Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Vacation in Oman


Traveling is no longer restricted to annual family holidays, business travel, or moving to
a different country for work. Thanks to advances in the fields of information technology,
and tourism, the world is shrinking and traveling has now transformed into exploring
different cultures, trying traditional cuisines, collecting souvenirs and art, discovering
unseen lifestyles, getting to know people from a different part of the world, and soaking
new adventures and experiences. Looking for a perfect place for setting out on such a
journey? A vacation in Oman could be the answer.

The best kept secret in all of Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman can only be described as a
land of treasures. Already one of the famous holiday destinations in the Middle East,
the country is now encouraging travelers from all over the world to come and witness
its exquisiteness and variety in pleasures. Once known as the trade capital for spices
and precious metals, it still boasts of undiscovered poets and artisans. The confusing
gullies that make the markets called souq, the magnificent mountains, the beaches, and
the architectural marvels that are the many mosques and forts make for a lovely backdrop
to the traditional culture and look of this fast-developing country that once was home to
legendary poets and adventurers like Sinbad the Sailor.

The Sultanate offers something special for each traveler. For animal lovers and wildlife
enthusiasts, Oman is haven for wildlife both on land as well as in the surrounding waters
that range from the Arabian leopard, the Arabian Oryx, gazelle, ibex, taher, desert
fox, sand fox, and wildcats, to yellow spotted agamas, sea turtles, whales, dolphins,
desert hare, camels, and horses, in addition to the rare varieties of birds found here. For
adventure junkies Oman has amazing surprises from desert safaris, and sand bashing, to
exhilarating water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, jet skiing, etc. Oman is a
joy to explore for visitors who enjoy historical structures such as forts and palaces, love
to be amidst beautiful caves, rivers, and mountains, while also being fun for tourists that
just want to kick back and enjoy their time off work and mundane routine.

If you have already been to this land of mysteries, you will always want to go back, but
for those who have never been here, a vacation in Oman should be on your list of places
to visit.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Muscat City Tours

Oman is the new favourite destination among world travellers, and why not? The Sultanate has miles of endless sandy beaches, historic scenic beauty, unexplored caves, textured mountains, golden brown desert sands, and it’s the business core and Capital of the country. Muscat houses the country’s international airport and major ports to witness the inflow of thousands of tourists and business travellers each year. This also translates in having top-notch travel agencies, tour operators, and car rental companies in the city. No visit to Oman is truly complete unless you have booked yourself one of the Muscat city tours, which most travel companies offer.

No matter how many people you are travelling with, the travel agency is sure to arrange for a vehicle or mini bus that can comfortably accommodate everyone. You even have the luxury of booking a private tour, which includes a pick up from your hotel, a guide, and transport in a luxurious SUV or sedan. The tour may start from a pre-announced location in the city or may have the service of picking you and your family up right from your hotel. City tours are a great way to spend quality time with your spouse or family while seeing the best of any place without the trouble of commuting on your own without a guide. Opting for such tours also gives you a feel of the place, which may otherwise not be seen by merely staying in a hotel.

Muscat is a modern commercial centre of Oman that blends in splendidly with its traditional architectural marvels. A city tour includes a visit to the beautiful Grand Mosque, the Bait Al Zubair Museum which will give you a glimpse into Oman’s history and development, a scenic drive along the waterfront cornice before you stop to visit the famous fish market, followed by a shopping experience at Muttrah Souq. Souqs are traditional marketplaces that sell silver ornaments, household goods, perfumes, and souvenirs to bring back home. The tours also cover the amazing Al Alam alace, and the forts Mirani and Jalali.

Muscat city tours showcase the best of the city while, making sure you are comfortable and having fun. Not only foreigners, but even local enjoy such tours on holidays or when they have visitors as it is more relaxed. Being a great way to spend a day in this lovely city, such tours are known to be well organized and precise in presenting a side of Muscat you yearn to see as a visitor.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Jeep Safari in Muscat

Referred to as the Walled City, the capital of Oman is famous for its thriving tourism industry and the beautiful blend of modern and traditional architecture, amenities and offerings. For a tourist, jeep safari in Muscat is the ideal way to explore the city. If you are in the city for a vacation, better than renting a car for yourself and trying to
drive from sight to sight may be tiring. Even though the roads are in excellent condition and directions are easy to follow, the stress of driving in a foreign land can dampen an average travelers’ spirit to a certain degree.

The idyllic way to plan a short vacation in Muscat is to get in touch with a great travel and tours company from the city. Muscat boasts of very good tour operators, thanks to government policies regarding encouraging foreign traffic, and its popularity as a tourist destination. Tour operating companies have a number of tours that you can select from, depending on your interests and preferences.

Jeep tours are great for family vacations or romantic getaway travelers because it gives them the privacy to enjoy their company as well as soak in the natural beauty of the country’s diverse terrains. Travel agencies are there to please, and jeep tours are popular and fairly reasonable in price. Plus they give you the benefit of traveling flexibly as the excursion is privately undertaken. Depending on the distance and sight seeing the pick up and duration of the tour is decided. For example, a Muscat city tour may take 4 to 5 hours, whereas a Nizwa forts excursion needs a whole day.

If your heart is set on going around Muscat, opt for a nice morning tour that offers an opportunity for you to witness this contemporary metropolis with its dominant traditional culture. Lying in a natural volcanic valley with a long stretch of beach on one side, a tour will most likely include the Grand Mosque, Bait Al Zubair Museum, visit to the Mattrah souq, Al Alam Palace, nearby forts, and a drive down the waterfront.

Desert jeep safari in Muscat is a must-do too. Asking your tour operator for options is a great way to start planning your trip to Oman. Remember that the distances between places of sight seeing are great so plan a good long trip.