Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar Discovery: Guided Small Group Experience

It is one of the oldest markets in the country and you will find fruit, meat, sweets, pottery, souvenirs and antiques... There is a lot to discover as you stroll through in the middle of the locals. Below is my guide to help you plan your visit.

d was built on top of the ruins of a 9th-century castle. The massive structure has been nicely restored, with many rooms set up to look as they did when the fort was in use; you'll see interesting historic tidbits offered in various displays in many rooms. Be sure to check out the prisoner room and read about the wartime use for the local dates, which were turned into a deadly weapon in the form of a cauldron of boiling date syrup. The views from the central tower are spectacular and worth the climb.

areas in Oman and part of the Hajar Mountains. Jebel Akhdar is named for the green terraced gardens surrounding the village that lead to the Saiq Plateau. For hundreds of years, this place was accessible only to donkeys. Pomegranates, apricots, apples, olives and grapes, roses, peaches, walnuts and many other fruits. All grow here. Wade Bani Habib, Shrejah, Al Ain and Al Aqur all have interesting hiking trails.

he most famous villages in ruins in the Sultanate. With the 2 sets of ruins, a large banana farm and the scenic surroundings, the site is also home to the old Falaj irrigation system listed as UNESCO World heritage.