What to do and see in Muscat, Muscat Governorate: The Best Private Tours

March 22, 2022 Kandra Bartel

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

Mark Tours - Oman Tours
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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. Amouage , Fanja village & Wadi Taiyyin :Muscat Tours (Day Trip)

Oman Day Tours
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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. 2 Days Package TOUR JAMILA

Oman Day Tours
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TOUR JAMILA | 2 Days Package Wahiba Sands - Wadi Bani Khalid - Ibra Pick up : From Any place in Muscat Duration : 2 Days

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, Overnight accommodation

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.

4. Muscat City Tour Half day

Tours Oman Private Day tours
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Tour : Muscat city tour Duration : 4 Hours Location : Muscat Pick up : Muscat or any place inside Muscat Drop off : Muscat or any place inside 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

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!

5. Private Half-Day Muscat City Tour

Discover Oman Tours
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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.

6. Muscat Day Tour

Muscat, Oman ALISMAILI TRAVEL & TOURISM
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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.

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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.

7. A Taste of Oman 4 Nights/ 5 Days/

Best Western Hotel, 3341 Dohat Al Adab St, Muscat, Oman Oman Safari Tours
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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. Wadi Shab Coastal Trekking

Tours Oman Private Day tours
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We'll pick you up from your hotel in Muscat and take you on a great adventure in Wadi Shab. Enjoy a long walk, wade through some gentle ponds, and have the opportunity to swim through a pond of crystal clear water and dive inside a magnificent cave with an inspiring waterfall.

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!

9. Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole Private Full Day Tour

GidOman
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4.8 based on 57 reviews

Wadi Shab is a very popular outdoor attraction in Oman.The main attraction of the wadi shab is the waterfall in the cave, which you can reach after a roughly 40 mins hike and swimming in 2-3 pools. People love going to this wadi as it is not very far from Muscat. The pools are always full of clear blue water! The wadi is definitely very popular just come and see it. *Pick up and drop-off from any place in Muscat *Travel comfortably in a new private vehicle with Wi-FI *Hike in the company of a professional tour guide and swimming in a cave *Lunch and water included Please take with you. Swimming clothes Waterproof case Sun Cream Water shoes A change of dry clothes Sneakers

Inclusions: Lunch, All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, licensed tour guide, Wi-FI

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Reviewed By 491kenz

It was my first time in Muscat and I wanted to remember this city. To do this, I reviewed many companies that are engaged in excursions and decided to stop at Gidoman . So, I didn't regret my choice and it was the coolest ride of my life. Our guide Ilya, talked to us very interesting information about the city sights. Most of all, I liked the Corniche Road and the old market. We took amazing photos against the background of snow-white beautiful buildings like in the tale of Aladdin. I want to say a huge thank you to the company Gidoman for what you do, I will recommend you to all my friends!

10. Desert experience - Private Wahiba sands full day tour

GidOman
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4.8 based on 5 reviews

Have you ever thought of attending a desert where you can explore the boundless sea of sand and feel the baking temperatures on your own? If your answer is yes, so the Wahiba Wilderness Tour is just for you! Cross the desert dunes by 4WD vehicle, and experience the adrenaline rush of driving across the rugged terrain in an off-road mode of transport. Make your way to the Wahiba Sands to see the traditional homes of the desert nomads and Bedouin tribes. Keep a look-out for the nomads as they move through the desert with their camels. Visit a Bedouin home in the middle of the desert, and contrast the arid landscape with the clear, blue waters of Wadi Bani Khalid. Enjoy a relaxing siesta in the shade of the palm trees, and catch a glimpse of the pretty villages scattered across the slopes of the wadi. Marvel at how the houses cling precariously to the rugged mountain side. Bring your swimming costume to take a dip in the inviting waters!

Inclusions: Lunch, Coffee and/or Tea, Bottled water, WiFi on board, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By 491kenz

It was my first time in Muscat and I wanted to remember this city. To do this, I reviewed many companies that are engaged in excursions and decided to stop at Gidoman . So, I didn't regret my choice and it was the coolest ride of my life. Our guide Ilya, talked to us very interesting information about the city sights. Most of all, I liked the Corniche Road and the old market. We took amazing photos against the background of snow-white beautiful buildings like in the tale of Aladdin. I want to say a huge thank you to the company Gidoman for what you do, I will recommend you to all my friends!

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