Four of us are going to be in Oman for a day stop with a cruise and are looking for a driver/guide to take us to Nizwa and then return to Muscat to spend some time at the Mutrah Souq, the Sohar Souq etc. The only tour companies we found
seem to want a lot of money. Is there a better way to do this? Also, after having spent two weeks in Morocco on our last travel, is it more of the same visiting the Grand Mosque? We have such little time and would love some suggestions...thanks

I am interested in this answer too. We have traveled all over the Middle East and arranging tours in Oman was surprisingly expensive.

I was only in Oman for 3nts(and want to return to see more) but I think you have a good plan for your 12hrs as both Nizwa and it's souk/fort are interesting and the corniche area and souk in Muscat is worth some time. I did have a car/driver but lots of people rent a car and drive themselves. The roads seemed good to me but I don't know about signage as I was not paying attention to that.

As to the mosque, it's quite impressive as it's only a few years old and if you love Islamic architecture as I do, it's also worthwhile and I've seen a lot of mosques.

Sounds amazing!

Finding private tour guides in Oman was not easy, however,
I was given the name of Golden Oryx Tours, Email:[email protected] and was quoted about $400.00 for 11 hours - this is with a 4WD and English speaking guide. Hope this helps -

I used Mark Tours and had an excellent guide/driver and a 4WD vehicle(great for the dune bashing) and can highly recommend them. It was part of a package so don't know their rates but they are one of the larger companies.