Excursion Splendors of 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

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 visit to this splendid house of worship will be an impressive experience. Please note mosque can only be viewed from the inside in the morning and on days other than Fridays/religious holidays. Re-join the coach and continue to the Al Falaj 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.

National Museum

The National Museum is the Oman's flagship cultural institution, showcasing the Sultanate's cultural heritage from the earliest evidence of human settlement in the Oman Peninsula through to the present day. As a national institution with global outreach, the Museum is ensuring that Oman's cultural heritage is recognised and appreciated not only within the Sultanate, but also internationally. Through an interchange of knowledge and skills on issues of cultural heritage, it is helping to build a national and international network based on unity and mutual support. Further, it is providing opportunities for cultural expression, innovation and the transfer of traditional skills and knowledge from one generation to the next.

The Museum is in a purpose-designed building in the heart of Muscat. Looking very much like a Palace, the building is in keeping with the overall feel of the district, with the Museum facing the Qasr al-Alam Palace at the opposite end of Muscat's ceremonial boulevard. The total area of the building is 13,700 sp. m, including 4,000 square metres for 14 permanent galleries, each covering a different aspect of Oman's cultural heritage. A further 400 sq. m are allocated for temporary exhibitions.

The Museum 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. It features an integrated infrastructure for special needs and is the first museum in the Middle East to adopt Arabic Braille script for the visually impaired. It also houses the region's first open-plan museum storage concept, where visitors can learn about the various processes that artefacts go through before they are put on display.        

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.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq, Old Town, National 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 15 steps at the Grand Mosque, 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. The visit to the mosque requires both ladies and gentlemen to have their legs and ankles totally covered and wear long sleeve shirts/blouses. Tattoos on the body to be covered totally. 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. 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 National Museum. The tour sequence may vary. Bring local currency for any purchases.