1 day Tours from Muscat

Combine your accommodation booking with a half-day or full-day Muscat tour and 1 day tours from Muscat or a dolphin watching experience or a Dhow cruise…

Click here for Printer Friendly Version (PDF) Oman Half & Full Day Tours from Muscat, October 2020-September 2021

Muscat City Tour (half day, 4 hours approximately) – “Mystic Muscat”

The tour starts with a visit of the Grand Mosque, standing in stately grandeur. A visit to this beautiful piece of architecture is a must for all tourist (open daily for visitors, between 0800–1100, except Fridays/holidays, dress code – women should wear attire covering their arms and legs and should cover their head with scarf; men should wear normal shirt and trousers). From here move on to the fish and vegetable markets in Muttrah. Feel free to mingle with the crowd. Visit the Muttrah Souq where you will find a mix of old and new. Sights, sounds and fragrances are in abundance. You then proceed past the Corniche and to the capital area before you take a photo stop at the Sultan’s Palace flanked by the 16th Century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. You visit Bait Al Zubair Museum for a fine display of Omani culture and history. End of Tour.

Muscat City Tour (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Muscat Splendour”

Start with the Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the world. Marvel at the rich Arabian architecture which is a must for tourists to Oman. (Open daily for visitors between 0800-1100 except Fridays).

Dress code – Women’s clothes should cover their arms and legs and a scarf worn on their head. Men should wear normal shirt and trousers).

From here you will head to The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM), Oman’s premier venue for musical arts and culture. Built on the orders of Oman’s ruler, the Opera House reflects contemporary Omani architecture and accommodates up to 1100 people. The one hour tour includes concert hall, auditorium, formal landscaped gardens and cultural market with restaurants and a centre for musical, theatrical and operatic productions. (Open daily visitors between 0830-1730 except Fridays/holidays, on performance dates or practice sessions).

You will have lunch at a local restaurant in Muttrah then visit the Sultanate of Oman’s National Museum (Open for visitors between 1000-1700 Saturday-Thursday, Fridays between 1400-1800 and may close on public holidays). Established in 2013 and opened in mid-2016, this is the Oman’s flagship cultural institution showcasing the nation’s heritage from the earliest human settlement some 2 million years ago through to today. The museum is in a purpose-designed building and has 14 permanent galleries, areas for temporary exhibitions and offers 43 digital immersive experiences, a fully equipped Learning Centre, conservation facilities, an ultra-high definition cinema and discovery areas for children. It also houses an open-plan museum storage concept, where visitors learn about processes that artefacts go through before they are put on display.

Take a photo stop at the Sultan’s Palace opposite the museum and flanked by the 16th Century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. Finally, proceed along the Corniche to visit Oman’s largest indoor shopping market – Muttrah Souk where you’ll find a mix of old and new amid abundant sights, sounds and fragrances.

Nizwa / Bahla / Jabrin Fort (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Inspiring Interior”

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. 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. Lunch in a local restaurant. 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.

Nakhal Rustaq (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Fascinating Forts”

Leave Muscat and your first stop is at Barka, a seaside town with small souqs and a fort along the shoreline.  As you approach Nakhl, keep an eye out for 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. You visit the fort. Visit the mineral-laden hot springs water in Nakhl. Picnic lunch under one of the many shades. You then move to Rustaq for a photo stop for another pre-Islamic fort which is currently under renovation. Later in the evening you return to Muscat.

Amouage / Famja Village / Wadi Taiyyin (full day, 8 hours approximately)

Start your journey from Muscat and visit the famous Amouage perfume factory which is renowned for creating some of the most finely crafted and exotic fragrances in the world. (Perfume factory is closed on Fridays/Saturday.) Continue to the village of Fanja – known for its 400 year old history & abandoned mud houses. The village is located on a hill top and hence provides beautiful views of the Wadi and the surrounding Hajars. Later, proceed to the scenic Wadi Tayyin which is located deep within the mountains and is known for its crystal clear waters perfect for an afternoon dip. Picnic lunch. Return to Muscat in the late afternoon.

Wahiba Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid 4WD (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Desert Safari”

Board a 4wd and head towards Fanjah, where you stop to take photos of an abandoned village. You drive through the Sumail Gap that divides the Western and Eastern Hajars. See the ruins of the old mercantile community of Al Mansfah near Ibra. Head towards the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid. Picnic lunch. Drive past the village with its endless date plantations. Reach the magnificent Wadi. The pools are cool, deep and absolutely stunning and the silky water perfect for a long swim. From here, proceed to Wahiba, the undulating golden sands. Indulge in some thrilling Dune Bashing. Return to Muscat.

Jebel Shams 4WD (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “The Grand Canyon of Oman”

Leave Muscat. Travel via Fanjah, Izki and Nizwa. Stop at Nizwa for a stroll through the Old Capital of Oman. After reaching the region of Al Hamra we visit the scenic Wadi Ghul and stop at the old village of Ghul to see the abandoned Persian ruins. From here you drive along Wadi Nakhr, also referred to as the Grand Canyon with breathtaking views. At the end of the Wadi is a village where rugs with bright colours and designs are made by local weavers. Visit the local weaver and haggle for their wares. Picnic lunch. From here you make our way up to Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman at 3000 metres. From here you will have an outstanding view deep into the Grand Canyon of Oman. On your way back, you will stop at Misfat Al Abrein, a picturesque village strapped on to the side of a mountain. As you walk around this beautiful village where time has come to a standstill, you will be moved by the simplicity and friendliness of the people. Return to Muscat.

