What is there to see and do?
Oman is a wonderfully varied destination, with plenty of cultural and historical sites in its stunning cities like
Muscat and Nizwa, as well as beautiful beaches along its extensive coast, spectacular deserts and a range of charming nature reserves. Starting in Muscat, make sure you pay a visit to one of its forts and a museum or two before heading elsewhere in the country - the Muscat Gate Museum is particularly good for giving you an overview of Omani history. Desert trips - some of which can include camping overnight - are a must as well, as this gives you the chance to explore one of the world's last great wilderness areas. The rolling sand dunes are beautiful and you can try sand boarding if you're after some adventure. Camel trekking, hiking and camping under the stars are other things you can look forward to on a trip into the desert.
Discover Oman's cities and its coast
Muscat is the capital of Oman and where you'll find a fascinating blend of old and new. As well as modern shops and houses, Muscat is home to several old forts, walled castles and other ancient buildings that display beautiful architecture from years gone by.
Wandering around Muscat is a real pleasure, as this gives you the opportunity to discover its old markets and winding streets, as well as marvel at its more modern buildings and pretty gardens. Just outside the city there is also a lot to discover, from Oman's mountains and sand dunes to its beaches.
After a few days in Muscat, it's worth heading to
Salalah and fully enjoying Oman's stunning coastline. You can have a go at a host of water-based activities here, including kite surfing, scuba diving and sailing. The waters are also home to whales and turtles, both of which you can observe from a boat.
Your tour of Oman should also include a visit to where frankincense is grown, with this incense once having been an incredibly important commodity for the country.
Visit Oman and the Indian Ocean
Although Oman is a fantastic holiday spot in its own right, it's also a wonderful option for a stopover on your journey to a destination in the Indian Ocean. Stopping in the Middle East for a few days or even a week is an excellent way to break up the journey and prevent you from feeling overly tired when you touch down for your holiday on an island paradise.
Multi-centre holidays featuring Indian Ocean destinations could see you pair your time in Oman with a break in the likes of the Seychelles, the Maldives, Mauritius or Sri Lanka - all wonderful options if you're looking for rest and relaxation.
It's also great to be able to contrast Oman's culture with that of another country, as this will highlight how unique and fascinating the destination is, allowing you to get even more out of your trip.
Top Indian Ocean destinations to pair with Oman
There are some wonderful destinations in the Indian Ocean that you can easily reach from Oman after an extended stop. The following are what we believe to be the top four -
• The Maldives — Known for its high-end resorts, luxurious, isolated beaches and fantastic scuba diving, the Maldives is the perfect place to visit whether you want some R and R in the sun or are keen to get active and explore stunning coral reefs.
• Mauritius — Another place with luxury accommodation and striking scenery, Mauritius is a haven for travellers looking for peaceful beaches, as well as those who enjoy getting out and about. Its mountainous interior provides a striking backdrop to the coast, as well as offering numerous opportunities for hiking. Scuba diving and surfing are just two of the water sports you can try here, too.
• The Seychelles — This picture-perfect archipelago boasts some of the world's prettiest, most secluded beaches, as well as a good selection of outstanding hotels. Its national parks - particularly Vallee de Mai - are a delight to explore and only add to its exotic ambience. Snorkelling and diving are great things to try along the coast if you can drag yourself away from the white sands.
• Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination that combines the stunning beaches of the Indian Ocean with a fascinatingly rich culture and history. This small island is renowned for its amazing heritage sites and breathtaking national parks. It really is an outstanding all-round place to explore after your holiday in Oman.
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