Silversea Luxury Cruises À MUSCAT

Indulge your senses with the expansive beauty of the Wadi Abhyad Dunes during this scenic and exhilarating, half-day, dune-bashing evening excursion with dinner.

Muscat, Wadi Abhyad Dunes, Dunes by Al Nahda Resort

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive by 4x4 jeep to the Wadi Abhyad Dunes. The sand dunes here remain pristine and wild, and all care is being taken to maintain their unspoilt beauty. The Wadi Abhyad Dunes are a favourite among the Omani locals, families and expatriates for the day outs, night grills and adventure-seeking experiences they offer. Dunes by Al Nahda Resort is set to welcome all guests who wish to discover this unique destination.

Wadi Abhyad Dune-Bashing, Private Barbecue Dinner at the Dunes by Al Nadha Resort

Upon arrival at the Wadi Abhyad, your driver takes you for a scenic and exhilarating 'dune-bashing' ride around the dunes. Following your exciting dune-ride, a barbecue dinner is served at the dunes. After dinner, re-board your 4x4 jeep and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

While Muscat offers numerous cultural attractions, the rugged coastline and sparkling waters are equally appealing. During this water-oriented outing, spend approximately two hours looking for wild dolphins and other marine life, with an hour to snorkel.

Leaving the port, a 20-minute drive brings you to the Marina Bander Al Rowdha where the boat stands ready for boarding. Head out to sea in search of dolphins known to frequent this area. Watching their playful antics is a thrilling experience. If lucky, you may catch a glimpse one of the many species of whales that can be found a short distance from Muscat's rugged coast.

Next, cruise to Bander Khiran where the boat drops anchor at a spot known for its colourful coral beds inhabited by large varieties of exotic fish. From the boat, enjoy easy access into the water to swim and snorkel amidst this wonderful sea world.

Then, relax on the return cruise to the marina, where the coach is ready to take you back to Port Qaboos and the ship.

Visit one of Muscat's most impressive sites, the Grand Mosque, and discover the beauty of the Omani countryside on this full-day outing to Nakhl Fort.

Depart from the port and head directly to the Grand Mosque for a visit to this splendid house of worship.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Construction on the mosque complex began in early 1995 and was completed six years later. Inauguration followed in May 2001 by His Majesty the Sultan. The invested patronage of Sultan Qaboos plus his instructions to the team overseeing the project at the Diwan of the Royal Court, has endorsed the spiritual and architectural role of the largest mosque in Oman, able to accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. Then, proceed with the drive past the airport and along the Batinah Coast.

Barkha Fish Market

Arriving at the small town of Barkha, stop for a brief walk through the fish market to see an interesting display of the freshly caught fish and seafood. There is time if you wish to take a stroll along the beach or check out the local souq with its general purpose products.

Al Hazm Fort, Nakhl Springs & Lunch

Al Hazm Castle is one of the most magnificent castles in Oman. Located in Al Rustaq in Al Batinah Governorate, about 160 km away from Muscat, the designer of this castle is Imam Sultan bin Saif al Yarubi. Al Hazm Castle is a fortified structure and at the same time it was a palace in which the Imam live in. Leaving the fort, proceed to the nearby Nakhl Springs, a tranquil oasis surrounded by green vegetation and framed by the majestic Jebel Mountains. Following a short stop here, depart for the Al Nahda Resort (or similar) where a buffet lunch of international specialties is served.

At the conclusion of your tour, re-boarch your coach and transfer back to the pier.

Visit one of Muscat's most impressive sites, the Grand Mosque, and discover the beauty of the Omani countryside on this full-day outing to Barka Fort.

Depart from the port and head directly to the Grand Mosque for a visit to this splendid house of worship.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Construction on the mosque complex began in early 1995 and was completed six years later. Inauguration followed in May 2001 by His Majesty the Sultan. The invested patronage of Sultan Qaboos plus his instructions to the team overseeing the project at the Diwan of the Royal Court, has endorsed the spiritual and architectural role of the largest mosque in Oman, able to accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. Then, proceed with the drive past the airport and along the Batinah Coast.

