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INTRODUCTION
OMAN
oman experiences
Historic forts, spectacular mountain scenery, oases and desert safaris offer some unique and contrasting excursions to supplement your relaxing beach holiday.
MUSANDAM AIR EXCURSION
From £349 per person (Thursdays from Muscat) Fly to Khasab, the only major settlement of the peninsula, with Oman Air and proceed to check-in at the four star Golden Tulip Hotel. After a short city tour, including a visit to Khasab Fort, view the fascinating prehistorical rock paintings of Wadi Tawi. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari to Jebel Harim, Musandam's highest mountain, with spectacular views across foothills and wadis, picturesque farm terraces and lagoons, and verdant woodlands home to beautiful birds and butterflies. After breakfast on day two, appreciate the fjordland scenery from a different point of view, cruising the inlets by traditional wooden dhow. The return flight to Muscat departs mid-afternoon. The Omani Museum offers a wealth of detail about the country's culture, tradition and history and history comes to life in Muttrah, the ancient quarter complete with a souq and fish market. Nearby Muscat Old Town is a delight to explore on foot, stopping at the Palace of Sultan Qaboos and the twin forts Jalali and Mirani. (Tour not available on Fridays).
DESERT SAFARI
From £279 per person (two days from Muscat) The desert is as much a part of the identity and the beauty of Arabia as the buzzing cities, the magnificent forts and the proud tradition, and this unforgettable two-day jeep excursion takes you to its very heart. Across the coastal mountains and the arid land beyond are the clear spring waters and palm groves of Wadi Bani Khalid the perfect, refreshing stop after an exhilarating drive over the towering dunes of Wahiba Sands. After a barbecue dinner, accompanied with kahwa (Omani coffee), dates and fruit, you'll sleep beneath an enchanting canopy of stars. On day two, breakfast is followed with a visit to the coastal towns of Qalhat, Sur and Quriyat, with stops at the lush oases of Wadi Tiwi and Wadi Shab, and the immaculate White Beach for a picnic lunch and a swim in the Indian Ocean, before your afternoon return to Muscat. (Due to the climate, the overnight stay will be taken at a hotel in Sur between June and September).
1 3 1 Spectacular Oman coast 2 Beautiful Wadi Shab scenery in Oman 3 Mountainside Omani village
THE HISTORIC FORTS
From £39 per person (full day from Muscat) A spectacular drive through the Hajar Mountains via the oases of Fanjah and Birkat al-Mauz takes you to the majestic 17th Century Nizwa Fort, breathtakingly located in the midst of an oasis of verdant date palms. This robust edifice is a powerful reminder of Oman's turbulent history, protecting Nizwa's natural wealth as a crossroads of trade. Of historical interest too are the cattle market and the souq, famous for its Bedouin silver jewellery. Continue by way of the waterfalls of Tanuf and the immense ruined fort of Bahla to Jabrin, one of Oman's most beautiful fortresses, world renowned for its wall and ceiling murals.
MUSCAT CITY TOUR
From £21 per person (half day from Muscat) See the best of Oman's attractive capital in this half-day tour. After a drive through the elegant embassy quarter of grand whitewashed government buildings and palaces, visit the Natural History Museum, with its fascinating exhibits on the flora and fauna of Oman.
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call 01306 743000 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent
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