Muscat & Beyond

Fantastic value for an arrangement that combines the 5-star Shangri-La Al Waha Resort located close to Muscat with exploration of some of the most fascinating towns and cities of this little-known country, whose historical heritage and colourful charm was previously closed to the rest of the world. Oman’s history is written in the stone and mud-brick of its defensive architecture, from the great bastions that guard the coast to the chains of watchtowers that stand like chipped and broken teeth on many hilltops.

Nizwa, the capital of the interior region, has a wealth of cultural and ancient landmarks including Nizwa Fort, surrounded by ancient souks where locals trade in traditional merchandise, from fruit to jewellery. The oasis of Bahla owes its prosperity to the Banu Nebhan, the dominant tribe in the region from the 12th to the end of the 15th century, and the ruins of its immense fort, with walls and towers of unbaked brick and stone foundations, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby Jabrin Fort, also known as the palace of Imam Bil Arub Bin Sultan, was built in 1675 with a distinct architecture of latticed and stone barred windows, turrets, trellised balconies and Islamic and floral designs adorning the ceilings.