City: Muscat Governorate
Top Things to do in Muscat Governorate
The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Muscat Governorate, Oman
The Omani city of Muscat is predominantly populated by Islamic Arabs, though it also has a sizable, non-resident Indian population, further rounded out by American, British and Dutch citizens. Muscat is a tolerant and progressive city, where English speakers are relatively common. Arrange fares beforehand if seeing the city by taxi. To explore further, consider renting a car. Don't miss the imposing Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, atmospheric Old Muttrah Souk, Al Alam Royal Palace or Al Jalali Fort.
Restaurants in Muscat Governorate
1. Private Inspiring Interior Tour of Nizwa Souq and Fort, Bahla Fort and Jabrin Fort
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A journey to the past through the Sumail Gap that divides the Western and Eastern Hajars and onto the Old Capital of Oman, Nizwa, famous for its silver souq and a big round fort. After visiting the souq and the fort, you move to Bahla with the huge loam fort (Photo Stop). Bahla is also known as the pottery capital of Oman. Because of its cultural value, Bahla is placed in the UNESCO’s list of heritage monuments. Next visit is Jabrin fort, where you will find one of the most magnificent forts of Oman with its painted ceiling, dungeons, and hidden passages. Return to Muscat.
Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour
Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
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. Amouage , Fanja village & Wadi Taiyyin :Muscat Tours (Day Trip)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Amouage / Fanja village / Wadi Taiyyin :Muscat Tours (Day Trip) Pick up : From Any place in Muscat Duration : 8 Hr One of the unique of Muscat tours .Start from Muscat and visit Amouage perfume factory which is well known for creating the most finely crafted and exotic fragrances in the world. (Perfume factory is closed on Fridays/Saturday) Continue to Fanja the 400 year old history village & abandoned mud houses. Fanja is located on a top of a hill, thus gives a great chance for beautiful views of the Wadi and the surrounding Hajars. Proceed to Wadi Tayyin the demographic nature of the wadi makes it well-known for its crystal clear waters which are perfect for an afternoon dip as it is located deep within the mountains. Picnic lunch will be provided during the tour. Return to Muscat in the late afternoon. this tour is unique among Oman Day tours .
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 : 4 X4 vehicles 6 seats)
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch
Reviewed By 207luciek
I'm really happy that I choose this company because these 2 days of trips (Forts trip and Grand Canyon of Oman) were incredible. It was one of my best vacations ever and especially I must say THANK YOU to their guide Mr. Khalfan because he was very professional, careful, always focusing on details and thinking about to make the trip more interesting for me. He told me also lots of things about the history of the country, its culture, traditions etc. Thanks to him I enjoyed these 2 days so much and I'll definitely come back to Oman and would like to book another trips guided by him. I highly recommend this company to the others.
3. Wahiba Sands and Sur Full Day Private Tour from Muscat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Eastern Hajjar Mountains to Arabian Sea, the Wahiba Sands, described a Sand sea, stretch almost 200 kms in length and about 100 kms in width.
Inclusions: Transportation in 4x4 deluxe vehicle, Driver guide in English, Lunch with soft drinks, Maximum 4 pax per vehicle, Lunch
Exclusions: Alcohol, Personal Expenses
Reviewed By cris3PO
I reccomend this rour, especially as your first arrive in Muscat but don't expect to use it as a means to shop at the souk. The tour stops and audio narrative an route are great for information and context of Oman. The fish market would be better as a snack stop at a local cafe or eliminated all together. The souk stop is really not long enough for anything more than some fotos. Tips- be prepared for a long day since the tour time does not include trabsit to pick up all the people at various hotels. Bring water and snacks cause there are none provided. You can rent an abaya at the mosque as needed. The driver does not have them to provide
4. Private Half-Day Muscat City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Explore Muscat, learn more about Oman history and culture Places & Sights you'll visit: Grand Mosque Al Qurum Beach Fish Market Mutrah Market Al Zubair Museum Al Alam Palace Private Half-day Muscat city tour. Learn more about the culture and the history of Oman. Pick up and Drop off your Hotels, Port (For shore excursions passengers), Airport, Residence. All fees and taxes included.
Inclusions: Transportation by Air-Conditioned Vehicle Saloon or 4WD, All Fees and Taxes, English speaking Guide , Hotels, Port, Airport, Residence Pick up and drop off , Private tour
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By kjjd2018
Our guide Salim arrive on time and we travel to Nizwa. The fort alone is worthe the trip. Alos went up to the green mountains and what an amazing view. The temperature drops around 10 DegC, but still very plesant. Thanks again for a wonderfull trip.
