Holiday in Oman, in Muscat and surrounding areas. To fully enjoy it, the ideal climate is in winter and the choice is vast between nature, age-old traditions and modernity.
The winter period, thanks to our Christmas holidays and the mild climate ofOman, is ideal for visiting this country, among the most moderate on the Arabian peninsula. Thanks to the politics of the Sultanate which has given a moderate turning point to the modernization of the country, Oman invites to be discovered and deeply loved. Don't expect to find opulent mosques like in the United Arab Emirates, but on the other hand you will discover a cheerful capital, where the souks alternate with international hotels and bazaars full of spices and traditional jewellery.
To discover Oman, start from Muscat, its capital. The ancient walls of the old city overlook the sea and offer long stretches of sand that are still uncontaminated. Taking advantage of the mild climate in December and January you can walk peacefully on foot in the city, and perhaps treat yourself to a quick refreshing swim. The sea water is not yet very warm and you may not do much swimming, but on the other hand the dry climate and the warm sun will allow you to relax and visit the desert in total well-being.
Muscat boasts cutting-edge and harmonious architecture. Its emblem is the large one Sultan Qaboos Mosque, an extraordinary example of a modern Islamic building. Muslims can enter every day, while non-Muslims and tourists are allowed on certain specific days; so inform yourself well so as not to miss the opportunity to visit this jewel which houses, among other things, the largest Persian carpet in the world. Thanks to the warm climate in December, take the luxury of visiting even the liveliest neighborhoods of the Omani capital.
Thanks to winter weather which does not exceed 25°C, but does not even drop below 15°C, take some free time to enjoy the beautiful seafront located in Muttrah, the authentic soul of Muscat. The main historical attractions of the city arise between the view of a blue sea and the still pristine sands. Above all, the fish market, the souq (the traditional market) and the Al-Alam Palace, the Sultan's palace, visible only from the outside.
A separate visit should be reserved for the forts that guard the capital from the east and west. As the Fortezza Al-Jalali, an ancient Portuguese building, dating back to the 16th century and once used as a prison. Today it is a private museum which can also be reached by bus. The fortress can be visited for free any day of the year. To go up, follow the steps carved into the cliff. If you're lucky, you might come across military celebrations, when bagpipers perform from the ramparts and the port is lit up with fireworks.
The capital of Oman is also at the forefront when it comes to museums and, before heading into the desert where the climate will be truly perfect, don't miss visiting the Oman National Museum. Located in the heart of Muscat, the Museum houses 14 permanent galleries housing more than 5.000 artefacts, from prehistoric times to the Renaissance. The section dedicated to Aflaj irrigation systems offers an interesting insight into these structures which have been a UNESCO heritage site since 2006.
Since you have chosen to visit Oman in winter, when the climate is mild, all you have to do is see the desert that summer would make impassable, with peaks of up to 50°C. From Muscat, choose an off-road excursion and let yourself be taken to the high sand dunes of Wahiba, 200 meters of sand in a breathtaking desert inhabited by 3.000 Bedouins, 1.500 dromedaries and 15.000 goats. Opt for a program that allows you to spend the night among the dunes: there is the 1.000 Nights Camp, which is the most authentic camp, while the Desert Nights Camp it is the most luxurious.
Sleep in the Omani desert, covered in a myriad of stars and experience the sunset savoring a traditional barbecue sitting on the still warm sand will be an experience you will not forget, especially if you have been taken where there are no other tourists. In the morning, don't be surprised if you are awakened by the clattering of dromedaries, which will seem like an earthquake. Then go hunting for footprints. The guides will tell you if they are fox or scorpion. The desert, despite its apparent immobility, is teeming with life. Remember that in Oman the temperature drops at night, so dress warmly.
