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28 Feature CULTURAL TRAVEL


Wealth of experience


The Middle East is a magnet for travellers seeking out unforgettable cultural encounters


The experiential travel concept is essentially all about stories. As the modern visitor looks for new ways to connect with a place and its people, they seek out narratives that make a destination unique, in turn making the story of their trip all the more special. Across the Middle East, there are fascinating tales to be told, woven around a heritage and culture that is both ancient and eclectic, setting each coun- try apart. Whether sleeping beneath a starry desert sky, or spending time at a traditional Omani fishing village, the region offers visitors a rare chance to soak up cultural experiences that are truly unique. A classic example of a traditional Arabian


city, Muscat is the place to visit for a fantastic blend of old and new. Its colourful souks are the place to go for a real sense of the city as these


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markets were at one time the cornerstone of community life in the Middle East. Packed with character, visitors can amble through wind- ing alleyways filled with everything from local spices and fragrances, to Bedouin jewellery and traditional Omani daggers. The two larg- est souks are Muttrah Souk and the equally impressive Nizwa Souk, where a livestock market creates an unforgettable spectacle every Friday. Elsewhere in the city, Sultan Qaboos Grand


Mosque makes for a standout experience, with a distinctive architecture that is a testament to modern Islamic styles. An active place of worship, it’s one of a few mosques in Oman that welcomes non-muslim visitors and with several tours on offer, a visit makes for a unique way to gain a deeper understanding of the local


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way of life. Another must while in the capital is the Royal Opera House Muscat, a glitter- ing performing arts centre where a diverse programme of music, opera and dance draws talent from the region and all over the world. Venture beyond the city and out into the


picturesque Omani countryside where it’s possible to really immerse in local culture. Farming is a mainstay in the charming villages dotted across the rugged landscape where local Bedu can still be seen herding goats across the mountains. Experience the famed Omani hospitality first hand with a stay in a traditional Omani village. Misfah Guest House, in the heart of the sleepy Misfah village deep in the mountains, is a charming stone cottage which is open to travellers looking to really experience Omani life. Villagers run the guest


house and cook all the food for truly authentic flavours. Close by are natural attractions includ- ing Al Hoota Cave and Jebel Shams mountain — the country’s highest peak. The fascinating stories continue in Jordan


where the ancient city of Petra offers a once- in-a-lifetime experience. By far the country’s best known tourist attraction, the age-old settlement is around three hours travel time from Amman. It is the legacy of Nabataean people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago, and Petra is now a spec- tacular UNESCO World Heritage Site set deep inside a narrow desert gorge. Various walks and climbs take visitors through the hundreds of buildings, tombs and temples to be found here. In Amman, there’s plenty of culture to soak up in hip, up and coming neighbourhoods.


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Venture beyond the city and out into the picturesque Omani countryside where it’s possible to really immerse in the local culture


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1Misfah Oasis, Oman 2Royal Opera House Muscat 3Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat 4Mutrah Souk, Muscat 5Misfah Al Hamra, Oman 6, 7 & 9Petra, Jordan 8Umayyad Palace, Citadel, Amman 10National Gallery of Fine Arts, Amman 11Roman Amphitheatre, Amman


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