Tours/Muscat/Premium Muscat half day excursion-Italian guide
Premium Muscat half day excursion-Italian guide
4.9(25)Muscat3–4 hours
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR4.9(24)
+5 photos
At a glance
Duration
3–4 hours
Price from
$162 / person
Location
Muscat, Oman
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 25 reviews
Languages
EN, IT
Group
Small group, up to 40
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Oman day trips
Meeting point
We start tour from Muscat port near Muthra souq.
Description
An excursion to the most characteristic and traditional corners of Muscat, from souks to museums, to discover the true heart of the city
• The Grand Mosque (visiting time between 8 am to 11 am)
• Opera House exterior photo stop (photo stop at 10:30 am)
• The Muttrah suk (visiting time afternoon between 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
• Al-Alam Palace (Sultan palace-photo stop)
• Exterior of the fort of Al-Jalali (Photo stop near Al Alam palace)
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
16 times a day, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Next available
Sat, Oct 17
Adult (ages 25–45)
$162
Senior (ages 50–65)
$162
Youth (ages 12–22)
$162
Child (ages 6–10)
$81
Infant (ages 0–2)
Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Out at sunset: the 2:30 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:29 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 16.
Tour Options
Winter 2024 & 2025
An excursion to the most characteristic and traditional corners of Muscat, visit Mosque and city from souks to forts, to discover the true heart of the city.
Pickup included
Muscat city tour panoramic
Pickup included
Itinerary
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Admission included60 min
he mosque is built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone. The main musalla or prayer hall is square and 74.4 by 74.4 metres (244 by 244 feet) with a central dome rising to a height of 50 metres (160 ft) above the floor.[4] The dome and the main minaret (90 metres (300 ft)) and four flanking minarets (45.5 metres (149 ft)) are the mosque’s chief visual features. The main musalla can hold over 6500 worshippers, while the women's musalla can accommodate 750 worshipers. The outer paved ground can hold 8000 worshipers and there is additional space available in the interior courtyard and the passageways, making a total capacity of up to 20,000 worshipers.[5]
The mosque is built on a site occupying 416,000 m2 (4,480,000 sq ft)and the complex extends to cover an area of 40,000 m2 (430,000 sq ft). The newly built Grand Mosque was inaugurated by Sultan of Oman on May 4, 2001 to celebrate 30 years of his reign.
This hand-woven carpet was produced by Iran Carpet Company (ICC) at the order of the Diwan of the Royal Court of Sultanate. The carpet measures over 70 by 60 metres (230 by 200 feet), and covers the 4,343 m2 (46,750 sq ft) area of the praying hall.
The chandelier above the praying hall is 14 metres (46 feet) tall and was manufactured by the Italian company Faustig. Since the mosque is 90 metres (300 feet) high, the chandler looks proportional, but it used to be the world's largest chandelier
Mutrah Souq
Admission included45 min
Many people come to Mutrah Corniche just to visit the souq, which preserves the chaotic interest of a traditional Arab market even if it is housed under modern wooden roofs. The shops that sell Indian and Indian artifacts and some antique dealers are crowded among the most traditional fabric, hardware and jewelery stores. Bargaining is provided even if the discounts tend to be small. The cards are generally accepted in most shops, but they bring money in exchange for better offers in euros and dollars. The main entrance is through the Corniche, opposite the pedestrian traffic light.
The main attraction of Muttrah is the famous Souk Muttrah, probably the most popular tourist attraction in the country. This is Muscat in its most magical form: a deafening labyrinth of narrow and fragrant alleys full of colorful little shops stacked with incense and bukhoor trays, old silver khanjars, Bedu jewels and other exotic paraphernalia - one of the few markets in the world where you can buy gold, frankincense and myrrh under one roof. You could spend many pleasant hours here, bargaining for crafts and trying to make sense of the maze, especially if you venture far from the heavily toured main road to the perched streets.
The souk can be somewhat misleading at first sight: it is much larger and much more confusing than one might initially suspect. Heading from the main entrance onto the corniche, it is possible to cross the souk in less than five minutes, following the main artery that bisects the area from north to south. This stretch - more lively after dark - is where you'll find the most touristic (and expensive) shops in the souk, flanked by well-restored old buildings under a wooden roof and crowded with an eclectic mix of Omanis clothes and coaches left.
