Excursion Spectacular muscat tour at Muscat

Get a first-hand introduction to Oman's capital, an exciting mix of medieval, traditional and modern architecture that lends Muscat an ambiance all of its own.

Meet your guide on the pier, board the coach and drive directly to the Grand Mosque.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (view from outside only)

Enjoy an outside visit of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Construction on the mosque complex began in early 1995 and was completed six years later. Inauguration followed in May 2001 by His Majesty the Sultan.  The invested patronage of Sultan Qaboos plus his instructions to the team overseeing the project at the Diwan of the Royal Court, has endorsed the spiritual and architectural role of the largest mosque in Oman, able to accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers.  The whole interior is panelled with off-white and dark grey marble.  The ceilings are inspired by those of Omani forts and a Swarovski crystal chandelier with gold-plated metalwork hangs down for a length of 46 feet (14 metres).  Your view to this splendid house of worship will be an impressive experience. The Mosque can only be viewed from the outside on Fridays and religious holidays.

Re-join the coach and continue to the hotel for refreshments.

Muttrah Souq

This colourful market, boasting scores of traditional shops, 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.

Then, heading toward the old town, visit one of Muscat's most outstanding museums.

Bait Al Zubair Museum

We continue our visit to Bait Al Zubair, a private museum that houses traditional Omani Heritage items. This is a private museum owned by His Excellency Mohammad Al Zubair - Advisor to His Majesty the Sultan for Economic Planning Affairs.  The exhibits include collections of Omani Weaponry, Jewelry, Clothing, Household Items, Books, Photographs, Paintings, Maps, etc. which aims to show and preserve the rich Omani heritage and culture.

Old Town & Al Alam Royal Palace

Following your visit to the museum, the guide leads you on a walk through the winding streets of the old town.  The main attraction 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 make it one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.  As the official estate of Oman's ruler, no inside visit is possible. However, seen from the gate the view of the exterior is quite impressive and you are welcomed to take photos.

At the end of your walk, re-join the coach for your way back to Port Qaboos and the ship.

Major points of interest seen on this excursion may include:

Grand Mosque (photo stop), Muttrah Souq, Bait Al Zubair Museum, Old Town, Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, Al Alam Royal Palace .

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Grand Mosque (outside only), Muttrah Souq, Old Town, Bait Al Zubair Museum, Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, Al Alam Royal Palace

Note

Please note:  This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 546 Yards (500 metres) in the old town and approximately few steps at the museum and souq.  It is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests with limited mobility may need the assistance of their travel partner. Entrance to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is not possible during Muslim Holiday observance, Fridays and daily in the afternoon. An outside stop will be substituted at these times. Photography is not permitted inside Bait Al Zubair Museum. The tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency for any purchases.

This tour is very similar to MCT-A Splendors of Muscat therefore when your vessel is in port for two consecutive days,  we suggest you to book only one of the two versions.