What's the itinerary?+
• Al ‘Āmrāt, also known as Al Amirat, is situated in the Muscat region of northeastern Oman. It ranks as the fifth most populous area within the Muscat Governorate, following Muscat, As Seeb, Bawshar, and Muttrah. Al Amarat is classified as a Wilayat and has its own Wali office, municipality, police station, and government facilities.
• A photo opportunity will be provided at Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque, an impressive marble structure located off the Southern Expressway. The mosque stands at an elevation of 62.5 meters above sea level, with construction having started in 2008 and finishing in 2014. The project brought together various designers and materials from countries including Iran, Italy, Germany, Austria, India, and the UK. The mosque covers 20,300 square meters, with the main prayer hall spanning 1,616 square meters and accommodating up to 2,100 worshippers. The chandeliers in the main prayer hall reach a height of 11 meters, while those in the women's prayer hall stand at 4.5 meters, both adorned with 24-karat gold and Swarovski crystals.
• There will be a photo stop at Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, which is a prominent feature of Muscat's skyline. The mosque is square-shaped and encompasses a central dome that rises 50 meters high. Five minarets, representing the five pillars of Islam, define the boundaries of the mosque compound, with the tallest minaret reaching 91.5 meters, while the others measure up to 45 meters. Its main prayer hall accommodates over 6,500 individuals, the women's prayer hall can hold 750, and an outdoor garden area can accommodate around 8,000 worshippers, bringing the total capacity to approximately 20,000. The mosque complex spans 416,000 square meters (102 acres), and was inaugurated by Sultan Qaboos in 2001 to mark thirty years in power.
• Following that, a photo stop is planned at the Royal Opera House, which is Oman's leading venue for musical arts and cultural events, situated in the Shati Al-Qurm district on Sultan Qaboos Street.
• Afterwards, the journey continues towards Muttrah Souk, one of the oldest traditional markets in the Arab peninsula, though it was rebuilt in the 1970s. A palm frond roof has been recently added for authenticity. Unlike more tourist-heavy souks, this market serves mainly local inhabitants, with vendors engaging visitors without being overly persistent.
• Along the Muttrah Souk lies the Muttrah Corniche, which consists of beautifully designed buildings and mosques. The area is particularly stunning at sunset when shadows are cast over the mountains, providing an inviting atmosphere for evening walks or bike rides.
• The next stop is Al Alam Palace (Flag Palace), the ceremonial palace of Sultan Qaboos, located in the heart of Old Muscat. Constructed in 1972, it is a prime example of contemporary Islamic architecture and is used to host visiting dignitaries. Although the Sultan resides elsewhere, the presence of the Omani flag at the main entrance indicates his presence at the palace.
• A photo opportunity will be provided at Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts. Al Jalali Fort was constructed by the Portuguese in the 1580s to defend the harbor after Muscat was invaded by Ottoman forces twice. Omani forces captured it in 1650.
• Following this, there will be a photo stop at Al Mirani Fort, which existed before Portuguese occupation and was rebuilt by them in 1587. It was the first fort in Oman to utilize cannons.
After dinner, participants will return to their hotels.
