Muscat
Stroll along the waterfront corniche, where the local
residents take sunset walks…take a cruise in a traditional
boat to see the dolphins…see the suitably-named Grand
Mosque, the most elaborate in the country…explore the forts and
coastal towns of Batinah…take a daytrip to see
the impressive nearby Jabrin Castle…see photos,
traditional clothing, and housewares at the fascinating National Museum, Bait
al Zubair…gape at the colorful Al Alam Palace,
the residence of Sultan Qaboos, ruler of Oman, and then walk to see the 16th
century Portugese forts Mirani and Jalali…spend
a night in the desert with a Bedouin family.
Environs
In Nizwa, walk the ancient ramparts of the famous
circular fort…haggle for beautiful handmade rugs in the mountains near
Jebel Shams, the tallest peak in Oman…travel
south to Salalah to enjoy the refreshing climate
and lush scenery…buy souvenir frankincense,
the aromatic incense used everywhere in Oman…visit the halwa
factories at Barka…in Nakhal, visit the
fort, Rustaq hot springs, and Al Hazm Palace…see the Bimah
Sinkhole and then go wadi-bashing in Sur…see the vast Wahiba
Sands, an enormous desert rising to 200 meters…visit the fishing
village of Taqa, with its castle, watchtower, and
stone houses.
