• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque - The Grand Mosque is situated on a site covering 416,000 m² (4,480,000 sq. ft.), with the complex itself spanning 40,000 m² (430,000 sq. ft.). It was inaugurated by the Sultan of Oman on May 4, 2001. The mosque features five minarets, with the main one standing 90 meters (300 ft.) tall. The prayer hall is a square, measuring 74.4 by 74.4 meters (244 by 244 feet), and has a central dome that rises 50 meters (160 ft.) above the floor. The dome is beautifully decorated inside, and the main Musalla (Prayer Room) can accommodate over 6,500 worshippers.

The interior’s major highlight is the prayer carpet, which covers the entire floor of the prayer hall. It contains 1,700,000,000 knots, weighs 21 tons, and took four years to complete. The carpet combines classical Persian Tabriz, Kashan, and Isfahan design traditions, using 28 colors in various shades.

• Mutrah Fish Market - On the way to the fish market from the Grand Mosque, the route passes through the ministries and embassies area, as well as the beautiful Beach Street in Al Qurum. At the Fish and Vegetable Market, locals buy and sell fresh fish and seafood.

• Mutrah Souq - A short drive from the fish market leads to Mutrah Souq, Oman’s largest traditional market. Dating back 200 years, it is located next to Muscat’s harbor and was a significant trade hub during the age of sail, strategically positioned on the route to India and China. The market’s name, meaning “darkness,” comes from the crowded stalls and lanes where sunlight does not penetrate, requiring lamps for navigation. The market extends from Al Lawatiya Mosque to Khour Bimba, filled with stores and stalls in narrow lanes.

Today, this historic marketplace features winding alleys of stalls selling antiques, traditional fabrics, aromatic spices, frankincense, perfume, silver, Omani sweets (Halwa), and fresh produce.

• Mutrah Fort - From Mutrah Souq, the journey continues to Mutrah Fort, located on a mountain ridge overlooking the city and bay of Mutrah. With its towers and ramparts, it was ideally positioned to protect Mutrah from sea and inland attacks. Originally an Omani fort built in 1507, the Portuguese later added two towers and a curtain wall. In the late 18th century, the Al Busaidi dynasty further developed the fort, doubling the curtain walls and adding more towers. The Ministry of Heritage and Culture restored Mutrah Fort in 1980.

• Bait Al Zubair - After visiting Mutrah Fort, the next stop is Bait Al Zubair Museum, which offers a fine display of Omani culture and history, along with information about the Royal Family.

• Al Alam Palace - The tour continues to old Muscat to see Al Alam Palace, which has a history of over 200 years. It was built under Imam Sultan bin Ahmed, the 7th direct great-grandfather of Sultan Haitham. The current palace, with its gold and blue facade, was rebuilt as a royal residence in 1972. While the inner grounds are off-limits, the public can stop near the gates to take photographs. The palace is used for official functions and to receive distinguished visitors.

Visiting the main gates of Al Alam Palace offers a unique experience, as it is unlike any other capital. The palace is elegant yet humble in design, featuring polished marble surfaces. Nearby government buildings are white, with crenellated rooftops and wooden balconies in traditional Omani style, primarily serving ceremonial purposes.

• Al Jalali Fort - Located just behind the Palace, Jalali and Mirani Forts are in the harbor of old Muscat. Built by the Portuguese under Philip I of Portugal in 1580 on an earlier Omani fortress, they protected the harbor after Muscat was twice sacked by Ottoman forces. The forts fell to Omani forces in 1650 and were twice captured by Persians during civil wars between 1718 and 1747. The forts were extensively rebuilt later.

Please note: stops are only for pictures, as both forts are not open to visitors.

• Royal Opera House - The tour concludes with a visit to the Royal Opera House. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Sultan of Oman, has always been a fan of classical music and arts. In 2001, he ordered the construction of an opera house, which officially opened on October 12, 2011. The Royal Opera House showcases unique contemporary Omani architecture and can accommodate up to 1,100 people. The complex includes a concert theater, auditorium, formal landscaped gardens, a cultural market with retail, luxury restaurants, and an art center for musical, theatrical, and operatic productions.

• All fees and taxes
• Lunch
• Bottled water
• Transportation by Air-Conditioned Vehicle 4WD or Saloon
• Hotels, Port, Airport, Residence pick up & drop off

Visit the Grand Mosque, discover the great carpet 21 tons, 28 colors, discover the chandelier 14 meters length Swarovski Crystal, Visit the inspiring Royal Opera House and discover Omani architecture, Visit Mutrah Fish and Vegetables market where locals paying and selling fresh fish and seafood, visit Mutrah Souq, Visit Bait Al Zubair Museum that tells the civilization and culture of Oman and the history of Royal Family, visit Mutrah fort and see the Defensive plans to protect Mutrah.

Sights you’ll visit:

• Grand Mosque
• Al Qurum Beach
• Fish and Vegetables Market
• Mutrah Market
• Mutrah Fort
• Bait Al Zubair Museum
• Al Alam Palace
• Royal Opera House
• Not stroller accessible
• Infant must not sit on laps

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.