Oman Air introduces direct flights from London Gatwick to Muscat
12 December 2007
The Sultanate of Oman is fast becoming one of the hottest destinations in the Middle East. With Oman Air introducing direct flights from London Gatwick to Muscat, this unique, stunning country is now within easy reach for travellers from the UK and Europe.
Start your trip in Muscat where a blend of ancient and modern ensure that the city offersopportunities for tourists to explore and get to know Oman, before venturing further afield to a variety of sites including:
* The souqs, markets, are essential for shopping with mazes of alleyways boasting stalls selling everything from frankinsense and spices to dates and antique silver. Mutraq Souq is the largest in Muscat. Modern, shining shopping malls, inclludibg Markaz Al Bahja and Al Arami offer a multitude of bargains.
* The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is one of the oldest Mosques in Oman which was reconstructed at the turn of the 21st Century. It boasts the largest chandelier in the world which hangs 14m from the ceiling and the world’s largest Persian rug in the main hall.
* Oman’s Grand Canyon, Jebel Shams, offers stunning scenery across the dry river bed to the highest point in Oman, the mountain of the sun which towers above at 3000m. the village of Al Heil at 2000m provides the best views of the canyon as the peak is inaccessible.
* One of the most stunning natural sites in Oman is the twin Wadis (dry river beds) of Shab and Tiwi. They offer aquamarine pools and a multitude of wildlife in the lower reaches and breathtaking views and waterfalls in the surrounding mountains.
* Wahiba Sands, one of the largest dessert in the world, offers dramatic scenery and exciting treks into the isolated dunes to find the traditional Bedouin camps along the tracks.
* Historical sites to visit, includ: Jabrin Castle, which is one of the best preserved and Nizwa fort, which is Oman’s most visited monuments.
* Sur and Sohar are peaceful seaside towns with traditional buildings and offer a delightful break from Muscat.
* For those who just want to relax and get away form it all, Oman offers stunning beaches and island retreats. Masirah Island is 20km off the coast in the Indian Ocean. With stark rocky landscape, visitors will share the beaches only with loggerhead turtles that come to nest there. Ras Al Hadd is another ideal beach for turtle watching. This haven is still undiscovered by tourists, so visitors can see turtles from just a few feet.
* The Al Saleel Park is a nature reserve established to protect gazelles and plantations of Samr and Ghaf trees. Beaches like Qantab, Shatti Qurum, Azaiba, Shatti Bahja and Sawadi beach also offer quiet retreats.