The land of incense – round trip through Oman
Maybe your next trip should be to a more remote country where you can discover a lot of new things in terms of culture and nature. Then Oman is ideal for you, among other things. The state on the Arabian Peninsula has been known for several thousand years, among other things, for its incense, which plays an important role there to this day. Here you can find out what you can experience during a trip to Oman.
Variety of options for round trips with different focus
The ideal way to see as much as possible of a state or region you don't know yet is to go on a round trip. You can choose between different variants, each of which offers you a different point of view.
This becomes very clear when you look at the options offered for Oman. For example, there is a nature and adventure tour designed specifically for families as well as a version that focuses on walking tours.
Alternatively, there are offers where you can experience the most famous highlights of the country. Within this framework you will get to know an exciting mixture of Oman's nature and urban areas.
Sights in the cities
Discover Nizwa
In Nizwa, among other attractions, the souqs are worth a visit. These are traditional Arabic markets that exist in many large cities. Nizwa has an east souq and a west souq.
In the western market you will find wrought iron work based on a long tradition. The eastern souq, on the other hand, is best known for its spices and various everyday items. If you are looking for exciting photo opportunities, the animal market is ideal, which takes place every Friday.
In addition, Oman is known for its impressive fortresses. One of these sights is the Nizwa Fort. The location offers, among other things, a huge tower that surpasses many other fortresses in terms of size, as well as a whole series of corridors and terraces. From the tower of the fortress you have a picturesque view of the surrounding area, which will surely remain in your memory and is also an exciting photo motif.
In addition, the city is home to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the second largest mosque in the country. It was opened in 2015 and is therefore extremely modern. Especially impressive are the dome and the minaret. The mosque looks especially picturesque in the dark, when it is illuminated by large spotlights.
Features and sights in Muscat
Muscat, the capital of Oman, also offers you a number of exciting and unforgettable sights. This includes various buildings, among others:
- the Royal Opera House Muscat,
- the sultan's palace Qasr al Alam
- as well as Majlis Oman.
The opera house has a comparatively short history: the construction was decided at the beginning of the new millennium, it was opened in 2011. Therefore, it is not surprising that the building looks extremely magnificent and modern. For several years, the opera house was led by Christina Scheppelmann of Hamburg before she moved to the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona in 2014.
The sultan's palace Qasr Al Alam is not less magnificent. It is one of the most important focal points of the city and, as the name suggests, the working place of the sultan.
Majlis Oman is the parliament building of Oman. It offers you another example of the breathtaking architecture of the country. In Muscat there are also several mosques. The most famous and largest in the country is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It offers about 20.000 believers place to pray.
In addition, the city offers you some exciting museums where you can learn about the culture and traditions of Oman. The Bait al Zubair, for example, deals mainly with handicrafts. The National Museum houses exhibitions on various areas related to the cultural history of the country.
Discover nature in Oman
Beside the cities and their highlights you will find some nature areas in Oman, which are worth a visit. The country is especially known for its deserts and oases, which invite you to hike and relax.
deserts in Oman
Among other things, you will find the largest sand desert in the world, which is called Rub Al Chali. It is almost uninhabited and spans Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Oman.
Also famous is Wahiba Sands, a desert much smaller than the Rub al Chali. The special: The sand has several colors with red, yellow and white at once. These and similar areas can be explored on foot or on a camel.
It is important that you inform yourself sufficiently beforehand and take the tour with a guide. After all, there can be a certain danger from visiting a desert.
Well known oases of the country
You can find the oasis Wadi Shab on the way from Sur to Muscat. It offers several natural pools with appealing blue water in which you can swim, as well as a hiking trail to explore the area.
If you like to discover the flora of Oman, the nearby oasis Wadi Tiwi offers you an opportunity to do so. Among other things, you will find fig trees, palm trees and banana plants.
Wadi Bani Khalid on the other hand is located in the north of the country. In addition to a pool, a waterfall and several springs, you can visit a famous cave nearby.
Conclusion
The examples show you the variety you can discover on a round trip through Oman. Besides various impressive buildings you will find natural areas like oases and deserts. In addition, you can learn something about the culture and history of the country in the museums.