Oman and its neighbors along the Persian Gulf are at first glance much alike. They are all Arabic-speaking, oil-rich, and ruled by powerful monarchs. The terrain throughout is overwhelmingly desert. But these similarities belie the very different path that Oman has chosen. There are no glitzy skyscrapers here. Instead, one finds an emphasis on the traditional. This is true of the architecture, the clothing, and for many, the way of life. Rooted deeply in its past while still forward looking, Oman is a country that will challenge travelers\u2019 expectations of the region without compromising on comfort.<\/p>\n
This eight-day journey starts in Oman\u2019s capital, Muscat, a charming combination of the old\u2014a picturesque historic waterfront and a classic bazaar\u2014and the new\u2014a mosque and an opera house that are both 21st-century architectural wonders. Outside of the city you\u2019ll get an even stronger taste of Arab culture, visiting traditional boatwrights along the coast, venturing deep into Bedouin territory in the inland dune fields, and exploring remote and timeless villages in the Al Hajar Mountains.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":44019,"menu_order":0,"template":"","trip_experiences":[638,15,639],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n