Oman · FORTS & CASTLES

The 15 Best Fort & Castle Tours in Oman

24 tours  ·  from $8 a head

There are more than a thousand forts in this country and about six worth planning a day around. The 15 below cover Nizwa, Bahla, Jabreen and Nakhal, with entry prices, drive times and which ones pair on one run.

Nizwa Fort-Nizwa Souq-Misfah Al Arbyeen-Jebel Shams - Private Full Day Tour - Nizwa Souq and the practical side of old Oman
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Full-Day, Jebel Shams & the Grand Canyon, Nizwa & the Interior, Private, Souqs & Markets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

Nizwa Fort-Nizwa Souq-Misfah Al Arbyeen-Jebel Shams – Private Full Day Tour

1.Nizwa Fort-Nizwa Souq-Misfah Al Arbyeen-Jebel Shams – Private Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 220 reviews · from $220Our pick

This private 8-hour drive from Muscat joins Omani history with mountain views. Visit Nizwa Fort and souq, the old village of Al Hamra, Misfah Al Abriyeen, and Jebel Shams above Wadi Ghul. An English-speaking guide such as Adil, Hamood, Khalid, or Yasser may lead your group, with hotel, airport, or port pickup included.

“There are lots of tours on offer but make sure you choose Omani Landscape Tours! We had a most enjoyable day out with Yasser our guide and saw some amazing places. He was on time and is good company, fun, interesting and very knowledgeable . He’s a really nice guy and most importantly a safe driver. He answered our many questions, provided lots of water, helped us in the souk and took us to all the best places to take photos. We can definitely recommend this tour. Thank you Yasser and Omani Landscape Tours.”

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Nizwa Fort-Nizwa Souq-Birkat Al Mouz-Jebel Akhdar - Private Full Day Tour - Nizwa Fort: Oman’s great defensive landmark
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Full-Day, Jebel Akhdar, Nizwa & the Interior, Private, Souqs & Markets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

Nizwa Fort-Nizwa Souq-Birkat Al Mouz-Jebel Akhdar – Private Full Day Tour

2.Nizwa Fort-Nizwa Souq-Birkat Al Mouz-Jebel Akhdar – Private Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · from $212

Travel by private 4WD from Muscat to Oman’s former capital, Nizwa Fort and Souq, the ruins of Birkat Al Mouz, and the high Saiq Plateau of Jebel Akhdar. English-speaking guides such as Ahmed, Nasr, Saif, Moosa, and Khalid have led this route. Hotel, port, and airport pickup, water, fuel, and fort entry are included.

“We were looking for a suitable Oman tour for the family to see some of the main tourist attractions on offer.”

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Private Historical Tour - Nizwa Fort - Nizwa Souq - Bahla Fort - Jabreen Castle - Jabreen Castle and Oman’s scholarly past
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Historical Tours, Nizwa & the Interior, Private, Souqs & Markets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

Private Historical Tour – Nizwa Fort – Nizwa Souq – Bahla Fort – Jabreen Castle

3.Private Historical Tour – Nizwa Fort – Nizwa Souq – Bahla Fort – Jabreen Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · from $233

Travel from Muscat to Oman’s old capital in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Visit Nizwa Fort, its traditional souq, UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort, and Jabreen Castle. Entry fees, fuel, bottled water, and hotel, airport, or port transfers are included. Guides named in guest feedback include Waleed, Hussein, Mohammed, and Abdulmajeeb.

“Hussein is by far one of the best tour guides and person I’ve ever met. He’s knowledgeable, very kind and will do anything to give you an incredible experience in Oman. The tour was amazing, well organized and very enriching. We visited amazing places and met amazing people. Loved everything!”

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Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa - Nizwa Fort and the town’s old trading role
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Nizwa & the Interior, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa

4.Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 72 reviews · from $218

Travel from Muscat through the Hajar Mountains to Nizwa Fort, Nizwa Souq, Jabreen Castle, Bahla, and a pottery workshop. Your private eight-hour outing includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and time to explore. Guides such as Rasheed and Hasheem have been praised for clear commentary, patience, and flexible stops.

“Our day out was very good, we got to see many places and try food in a restaurant that we would not have had the opportunity to experience otherwise. Our guide was very good and knoweldgeable. The only drawback of the whole day Read more”

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Nizwa Full Day Tour from Muscat with JABREEN fort - Birkat Al Mouz and the old village ruins
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Full-Day, Nizwa & the Interior, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

Nizwa Full Day Tour from Muscat with JABREEN fort

5.Nizwa Full Day Tour from Muscat with JABREEN fort

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 54 reviews · from $100

Travel from Muscat into Oman’s interior on a nine-hour group tour with hotel pickup, multilingual audio commentary, and lunch. You’ll photograph Birkat Al Mouz, visit Nizwa Souk, see Nizwa Fort from outside, tour Jabreen Fort, and stop at Bahla Fort. Guides such as Khaleel, Hamid, Said, and Khalil have earned praise for friendly, safe service.

