• Muscat

Situated in the Middle East bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, Oman has an incredible coastline of over 2,000km. It is an ancient country whose earliest settlements date back to the third century BC, when Oman was on the edge of the main trade routes from Mesopotamia to the Indus Valley. Largely a desert land where nomadic Bedouins roam, it has a varied topography of mountain ranges, plains and coastline. Only 14% of Omanis live in the important cities and town as they are scattered in smaller towns and villages throughout the country. The most southern region of Oman has importance the world over as it is one of the few areas where frankincense trees grow. Despite its arid nature, Oman is home to a huge variety of plant and animal life and there are many protected areas all over Oman. Apricots, palms, shrubs, grasses and grapes flourish as do camels, lizards, exotic birds and a variety of snakes. Lovely, long beaches, palm-shaded oases, turtle breeding grounds and some of the richest fishing areas in the world help to make this stunningly beautiful country as inviting as it is, helped, of course, by the hospitable and courteous people who reside here. It has often been said that the Arabia of myth and legend lives on in Oman and it is easy to see why as you wander through this almost sacred place.