5. Muscat Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
With some Omani snacks and refreshments this amazing combination trip will head first to the Royal Opera House of Muscat, then Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, The Fish Market (Mutrah) OR Mutrah Traditional Souk , and then to Al Alam Palace. At the end of this trip you will be familiar enough with Omani culture, some of Omani history, and you will have a good memory of the how Mutrah Souk is amazing!!
Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, Private transportation, Freedom to stop the driver to take pictures at any time.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By raju002
A day visit with family and friends will be a great idea. You can learn about the cultural heritage of the people.
6. 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.
7. A Taste of Oman 4 Nights/ 5 Days/
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
All our pick up and drop off Muscat hotel. We provide all our transportation with air condition and all guides are approved from Ministry of gov. in Tourism sector.
Inclusions: Dinner in Hotel Day 02 and Day 03, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions: Visa, Airfair flights, If group required lunch our driver will stop any local restaurant you can pay directly
Reviewed By weknowthe50
Oman Safari tours team organized a wonderful trip for us. They solve our visa issues and assist us for Muscat flights. Transfers to hotels and airport are organised perfectly on time. Nizwa forts and souqs were the best moment of our tour. It was the real history oman administration seating place. The outside view of the Nizwa Castle was really a view of old Oman history. I impressed their organization staff and team that offer us a wonderful tour for us.
8. Half Day Muscat City Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Our first stop in the morning is the Sultan´s Quaboos Grand Mosque. Admire there the 12m long chandelier and get an impression of Omani´s religion (Opening hours: From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday till Thursday). Explore at your next stop the exotic fish, fresh fruits and colorful vegetables at the traditional market in Muttrah. Feel free to mingle with the crowd and don’t forget to negotiate.Only a few meters from there you enter the famous MuttrahSouq where you will find a countless mix of Omani handcrafts, enjoy the oriental sound and smell the gold of Oman “Fragrances”. We drive along the beautiful Corniche to Old Muscat, where we stop for memorable picture of the Sultan's Palace which is surrounded by the Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. At the Bait Al Zubair Museum you get an exclusive chance to get informative information about the Omani culture and their history.
Inclusions: Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By sandiau
My husband went on a fishing trip today. A clean, fast boat set up with everything needed to catch fish. Captain has local knowledge of where to go to get a catch. Great day out!
9. Muscat tours of cruise ships
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
There is free internet and I tell you about my great history and the car is comfortable and air conditioned Accompany you and get off with you in the specified places of the tour
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By simonacancelli
We spent 10 days in Oman with our amazing driver Yahya. He took such a great care of us, he was so kind, helpful and sweet especially with our baby Amelie. He drove us through the best places in Oman, Muscat, Nizwa, Sur, the Desert, the mountains, and finally he took us to his place and we were so happy to meet his wonderful family! We always felt so blessed to stay with him, we had a gorgeous Omani experience that we will never forget. Thank you Yahya, you’ll always be in our heart!
10. The North & Nakhl Half Day Tour from Muscat
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
After picking you up from the hotel, the tour will start from Shatti Al-Qurum (next to Intercontinental Hotel). Nakhl is a typical Omani village. It lies at the foothills of the mountains near an abundant source of water, which irrigates extensive date palm plantations. Nakhl tour will start by driving towards Nakhl Fort. As you approach Nakhl, keep an eye out on the fortress that sits on a hillock outside the town. The fort’s origin is pre-Islamic with major contributions by the Al Ya’ruba and the Al Bu Sayed dynasties.We will visit the fort from outside (Fort is closed for renovation) and the mineral-laden hot springs water in Nakhl (Al Thowarah Hot Spring). Then we stop in Seeb souq by the seaside for a photo stop.. The tour will end in Avenue mall & then we'll transfer you back to your hotel.
Inclusions: Transportation round trip, Audio guiding in multilingual
Exclusions: Food & beverages, Personal expenses
Reviewed By cris3PO
I reccomend this rour, especially as your first arrive in Muscat but don't expect to use it as a means to shop at the souk. The tour stops and audio narrative an route are great for information and context of Oman. The fish market would be better as a snack stop at a local cafe or eliminated all together. The souk stop is really not long enough for anything more than some fotos. Tips- be prepared for a long day since the tour time does not include trabsit to pick up all the people at various hotels. Bring water and snacks cause there are none provided. You can rent an abaya at the mosque as needed. The driver does not have them to provide