“Pick-up 8am to 8.30am Prompt, at 8am Only one other passenger, Enoch from HK. Whilst filling up with petrol, some random Omani guy clambered on board and he and the driver spoke loudly in Arabic. Almost drowning out the English audio. Turns out he's a tourguide in training. We should have been told. Good infrastructure in Oman. Dual carriageway through the mountains. First stop, walked up an incline to view a palm tree grove and abandoned 500yo village. Present day village name translates to "The Cool of the Bananas". Some Zanzibar architectural influences. IZWA SOUQ One hour in Nizwa. "No time to see the Fort (5 rials), yet there is…”

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Full-Day Nizwa Fort, Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle Private Tour - Nizwa Fort and its 24-meter round tower
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Full-Day, Nizwa & the Interior, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

Full-Day Nizwa Fort, Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle Private Tour

6.Full-Day Nizwa Fort, Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $187

Spend 7 to 8 hours with a private English-speaking guide visiting Nizwa Fort and Souk, Bahla Fort, and Jabreen Castle. Pickup from the Muscat area, a comfortable 4WD vehicle, fuel, and bottled water are included. Lunch and entrance fees cost extra. Guides may include Waleed, Ali, Amer, Said, Aziz, or Ahmed.

“Waleed is simply amazing. He is approachable, patient and flexible. He explains the history of the Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle, helping me to better understand the past to connect to the present. More importantly, he makes the visitor like mRead more”

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Full-Day Tour in Oman: Enchanting Forts of Nizwa and Jabreen - The Hajar Mountain drive from Muscat
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Full-Day, Nizwa & the Interior, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

Full-Day Tour in Oman: Enchanting Forts of Nizwa and Jabreen

7.Full-Day Tour in Oman: Enchanting Forts of Nizwa and Jabreen

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 31 reviews · 8 hours · from $251

Spend eight hours with an English-speaking guide exploring Nizwa Fort, Nizwa Souq, Jabreen Castle, and Bahla. You will see Hajar Mountain scenery, carved doors, painted beams, old irrigation channels, and a pottery workshop. Guides have included Mohammed and Rachid, with pickup and return to your Muscat hotel.

“It was a fantastic trip with an extremely knowledgeable guide. This tour is a must for everybody who is interested in the culture and history of Oman.”

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Amouage & Nizwa Full-Day Tour: Fort, Souq & Barakat Al Mouz - Nizwa Fort, Oman’s great defensive landmark
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Full-Day, Nizwa & the Interior, Souqs & Markets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

Amouage & Nizwa Full-Day Tour: Fort, Souq & Barakat Al Mouz

8.Amouage & Nizwa Full-Day Tour: Fort, Souq & Barakat Al Mouz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · from $170

Travel privately from Muscat with an English-speaking Omani guide to Amouage, Nizwa Fort, Nizwa Souq, Falaj Al Khatmain, and Birkat Al Mouz. Allow 7 to 8 hours, including road time. Lunch, water, Omani coffee, dates, pickup, and drop-off are included. Fort admission costs extra.

“Great combination of historic Nizwa old town / Nizwa fort with the huge green Barakat Al Mouz oasis ... with nice old ruins Special thanks to Loay for being such a great tour guide!”

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Nakhal Hotspring and Wakan Village Private Full Day Tour - Nakhal Fort is impressive, even from the road
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Full-Day, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

Nakhal Hotspring and Wakan Village Private Full Day Tour

9.Nakhal Hotspring and Wakan Village Private Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $173

This eight-hour private tour takes you from Muscat to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Nakhal Fort, Nakhal’s warm springs, and Wakan Village in a comfortable 4WD. An English-speaking guide such as Yahya, Ahmed, or Rashid handles the mountain roads and helps with the long climb to Wakan’s terraces.

“We had a wonderful time at the beautiful mountain and the old villahes in Oman .I highly recommend this trip as a must experience for both friend and family.”

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Muscat: Muttrah Fort Entry Ticket - Climbing from Muttrah to the fort entrance
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Souqs & Markets, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Muscat

Muscat: Muttrah Fort Entry Ticket

10.Muttrah Fort Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · 1 day · from $8Best value

Visit Muttrah Fort independently with a one-day entry ticket. You’ll explore Portuguese-era defenses, thick stone and mud-brick walls, gun platforms, towers, a courtyard, and a small museum. The fort sits on a hill above Muttrah, so bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes. The ticket includes entry only, not a guide or transport.