Jebel Akhdar 4WD (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Cool and Green”

Drive through Sumail Gap and Izki. Stop at Birkat Al Mouz for a photo stop. The old and the new village are both immerse in a lush green date and banana plantation. Birkat Al Mouz is also home of one the most famous and longest falaj system in Oman, the “Falaj Daris”, which runs from here all the way to Nizwa. You proceed to the roof of Oman, the Saiq Plateau which for hundreds of years has been accessible only by donkeys. The sight of terraced gardens is very interesting. A variety of fruits like, pomegranates, apricot, and lemon are grown here. There are rose gardens here and they bloom in April. There are interesting walks in Wadi Bani Habib, Shrejaya, Al ain and Aqur. The weather here is cool and dry. Picnic lunch. Return to Muscat.

Wadi Shab 4WD (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Coastal Trek”

Travel through the Coast from Muscat to Quriyat and over the plateau down to the narrow coastal track. Stop at the geological wonder that is Bimah sinkhole and then continue 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. Picnic lunch under one of the many shades. You then stop at Fins Beach. Relax a while. Return to Muscat. (Kindly note that the wadi is strewn with rocks and pebbles making walking difficult. Advisable to wear sturdy walking shoes.)

Wadi Sahtan 4WD (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Mandoos – The Chest of Oman”

Visit the Seeb fish souk. You then head to Wadi Sahtan via the road that leads from a round-about just north of Rustaq. This road is a connector with the interior town of Ibri via Wadi Bani Ghafir, Wadi Mabrah and Wadi Hidaq. Drive through narrow tracks and dodging boulders once you reach the entrance of the Wadi. Picnic Lunch. We reach Sahtan Bowl which old timers call the “mandoos”, “The Chest of Oman” because it is so secluded. Here you will see small settlements set among lush plantations. Return to Muscat.

Billad Sayt 4WD (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Magnificent Remote Village”

You proceed along the Batinah Coast towards the most beautiful remote village in Oman, Billad Sayt in the Western Hajars. Near Awabi you turn to a beautiful wadi, Wadi Bani Awf. After a spectacular drive you reach the beautiful village of Billad Sayt, where your eyes are treated to an amazing view, of Palm groves and terraced gardens between the stone walls. Picnic Lunch. You head back to Muscat via Nakhl.

Exploring Wadis 4WD (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Wadis & Mountains”

Leave Muscat head to Quriyat, then travel inland for about 20km’s to see “Wadi Dayqah Dam”, set in the desert terrain against a mountainous back drop above the Al Mazara village in the Vilayat of Quriyat and the biggest manmade dam in Oman. At 75 metres high, this dam straddles 400 metres across the wadi gorge with a 100 million cubic metre reservoir, definitely a tourist attraction. Along an off-road track through the Hajar mountains on your way to visit “Wadi Al Arbaeen”. On route, you will see a few “Mushroom rocks”, naturally occurring rock formation whose shape, as its name implies, resembles a mushroom. At the wadi you will find a pool of crystal clear, turquoise waters, which are cool and inviting for a swim. Picnic lunch. After lunch, return to Muscat via “Wadi Mayh”, a long valley that lies between Yiti and Sifah, driving, through an enormous mountain range which is naturally engraved with many layers, created through different geological periods and boasts a massive display of rock art. This picturesque landscape is dotted with small streams and pools of fresh water, alongside you will also find a Falaj system used by villages and farmers. Return to Muscat

Wadi Abyadh & Wekan Village 4WD (full day, 8 hours approximately) – “Wadis & Mountains”

Leave Muscat and head towards Batinah coast. Batinah is the most fertile region of Oman. You then proceed to Wadi Abyadh. On the way you will see a picturesque village set among date plantations. Enjoy the crystal clear rock pools and experience an adrenaline rush with some wadi bashing. Picnic Lunch. Later you travel to Wadi Mistal which cuts through the Hajar Mountain Ranges. After a 30 km drive through the wadi, we reach the face of a mountain which is ophiolite; there are two villages here, Hadash and Wekan. You turn towards the right and drive up the steep and winding rock, to visit the agricultural village of Wekan which is 1700m above sea level. Marvel at the beautiful landscape and enjoy the cool and pleasant weather here. You will find Pomegranates, grapes, walnuts, apricots and dates grown here. Return to Muscat.

Dolphin Watch (2 hours approximately) – (minimum 2 passengers, includes return transfers)

You will be picked you from your hotel at 7.15 am. Make a dream come true; step aboard to explore the hidden treasures of Oman’s magic coastline. 2 hours cruise will give you a fascinating experience and it’s rare to miss the swimming dolphins. Chances of seeing dolphins (usually common, spinner, bottlenose or Indo-Pacific species) are high at any time of the year. A dolphin in flight is a wonderful sight that thrills onlookers. Soft drinks on board.

Sunset Dhow Cruise (1600-1800, 2 hours approximately) – “Sunset Serenity”

(Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Monday, minimum 2 passengers, includes return transfers)

You will be taken to Marina Bandar Rawdha. Embark a traditional Omani Dhow for a 2 hours Dhow Cruise. You pass the Yacht club of Muscat and fishing village of Sidab. Pass by the harbor of historic Muscat, the Sultan’s Palace flanked by Jalali and Mirani forts and then sail past Al Bustan Palace, Oman’s premium hotel. From here you go by Qantab and at Bandar Jissah you can have a glimpse of the Shangri-la Resorts.  Return to Muscat. Kahwa and dates served on board.

Above Muscat day tour rates include:

• Picnic lunch or lunch at local restaurant (on Full Day Tours only)
• Soft drinks, entry to forts and museums
• Transport in comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
• Services of an English speaking guide

Please note a 25% supplement  applies on holidays incl. Eid, Christmas, New Years, Easter