For an authentic Arabian experience set amongst stunning natural beauty encompassing rugged mountains, vast deserts, and the sparkling Arabian sea, head to Oman, a country which still proudly holds on to its traditions whilst looking to the future. Make the most of relaxing on the beaches, or enjoying desert safaris, camel-racing, deep-sea diving, turtle and bird watching, wadi-bashing, browsing through souks. Visit the dunes of Wahiba Sands, inhabited by Bedouins for a glimpse into a traditional way of life, and make sure you do not miss the traditional old capital city of Nizwa, surrounded by a thick palm oasis and overlooked by some of the country’s highest mountains, the historic fort and famous Nizwa Souk. While Muscat is the proud home of both the massive, contemporary Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the charming old waterfront Muttrah quarter, with its famous labyrinthine souk and bustling fish market.
Grand Mosque
It took six years to build Muscat's Grand Mosque, but it's a real show-stopper: the huge gold dome and tall minarets dominate the skyline, and all the gold, crystals, fine Italian white marble, 10,000-tonne crystal chandelier lit by 1,122 light bulbs, and an incredible 21-tonne carpet, which took 600 Iranian women to weave, will dazzle and astound!
Rustaq Fort
Beautifully restored, this fort is a labyrinth of corridors and stairways, ornately carved-out archways, and some incredible rooms such as the sultan's guest room, winter room, and even a prison! You'll also find women's and girl's rooms adorned with colourfully painted ceramics, teapots and bracelets
Ras Al Jinz
Head to Ras Al Jinz, near Sur, to spot protected turtles as 50,000 females slowly trail along the beach at night to lay their eggs, before heading back to the sea by dawn. The peak time for turtle watching is between July and October
Bimmah Sinkhole
It's worthwhile climbing down to the bottom of this enormous sinkhole to dip your toes in the wonderfully turquoise waters and to get a closer look at the 130ft wide basin
Our Top Holidays in Oman
The Chedi, Muscat
6 Days