Oman is a beautiful country neighbouring the United Arab Emirates which is considered as a hidden gem, overlooked compared to the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you haven’t yet visited Oman, then you’re missing out; the country is best known for its warm hospitality and friendly locals which still practice ancient traditions in their daily lives, and it also happens to be one of the most picture-perfect destinations in the Middle East, surrounded by desert, mountains, and the breath-taking Arabian Sea.
Brightsun Travel offers cheap holidays to Oman from the UK, taking you to this stunning country in style. Book a break here and look forward to visiting gorgeous beaches with glistening turquoise waters, golden sands, and Arabian sunsets, not to mention thrilling water sports. In Oman you can also embark on the ultimate sightseeing adventure by exploring ancient forts, castles, and Wadi pools, browse vibrant souks, explore the country’s museums, and experience a local homestay.
We also offer holidays to the Omani capital Muscat which is the perfect destination to base your stay. It’s a slow-placed city offering year-round sunshine and a wonderful blend of modernity and historic charm, with centuries old sites and contemporary architectural wonders sat side by side. Muscat boasts blissful beaches and awe-inspiring landmarks including one of the largest mosques in the world, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Al Alam Palace, which is a former royal monument.
Golden Tulip Hotel Seeb Muscat, Exhibition St, Muscat 111, Oman
Ruwi, Muscat, Oman, Ruwi
Al Hamriya, Muscat 113, Oman
Al Khuwair Way 209, Muscat 133, Oman
Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area, 114 Muscat, Oman
Muscat, the capital of Oman is one of the Middle East’s most stunning cities, surrounded by mountains, desert landscapes, and the glistening Arabian Sea. The city offers an authentic travel experience as it’s slower paced than it neighbouring cities, and there are less tourist crowds. Book cheap holidays to Muscat with Brightsun and look forward to immersing yourself in culture, marvelling at impressive architecture, sampling mouth-watering local food, and relaxing on pristine beaches.
Muscat offers a charming blend of past and present with contemporary structures set among heritage buildings. Don’t miss a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House – two of the city’s most majestic structures. Muscat is also very cultural, with locals offering that renowned warm Arabian hospitality, plus bustling souks selling traditional souvenirs, and immersive museums including the National Museum, which allows an insight into Oman’s rich cultural heritage with a collection of rare artefacts.
When you’ve finished sightseeing to your heart’s content, you could embark on some fun outdoor adventures and once-in-a-lifetime daytrips. Muscat offers thrilling water-based activities including boat tours, fishing, snorkelling, and dolphin watching. Other incredible opportunities include hiking up Jebel Shams - the highest peak in Oman, or venturing out to the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest area of continuous sand for a 4x4 dune bashing experience which you can finish off by camping under the stars.
Currency: You’ll be spending Omani Rial.
Language: Arabic, though English is often a second language.
Local Time: Four hours ahead of GMT.
Flight Time from the UK: Approximately seven hours, twenty minutes.
Tourist Information: Visit the official Oman tourist information site for lots of helpful information regarding upcoming events, where to go, what to do, and how to get around.
Health/Travel Restrictions: To travel to Oman, British citizens need a valid passport and a short-term travel visa is required. For up-to-date travel advice and health recommendations visit the government’s travel advice for Oman.
Visas must be applied for when travelling to Oman. Arrange yours with Brightsun Travel.
A: Oman can be relatively expensive.
A: October to April is usually best, when the weather is comfortably hot.
A: Muscat is generally regarded as safe.
A: Only in licensed hotels, restaurants and bars.
The Old Town of Muscat includes the Sultan's Al Alam Palace. Overlooking the bay are two forts, Al Jalili and Al Mirani, that date from the sixteenth century. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque has a very impressive architecture. Tourists are welcome to explore the ornate interior and the mosque's ornamental gardens. A short distance away is a picturesque bay and the village of Muttrah Corniche. The harbour's promenade is a lovely coastal walk with plenty of beachfront cafes offering refreshments. The Muttrah Souk is one of the oldest traditional markets. It has a lively atmosphere and stalls laden with glamorous textiles and handmade crafts.
There are many guided tours around Muscat. Choose from walking, cycling, or viewing the city from a pleasure boat cruise along the coast. Sea excursions to look for dolphins swimming in the Gulf are a holiday highlight. Muscat is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Adventure trips beyond the city include exploring the local desert by camel. Although Oman's climate is dry, the foothills of the local Western Al Hajar Mountains have many tumbling waterfalls. Visitors can swim in the natural pools. Scuba divers often travel inland to visit the mysterious Wadi Shab sinkhole.
The temperature in June often exceeds 40°C (104°F). Winter temperatures are generally warm with an average of 25°C (77°F) in the coldest month of January. There is usually no rain in September, but an average of 24.5 millimetres falls in February, the wettest month.
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