Silver Cloud - April 20, 2023

The town has changed in recent times, but a glimpse of Muscat's past shows in the old houses lining the Mutrah corniche above the harbor, and in the traditional market souks. See the Sultan's Palace, the National Museum and perhaps indulge in Amonage or Ubar perfumes produced here -- The world's most expensive.

Khasab sits on a fjord-like recess in Oman's Musandam Peninsula. Rocks rise vertically out of the sea. The Portuguese built Fort Khasab in the early 17th century as a supply depot during the height of their presence in the area. The region offers abundant opportunities to snorkel and view underwater life.

Hyperbolically known as the Paris of Arabia, Jeddah is one of the few cities in the region to have built around, rather than over, its history. Jeddah has one of the best souks (markets) in the kingdom, the spectacular Souk Al-Alawi, which winds its way through the old city. Although some sections of it have been paved over, and others fitted with bizarre green and white columns, it's still a great place to spend hours strolling and browsing.

Hyperbolically known as the Paris of Arabia, Jeddah is one of the few cities in the region to have built around, rather than over, its history. Jeddah has one of the best souks (markets) in the kingdom, the spectacular Souk Al-Alawi, which winds its way through the old city. Although some sections of it have been paved over, and others fitted with bizarre green and white columns, it's still a great place to spend hours strolling and browsing.