Our first road trip to Oman was a scouting mission into a mosaic of history, culture, and stunning landscapes that kept coming before us at every step of our journey. We set out on this adventure with anticipation and eagerness to feel the overall vibe of the country and to take a first look at the most famous attractions on our route. It is always best not to make rigid plans on scouting missions like these as there will always be some surprises down the road and you will never have time to visit everything on your first trip. So better just relax and enjoy the ride, literally!
Our expedition kicked off as we crossed the Hatta border, leaving behind the familiar sights of the UAE for the untamed beauty of Oman. The drive to Sohar was like driving on another planet, with the rugged mountains inviting us to explore what lies ahead. Sohar itself was a sleepy town but with a long history, allegedly being the birthplace of Sinbad the Sailor from One Thousand and One Nights folk tales with an impressive Sohar fort reminding us of a significant place this settlement had in the history of Oman.
Arriving in Muscat, we were immediately enchanted by its unique blend of history and natural beauty. Located between towering mountains, Muscat’s old-world charm just begged us to explore its ancient forts and streets, each one steeped in the rich heritage of Oman. The old town and the bustling souk, with its maze of alleyways and vibrant hues, offered a glimpse into the daily life of the city, a true scene from One thousand and One nights folk tales! The authentic Omani vibe was definitely there and it is something that’s difficult to describe, you just have to feel it yourself and be open to let it flow through you.
Continuing our journey, we made our way to Nizwa, a town that seemed straight out of a storybook. Surrounded by lush oases and towering peaks, Nizwa’s ancient forts and the traditional market were a tribute to the region’s rich cultural legacy. We were fortunate to visit during Eid celebrations, when the fort came alive with the sounds of families coming together to enjoy the holidays – a truly heartwarming experience. On our way to Nizwa, we also visited the ruins of Birkat Al Mouz, a place frozen in time, offering an idea of how life was centuries ago.
Our last stop was a sleepy town of Ibri where the ancient forts stood as silent witnesses to centuries of history and tradition.
As we crossed the Al Ain border, bidding farewell to Oman, we felt that this had been just the beginning of our exploration of this charming land. Our journey had been a reminder of the endless excitement of traveling, of the joy of discovering new places and experiencing new cultures. The best part was definitely the friendly people we met on our trip. Oman had welcomed us with open arms, revealing its treasures to us, and we were grateful for every moment of this unforgettable adventure.
Which places did we visit? I will cover the itinerary of our road trip in more detail in the following posts. Stay tuned!
Want to know more?
Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a country in West Asia located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It shares land borders with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, and maritime borders with Iran and Pakistan. Muscat is the capital and largest city. Oman is an absolute monarchy currently led by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who ascended to power in January 2020. The nation has a population of about 4.7 million and boasts a rich history as a former empire that once competed with the Portuguese and British empires for influence in the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. The economy, traditionally dependent on oil, is classified as high-income by the World Bank, with ongoing diversification efforts in tourism and other sectors. For more detailed information, you can visit the Wikipedia page on Oman.
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