Mystical Muscat with Grand Mosque Shore Excursion in Muscat, Oman
Leaving from the port of Mina Sultan Qaboos, you’ll drive through Oman's exclusive residential district of Shati Al Quru and the city's diplomatic area lined with greenery, lush parks and decorative flowers.
You’ll first stop at the architecturally wonderful Grand Mosque to take in its five majestic minarets and intricate designs. Adding to the mosque's allure are the exquisitely maintained and well-planned lawns and attractive gardens.
Onward down the coastal road past the Corniche with its beautiful merchants' houses and views of the sparkling turquoise sea, to the vibrant Muttrah Souq. Here, you’ll enjoy free time to explore the narrow alleys full of cubby-hole shops offering exquisite silver jewelry, Omani khanjars (daggers), exotic and fragrant spices and teas, antiques, and handicrafts in copper, camel bone, wood and leather.
After a short ride, you’ll arrive at Bait Al Zubair, a private museum displaying cultural heritage items including collections of weaponry, jewelry, clothing, paintings, photographs and maps.
Before returning to the ship, you'll see the radiant Al Alam Palace, stroll through the grounds outside and take in breathtakingly lovely views of picturesque Muscat Bay.
Please note: This tour includes a considerable amount of walking and may not be suitable for wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Suitable attire is required for entering the Mosque. Shorts, culottes, tight trousers, and leggings are not permitted. Trousers and skirts must cover the ankle, and women must have their head covered with a scarf and wear long-sleeved shirts. No tight or see-through blouses are permitted, even if a jacket is worn over them.
No video cameras are allowed at Al Alam Palace and no photography of any kind is allowed in the Ministries area. At the Grand Mosque, no photos of the women are permitted.