A good way to get a feel for the city, especially if time is limited, is to take a tour. Tours are usually tailor-made to each customer's interest and consist of a saloon car with air conditioning and a driver who often doubles as a guide. National Travel & Tourism (tel: 24 660 376; website: www.nttoman.com) has considerable experience in arranging city tours while Mark Tours (tel: 24 565 869; website: www.marktours.com) has a good reputation for tailor-make study tours and adventure trips in and beyond Muscat.

For boat tours of Muscat and environs, Arabian Sea Safaris (tel: 24 693 223; website: www.arabianseasafaris.com) runs popular harbour tours, while Muscat Diving and Adventure Center (tel: 24 485 663; website: www.holiday-in-oman.com) is the best company through which to organise activities such as caving, hiking and other outward-bound activities near to Muscat.