Oman

Oman’s rich history spans thousands of years, shaped by its strategic location as a crossroads of trade routes. Ancient Oman was known for the prosperous cities of Sumhuram and Qalhat, which traded by sea with Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Islam arrived in the 7th century, greatly influencing the culture and governance. The Omani Empire flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries. British influence grew in the 19th century, culminating in the Treaty of Sib in 1920.

Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who reigned from 1970 to 2020, is credited with modernizing Oman, promoting economic development, and maintaining a neutral foreign policy. Today, Oman is a stable state with a mix of tradition and progress. It is just beginning to gain a place in the tourism arena, but there are already many reasons to find and choose a tour online to Oman.

Some official data

Capital: Muscat.

Official language: Arabic.

Currency: Omani Rial.

Religion: Islam.

Search and selection of tours online to Oman - reasons to buy a tour or a trip

This country is not as well-known in terms of tourism as, for example, Egypt or the Emirates. However, it has everything for an interesting, rich and varied vacation.

It is worth buying a tour to Oman because:

• Cultural Riches: Oman boasts a rich cultural heritage with forts, ancient souks and traditional architecture that showcases a mix of Islamic and Arabic influences.
• Natural beauty: From stunning deserts to rugged peaks, Oman offers a variety of landscapes. Coastal areas, including pristine beaches and coral reefs, give the country its natural appeal.
• Historical Monuments: Explore well-preserved forts, observe the ancient Aflaj Irrigation System and visit the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort.
• Hospitality: Omanis are known for their warm hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and gaining an insight into local traditions and customs.
• Adventure Activities: For the adventurous, Oman offers opportunities for hiking, trekking and dune bashing in the desert. The country’s varied terrain provides a playground for active recreation.
• Authentic Cuisine: Enjoy Omani dishes renowned for their aromatic spices.
• Modern Infrastructure: While preserving its cultural heritage, the state has also invested in modern infrastructure, providing comfort and convenience to tourists while traveling.

You can either buy a weekend tour to Oman to get to know the country if you are traveling in this part of the world, or you can dedicate your entire vacation to exploring this destination.

✔️ Types of entertainment by region

Oman's diverse landscapes offer a variety of tourist regions to explore.

Cities:

• Muscat: The capital, Muscat, is a mix of tradition and modernity. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House, Mutrah Corniche, the old Mutrah Market.
• Nizwa: Famous for its historical forts, rich in cultural heritage.
• Salalah: Situated in the southern Dhofar region, Salalah is famous for its lush greenery during the Khareef (monsoon) season. Explore the historical archaeological park of Al Balida and enjoy the tranquil beaches.
• Sur: A coastal town famous for its dhows, Sur offers the best glimpse into traditional Omani maritime activity.

Nature:

• Ras Al Hadd attracts with its pristine beaches and nesting site for green turtles.
• Wahiba Sands is a large desert with picturesque dunes that attracts visitors with camel rides and star gazing at night.
• Jebel Shams, known as the "Grand Canyon of Oman", offers stunning views of the rugged Wadi Ghul.
• The Dhofar region, which boasts unique landscapes including the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawka and the ancient port of Khor Rori.
• Jebel Akhdar, also known as the Green Mountain, features terraced gardens, rose plantations and traditional villages.
• Separated from the rest of Oman, Musandam Island offers stunning fjord-like landscapes. Enjoy boat trips, diving and exploring picturesque coastal villages.

✔️ Climate and seasons

Oman has a diverse climate, with variations between coastal areas, mountains and deserts. Generally, the country has two main seasons: summer (May to September) with high temperatures and winter (October to April) when the heat drops. The second period is the most attractive for tourists, as the weather is conducive to relaxing on the beaches, exploring natural and man-made attractions, and active leisure.

✔️ Currency

The national currency of the country is the Omani Rial . Oman is well connected to international payment systems, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and large shops in the cities. ATMs are also available in city centres, providing convenient access to cash. Travellers are always advised to inform their banks of their travel plans to avoid potential problems with using cards abroad. It is also worth carrying local currency, especially in remote areas, small shops and markets.

✔️ Major holidays

You can plan your trip to attend some celebrations, because holidays are an important part of the culture of every country. Among the most interesting in Oman are:

• National Day (November 18), commemorating the day Sultan Qaboos bin Said ascended to the throne. Celebrations include parades, cultural events and fireworks.
• Renaissance Day (July 23): This day marks the anniversary of Sultan Qaboos bin Said's accession to the throne in 1970, which marked the beginning of the Omani Renaissance. The celebration includes cultural events, parades and fireworks displays, showcasing Oman's progress and modernization.
• Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and is celebrated with feasts, family gatherings and charity events. The date depends on the lunar calendar.
• Muscat Festival is an annual event held in the capital, usually in January and February. It includes exhibitions, entertainment, events, etc.

✔️ Medicine

Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is highly recommended for tourists visiting Oman. It can provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unexpected events. This ensures that travelers have access to the medical care they need without incurring significant costs.

✔️ Useful tips

When visiting another country, it is worth learning about the peculiarities of behavior and important everyday moments so that the trip is as comfortable as possible.

• Oman is a country with strong cultural traditions. Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious and public places.
• Make sure you wear sun protection and bring enough water with you.
• Check cultural etiquette: It is customary to greet people with the phrase "Salaam alaykum" ("peace be upon you"). Ask permission before taking photos, especially of locals, and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
• Bargaining is common in traditional markets (bazaars). Don't be shy about negotiating prices, but do so with respect.
• Respect the environment and nature. Follow responsible tourism practices and do not litter.
• The country is generally safe, but it is always wise to take standard precautions to keep your belongings safe.