Day 1
Fly from the UK to the Omani capital, meet your tour manager when you arrive, and transfer to your welcoming hotel.
Rest and relax after the journey, and perhaps enjoy a first al fresco dinner.
Day 2
Get to know the Omani capital on today’s guided introductory tour. Set between the Sea of Oman and rugged mountains framed by an ever-blue sky, this determinedly low-rise, friendly city combines old and glittering new in harmony. Its most precious jewel is the extraordinary Grand Mosque, a gift to the nation from ruler Sultan Qaboos. With space for over 20,000 worshippers in its vast prayer hall, a chandelier featuring over 600,000 crystals, and the world’s second-largest Persian carpet, the building is a modern glory, as are the equally impressive Royal Opera House and adjacent Opera Galleria shopping mall.
More traditional trading takes place at the historic waterfront Al Muttrah souk and fish market, which will be other highlights of your tour. A visit to the Bait Al Zubair museum, which chronicles Omani history and traditions, and the chance to see the sultan’s monumental palace, flanked by two ancient forts in the heart of Old Muscat, complete a fascinating day.