Barkha Market

Arriving at the small town of Barkha, stop for a brief walk through the market to see an interesting display of the fresh vegetables and fruits. There is time if you wish to take a stroll along the beach or check out the local souq with its general-purpose products.

Barka Fort

Located between the major cities of Sohar and Muscat, Barka Fort formed part of the impressive string of forts along the Batinah Coast, guarding mercantile vessels and protecting the route towards Rustaq. Barka itself is renowned for its calm shore and numerous date palms. The Barka Fort is a great way to begin an excursion to this highly interesting and culturally rich part of Oman just 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Muscat.Barka Fort or as the residents of Barka call it "The jewel of the state" is the symbol of civilization and culture in Oman. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions located in the Barka in the southern Batinah province or the suq area. It is located between the fish market and the vegetable market and has great view to the sea and the old houses.Barka Fort was built in the middle of the 17^th century and built in two phases. The first phase was built during the reign of Saif bin Sultan al-Yaraibi and was completed during the reign of Hamad bin Saeed al-Busaidi. The Fort has since been restored by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. The Fort in the past was used for the defense and housing for the governor. As time passed the building continued to stand tall, and now is a popular tourist site that is under the protection and supervision of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture.

"Barka Fort is distinguished from the rest of Oman's Forts with its various types of towers. These towers were used in the past for observation". There is a small mosque inside the castle walls and a court of justice used by the Imam for making and announcing important decisions. There is also a private suite in front of the Fort for the Imam and his family. The suites consisted of three rooms - a reception room and a well that served the needs of the family and their servants. In the Western side of the Fort, the oldest part of the Fort still exists and is called the fortress of defense - used as storage of weapons, ammunitions, secret stores and detention rooms.

Leaving the fort, proceed to Nakhl Springs, a tranquil oasis surrounded by green vegetation and framed by the majestic Jebel Mountains. following a short stop here. depart for the Al Nahda Resort (or similar) where a buffet lunch of international specialties is served. Afterwards, commence the approximate 70-minute return journey to Muscat and Port Qaboos.

Discover the secrets to preparing delicious Omani cuisine during this interactive, half-day culinary excursion with lunch.

Muscat, Muttrah Fish & Vegetable Market, Shopping for Fish & Produce, Muttrah Souk, Spices

Depart the pier with your chef/guide for the short transfer to the Muttrah Fish & Vegetable Market. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the market. Along the way, you can choose from the fresh produce and catch-of-the-day; your chef/guide recommends to you the best local fish varieties. Afterward, a brief stop is made at the Muttrah Souq to purchase local spices before heading to the National Hospitality Institute.

National Hospitality Institute, Interactive Cooking Class, Lunch

Upon arrival, begin your interactive cooking class utilising the ingredients you have purchased from the market. These fun-filled, hands-on and informative classes were designed to enhance your culinary skills and confidence in the kitchen. In addition, take an opportunity to meet with the Omani students at the Institute and interact with them during the cooking session. Following your memorable cooking class, enjoy a lunch consisting of the seafood and other dishes you have helped to prepare. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your minivan and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore Muscat at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Muscat at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Muscat at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Muscat at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Get a first-hand introduction to Oman's capital, an exciting mix of medieval, traditional and modern architecture that lends Muscat an ambiance all of its own.

Meet your guide on the pier, board the coach and drive directly to the Grand Mosque.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Construction on the mosque complex began in early 1995 and was completed six years later. Inauguration followed in May 2001 by His Majesty the Sultan. The invested patronage of Sultan Qaboos plus his instructions to the team overseeing the project at the Diwan of the Royal Court, has endorsed the spiritual and architectural role of the largest mosque in Oman, able to accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The whole interior is panelled with off-white and dark grey marble. The ceilings are inspired by those of Omani forts and a Swarovski crystal chandelier with gold-plated metalwork hangs down for a length of 46 feet (14 metres). Your visit to this splendid house of worship will be an impressive experience. Please note mosque can only be viewed from the inside in the morning and on days other than Fridays/religious holidays.

