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Tours to the Oman Interior take on a few forms, for those that don't want to get off the bus, to those that want to shop in the local markets and bazaar's,A tour around the Interior that stops at the restoration site's is a must although for me, had they left the buildings as they are/were it would have been better.Now although restored old builings they still appear to have been built for the occation if you know what I mean....
Oman at this time had taken on a mamoth task of turning itself from another oil rich Arab state, to a tourist attraction.....The reason is very simple, at that time (1996) it was estimated that Oman had around 20 years worth of oil prodoction left and after that would be a baron wasteland with no form of income whatsoever.Now the foriegners are needed once again.Oman has a lot to offer the historian but I doubt that western life and holiday styles will ever fit in this community.... Personally I loved the place and it's people, it was just too hot.
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat was a gift from the sultan to his people in 2001. It's a hugely impressive achievement and non-Muslims can visit it between 8am and 11am - Saturday to Wednesday.There are pretty strict rules, particularly for women to make sure they cover their hair (no stray strands peeking out at the back), as well as arms down to the wrists. No kids under 10. Oh and switch off your mobiles.Once you're in, you'll be blown away by the size of the main hall where 7,000 can pray at one time. It's got the largest one-piece carpet in the world (finished off and stitched together in situ) - non-Muslims should make sure they walk on the blue over-carpet - and allegedly the largest chandelier in the world. Swarovski crystal no less.
Take a walk along the broad corniche which connects Muttrah port district with old Muscat and forms a neat edge to one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the east. Serrated peaks press in a close-ringed backdrop behind the rows of old Portuguese-style houses with their corrugated roofs and latticed balconies. Spaceship minarets punctuated the town's roofscape; crumbling three hundred year old towers watched on from the bluffs behind. The atmosphere seems very relaxed. People pass the time in conversation sitting on the sea wall in the warm breeze. And as the sky turns to a pale purple, the muezzin in the Alawati mosque begins his sunset call to the Mahgreb prayer, the fourth of the day, a nasal song which reverberates round the bay.
If they ever publish an I-Spy book of Oman's forts it will be as thick as a Littlewoods catalogue and youýll deserve a diamond-encrusted badge if you tick them all off. At last count there were more than five hundred. Nakhl fort, a former stronghold of the powerful Yaýaruba dynasty, seventy miles from Muscat, is one of the oldest and an early beneficiary of the government's rolling conservation programme. Like many, it looks from a distance just like a giant sandcastle, with neatly-crenellated parapets, walls smoothed flat, windows which look as if they've been poked in by a giant finger. And of course, a flag stabbed on top.I took the official tour and learned about the wali's (chief's) quarters and the torture techniques and enjoyed the fact enemies at the gate would suddenly find themselves doused with boiling date honey when they knocked on the door but after half an hour of the...
While most countries are remembered most for their visual impact, it can be hard to separate the sights of Oman from its smells. A man often sells ripe pomegranates at the entrance to the Aldhalam souk at Muttrah but this is just a canapý, an amuse-nez, for what is to come. Omanis have been coaxing frankincense from the Boswellia carterii tree since the 6th century B.C, since well before the Magi wrote out their Christmas list, since it was more valuable than gold. It is still burned in every home and public building, to scent rooms, to ward off evil spirits, "to bring angels to your house," I was told. And along with rose oil, musk, sandalwood and its confrere, myrrh, it habitually perfumes corners of this souk, a sociable shopping-stop a world away in atmosphere from the darker, often more intimidating labyrinths of North Africa.According to my guidebook, there are four types of...
It's a far way from Muscat to Salalah but don't think about to cancel this wounderful town on your route in Oman. This aera in Dhofar is so different and fantastic. A green, tropical place. We rent a car and drive around in that aera, it's a great experience!
Nizwa is a beautiful town in the near of the Jebel Akhdar. A great souk and a good place to buy souveniers, but it is new build and modern.The Fort is very impressive and i am sure no one will regret to go there.Also the little villages in the near of Nizwa are very interesting.
The most tourists will arrive in Muscat. But take some time for the "capital aera", there is much to see! The suk in Mutrah, there are also the most and cheepest hotels and the interesting fisch market. The town Muscat is very nice and to see the palast of sultan Quabus is a must. Also in the near are nice beaches but you need a taxi or, better, a own car.
It is a much slower and less direct route from Muscat to Sur, but it is worth it. I recommend it be done in some type of 4WD vehicle but I have seen many cars out there. The views are incredible and the villages it passes through are fascinating. Plus there many things along the way to stop and do. Remember to gas up whenever possible, gas stations are few and far between.
InterContinental Al Bustan Palace Muscat Muscat
16 Reviews and 184 Opinions If you have a chance to visit this prestigious hôtel , you will not regret it. Outstanding...
Hilton Salalah Salalah
6 Reviews and 98 Opinions The minute I entered this hotel I knew something was special and it did not take me long to discover...
Sur Beach Hotel Sur
4 Reviews and 23 Opinions This hotel is a three star option and in my opinion the best you can choose in Sur. Having stayed...
Reviews and photos of Oman attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Oman sightseeing.
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Q: who could inform me about a really good local travel agency or tour operator in oman, in order to book with them a 15 days round...
A: I recommend Nomad Tours in Oman. We stayed at Nomad Guest House in Muscat- it was excellent, and Lorna (the owner) can organize any tour that you might like to...
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