Location: Muscat
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What to do and see in Muscat, Muscat Governorate: The Best Walking Tours
Muscat (Arabic: مسقط, Masqaṭ pronounced [ˈmasqatˤ]) is the capital and largest metropolitan city of Oman. It is also the seat of government and largest city in the Governorate of Muscat. Muscat is also considered as a Global City. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), the total population of Muscat Governorate reached 1.28 million as of September 2015. The metropolitan area spans approximately 3,500 km (1,400 sq mi) and includes six provinces called wilayats. Known since the early 1st century CE as an important trading port between the west and the east, Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians, the Portuguese Empire and the Ottoman Empire at various points in its history. A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar. As an important port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians and the Balochis. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society.
Restaurants in Muscat
1. Coastal Tour and Wadi Hike from Muscat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Travel along the coast from Muscat to Quriyat and over the plateau down to the narrow coastal track. On the way you stop at Bimah sinkhole, a geological wonder. From here it’s a short distance to the Fins Beach and then continue the tour to Wadi Shab. Take a hike up one of Oman’s scenic wadis. At the end of Wadi Shab there is a swim through the famous keyhole into the secluded world thrilling of fantasy.Stop at Fins Beach. Relax a while. Return to Muscat.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Lunch, Driver/guide, Private tour
Exclusions: Expenses of any personal nature, Gratuities
Reviewed By gbb4U
I had a 11 day private tour with the best guide- Khalifa. He was smart and fun and engaging and very creative. He truly made sure that I had a wonderful tour of Oman. Its hard to spend that much 1:1 time with anyone, but he was easy going, considerate, and truly just the best companion. I can highly recommend Mark Tours if you request him specifically. The problem was with the company. I worked with them for two months on the trip- getting each site and hotel and activity specific for me. I had a definite budget and we agreed on a trip w the costs acceptable. Then after about 5+ weeks post agreement and 6 days before I flew the agent wrote me and said he'd make a mistake and that I needed to pay 40% more. I wrote to the Admin and never heard back. Eventually we were able to stay at the original agreed upon price, but that was bad business. Another problem arose when the company tried to substitute a lessor hotel for one that had already been agreed to and put into the itinerary. That also got resolved, but it left a very bad taste. So if you book with Mark Tours be very careful to get everything tied down and in writing. I was and am very concerned that I never heard from the owner/manager about this last minute price increase (40%!) attempt. That to me speaks poorly of the company. But if you do book - make sure you get Khalifa as your guide!
2. Magnificent Muscat! Half-day Private City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Experience the magnificence of the city of Muscat, when you travel like a local. Grand Mosque, Matrah Souq, Al Alam Palace
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes, English Speaking Guide, Hotels, Port, Airport, Residence Pick up and drop off, Private Tour, Entry/Admission - Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Entry/Admission - Mutrah Fish Market, Entry/Admission - Mutrah Souq, Entry/Admission - Bait Al Zubair, Entry/Admission - Al Alam Palace
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By fiyazm2020
The trip was wonderful.the children enjoyed it and the guide was great. Will use their service again.
3. Snake Canyon 2.0
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
This is a fantastic entry-level adventure for those looking to get a good adrenaline rush and try out some rope work. The challenges begin right from the start, with an 8m abseil right into the first pool, and don't end until we start our hike to exit the canyon. As we keep following the canyon down, get ready for a 30m abseil, multiple slides, jumps and scrambles. Every turn has got a new obstacle for you to figure out. Traverse through the pools in the darkness of the cave and come out to face more slides, swims and a few BIG jumps, if you are ready for this. A trek through the boulder valley gets us out of the canyon.
