In a nutshell

Get to know Muscat, and you will come face to face with the most authentic aspects of the Middle East. Discover these with your guide, amidst the splendor and spirituality of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the atmosphere of one of the oldest markets in the Arab world and the unique exhibits in the Bait Al Zubair museum. Then, enjoy the stunning views of fortresses and palaces. By this point, it will be clear to you: here, the grandeur around every corner is captivating.

Main stops

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque of Muscat: internal visit
Stroll through the Mutrah souq
Bait Al Zubair museum: internal visit
Sightseeing bus tour: Al-Mirani fort; Al-Jalali fort
Al-Alam Palace: photo stop

The programme

It is said that Muscat still embodies the true spirit of the Middle East. Are you ready to be enchanted?
Follow your guide on a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque of Muscat, donated to the people by Sultan Qaboos. Here, you'll discover a colossal work of engineering: did you know that around 300,000 tons of Indian sandstone were used to build it?
From the Persian stained glass windows to the huge crystal chandelier and the library of Islamic scientific and cultural tomes, everything here is simply amazing. Even the silence.
Meanwhile, in the noisy Mutrah souq, it's time to set off on a treasure hunt! Exotic aromas and streets brimming with fabrics, silver jewelry and rare handicrafts. What will you choose?
Then, get your fill of history as you visit the six buildings of the Bait Al Zubair museum, founded in 1998, with its collections of Omani stamps, coins, jewelry and works of art. Unique artifacts that span both past and present.
On the way back, look out of your window over the Gulf of Oman, with the "twin" forts of Al-Mirani and Al-Jalali built on the rock. Finally, snap a last photo of the details of the gold and turquoise façade of the Al-Alam Palace, the Sultan's residence.

Good to know

In order to enable you to access the mosque according to regulations, please wear suitable clothing: women must fully cover their heads, arms down to the wrists and legs down to the ankles, avoiding white, tight-fitting clothing. Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless shirts. Shoes must be removed.
Minimum age to visit the mosque: 12 years.
On Fridays, during public holidays and in the event of extraordinary closures, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque can only be visited from the outside.
Dollars are accepted in the souk.
This excursion is available also with Russian guide/Эту экскурсию можно совершить также с русскоязычным гидом.
On 03/03/2025 the Mosque will be visited from outside.