Muscat Holidays & Tours
TAILOR-MADE Muscat HOLIDAYS & SMALL GROUP TOURS
The ancient city of Muscat, the capital of Oman, sits between crystal-clear blue waters and the Hajar Mountains, with the evocatively named Empty Quarter beyond. It offers the visitor an insight into the Arabian Peninsula before oil and bling, and is where the centuries-old trading practice of frankincense and rosewater continues to this day.
Starting with an overview of Omani culture and history, Muscat tours take in the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its enormous ...
The ancient city of Muscat, the capital of Oman, sits between crystal-clear blue waters and the Hajar Mountains, with the evocatively named Empty Quarter beyond. It offers the visitor an insight into the Arabian Peninsula before oil and bling, and is where the centuries-old trading practice of frankincense and rosewater continues to this day.
Starting with an overview of Omani culture and history, Muscat tours take in the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its enormous rugs and chandeliers, as well as Muttrah souk, the Royal Opera House and the Bait al Zubair Museum and cultural complex.
Taking to the waters of the Gulf of Oman, dolphin-watching tours seek out the three species that live in Muscat Bay; bottlenose, spinner and common dolphins, before moving on to snorkelling at Bandar Khiran Bay or the nearby Dimaniyat Islands. The islands offer some of the best snorkelling in the region with regular sightings of turtles, whale sharks and rays.
Oman has a well-maintained road system that allows for sightseeing day tours that give visitors the chance to experience Omani life beyond the city. The ancient town of Nizwa in the Hajar Mountains is home to the huge Nizwa Fort and nearby souk as well as a local livestock market where goats, sheep and cattle have been traded for centuries.
Also in the Hajar Mountains lies the scenic region of Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams. Situated 2000m above sea level, it has a cooler climate and an intricate irrigation system of wadis and terraces. The villagers here grow and distil rose water that's used in beauty regimes and healthcare as well as for flavouring Arabic coffee.
South of Muscat lies the spectacular blue Bimah sinkhole, which offers a cooling swim in the otherwise arid landscape, as well as Wadi Bani Khalid, an extraordinary desert oasis. This road eventually leads to the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, where nesting green turtles haul themselves up the beach to lay their eggs almost every night of the year.
Muscat holidays, with private tours and knowledgeable guides, offer you the chance to explore this remarkable land and its people.
Best experiences
Visit the impressive Grand Mosque
No visit to Muscat is complete without visiting the Grand Mosque, one of the biggest in Oman. The mosque is famous for its enormous Persian Rug, one of the largest in the world, and decedent chandelier which is best viewed directly underneath.
Enjoy a home-cooked meal with locals
Connect with local Omanis through the most ancient of pastimes, eating! Be welcomed into the home of a Muscat local for a delicious home-cooked meal and cultural exchange experience. This supports families who wish to show visitors daily Omani life.
Seek out dolphins in Muscat Bay
You will hopefully see some of the many dolphins that live in and around Muscat Bay during a morning boat tour where it’s possible to see spinner, bottlenose and common dolphins. Then travel to Bandar Khiran bay, one of the best snorkeling spots in Oman.OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
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