Tour Overview:

• Early in the morning, we leave Muscat and head west, where we make our first stop of the day at the Seeb Fish Souq (market) near the coast. Although the capital has progressively enveloped the fishing village of Seeb, it continues to provide a window into life in the past in Gulf fishing villages. The history of Oman’s coastal villages can be better understood by visiting this charming beachfront fish market. You can sample Seeb’s famous Mashakik, a chargrilled delicacy of beef, fish, and squid coated in a hot tamarind sauce.
• Then, as we go towards Nakhl, we pass by streets lined with verdant fields of date palms and stop briefly at the Ain Al Thowarah Hot Springs. Stop for a photo at the more than 1500-year-old Nakhl Fort (Closed for repair). The fort, which is built into the stone it is built over and not only on one level, is situated on a palm oasis. In addition to housing residential quarters, it also has a mosque and a museum.
• We then travel to the picturesque Wakan Village, which is well-known for its terrace farming. This mountain community is located at an elevation of 2,000 meters on the Western Hajar mountains, with a view of the mountains above and Wadi Mistal below. We have skilled drivers with a 4WD who can easily navigate this track since it can only be reached by traveling uphill on a little dirt road that is situated on a steep hillside. From the village’s viewing platform, visitors can tour the lovely green terrace farms and take in the breathtaking views.
• Our next visit is a place called Wadi Abhyad, which loosely translates as “the white valley.” It was given this name in honor of the huge clumps of white sediment that had amassed in the numerous tiny freshwater pools that dot the Wadi. Before going back, we drive across the Wadi.

Timing: It’s ideal to get going in the morning.