Oman

For those who would like a holiday with a difference and a little adventure, Oman offers a taste of Arabia - it is still a rare mix of unspoilt Arab ancient tradition with small areas of westernized luxury. The history goes back thousands of years BC when Arab sailors were busy plying their trade on the spice routes through the Red Sea and Persian Gulf to Europe and down the Indian Ocean to Zanzibar. A focal point for traders in the Middle-east throughout the centuries, there are numerous forts, some rebuilt to their former glory, which tell the tale of the coming of Islam and later the first Europeans who were the Portuguese in the 15th Century. In mountains 6000 feet up families live, until recently cut off from civilization, as they have for centuries, growing their crops on terraces. On the coast traditional dhows still fish for the plentiful supply. The few hotels offer luxury, excellent food and service and unspoilt beaches. Tours include 4 wheel drives through the desert and the mountains, visits to ancient souks and markets. This is a destination that is unusual and is highly recommended. MAP of OMAN CLIMATE Avg Monthly Temperature (max F) Avg Monthly Rainfall (inches) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 77 01 80 ½ 86 ½ 91 1/2 102 00 105 00 102 00 98 00 97 00 95 00 86 ½ 79 ½