Oman
GRAND MOSQUE: at night, Sultanate Of Oman
The Sultanate of Oman has one of the oldest civilisations in the Arabian Peninsula and is a country of mountains, wadis, deserts and historic old forts.
Oman has over 600 miles of coastline and unike Dubai there are no skyscrapers and most larger buildings adhere to traditional Arabic designs with new buildings either white or sand coloured. Modern lifestyles are modified by the Omanis’ love and respect for tradition.
It’s capital city Muscat is renowned for its corniche and old fortified harbour with dhows. Muscat also boasts fine museums, architecture and the souk of Muttrah, where you can view the day’s catch at the fish souk. For a welcome break from the pristine white beaches take a day trip along the coastline to Sur by four wheel drive vehicle and stop at the Bimah Sinkhole, a spectacular limestone crater with blue green water at the bottom. Away from Muscat, explore the numerous castles and forts including Jabrin Castle, the finest example of residential architecture in Oman. Discover Salalah ‘the Garden City’ just a short flight away, to explore the fishing village of Taqa and the ruined city of Sanhuram, capital of the frankincense trade. The newly refurbished Al Bustan Palace is due to open in 2008. See our website for details.
FLIGHTS & FACTS
Fly to: Muscat (British Airways - daily, Gulf Air - daily).
Flying Time: 8 hrs direct.
Time Difference: GMT + 4.
Visas: Required - obtainable in advance or on arrival
Health requirements: No mandatory vaccinations
Best time to visit:Sep - Apr
Weather:
Oman’s climate differs from one area to another. It is hot and humid in the coastal areas in the summer between May and August, while it is hot and dry in the interior with the exception of the higher mountains, which enjoy a moderate climate round the year. The climate is best from September through to April. Rainfall is generally light and irregular, although heavy rains and thunderstorms can cause severe flooding. The southern region has a moderate climate and the pattern of rainfall is more predictable with monsoon rains occurring regularly between May and September.
A&K Recommends
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Middle East | Oman
Duration: 9 days
Muscat (2 nts) - Sawadi (1 nt) - Nizwa (2 nts) - Sur (1 nt) - Muscat (2 nts)
• Dramatic coastline
• Forts and castles
• Spectacular mountain and desert scenery
• Wonderful hospitable people
Culture | Wildlife
from £1,962 per person
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Middle East | Oman | Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat
198 rooms
The vibrant Al Bandar is set amidst 124 acres of landscaped gardens and is the heart of the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa. The 198 elegantly appointed rooms ...
5mins From Beach | Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
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Middle East | Oman | Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat
180 rooms
The pinnacle of your Omani experience, Al Husn is the most exclusive part of the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa with majestic sweeping views enhanced with the luxury ...
5mins From Beach | Sporting Activities
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Middle East | Oman | Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa, Muscat
302 rooms
Nestled on the edge of a private bay and surrounded by dramatic rock formations, Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is an Arabian paradise. Shangri-La stands as a synonym ...
5mins From Beach | Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £62 per person per night
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Middle East | Oman | Musandam
161 rooms
The site of the Evason Hideaway at Zighy Bay, in the Sultanate of Oman, is a secluded fishing village on the Sultanate's northern Musandam Peninsula with a private marina. The ...
from £235 per person per night
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Middle East | Oman | Muscat
280 rooms
Grand Hyatt Muscat is located on the sandy beach of Shatti Al Qurm, overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman and is one of the largest and most ...
5mins From Beach | Family Friendly | Sporting Activities
from £108 per person per night
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Middle East | Oman | Muscat
151 rooms
Reinventing the Arabian culture for the present day, The Chedi is a groundbreaking experience of opulence that brings ultramodern style and design to a region suffused with the past. An ...
5mins From Beach | Sporting Activities
from £69 per person per night
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Middle East | Oman | Half Day Tour
Duration: 1 day
Enjoy a half day Muscat city tour with a private driver/guide in a saloon car. The tour begins with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a religious and ...
Culture
from £48 per person
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Middle East | Oman
Duration: 1 day
Enjoy a full day safari with a private driver/guide in a four wheel drive vehicle and a picnic lunch. Travel through the fascinating Hajar Mountains and the town of Ibra ...
Active
from £125 per person
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Middle East | Oman | Full Day Tour
Duration: 1 day
Enjoy a full day tour of Nizwa with a private driver/guide in a saloon car with lunch payable locally. Start with a spectacular drive through the Hajar mountains via the ...
Culture
from £70 per person