- Historical excursions in Oman
- Traveling along the coast
- Pearl of the peninsula
The countries located on the shores of the Persian Gulf have significantly increased their tourism potential in recent years. Picturesque natural landscapes, a combination of tropics, savannas and deserts, excursions rich in information and emotions in Oman, the United Arab Emirates and other states of this region allow travelers from Russia to get acquainted with both history and culture and even look into the near future.
Oman is still lagging behind the United Arab Emirates in terms of interesting offers for guests, but he knows how to surprise those who came here for a vacation. The most common types of tourist pastime are diving and fishing (here the country is second only to Egypt), the most popular excursions are divided into two categories: historical, introducing Muscat, Sur or ancient fortresses; natural, travel to national parks and protected areas. Each of the tourists has the right to choose one or another direction, in accordance with their interests.
Historical excursions in Oman
Important historical and cultural sites can be found in the capital of Oman and beyond. For example, one of the most interesting journeys is “Ancient Fortresses”. The route is calculated for daylight hours, the cost is relatively low - from $ 280 for a small company.
During the day, guests will have time to visit several towns and settlements in Oman, where ancient fortifications have been preserved. The first stop awaits tourists in the town of Nizwa, which has received the second name of the "spiritual capital" of the country. If you get to this town on Friday, then, in addition to visiting the fort and the museum rich in exhibits, you can see the livestock market, in the organization of which practically nothing has changed over the centuries.
The next stop is in the town of Bahla, which is known throughout Oman for its largest fortress, now it is a World Heritage Site, is under the protection of UNESCO. Guests usually have strong impressions of the long fortress wall. Further, the route passes through the settlement of Jabrin, where the fortress of the same name is located. You can also see the palace of the 17th century, which became the residence of the Imam from the Al Yaruba dynasty. You can not only inspect the beautiful structure from the outside, but also take a walk through its numerous rooms with painted ceilings and stunning beauty stucco moldings.
Traveling along the coast
Since the country has access to the Persian Gulf, and through it to the world ocean, it could not do without a town for shipbuilders. The ancient city of Sur awaits its guests. But the route also includes other interesting places that tourists can see along the way.
Such an excursion will last about 10 hours, guests have the opportunity to travel along the entire eastern coast of the country, paying from $ 280 to $ 350 for this. There will be many interesting natural attractions and ethnographic discoveries along the way. For example, in the village of Kurajat you can see an old fortress, which was built by the Portuguese colonialists, and a traditional market.
Further, amazing natural objects await guests, the so-called wadis - these are dry beds of ancient rivers, in some places you can see preserved reservoirs. Wadi Shab and Tiwi are very reminiscent of paradise places, in the first of them you can swim in very warm water, the second wadi is so wide that you can drive along it, admire the snow-white rocks and local picturesque villages along the way.
Pearl of the peninsula
The capital of Oman, Muscat, received such a beautiful definition from tourists. Sightseeing tours of monuments and attractions are held daily, with the exception of Friday (holy day), and the cost is relatively low $ 50 for a large group, such a trip takes from 4 to 5 hours.
The program includes a walk around the capital - acquaintance with religious buildings, museums, interesting places. The most memorable sites in Muscat are the following:
- Muscat Cathedral Mosque;
- Fish market, striking with a variety of species of sea inhabitants;
- The Oriental Bazaar, where clothes and amazing carpets are sold, gold and silver items, including silver Omani daggers, the pride of the nation;
- an old harbor with preserved Portuguese fortresses built in the 16th century;
- the sultan's residence, intended for the work of the country's leader.
The highlight of the tour is the Muscat Cathedral Mosque, also called the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. The decision to build was made in 1993, in 2001 it was open to believers. Today the religious building is one of the largest in the world. A chandelier decorated with Swarovski crystals and the largest hand-woven carpet are amazing. It weighs over 20 tons, contains 28 colors, for which only natural dyes were used.
