Excursion National museum & muttrah souq tour at Muscat

Explore the sights, sounds and shopping here in bustling Muscat during this easy, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Muscat, Muttrah Souq, Free Time, Shopping

Depart the pier for the short drive to the bustling Muttrah Souq. Located in the Corniche area, this colourful market boasts scores of traditional shops and is one of the most frequented spots in Muscat. During a stroll through the narrow alleys, experience the unique atmosphere and see many authentic items, including frankincense, exotic perfumes, gold and silver jewellery, handicrafts in copper and camel bone, Omani designer products, and antiques (items over 50 years olds cannot be exported). A visit here is a mind-boggling experience. Some free time is made available here to for independent shopping and exploration. Afterward, re-board your coach and proceed for a visit to the National Museum.

National Museum, Permanent Galleries, Temporary Exhibitions, Artefacts, Conservation Facilities

Oman's flagship cultural institution, the National Museum showcases the Sultanate's cultural heritage, from the earliest evidence of human settlement in the Oman Peninsula through present day. This expansive building is home to 14 permanent galleries, each covering a different aspect of Oman's cultural heritage, and temporary exhibitions. It houses more than 7,000 objects and offers 33 digital immersive experiences, state-of-the-art conservation facilities, a UHD cinema, and discovery areas for children, and an integrated infrastructure for special needs. It's also the first museum in the Middle East to adopt Arabic Braille script for the visually-impaired. You can even observe the processes artefacts go through prior to being displayed.

Old Town, Al Alam Royal Palace

Leaving the National Museum, take a guided walking tour through the winding streets of the Old Town. The main attraction here is 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. However, the exterior view from the gate is quite impressive and you are welcome to take photos. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Muscat, Muttrah Souk, Free Time, Shopping, National Museum, Galleries, Exhibitions, Artefacts, Conservation Facilities, Old Town, Al Adam Palace

Note

Please note: This tour requires a minimal to moderate amount of walking for approximately 437 yards (400 meters), with about a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and about 10 steps throughout the tour. Walking in the old town is at guest's discretion. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and who utilize a wheelchair. However guests must be able to negotiate a few steps to get on/off the coach. Please observe 'NO PHOTOGRAPHY' signs. This tour is not available on Fridays in the morning due to the closure of the National Museum. Space is limited; we suggest you pre-reserve to avoid any disappointment.