In reality, this is only a small part of the overall complex, which continues for a considerable distance on both sides, especially to the west. Turn right from the main street and, if you know where you are going, you can go back to the Muttrah Gold Souk, the building that faces the corniche a couple of hundred meters west of the main entrance of the souk, passing through a charming series of alleys full of gold and silver jewels along the way. Other alleys branch out in every direction, flanked by more and more rough shops and in the end they shoot you from the souk or return to the corniche or in the tangle of secondary streets and alleys that wind in the area behind Sur al Lewatia
Royal Opera House
Admission not included15 min
The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is Oman's headquarters for arts and musical culture. The opera house is located in the Shati Al-Qurm district of Muscat on Sultan Qaboos Street. Built on the royal orders of Sultan Qaboos of Oman, the Royal Opera House reflects the exclusive contemporary architecture of Oman and has a capacity to accommodate up to 1,100 people. The complex of the work consists of a concert theater, an auditorium, formal landscape gardens, a cultural market with retail stores, luxury restaurants and an art center for musical, theatrical and opera productions.
The ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said has always been a fan of classical music
and the arts. In 2001, the sultan ordered the construction of an opera house.
Initially called "House of Musical Arts", the name "Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM)"
was finally chosen. This opera house, built by Carillion Alawi,
became the first in the world equipped with interactive multimedia technology
of Radio Marconi display seatback system, was officially inaugurated on 12 October 2011,
with a production of the opera Turandot, directed by the Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo
Al Alam Palace
Admission not included10 min
Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial palace of His Majesty the Sultan. The palace is located in the heart of Old Muscat, surrounded by the forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani and will soon be facing the National Museum of Oman. The former Sultan lived in a house called Bait Al Alam which was demolished in the early 1970s to build this new palace in its place to be the official residence of the Sultan of Oman.
Sultan Qaboos rarely remains in Al Alam Palace since he seems to prefer his other residences in Al Seeb or Manah. However, this palace is the one most used to receive high-ranking official guests and has in the past hosted characters such as the Queen of England and the Queen of the Netherlands. The palace is not open to the public, but tourists can walk around the courtyard and the guards in front of the building at any time.
The Palace is surrounded by a number of other interesting government buildings such as the Ministry of Finance which has a beautiful gate that should not be missed by visitors to the building. You can see the gate of the Ministry of Finance walking along the right side arches of the building and crossing one of the two exists there.
Al Alam Palace is surrounded by fortresses of Al Jalali and Mirani, which unfortunately are not open to the public. Both fortresses were built in the 16th century around the time of the Portuguese invasion of Muscat. You can take a close look at both forts and get a breathtaking view of the back of the building by driving through the Al Alam street near the French museum of Oman where you can almost literally park your car behind the building.
What's included
Included
Bottled water
Professional guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Port pickup and drop-off
Not included
Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
Food and drinks
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up from Muscat Port inside.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
25 reviews
5
23
4
2
3
0
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Wheelchair accessible
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infant meals not included
Minimum age is 18 years
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
Dress code is formal
Dress code is smart casual
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Premium Muscat half day excursion-Italian guide take?
Premium Muscat half day excursion-Italian guide lasts about 3–4 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Premium Muscat half day excursion-Italian guide cost?
Prices start at $162 per person for this Muscat experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Premium Muscat half day excursion-Italian guide run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 16 departures a day between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
How much does Premium Muscat half day excursion-Italian guide cost for children?
Children aged 6–10 pay from $81, adults from $162. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Premium Muscat half day excursion-Italian guide for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We pick up from Muscat Port inside. Pickup points include Muscat Port-Muthra Souq.
What languages is Premium Muscat half day excursion-Italian guide offered in?
The experience is available in EN, IT.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 40 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Specialized infant seats are available Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(25)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
V
Voyage49125006197
April 10, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Muscat city and mosque
Beautiful excursion with Italian speaking guide. Excellent explanation of the various sites visited. To be recommended and to be done again if I return to Oman again.
Operator response
Grazie per aver dedicato del tempo a recensire i nostri servizi. Apprezziamo molto il tuo feedback e siamo felici di sapere che hai avuto un'esperienza positiva con noi.
