Private Muscat City Sightseeing Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Royal Opera House Muscat
- Muttrah Souq
- Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts
- Al Alam Palace
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
You will be met by our guide at the hotel for a half day tour of Muscat City. The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Bait Zubair Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s Cultural history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district of Old Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates with a minimum of 2 participants; solo travelers may need to join a group.
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
- Please inform the operator of any specific interests or requests in advance.
Know before you go
- Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting religious sites.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring various sites.
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- Dress code: A dress code is applicable to visit Grand Mosque. Ladies should wear full sleeves shirt & head should be covered with scarf. Men can wear half sleeve shirt. And both Ladies & Men should wear full pants (not allowed to wear shorts).
- What to Bring: Sunscreen, Steady shoes, Hat Please pay attention to the local customs when taking photographs
- What to Wear: Please ensure you dress respectfully. Knees and shoulders should be covered at all times. Please pay attention to the specified dress code by visiting Sultan Qaboos Mosque from inside.
Traveler reviews
It was, in short, the most un-informative, boring and disorganised tour
It was, in short, the most un-informative, boring and disorganised tour we have ever experienced in some 30 years+ of travelling the world. Some observations: We received no confirmation prior to meeting at the hotel. We had to chase via Viator the evening before for reassurance and contact details. We were sold a ‘luxury’ vehicle. That is not a >10 year old Toyota Camry. We were asked by the driver (guide?) “where would you like to go first?” (Why ask that if this is a planned/organised tour? And how would we know anyway?) We were sold a package where we would “learn a wealth of historical and cultural information” . We were told nothing. On the 30mins drive from hotel to mosque we were only told that the ‘guide’ went to Coventry to study - and after 15mins of silence we were directed to look at the oil refinery. We were not advised of dress code in advance. Therefore we had to “hire” long trousers for my wife from the back of taxi in the car park ( this is the same car park which has signage stating “rental of clothing is forbidden in the mosque car park”) When we asked questions about the mosque and its construction, we were told to ask other guides around the mosque. Our ‘guide’ - we use that term loosely to describe a driver who lives locally perhaps – was clearly disinterested and totally out of his depth. So bad was the initial experience that we requested to end it after at the main mosque, returning to our hotel 9.36am.
Great tour of Muscat
Rashid was a great guide with very good English and local knowledge. Very flexible and helpful. Highly recommended
Very Well Organised
Very Well Organised and had an awesome time. Reminder email send by company so that you dont miss the trip
Our guide was knowledgeable and...
<p>Our guide was knowledgeable and clearly loved his country. We saw a lot and learned a lot. Excellent guide and what we saw was indeed fascinating.</p>
Our driver was great. An older Omani...
<p>Our driver was great. An older Omani native who you can tell loves and appreciates his country. The tour was great and we had enough time at each location to look around and take photos. I would recommend Mr. Rashid to everyone!</p>