Muttrah Souk

Discover the rich blend of ancient and modern architecture of Muscat on a half-day city tour. Learn how the city has undergone dramatic development in the past 3 decades, yet managed to preserve its age-old culture and heritage. Your driver will show you how to use the audio guide system to benefit the GPS enabled commentary that follows the tour. Start with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and then continue through the Ministries' area to see a number of modern buildings with a touch of ancient, Islamic architecture. Go to the fish market and explore the narrow alleyways of the Muttrah souk to soak up the scent of exotic spices, coffee beans and ancient remedies. Learn more about the history of Oman at the Bait Al Zubair Museum. Take a souvenir photo at the magnificent Al Alam Palace, flanked by the twin Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali. Itinerary: • 45 mins in Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque • 15 mins in the fish market • 30 mins in the Bait Al Zubair Museum  • 10 mins for a photo stop in Al Alam Palace • 10 mins for a photo stop in Mirani & Jalali • 30 mins in Muttrah Souq

Being a rare blend of ancient and modern, Muscat is a beautiful city which lies in a maze of brown pleated Mountains. Lulled by the Arabian Sea, the city has undergone dramatic development in the past two or three decades. However, Muscat takes pride in the fact that it has preserved its lustrous culture and heritage. Your visit starts with a tour of the grand mosque, which is an architectural marvel and perhaps the new landmark of the city. The drive continues through the ministries' area, where you can see a number of modern buildings with touches of ancient, Islamic architecture. Then, visit the fish market and the folkloric Muttrah souk, with its narrow covered alleys where you can smell exotic aromas of mounds of spices, coffee beans, and ancient remedies, all enticing perfumes that fill the air. Next, engage in a visit to the Bait Al Zubair Museum, which has a fine exhibit of Omani history and culture, encompassing all of the areas traditional values. You will also have a photo-stop at the magnificent Al Alam Palace (the official residence of Sultan Qaboos) flanked by the twin Portuguese forts of Mirani & Jalali. Continue to Bait-Al-Baranda, a great museum in muscat, before finally stopping for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon , take your time to better explore this mystic city and its captivating civilization. Have a chance to explore other souks, and discover all the treasures and spices that you can find.

Start with pickup from your hotel in Muscat. Begin the tour at Shatti Al-Qurum, next to the Intercontinental Hotel. Pass by the Royal Opera House, a massive monument which was constructed on the orders of Sultan Qaboos, who is an avid fan of classical music. Make a photo stop at the illuminated Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque. Afterwards, head towards Old Muscat and the area of Muttrah Corniche. Admire the city's picturesque harbor from this beautiful waterside area. Arrive at Muttrah Souq to discover a mix of the old and new along with a myriad of sights, sounds, and fragrances from everyday life. Do some souvenir shopping before driving to the most prominent landmark in Muscat, the Al Alam Palace. Take a photo of the gates of the palace, flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. In recent years the palace is largely used for ceremonial purposes.  Next, make your way to the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Begin an authentic Omani culinary experience with the acrobatic tea-pouring skills of the tea sommelier. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner at the Al Khiran Terrace Restaurant. Offering an array of culinary treasures, Al Bustan Palace is home to some of the best restaurants in the city, only steps from luxurious resort accommodations.