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Muscat (Mina Qaboos), Oman

Oman's capital was once a major trading centre controlled and influenced by the Portuguese. Those intrepid explores and traders are long gone. Today, visitors flock to Oman thanks to its azure air, towering desert mountains, and crystalline waters. Muscat itself is an Arabian fable sprung to life. Old 16th century forts guard the bay and the palace, while the vibrant souqs offer daggers, superb silver jewellery, and traditional crafts and costumes.

Muscat's Al Alam palace is the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Points of Interest

  • Grand Mosque
  • Muttrah Souk
  • Bait Al Zubair
  • Nakhl Fort
  • Al Alam Palace
  • Dhow Cruise
  • 4WD Desert Safari
  • Quriyat Fish Market

More about Muscat (Mina Qaboos), Oman Points of Interest

  • Grand Mosque -

    This huge sandstone mosque is the third largest in the world, and home to marble paneling, a stunning Swarovski crystal chandelier, and the second largest hand-made Persian carpet in the world.

  • Muttrah Souk -

    This maze-like marketplace is a bustling snap-shot of life in Oman. Visitors can browse for jewelry, handicrafts, and exotic spices at this souk, which has been described as the best in the Gulf.

  • Bait Al Zubair -

    Bait Al Zubair, a privately owned museum, chronicles Oman's history, culture and traditions. The exhibition rooms are home to amazing displays of Islamic weaponry, art and household artifacts.

  • Nakhl Fort -

    Nakhl Fort is a famous pre-Islamic fortress that used to be the stronghold of the Bani Kharous tribe during the medieval times. View the ladies sitting room, the ruler's court, prison and courtyards.

  • Al Alam Palace -

    The Al Alam Palace, built in 1972, is the official residence of Sultan Qaboos bin Said and is closed to the public. It has a charming facade of gold and blue.

  • Dhow Cruise -

    The dhows in Muscat are made by famed Omani shipbuilders and feature open-air seating, majlis (raised decks) and stained glass windows. They are an ideal way to view the stunning coastline.

  • 4WD Desert Safari -

    Explore Oman on a 4WD safari that takes you to Fins Beach, Wadi Abreen (a wadi is a valley), the pretty village of Mazara, and Hail al Ghaf, an oasis town surrounded by mango groves.

  • Quriyat Fish Market -

    At Quriyat fish market, visitors can watch as the local fishermen unload their nets on the beach, while local traders eagerly survey the day's catch.

6 Excursions

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Special Child Pricing Available! Children age 12 and younger, savings up to 50%.

Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souk & Bait al Zubair

6.5 hours | Muscat (Mina Qaboos) | MCT-110 M C T - 1 1 0

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $179.95

Average Guest Rating

Grand Mosque & Al Hazm Fort

6.5 hours | Muscat (Mina Qaboos) | MCT-115 M C T - 1 1 5

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $109.95

Average Guest Rating

Grand Mosque & Bait Al Zubair

4.5 hours | Muscat (Mina Qaboos) | MCT-200 M C T - 2 0 0

Moderate Activity

From $99.95

Average Guest Rating

Muttrah Souk, Bait al Zubair & Bait al Adam

4.5 hours | Muscat (Mina Qaboos) | MCT-215 M C T - 2 1 5

Moderate Activity

From $89.95

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Cruise Aboard A Traditional Arab Dhow

3 hours | Muscat (Mina Qaboos) | MCT-240 M C T - 2 4 0

Moderate Activity

From $99.95

Average Guest Rating

Quriyat Fish Market & Desert Wadi Safari

6 hours | Muscat (Mina Qaboos) | MCT-460 M C T - 4 6 0

Strenuous Activity

From $149.95

Average Guest Rating