Excursion Barkha fort and grand mosque tour at Muscat

Visit one of Muscat's most impressive sites, the Grand Mosque, and discover the beauty of the Omani countryside on an outing to Barka Fort.

Depart the ship for a 1-hour drive to the small town of Barkha. Stop for a brief walk through the market to see an interesting display of the fresh vegetables and fruits.

Barka Fort formed part of the impressive string of forts along the Batinah Coast, guarding mercantile vessels and protecting the route towards Rustaq.

Leaving the fort, drive 45-minute back to Muscat and commence the city exploration with a visit at the Royal Opera House, the leading arts and culture organization in the Sultanate of Oman.

Enjoy a traditional Omani snack in a local restaurant before proceeding to the Bait Al Zubair Museum. The museum has an extensive collection of ancient weapons, including khanjar, household equipment's, and costumes (most of which derive from the owner's private collection).

Following your visit to the museum, the guide leads you on a walk through the winding streets of the old town. Reach the Al Alam Royal Palace, nestled between the Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, the palace's fairy-tale façade of gold and blue pillars makes it one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. As the official estate of Oman's ruler, no inside visit is possible.

At the end of your visit, return to the ship.

Note

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, mostly in the old town, and some steps at the Grand Mosque and museum. It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. The visit to the mosque requires both ladies and gentlemen to have their legs and ankles totally covered and wear long sleeve shirts/blouses. Ladies also need to bring a scarf to cover their head. Shoes must be removed at the entrance to the mosque; bring socks for comfort. Any food, drinks, and smoking are strictly prohibited at the Grand Mosque. The restaurant does not serve alcohol. No photographs are allowed inside National Museum.