Inclusions: abseiling equipments, Bottled water, Snacks
Exclusions:
Reviewed By mgmrmt
Why Twenty3 Extreme? My answer is..."WHY NOT?" Doing this kind of activity for the first time gave me a slight apprehension...but, that kind of feeling completely vanished from beginning till the end of my adventure with twenty3 extreme. Aj gave me the full details of the trip before it commenced..including the safety measures that they provide. I felt more at ease and safe because I have an adept guide/instructor, Hamid. He is no doubt a pro. He is so patient and encouraging that's why I finished the venture safely and successfully. Also, I enjoyed listening to him imparting the history of Oman and sharing his knowledge about several other things. Thank you Twenty3 Extreme. I highly recommend your company when it comes to adventures like this.
4. Private Tour to Jabal Shams Grand Canyon Balcony Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Take a turnaround trip alongside the Grand Canyon and experience spectacular natural scenery in Jabal Shams. Walk on through old abandoned village ruins and reach to cave with a water pond as a reward for Your efforts on the “Balcony Walk” trek. Located 220km from Muscat (80km from Nizwa) with the closest town Al Hamra, we gonna follow the road from Al Hamra to Wadi Ghul towards Jabal Shams Plateau, carry out until we will reach Al Khitaym village (app. 40km from Al Hamra). An ancient donkey trail, which follows the west flank of the An Nakhur Gorge (known as “Grand Canyon”) and leads to a abandoned village of As Sab - formerly known as Sab Bani Khamis. From the terraces we will also explore Water pool located inside open cave structure (Bi’r Dakhilyah). We gonna return on the same road. The time spent on the trek is set up around 5 hours, which is including the stops to breaks, pictures and break at the Water pool area before returning back).
Inclusions: Bottled water, snacks, Coffee/Tea, fruits., Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel surcharge, Hotel Pick up/Drop off
Exclusions: Gratuities
5. 4 Day Oman Discovery Tour from Muscat
Tour will be discover the fascinating history and traditional Arabian charm of Oman's capital. Take in dramatic views of the city's surrounding mountains and Sea of Oman.Also tour along the coast line to Muscat offers breath taking glimpses of the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman offset pristine beaches.
Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4x4 wheel vehicle with the services of English speaking guide cum chauffeur 01 04wd For 04 Pax, Drinking bottled Water
Exclusions: personal Expenses and Tips , Meals and all costs which are not mentioned in the itinerary
Reviewed By Anja K
We spent 7 nights end of Feb with our toddler twins and we cannot praise enough the service and facilities. It is a wonderful hotel on the one of the nicest Oman beaches. Food (Al Tanoor) is not as good as the service and facilities but good enough. Our kids had a blast as well as we did. Highly recommend it! Will definitely be back.
6. Nizwa ,bahla And Jebrine -omani Forts
Tour : Nizwa,Bahla and Jabrin Duration : 8 Hours Pick up: Muscat
Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Local taxes, National Park fees, Bottled water, Driver/guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by private vehicle (Maximum capacity : Salon Car 3 seats / 4 X4 vehicles 6 seats, At Friday the fort close at 11:00 AM , so it is not always guarantee to visit it from inside in case of Friday trip
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By MoghaniALABAMA
We had scheduled day tours of Muscat and Salalah and was in Dubai awaiting our cruise on March 12th. We had private tours with Oman Tours reserved. They were wonderful in cancellations! We had to ASAP return to USA first plane available due to our government request or be quarantined at end of cruise in Europe. We will return next year to finish our tours of Oman and will request Sarah to help us again with our plans. She is excellent. Thanks again and see you next year!
7. Wadi Al Arbaeen Tour
Tour : Wadi Al Arbaeen tours Duration : 8 Hours Pick up: Muscat Let us go through the scenic countryside and rugged mountains to the small fishing town of Quriyat. Have a chance to go through a village with plantations of dates, lemons and mangoes..
Inclusions: Fuel surcharge, Local taxes, National Park fees, Bottled water, Driver/guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by private vehicle (Maximum capacity : Salon Car 3 seats / 4 X4 vehicles 6 seats, At Friday the fort close at 11:00 AM , so it is not always guarantee to visit it from inside in case of Friday trip
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By MoghaniALABAMA
We had scheduled day tours of Muscat and Salalah and was in Dubai awaiting our cruise on March 12th. We had private tours with Oman Tours reserved. They were wonderful in cancellations! We had to ASAP return to USA first plane available due to our government request or be quarantined at end of cruise in Europe. We will return next year to finish our tours of Oman and will request Sarah to help us again with our plans. She is excellent. Thanks again and see you next year!
