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Yes, there are vast deserts and rugged mountains too, but we think you’ll be completely charmed by the diversity, beauty and openly friendly nature of this intriguing land. Oman is proud of its rich Arabian culture and history, with one of the oldest civilisations in the region dating back over five thousand years. And tradition plays a large part in everyday life here, with a definite serenity and gentleness to the place. There are many luxury resorts set on fabulous beaches and watersports are understandably popular, including some excellent dive sites. We recommend you also go exploring and our Contrasts of Oman tour is the perfect way to discover ancient imperial forts, magnificent mosques and mountain villages that have remained unchanged for centuries.

We think you’ll love the capital Muscat with its colourful mix of the old and the new. It’s well worth standing on the waterfront and watching the animated scenes, or bargain in the Muttrah Souq for Bedouin rugs, gold and frankincense. Muscat’s aquarium is probably the best in the Gulf region and the new Royal Opera House and Oman’s first PGA golf course, designed by Greg Norman, promise to take Muscat to a whole new level in 2011. You’ll find the restaurants are excellent, with very attentive yet relaxed and friendly service. Open-air arts, dance and music displays are common and help define Oman’s unique character and warm hospitality. But perhaps the most surprising thing about Oman with all that it has to offer, is the way it is so often overlooked by holidaymakers. One more reason for you to go.

Out and About
Discover the wealth of sights and history with a few of our suggested activities.

• Take an unforgettable dolphin and whale watching boat trip from Muscat, then stroll along the lovely corniche flanked by mountains on one side and the sea on the other, perfect at sunset.

• Visit Muscat’s Bait Al Zubair Museum and the magnificent Jalali and Mirani forts, which stand majestically at the entrance to Muscat Bay.

• Marvel at Muscat’s Grand Mosque with its 50 metre high central dome and towering minarets, and Al Alam Palace official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.

• Oman has a fascinating heritage and sights including Nizwa Fort, the largest in the Arabian Peninsula and Jabrin Fort built in the 17th century with beautiful paintings and elaborate carvings, will give you a true sense of the Arabia of old.

• Jebel Akhdar, part of the Al Hajar Mountain range, is one of the most spectacular areas in Oman, famed for its dramatic peaks terraced with fruit orchards and beautiful local villages, and is well worth the trip.

• Explore The Wahiba Sands by four wheel drive, with its impressive dunes rising up to 200 metres.

• Oman is famous for its Wadis, and one of the best known is Wadi Bani Khalid. With its constantly flowing stream, large pools and delightful villages embedded in the mountains, it is a must see.

• Visit the Amouage fine perfume factory and sample the highly-prized scent of Oman.

Food and Drink
The cuisine of Oman is a fine blend of flavours from the Middle East, Africa and the Far East.
Traditionally it is prepared with liberal use of various marinades, spices, herbs, onion, garlic and lime and yet it is not as hot as other Asian cuisines. You will find Kahwa or Omani coffee served with dates everywhere and do try Omani Halwa - a sticky sweet dessert made from brown sugar, eggs, honey and spices; the chocolate infused version is delicious. For authentic flavours, Al Bustan Palace hotel’s Seblat Al Bustan Restaurant has a theme night every Sunday and Wednesday evening, with Omani dishes, dance and music in a Bedouin village style ambience. We think The Golden Oryx is the best Chinese restaurant in Oman and The Beach Restaurant at The Chedi Muscat is not to be missed, serving an eclectic mixture of flavours that will awaken your taste buds in a beautiful setting.

Getting There
Flights to Muscat are with Oman Air direct or British Airways via Abu Dhabi in both directions. Total journey time: Oman Air 7 hours 30 minutes and British Airways 9 hours (including 1 hour touchdown in Abu Dhabi).

Oman Air Departures from Heathrow daily on A333 aircraft with Economy and Business Class cabins.

British Airways Departures from Heathrow via Abu Dhabi daily on B777 aircraft with World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First Class cabins.

Note: All our inclusive holidays are based on Oman Air Economy flights. Prices with British Airways are also available on request.