Classic Oman
This vibrant itinerary combines some of the highlights of northern Oman, including the capital city of Muscat, the vast desert of Wahiba Sands and the dramatic forts and hidden villages around Nizwa in the stunning Hajar Mountains.
This vibrant itinerary combines some of the highlights of northern Oman, including the capital city of Muscat, the vast desert of Wahiba Sands and the dramatic forts and hidden villages around Nizwa in the stunning Hajar Mountains.
Oman is an excellent destination for families, with superb child-friendly hotels and plenty of activities to suit all ages. A combination of the beach, mountains and desert makes for an easy-going but exciting trip, which can easily be tailored for you.
Oman is a country with dramatic landscapes, magnificent forts, vast empty deserts, rugged mountain ranges and stunning coastlines. Imagine India specialist Louise has travelled extensively throughout the country and is very passionate about this little known Middle East destination. We have asked her to whittle down her ideas to come up with the top five reasons why Oman should be your next holiday destination…
This luxurious itinerary takes in Oman’s most breathtaking sites, including the dramatic Hajar mountains and powdery white beaches of Salalah. Spend a night under the stars in an exclusive private camp, and be awe-inspired by Muscat’s Grand Mosque.
To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916
Enjoying fine views of the Hajar Mountains, the Golden Tulip showcases traditional Omani-style and design. With huge picture windows, pretty wooden-carved furniture, sumptuous sofas, rich velvets, high ceilings and lantern-style soft lighting, the grand entrance lobby makes a good first impression, offering plates of Omani dates and welcoming coffee. The Golden Tulip is around a 20-minute drive from the centre of Nizwa and Muscat international airport is around a 90-minute to two-hour drive away. Located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, the hotel offers comfortable modest accommodation, which offers great value for money, as well as being well-placed for lovely views of the surrounding scenery.
There are 117 double rooms and three suites, which all offer international standard accommodation. The rooms are all generously-sized, with an en-suite bathroom and most include a sofa bed, making them ideal for families. Guests can also expect flat-screen TV, Cable TV, air-conditioning, workspace, Wi-Fi and the majority of the rooms include a private terrace backing onto the pool area.
The Golden Tulip restaurant serves international cuisine and there is a 24-hour lobby café. There is also a choice of two indoor bars: Al Wasit Bar offers cocktails and live music, while the Sports Bar has a dart board and billiard table. The poolside bar hosts a weekly barbecue and there is a designated space in the garden that serves as a shisha corner. Added to this, the Golden Tulip has an outdoor heated pool, sauna and fitness centre, as well as a children’s playground.
Unlike the higher elevations of Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams, despite Nizwa's mountain location the area stays warm year-round. In winter, daytime temperatures are usually a pleasant 20-25 degrees Celsius, and in the summer this creeps up to around 35 degrees Celsius, and can be even hotter. Whilst there may be the odd day of rain, the region is usually fairly dry.
Hajar Mountains, Oman
read moreNizwa, Oman
read moreJabal Shams, Oman
read moreWadi Bani Khalid, Oman
read moreJabal Shams, Oman
read moreHajar Mountains, Oman
read moreJabrin, Oman
read moreNizwa, Oman
read moreBahla, Oman
read moreMisfat Al Abriyeen is one of the oldest villages in the region. Winding passageways are shaded by date palms and filaj irrigation systems zig-zag across the hillside. Take a stroll through the village and stop for lunch at a traditional house.
The Nizwa Friday Market offers a fascinating insight into Omani culture, as farmers from the mountains and desert gather to buy and sell camels, sheep, goats and cattle. There is a live auction close to the entrance to the souk.
Jabal Shams is Oman's highest peak, rising just over 2,000 metres above sea level. The area is often referred to as Oman's Grand Canyon, and the views from Jabal Shams down into Wadi Ghul below are breathtaking.
Visit Wadi Bani Khalid, which is tucked away between the mountains, desert and coast. Take in the picturesque scenery, and should you wish, go for a swim in the deep turquoise pools.
Get your adrenalin pumping by climbing to the top of Jabal Shams using the Via Ferratta; a metal cable and rungs in the rock face. Whilst not for the faint hearted, this is an exciting experience for adventure enthusiasts!
Enjoy a hike through Oman's dramatic mountains, accompanied by a private guide. There are plenty of options to suit every fitness level, and routes can be tailored according to your personal preferences.
Like the round tower fort in Nizwa, Jabrin Castle was built during the 17th century. Explore this historic castle, which offers panoramic views across the countryside and beautifully intricate design and decorations.
Explore Nizwa, where you can learn about the history of Oman's previous capital city, visit the fascinating Nizwa Fort and take a stroll through the winding souk, brimming with trinkets, handicrafts, antiques and spices.
Visit Bahla Fort, one of the oldest and most dramatic forts in Oman, as well as designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort also has extensive battlements which run along the valley, and the nearby town is famous for its pottery.
This vibrant itinerary combines some of the highlights of northern Oman, including the capital city of Muscat, the vast desert of Wahiba Sands and the dramatic forts and hidden villages around Nizwa in the stunning Hajar Mountains.