Oman
is otherworldly terrain
Welcome to Oman
In Muscat's Grand Mosque, there is a beautiful hand-loomed carpet; it was once the world's largest rug until Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque, in the United Arab Emirates, pinched the record. This is poignant because Oman doesn't boast many 'firsts' or 'biggests' in a region bent on grandstanding. What it does boast, with its rich heritage and embracing society, is a strong sense of identity, a pride in an ancient, frankincense-trading past and confidence in a highly educated future.
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Oman activities
Day Tour to the Enchanting Forts of Nizwa
Nizwa is located about 1.5 hours drive from Muscat, and is today of the most popular tourist attractions in Oman, with its historical buildings and imposing fort built in the mid 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'ribi. Nizwa's palm oasis stretches for 5 miles (8 kilometers) along the course of two wadis.After a tour of Nizwa you will continue on to the souk, famous for its Bedouin silver jewelry.The drive continues via Tanuf and Bahla to Jabreen, to visit one of Oman's most beautiful forts, famous for its wall and ceiling murals, before returning to your hotel in Muscat.
Muscat City Sightseeing Tour - A Fascinating Capital
Next you will drive to Muttrah, a delightful quarter of Muscat. Step into the fish market, stroll along the Corniche to admire the beautiful merchant houses and experience the shopping in the busy souk, well known for its silver craft shops, perfumes, souvenirs and much more to buy. The tour continues to the Old Town where you proceed on foot, strolling around Portuguese forts Jalali and Mirani and Qasr Al Alam, the Palace of HM Sultan Qaboos. Your next stop is Bait Al Zubair Museum with its wealth of information and exhibits on the country’s culture, tradition and heritage.
Muscat Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with 8 Stops
Known as the jewel of Arabia, the Omani capital is a visual delight to explore, with historical attractions and fine Arabian architecture set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Hajar Mountains. Glitzy yachts may grace Muscat’s slick waterfront, but just a few strides away lies its winding alleyways, home to atmospheric souks (markets) and medieval forts that beg to be explored.Explore the traditional capital of Oman on board a traditional open top double decker bus and take in the majestic views of Muttrah Corniche and the old quarter. Highlights of the tour are Al Jalali Fort – Al Alam Palace – Royal Opera House – Churches & Temples – Riyam Monument – Muttrah Suq.Enjoy our engaging panoramic tour (roughly 1.45 hours) as you listen to the informative audio commentary available in English, German, Arabic,French , Italian & Spanish.Daily departure from Muttrah Souk at 10 am and 2 pm.Muscat Highlights Include (Duration 1hour 45 minutes): • Muttrah Souk • Churches and Temples • Central Business District • Parliament Building • Muscat Marina Views • Al Alam Palace • Mirani Fort and Harbour • Al Bahri Road (Corniche) • Mutrah Suq
Sunset Dhow Cruise from Muscat
Start your day with a pickup from your hotel in Muscat and move to Marina Bandar Al-Rowdha outside the city to board your traditional wooden dhow. These handcrafted vessels have been used for trading around the Arabian Peninsula for centuries and still ply Oman’s waters. Settle on to the cushion-covered deck as your dhow sets sail.As you drift northward, admire Oman’s Hajar Mountains and rugged coastline, where cliffs open to secluded bays and tiny fishing villages. Pass Muscat Yacht Club and the picturesque hamlet of Sidab, where colorful fishing boats speckle the beach. Take photos of Cemetery Bay, home to the graves of British World War I servicemen, and keep your camera handy as you cruise into old Muscat harbor. See the cliff paintings depicting the ships that have docked here through the ages and gaze at the 16th-century forts of Jalali and Mirani, both standing guard over the Al Alam Palace: the glittering residence of the Sultan of Oman. Next, sail into Muttrah harbor and absorb the views over the glittering, whitewashed Corniche set against the barren mountains. Then, as the sun sets and casts everywhere in a golden glow, drift by the Al Bustan Palace, one of Oman’s most exclusive hotels. This magnificent building stands alone on a mountain-ringed bay and cries out to be captured on camera.After two hours on the water, sail back to the marina, where your experience ends and you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Muscat Half Day City Tour
Pick up from your Hotel .The tour will start from Shatti Al-Qurum (next to Intercontinental Hotel) . Being a rare blend of ancient & modern, Muscat is a beautiful city which lies in a maze of brown pleated Mountains. Lulled by the Arabian Sea, the city has undergone dramatic development in the past two or three decades. However, Muscat takes pride in the fact that it has preserved its lustrous culture & heritage. Our visit starts with a drive through the ministries' area, where you can see a number of modern buildings with touches of ancient, Islamic architecture. Our first stop will be the Grand Mosque, which is an architectural marvel and perhaps the new landmark of the city. We will then visit the fish market and the folkloric Muttrah souk, with its narrow covered alleys where you can smell exotic aromas of mounds of spices, coffee beans, and ancient remedies, all enticing perfumes that fill the air. Next, engage in a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, which has a fine exhibit of Omani history and culture, encompassing all of the areas traditional values. You will also have a photo-stop at the magnificent Al Alam Palace (the official residence of Sultan Qaboos) flanked by the twin Portuguese forts of Mirani & Jalali. Tour will end in Mutrah souk & then transfer back to your hotel.
Muscat 4-Hour Private City Highlights Tour Shore Excursion
Meet your private guide at the Port of Muscat, and then hop aboard your air-conditioned minibus to discover the city’s delights. Pass the city’s imposing foreign embassy buildings while traveling to the Grand Mosque – an ornate place of worship that was given to the nation by the ruling Sultan Qaboos on the 30th year of his reign. Head inside to learn about the mosque’s Islamic architecture and marvel at the richly decadent interiors, complete with Persian carpets and gilded walls.After exploring the mosque return to your minibus and travel to Muttrah, the quarter where most of Muscat’s top attractions are found. Visit Muttrah Fish Market, a colourfully chaotic Arabic market, and then stroll along the corniche, a scenic area lined with attractive mosques and latticed merchant houses. Head inside Muttrah Souk and discover a dazzling selection of stalls hawking Omani handicrafts and silverware. Get tips for successful haggling, and then browse the market’s wares for keepsakes to take home. Step back inside your minibus and travel to Muscat Old Town to explore on foot. The handsome gated neighborhood is home to the diwan (ruler’s office) as well as several Portuguese fortresses. Pass two magnificent ones – Al-Jalali Fort and Al-Mirani Fort – and admire the opulence of Sultan’s Palace (Qasr Al Alam) – the palace of Sultan Qaboos.Finally, visit Bait Al Zubair Museum to learn about Omani heritage and history, seeing an expansive display of traditional handicrafts, photos and other artifacts. Finish your Muscat shore excursion with a drop-off at the port.Worry-free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to the Port of Muscat for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.