Oman is the Middle East's most underrated and most rewarding destination. While its neighbours have built their reputations on skyscrapers and shopping malls, Oman has preserved something far more valuable — authenticity. This is a country of dramatic landscapes, ancient forts, warm hospitality and a culture that feels genuinely unspoilt.

Muscat, the capital, is one of the most elegant cities in the Gulf. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, second only to Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Mosque in scale and beauty. The Mutrah Corniche, with its traditional dhows and the labyrinthine Mutrah Souk, gives a sense of what the Gulf was like before the oil boom. The Royal Opera House Muscat is world-class.

The Wahiba Sands are one of the great desert experiences on earth. The dunes rise to 100 metres and stretch for 180km — a vast, golden, almost silent landscape. Overnight desert camps allow you to sleep under the stars and wake to a sunrise over the dunes. Dune bashing, camel treks and sandboarding are all available.

Musandam is Oman's most dramatic landscape — a series of sheer limestone fjords that plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Dhow cruises through the fjords, with dolphins riding the bow wave, are one of the most memorable experiences in the region. The village of Khasab is the base for most excursions.

Salalah, in the far south, is unique in the Arabian Peninsula. During the khareef (monsoon season, June to September), the city and surrounding mountains transform into a lush, green landscape — waterfalls, mist and frankincense trees. It is completely unlike anywhere else in the Middle East.

The best time to visit Oman is October to April, when temperatures are warm and pleasant. We search across Travelpack, Emirates Holidays and JTA Holidays for the best deals, with the FIBI discount applied automatically.