Don’t go ‘Round the Bend’ in Oman

BASINGSTOKE, U.K. - Dec. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- Corinthian Travel has created a new private, chauffeur-driven tour called Oman & the Fjords of Musandam (http://www.corinthiantravel.co.uk/oman-holidays/oman-and-the-fjords-of-musandam) which includes the scenically ‘wild’ northern Musandam province, renowned for its dramatic landscape of deep inlets, craggy peaks, and bays hemmed in by sheer cliffs. Remote Musandam was closed to visitors until 1970 and is separated from the rest of Oman by a swathe of U.A.E territory.

The itinerary combines a two-day excursion by air to Musandam, with sightseeing in the contiguous Sultanate’s interior where highlights include spending a night surrounded by the magical dunes of the Wahiba Sands, driving off-road in wild wadis, al fresco picnic lunches, visiting fairytale forts, and gazing down into the vast thousand metre deep gorge of Wadi Nakhr, the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Oman.

One of the many highlights of the nine-day trip is a dhow cruise on the Musandam’s fjords (or Khwars).

The relaxing, full day experience, will involve a gentle cruise into the ‘fjord’ of Khwar Ash Sham where the calm, turquoise waters contrast with the creamy white limestone cliffs.

Guests will have an opportunity to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters, look out for dolphins and explore Telegraph Island – the remote location of a telegraph relay station built in 1864, connecting the underwater cable from India to London.

It is said that laying the cable ‘round the bend’ of the Persian Gulf gave rise to the expression, as living on the island is reputed to have sent some of the workers insane.

One of the other more unusual aspects of the carefully crafted itinerary is a visit to Nizwa cattle market, which takes place in a round space, with sellers leading their animals for sale (mostly cows, camels and goats) in a slow circular walk, whilst buyers sit in the middle and along the edges, shouting out a price as they feel moved to do so.

As with all Corinthian Travel holidays, the itinerary can be tweaked depending on preferences, including the accommodation.

The best time to enjoy the holiday, which can commence on any day of the week, is from October to April.

It costs from £2295 per person (two sharing a room) which includes domestic flights, eight-nights’ accommodation, some meals, private chauffeur-driven vehicles, dhow cruise (shared), entrance fees to places visited as described and guides.

Fully-bonded international flights are bookable through Corinthian Travel on request.

Call 01372 469 300 (www.corinthiantravel.co.uk).

Corinthian Travel offers recommended tours and tailor-made itineraries to holidays in Egypt, Oman, Jordan, Tunisia and Lebanon, with dedicated expert guides, the finest hotels, and private sightseeing.