Sohar Sightseeing Tour: Discover History, Crafts, and Nature in Oman's Economic Heartland
5.0
2 Ratings
Sohar
Immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant crafts, and stunning natural beauty of Sohar, Oman's economic heartland. Explore ancient forts, traditional markets, and breathtaking landscapes on this unforgettable sightseeing tour.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sohar Fort - Discover the Majestic Sohar Fort:
    Sohar Fort in Oman is a historic jewel, dating back to the late 13th century. A symbol of North Al Batinah’s rich past, it holds tales of eras gone by. Revealed by 1980 excavations, it was built in the 14th century by the Princes of Hormuz during the Nabhan kings’ reign.

Please note, the Fort Museum is under renovation, and the fort is closed on weekends and public holidays. Witness this monumental fortress, a testament to Oman’s enduring legacy, on a journey through time.

  • Sohar - Explore the Artisan Souq:
    In a historic city lies the Artisan Souq, a 9,000 square meter testament to Oman’s rich heritage. It’s a key attraction for tourists, blending traditional Omani crafts with Arab-Islamic architecture.

The Souq features 7,000 square meters of craft shops. Artisans showcase skills in weaving cotton and wool, crafting gold and silver jewelry, and creating perfumes, natural medicines, Omani sweets, and traditional weapons.

With 16 unique shops, each with a showroom and sales hall, a mosque, restaurant, café, exhibit hall, and ample parking, the Souq offers a comprehensive cultural experience. It includes administrative offices and an open theater, with some stores still to be explored.

This place isn’t just a market; it’s a celebration of Oman’s enduring craftsmanship and cultural legacy.

  • Sohar Souq Historical - Explore Sohar Historical Souq:
    Immerse yourself in the Sohar Historical Souq, a blend of tradition and elegance built on old Sohar’s ruins. This architectural gem, adorned with Islamic motifs, spans two floors teeming with shops and cafes, celebrating Omani heritage.

The souq’s strategic location enhances its charm, promising future tourist restaurants. Discover a treasure trove of sweets, perfumes, traditional clothes, textiles, antiques, gifts, arts, and sculptures.

Located near Sohar Corniche and Sohar Castle, the souq is a cultural hub, offering a journey into Omani history and craftsmanship. It’s not just shopping; it’s an experience of Omani culture at its finest.

  • Sohar - Hareem Market:
    Immerse yourself in the Hareem Market in Sohar, Oman, a unique celebration of local women’s artistry. This vibrant market showcases the talents of Omani women, offering a kaleidoscope of handmade wonders. From colorful textiles and traditional garments to handcrafted jewelry and Omani handicrafts, each item tells a story of heritage and skill.

The market is more than a shopping destination; it’s a testament to women’s entrepreneurship and creativity, where skills passed down through generations are proudly displayed. Here, visitors can connect with local culture and traditions, and every purchase supports the livelihoods and artistic expressions of local women.

Experience the warmth and vibrancy of the Hareem Market, a true gem in Sohar, where culture, community, and craftsmanship come together in a beautiful tapestry.

  • Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - Embark on a journey to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Sohar, unveiled on October 28, 2016. This modern marvel in the Arabian Gulf boasts a towering 84-meter dome and expansive grounds with green spaces and a children’s garden. Its library, open from four to nine in the evening, contains over 6,700 titles across diverse sciences and knowledge.

The mosque’s architecture is a blend of Islamic heritage and contemporary design, featuring Islamic inscriptions and crystal-colored domes. Drawing inspiration from significant Islamic cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent in Uzbekistan, it stands unique in its interior design and layout. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque is not only a place of worship but a beacon of Islamic art and architecture.

  • Sahban - Immerse in the Magic of Sahban Sulfur Spring:

Tucked in Wadi Sahban’s mountains in Sohar, the Sahban Sulfur Spring is a captivating oasis, 8 kilometers off the main road. This enchanting spring flows constantly, its vibrant blue waters warm in winter and cool in summer.

Accessed by four-wheel drive due to rugged terrains, the journey to the spring is an adventure itself. Here, water mingles with rocks, secreting a white substance, likely sulfur, tinting the water a stunning turquoise.

Renowned for its healing properties, Sahban Spring attracts visitors seeking remedies for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It’s a natural spa, offering rejuvenation and beauty in a serene mountain setting. Experience the therapeutic magic of these turquoise waters.

  • Suhaylah Road - Embark on a Geological Adventure to Wadi Jizzi:

Venture to Oman’s Wadi Jizzi, home to the mesmerizing pillow basalts, key to unlocking Earth’s geological mysteries. These formations, birthed from underwater volcanic eruptions, cool rapidly, creating unique pillow-like shapes. Experience these marvels, typically hidden in ocean depths, now accessible on land.

A haven for geology enthusiasts, Wadi Jizzi reveals insights into oceanic crust formation and geological history. Their land accessibility offers an intimate view of their composition and formation.

These pillow basalts are more than scientific wonders; they’ve captivated global attention. Featured in geology textbooks and Geotimes magazine’s 1975 cover (now EARTH Magazine), they’re celebrated as one of the world’s most famous basalt pillows. Discover this geological gem and a piece of Earth’s deep history.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes
Additional Information

Let us take you on a tour to the second most important Omani city after the capital, Muscat, which is the economic capital of the country.

We will start the trip from Sohar Fort and learn about the history of It, then we will walk to the historical Sohar market near the castle, then we will move to the artisans market to get acquainted with the traditional Omani crafts. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque.

Our other stop will be in the countryside of Sohar, where we will visit the beautiful village of Halahel Bani Ghaith, the ancient Hawraa Burga fortress, the famous lava pillows, and end our tour to visit the turquoise Sahban spring.
On this tour:

  • You will learn about the history of Sohar
  • You will visit the most important and oldest archaeological and geological places
  • You will learn about the most prominent natural sites
  • Visitors to Sultan Qaboos Mosque must wear modest clothing, women must cover their heads, and shorts are prohibited in the mosque.
Location
Sohar Fort
In the castle's outdoor car parks.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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Marcwr6271cr
Mar 9, 2024
Very nice tour through Sohar and its surroundings. - Very nice tour through Sohar and its surroundings. Aadil was a good and caring guide. Would book again, 100% recommendation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bayan_a
Apr 25, 2023
Sohar in a Day - It was a great trip, encompassing most of what Sohar has to offer. The tour guide Adil was very patient, professional, and knowledgeable. Would recommend going on the trip between November to March and outside of public holidays as some attractions can be closed.
Review provided by Viator
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