8. Fragrance Tour Of Muscat
The tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Visit the Natural History Museum, exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s history and thus imparting knowledge about the country’s rich culture and traditions to the visitor. Later you drive along the picturesque Corniche to the once walled district Muscat. You will have photo stops at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. You will be strolling through Muttrah Souq, where you will be bargaining for handicrafts and silver items.
Inclusions: 01 Nt Accommodation in hotel Muscat holidays or similar, All sightseeing in SALOON CAR with English specking Guide cum Driver, 02 bottle mineral water per person.
Exclusions: Any air fare, VISA charges., All meals other than mentioned., All expenses of personal in nature., Anything which is not specifically mentioned in inclusions part.
Reviewed By MSMR5
On recommendation of someone on tripadvisor forum, I decided to use Smart Travel which is based in Muscat. I cannot recommend this travel agency enough! Hussain met us the airport and it was first class service all the way! Oman is a beautiful country with lots to see and do. From the first email I sent Smart Travel, I always felt they were listening to what I wanted to do and see in Oman. I was with my two daughters and we never felt unsafe. Hussain was very attentive to our every need. I know some people like to drive especially in a place like Oman where the roads are very new and signs are in English but, why drive when you can be driven around with expert guides? I would recommend Smart Travel to anyone planning a visit to Oman!
9. Coastal Tour and Wadi Shab Day Tour
Start the tour by going straight to Wadi Shab which means a “wadi between the cliffs” and enjoy a walk through the wadi, as well as a refreshing swim in those pools. If you feel brave enough, go inside the cave accessible only by swimming. Once you come back to the car, you will head to Qalhat for a stop at Bibi Mariam Tomb (at present, closed for archaeological searches).
Inclusions: Full day tour as per above mentioned itinerary., 4WD car with English speaking Guide cum Driver, 02 bottle mineral water per person., Bottled water
Exclusions: Any air fare, VISA charges., All meals other than mentioned., All expenses of personal in nature., Anything which is not specifically mentioned in inclusions part.
Reviewed By MSMR5
On recommendation of someone on tripadvisor forum, I decided to use Smart Travel which is based in Muscat. I cannot recommend this travel agency enough! Hussain met us the airport and it was first class service all the way! Oman is a beautiful country with lots to see and do. From the first email I sent Smart Travel, I always felt they were listening to what I wanted to do and see in Oman. I was with my two daughters and we never felt unsafe. Hussain was very attentive to our every need. I know some people like to drive especially in a place like Oman where the roads are very new and signs are in English but, why drive when you can be driven around with expert guides? I would recommend Smart Travel to anyone planning a visit to Oman!
10. Discovering The Capital Muscat At Day Time
You will experience an Fabulous walk tour around Muscat City like No Other before . we will Visit the Grand Mousque ,old Muttrah , Forts , Museum and traditional souq ( Market) while enjoying The Market and the People There who used to live there and different type of activities like watching Forts and castles , handy crafts traditonal shops and History Note : - For Whoever wish for a boat trip in Qantab village please inform me ( 6 to 8 people for 25 rial with snorekling gears ) - for Whoever want private tour or a Group Private Tour , Please Messege me - When visiting the Mosque , Visitors must dress conservatively Men can wear long or short shirts with jeans or shorts that covers the knee area ! women must wear long sleeves and long dress to cover their arms and body parts and scarf to cover their hair as well as shoulders when they visit the mosque. - the OPERA HOUSE fees for adults is 3 OMANI RIAL and children 1 OMANI RIAL -
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Snacks, Fuel surcharge
Exclusions: Museum Ticket , Royal Opera House
