First stop for Lands of Merchants journey

SEATTLE: Oman was chosen as the first stop for the upcoming Lands of Merchants and Maharajas journey by TCS World Travel, based in Seattle in the United States of America (USA).

This was revealed by Tim Ryan, Director of Product Development at the TCS World Travel, in a report published by AFAR website.

Frankincense was a valuable commodity along ancient trade routes, coveted by merchants. Much of the finest incense,

perfume and oil created from the resin come from Oman.

The report added: “A stable and welcoming country, Oman promises visual and cultural delights. Perhaps because its non-glitzy capital, Muscat, offers an appealing contrast to the capitals of some of its booming neighbours — Oman is now starting to show up on the tourism radar. That’s good news for visitors — it is still possible to experience the leisurely Omani lifestyle.” Having recently scouted Oman, Ryan saw for himself how this sparsely populated nation enjoys a diverse and rich landscape, which may surprise those who think of it as a desert kingdom.

With coconut palms swaying along Salalah’s beach resorts in the far southwest, you could easily imagine you were in the Caribbean. But just inland, the great Empty Quarter desert

begins.

This is the Unesco’s world heritagedesignated Land of Frankincense, where the country’s Boswellia sacra trees are tapped for their resin.

At Oman’s far northern Strait of Hormuz tip, the Musandam Peninsula with rugged peaks and countless islets draw whale and dolphin watchers.

For an authentic experience in Muscat, Ryan recommends the busy and historic Muttrah Souq where you can pick up your frankincense, or purchase a curved silver khanjar

(dagger).

Its harbour-front location is a reminder that this crossroads nation has absorbed cultural influences from Africa, India and Persia.

Don’t miss a visit to the Grand Mosque — one of few in the Middle East open to non-muslims — for its stunning golden dome and decorative tile mosaics.

It might come as a surprise to discover that a gleaming-white structure built a few years ago is the world-class Royal Opera House Muscat.