Oman Day 1 - Muscat

Of the list of Middle-eastern countries visited to date, Oman is right up there as a great holiday destination.  It has everything.  Agreeable weather at this time of year with temperatures in the high 20C's during the day and warm evenings making nocturnal meanderings very pleasant.

It's safe.  No hassles, people leave you alone, and staff within the hotels are so very helpful, bordering on subservient.  Not that I am always overly comfortable with this.

There's history, wonderful mosques, quaint arabian towns and villages, striking landscapes, modern amenities, karak tea, and of course wildlife.

Flights were booked on British Airways that operate direct Dreamliner services to Muscat.  Hotels were booked in Muscat at the excellent Pioneer Apartments Hotel with a single night in the Waves Hotel in Ras al Hadd.

The Al Alam Palace is a short drive away from the Pioneer hotel en route to Muttrah.  It is one of the royal residences of the incumbent and highly revered Sultan Qaboos.

Muttrah and it's vibrant Souk is a must visit that forms part of the the 'old' town.  It overlooks the harbour that comes alive during the evening and particularly over the weekend.