Re-join the coach and continue to the Kargeen Café for refreshments.

Muttrah Souq

This colourful market, boasting scores of traditional shops, is one of the most frequented spots in Muscat. During a stroll through the narrow alleys, experience the unique atmosphere and see many authentic items, including frankincense, exotic perfumes, gold and silver jewellery, handicrafts in copper and camel bone, Omani designer products, and antiques (items over 50 years olds cannot be exported). A visit here is a mind-boggling experience.

Then, heading toward the old town, visit one of Muscat's most outstanding museums.

Bait Al Zubair

This museum contains one of Oman's finest and most comprehensive collections of artefacts from all over the Sultanate. Built in 1914 by Sheikh Al Zubair bin Ali, it was opened as a museum in 1998 by his son Mohammed Al Zubair as an integral part of the city's heritage. The museum is an important showcase for traditional Omani crafts and culture. Displays include antique jewellery, costumes, domestic utensils, Omani weaponry and recreated urban and rural environments.

Old Town & Al Alam Royal Palace

Following your visit to the museum, the guide leads you on a walk through the winding streets of the old town. The main attraction is the Al Alam Royal Palace. Nestled between the Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts, the palace's fairy-tale façade of gold and blue pillars make it one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. As the official estate of Oman's ruler, no inside visit is possible. However, seen from the gate the view of the exterior is quite impressive and you are welcomed to take photos.

At the end of your walk, re-join the coach for your way back to Port Qaboos and the ship.

Experience the waters around Muscat as the ancient mariners did on this half-day cruise aboard a traditional dhow.

The sight of the graceful sail of the dhow is synonymous with being in an exotic and far away land. For thousands of years Omanis have plied a sea-trading thoroughfare on trusty Dhows, their travels stretching north to Mesopotamia, east to India, and southwest to Africa.

From the pier, a 20-minute drive brings you to the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha and your awaiting dhow. The 'Lubna' provides interior and exterior seating. Indoors, overlooking the sea is an Arabic style saloon with stained glass windows and outside is 'majlis' or Arabic-style floor seating, all surrounded in traditional Omani ambience. The voyage is a carefully selected route along old Muscat, taking in scenes of Omani history from Portuguese architecture at the cornice to the modern wonders of the Al Alam Palace.

During the cruise, fresh dates, Omani coffee, and assorted soft drinks are offered. After the two-hour journey return to the marina where you are transferred back to the port to re-join the ship.

Experience Oman's scenic beauty during this full-day adventure by 4x4 with pic-nic lunch.

Scenic Drive by 4x4, Bimah Sinkhole, Wadi Tiwi

Depart the pier by 4x4 for your approximate one hour scenic drive along the coast. Arrive at Bimah Sinkhole, a limestone crater of turquoise waters, it is 50 by 70 meters wide and approximately 20 meters deep. The sinkhole was formed by a collapse of the surface layer due to dissolution of the underlying limestone. However, locals used to believe this sinkhole in the shape of a water well was created by a meteorite hence the Arabic name Hawiyyat Najm which means 'the deep well of the falling star'. Enjoy a quick stop at spectacular Wadi Tiwi for photo opportunity. Wadi Tiwi offers another variant of those deep gorges cut in the mountains and running to the sea: capture in your pictures the pools of emerald waters, the old villages and lush plantations.

Wadi Shab & Picnic Lunch

Proceed to the pretty Wadi Shab. It is a very popular outdoor attraction for both locals and tourists. Upon arrival, begin your walk right up to the source of the Wadi through lush green plantations of lemons, banana, and dates. The fairly easy walk on a rocky path is dotted with pools and waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the nature and relax your mind in these serene surroundings.

After lunch, commence one and half hour drive back to the ship.