Excursion Splendors of muscat tour at Muscat

Experience the best of Oman's capital during this comprehensive full-day tour. An exciting mix of medieval, traditional and modern architecture that lends Muscat an ambiance all of its own.

Meet your guide on the pier and board the coach for the approximately 45-minute drive to the 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.

Next, proceed to the Royal Opera House of Muscat, the leading arts and culture organization in the Sultanate of Oman. Built on the royal orders of Sultan Qaboos of Oman and completed in 2011, the Royal Opera House reflects unique contemporary Omani architecture, and has a capacity to accommodate maximum of 1,100 people. Take a tour accompanied by one of the Opera House guides.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant, enjoy a traditional Omani meal in a cultural ambience. The Omani food combines flavors picked from the path taken by Omani traveler's during there long years of trading. It stretched from East Africa to India, bringing home the best spices combined to make a unique meal which pleasantly showcases the national history.

After lunch, proceed for a visit to the National Museum. Located in the heart of Muscat in a purpose-designed building, the National Museum was established by royal decree in 2013 and opened to the public on July 2016. It showcases the nation's heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula some two million years ago through to the present day. Take a tour with one of the National Museum specialized guides.

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 make 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, you will have the choice to either make your way back to the ship by bus, or be dropped at the Muttrah Souq. This colourful market, boasting scores of traditional shops, is one of the most frequented spots in Muscat. Stroll at your leisure 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). Guests getting off at the souq will return to the ship at their leisure by Shuttle bus.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House of Muscat, National Museum, Al Alam Royal Palace, Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, Muttrah Souq, local lunch.

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.