“You can probably just buy the ticket there / or don't buy the ticket and go up as no one is validating your ticket.”

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Muscat: Guided Walking Tour of Corniche, Souq & Mutrah Fort - Starting beside the Mutrah Fish Market
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Guided, Souqs & Markets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat, Walking Tours

Muscat: Guided Walking Tour of Corniche, Souq & Mutrah Fort

11.Guided Walking Tour of Corniche, Souq & Mutrah Fort

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 2 hours · from $20

Join Mohammed on a two-hour English walking tour from Mutrah Fish Market along the Corniche, through Mutrah Souq, and up to Mutrah Fort. You’ll hear about Oman’s history and daily life, taste traditional halwa, and finish with harbor views. The tour runs in the cooler late afternoon or early evening.

“alle Fragen beantwortet und plan 100% eingehalten, dank an mohammed”

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Khasab: City Tour With Khasab Fort - Khasab’s souks, from old market to new market
City Tours, Forts & Castles, Musandam & Khasab, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Khasab

Khasab: City Tour With Khasab Fort

12.City Tour With Khasab Fort

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 12 reviews · 3 hours

See Khasab’s old and new souks, visit the Portuguese-built Khasab Fort, and drive to Wadi Qadah and Tawi for ancient carvings of camels, ships, and warriors. An English-speaking guide provides transport, water, and museum admission. Pickup is available from hotels, Khasab Airport, and the cruise terminal.

“Interesting to learn the history and about current developments.”

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Private Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa - Bahla pottery and a brief town stop
Forts & Castles, Nizwa & the Interior, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa

13.Private Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · from $212

Spend about eight hours with a private English-speaking guide driving from Muscat through the Hajar Mountains to Nizwa, Bahla, and Jabreen. Explore Nizwa Fort and souk, see Bahla’s pottery tradition, and tour Jabreen Castle. Guides such as Rashid and Rasheed are praised for friendly service, though guide depth can vary.

“It was worth even though it was on 2nd day of Eid. Many shops were closed. Souk at Nizwa was also closed. Lots of restaurants were also closed. The Guide was expert. He showed some more sites near by Nizwa.”

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From Muscat: Nizwa, Bahla, and Jabrin Tour with Forts - Jabrin Castle reveals Oman’s decorative side
Forts & Castles, Forts and Castles in Muscat, Nizwa & the Interior, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Muscat

From Muscat: Nizwa, Bahla, and Jabrin Tour with Forts

14.Nizwa, Bahla, and Jabrin Tour with Forts

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 8 reviews · 8 hours · from $183

Spend eight hours with a private guide visiting Nizwa Fort and Souq, Jabrin Castle, Bahla Fort, and Birkat Al Mauz. Guides such as Azan and Saber have earned praise for friendly service, careful driving, and strong Italian. Expect short site visits, air-conditioned transport, and plenty of Omani history, but remember that entrance fees and meals cost extra.

“Tour was good. Very nice guide called Azan. He was very friendly and drive very well.”

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Muscat: full day tour to Nakhal, Rustaq and hot springs - Starting from Muscat and the optional Science Museum
Forts & Castles, Full-Day, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews, Tours

Muscat: full day tour to Nakhal, Rustaq and hot springs

15.full day tour to Nakhal, Rustaq and hot springs

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 8 reviews · 8h 30m · from $169

Spend about 8.5 hours with an English or Arabic-speaking guide exploring Rustaq and Nakhal. Visit Al Hazm Castle, Qasra House, Nakhal Fort, and Ain Al Thawra hot springs, with Omani lunch, hotel pickup, water, and private transport included. Guides have included Hisham, Mohammed, Nasr, and Yusuf.

“Just finished an incredible trip from Musbat to Nakhal Fort, Rustaq, and Al-Hazm Castle — with relaxing hot springs and the amazing ancient aflaj along the way. The guide Hisham was top-notch and made the whole experience unforgettable. Truly worth it!”

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New in Forts & Castles

★ 5.0Day Trip to Wadi Bani Awf, Balad Sayt, Nakhal Fort & Hot SpringFrom $2204 reviews
★ 5.0Nizwa Bahla & Jabrin Fort(Muscat tours) as private and custom tripFrom $2004 reviews
★ 5.0Nizwa Fort, Souq, falaj & Museum Full Day TourFrom $1503 reviews

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