Oman's cultural experiences introduce visitors to a Gulf civilisation of considerable maritime and craft heritage. Guided tours of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque — focusing on the hand-knotted carpet covering 60,000 square feet and the pietra dura marble inlay of the prayer hall — are best done in the morning visitor window with a cultural guide. The National Museum of Oman's guided tour covering the Pleistocene through the golden age of the Omani maritime empire, traditional Mutrah Souk walks with a frankincense and silver specialist, and Nizwa Fort and souk guided experience on the traditional Friday market day extend the cultural programme. Traditional silver khanjar dagger-making workshop visits in the craft villages of the Hajar mountains, ancient aflaj irrigation system guided tours, and Dhofar frankincense heritage tours in the Salalah region complete the offer. It really hits differently.