EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Experience Oman's unique blend of historic and contemporary sites when you visit Nakhl Fort and Springs, the Bait Al Zubair Museum, as well as other city highlights.

A drive along the Batinah Coast takes you to the centuries-old Nakhl Fort, perched on a 200-foot high hilltop with spectacular views of the surrounding oasis. This impressive pre-Islamic fortress was the stronghold of the well-known Bani Kharous tribe during Medieval times, and offers a unique look into Oman's past. You'll then visit Nakhl Springs, a tranquil and picturesque area framed by majestic mountains and a dense green oasis.

Stop for photos at the Zawawi Mosque, Oman's most exquisite mosque and at the splendid Al Alam Palace, which offers scenic vistas overlooking Muscat Bay. Visit Bait Al Zubair, a private museum housing collections of traditional Omani items that include weaponry, jewelry, clothing, household items and more. You'll enjoy lunch at a local hotel during the day.

A day in Muscat is not complete, until you visit the colorful Muttrah Souq, where the scent of exotic Arabian perfumes and spices fills the air. Here, a multitude of shops offer Omani daggers, or khanjars, as well as handmade Omani costumes, antiques, silver jewelry and a variety of handicrafts.

Discover the historic and religious sites of Muscat, Oman's political, economic and commercial hub, during this half-day tour. A scenic drive takes you through the exclusive Omani residential district of Shati Al Qurum. You'll visit the Grand Mosque, the largest and most exclusive mosque in Oman, before stopping at the colorful Muttrah Souq, where the scent of exotic Arabian perfumes and spices fills the air. Here, a multitude of shops offer Omani daggers, or khanjars, as well as handmade Omani costumes, antiques, silver jewelry and a variety of handicrafts.

Continue to Bait Al Zubair, a private museum housing collections of traditional Omani items that include weaponry, jewelry, clothing, household items, books, photographs, paintings, and maps. Take a drive along Muscat's scenic coastal road, through the charming fishing village of Sidab and on to Muscat's Old Town for a great photo opportunity at the impressive Al Alam Palace, the official residence of Sultan Qaboos. The palace, adorned with Oriental-styled architecture, and strategically positioned between, two Medieval fortresses offers picturesque vistas overlooking Muscat Bay.

Discover Muscat's exotic souq, palace, mosque and museum, during this scenic half-day tour of the city. Your drive takes you to Muscat's Old Town for a great photo opportunity at the impressive Al Alam Palace, the official residence of Sultan Qaboos. The palace, adorned with Oriental-styled architecture, and strategically positioned between, two Medieval fortresses offers picturesque vistas overlooking Muscat Bay. Another photo stop is made the Zawawi Mosque; built by Sheik Zawawi, it is one of Oman's finest.

You'll visit the Bait Adam Museum, located on the ground-floor of a private home, to view a unique collection of currency, paintings, photographs, guns, and more. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your host, and offered Arabic coffee and dates. A visit to Muscat is not complete, until you visit the colorful Muttrah Souq, where the scent of exotic Arabian perfumes and spices fills the air. Here, a multitude of shops offer Omani daggers, or khanjars, as well as handmade Omani costumes, antiques, silver jewelry and a variety of handicrafts.

Get face-to-face with Oman's abundant marine life during this dolphin watching and snorkeling expedition in Muscat. Drive to the marina and board your boat. Set out in search of dolphins and whales about a mile off the rugged coast. Although sightings are not guaranteed, it is not unusual to spot three or four different varieties of dolphin or toothed whales during this relaxing trip out to sea.

If you're lucky, you might even encounter some of the larger species of filter-feeding or baleen whales. Continue cruising to Bander Khiran, where you'll have an opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and explore the coral beds that abound with a variety of exotic fish.

See Muscat from a different perspective on this exclusive dhow boat cruise. Dhows are built in the town of Sur and crafted with traditional Omani techniques that have been passed on for centuries from generation to generation; modern features and safety aspects are then added in Muscat.

Transfer to the marina where you'll board your private dhow boat for an approximately 1 1/2 hour cruise. The route you'll take has been carefully mapped out along the waters of Muscat's Old Town. Enjoy soft drinks and water as you take in scenic vistas reflecting Oman's history, from Portuguese architecture at the Corniche to the modern wonders of the Al Alam Palace.

Hop on Hop Off! Your open-top Double Decker is a sightseeing experience designed to captivate you with a unique perspective of a city rich in old Arabian charm.

Dominated by dramatic mountains, enjoy the fascinating history of Oman's capital city as the recorded commentary is available in 6 different languages including English, Arabic, French, German, Italian and Spanish. With 8 stops to choose from, you will be able to explore at your leisure as you are free to hop on and off the bus for the entire day. Frequency of the buses is every 30 minutes with the last bus departing from stop #1 at 5:00 pm. The loop begins and ends at the cruise ship pier.

Your tour ticket also includes complimentary headphones and map.

Highlights of the tour include Muttrah Souk, Royal Opera House, Natural Mangroves, Qurum Beach, Qurum Park, Mountain Pass, Parliament, Marina Views, Sultan Palace, The Old Quarter, Museums, Kalbu Corniche, Dolphin Fountain and Al Muttrah Corniche.