Day 6
Muscat (HB / lunch)
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a full-day sightseeing tour of Muscat. Begin with a visit to the Grand Mosque of Sultan Qaboos, one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque is home to what was once the largest carpet in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Next, visit the renowned Amouage Perfume Factory, creator of some of the most luxurious fragrances globally. Founded by His Highness Sayyid Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi at the behest of Sultan Qaboos, Amouage crafts rare and exotic scents reflecting the spirit and traditions of Oman. These are composed from exclusive ingredients such as frankincense from Dhofar and roses cultivated on the heights of Jebel Akhdar.
The tour continues with a visit to the Royal Opera House Muscat, the country’s premier venue for musical arts and culture. The building is a harmonious blend of Omani tradition and modern sophistication, showcasing exquisite hand-crafted décor that reflects the richness of local architecture (open daily except Fridays, 08:30–17:30).
Lunch at a café-restaurant in the city.
In the afternoon, explore the Old Town district. Pause for photos at the ceremonial square outside Al Alam Palace, the working residence of Sultan Qaboos. Take a leisurely walk through the old city toward the forts of Jalali and Mirani and the waterfront.
Visit the National Museum of Oman, located just opposite the palace, followed by a stroll through the Muttrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world. You’ll have free time here to shop for souvenirs, including Omani frankincense, silverware, and textiles. The souq lies on the historic Corniche promenade, once a bustling port of trade.
Evening return to the hotel.
Overnight at Al Bustan Palace Ritz-Carlton 5 (or similar).*