa Fort – Falaj Daris – Misfat Al Abreen

After breakfast, depart Muscat at 09:00 for Nizwa, a major center in the Interior Region. Nizwa clusters around its historical buildings, traditional souq, and the imposing circular-towered fort built during the mid-17th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Yar’ubi. The town is a lush palm oasis stretching for 8 km along two wadis. Water canals run through all parts of the Nizwa area. The most important one is Falaj Daris (UNESCO Heritage Site), formed by two streams which irrigate a large part of the town. At the souq, built in traditional style, you will find exquisite silver jewelry, intricately hand-made “khanjars” (daggers), copper weaving, and other handicrafts. You will visit the Nizwa Fort, the souq, and Falaj Daris.

Lunch (Omani meal restaurant).
Then, a visit to Misfat Al Abreen, a picturesque village strapped to the side of a mountain. As you walk around this beautiful village where time has come to a standstill, you will be moved by the simplicity and friendliness of the people.
Dinner.
Overnight at Bahla Hotel Apartment.

Day 2:
Bahla – Jabreen – Jabal Shams – Misfat Al Abreen

Depart at 09:00 and drive to Bahla, a delightful town, having retained its traditional characteristics and surrounded by a 12 km long protective wall, much of which still stands. You will visit the famous Pottery Centre and Bahla Fort, one of the oldest in Oman, built in the late 17th century (UNESCO Heritage Site) on much earlier Persian foundations.

A visit to Jabreen Castle, designed as a residence, was built in the late 17th century. It displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings. After lunch, a drive to Jabal Shams (Mountain of Sun, a part of Al Jabal Al Akhdar chain), is a mountain located about 3,000 meters above sea level in northeastern Oman. It is one of the highest mountains in Oman and a popular sightseeing area. In the summer, the temperature is around 24°C (72°F), and in the winter, it drops to just above 10°C (22°F). Dinner and overnight in Sama Jabal Shams Resort.

Day 3:
Falaj Al Khatmeen in Birkat Al Maouz – Jabal Al Akhdar

Falaj Al Khatmeen (UNESCO Cultural Site) is considered as Dawoodi falaj. Its flow is 166 liters/second. The total length of the falaj from the mother well up to Sharia (the point at which water first appears on the surface of the earth) is about 2,450 meters with the mother well depth of 17.5 meters. It has no sub-branches. It is most characterized by its three equal water divisions at the Sharia when three equal balls are thrown prior to the dividing point; each ball is carried away in the three channels, indicating the ingenuity of the falaj design.

Then we drive up to Jebel Akhdar. It is part of the Al Hajar Mountains range in Ad Dakhiliyah (Interior) Governorate of Oman. It rises to a height of 2,980 meters and encompasses the Saiq Plateau at 2,000 meters above sea level. Jebel Akhdar is famous for its labyrinth of wadis and terraced orchards where pomegranates, apricots, and roses grow in abundance due to its mild Mediterranean climate. Short walk to visit the villages of Saiq and Wadi Habib, Diana Point, and the view of the Ameer of Qatar’s palace.

End of the program and back to Muscat (about an hour and forty minutes drive).