Ci sforziamo di offrire un servizio eccezionale a tutti i nostri clienti, ed è gratificante sapere di aver soddisfatto le tue aspettative. La tua soddisfazione è la nostra massima priorità.
Puoi star tranquillo, continueremo a lavorare sodo per mantenere gli elevati standard che ci siamo prefissati. Se hai ulteriori domande o hai bisogno di assistenza in futuro, non esitare a contattarci.
Ancora una volta, grazie per le tue gentili parole. Non vediamo l'ora di servirti nuovamente e speriamo che tu consideri di raccomandare i nostri servizi ai tuoi amici, familiari e colleghi.
Cordiali saluti
Jaimini Charan
F
Francesco S
February 19, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Muscat city excursions go well with Charan Jaimini in Italian.
Beautiful experience, jaimini was fantastic, punctual at the port , air-conditioned bus. Once on the bus we headed towards the Muscat mosque, fantastic, and he explained everything very well in Italian on the way. Inside the mosque we received all the explanations. We stayed at the sultan’s palace, the opera house, the market, and on the beach. Everything perfect, jaimini also had fresh water for everyone.
Council
E
En747
February 14, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour to Muscat
I visited Muscat during a cruise stop in the Persian Gulf.
To visit the city I relied on this agency and I was lucky enough to have as a guide Jaimini, a great guy who made the tour even more beautiful and interesting.
We traveled in a mini van, spotless and very comfortable. Very good driver too.
Being a small group we moved with extreme ease and comfort, was attentive to our every request and also made us know hidden glimpses of the beautiful Muscat.
I recommend all Italians to turn to Oman Day Trips, also for the great prices.
F
Fulvia B
February 2, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Visit of Muscat
Nice visit from Muscat. A nice experience, to recommend if you are visiting Muscat. The guide, helpful and prepared, accompanied us to the most significant places of the city making us appreciate its beauties. Thank you.
Operator response
grazie mille fulvia consigli alli altri per nostra escursione garzie
Charan Jaimini
C
cap560
January 22, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Authentic and amazing Muscat
Very interesting and organized excursion very well. Charan is punctual, very good, prepared, helpful, smiling and very nice. She also sings the songs of Mannoia...great!
Excursion absolutely recommended, to discover the surprising and authentic Muscat.
Operator response
Grazie mille per tuoi complimenti. Condividre nostri servizi ai tuoi parenti e amici in futuro grazie
Charan Jaimini
G
giusybarbanera
March 26, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience
A well organized excursion, attentive to the customer and his needs, thank you very much for the wheelchair, which allowed me to make the excursion. Guide very prepared and speaking Italian to perfection, precise in detail, in the story of customs and buildings we visited. Courtesy, precision and professionalism. I highly recommend
See you soon and thank you
Operator response
Grazie mille
A
antonellalV4039CJ
March 26, 2022 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Muscat
Beautiful excursion to Muscat, super friendly and prepared guide. Always available both during booking and after the tour. Recommended
Operator response
Grazie mille sei stata molto gentile..
P
Paolasangui60
August 21, 2020 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience
Muscat visit very satisfactory. Great guide who not only speaks excellent Italian but is also extremely kind and helpful. Cost absolutely contained.
Operator response
Grazie mille Paola sei stato molto gentile.
Charan Jaimini
A
anna170708
April 27, 2020 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent guide
Reliable, serious, dedicated to work visit of interest Half a day but intense. Sincere congratulations
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Grazie Anna sei stata gentilissima
Charan Jaimini
C
cami61_11
April 27, 2020 · via Tripadvisor
Great excursion with Oman Day Trips
I visited Muscat last January on the occasion of the MSC Bellissima stopover in Oman. I booked the excursion with Jaimini Charan, helpful and professional, and, before departure gave us promptly all the directions for the meeting and the program. The visit of Muscat lasted 4 hours, well organized with a guide, Ritz, very good and prepared who spoke very good Italian and really introduced us to the wonders of Muscat, the Mosque, the Opera House, the Sultan's Palace, the Muscat seafront with shops,
I highly recommend the Oman Day Trip, it proved to be a serious and professional agency and , thanks to them, I have a beautiful memory of this excursion.
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Grazie mille 🤗
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