MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA AND ETHIOPIA - Setur

P54 OMANcall 0845 0700 619 to speak to an expert or visit www.abercrombiekent.co.ukCeramic crafts,Souk,NizwaFort of NakhalSohar and the Batinah CoaSTThe fertile and flat Batinah Coast north of Muscat leads to Sur, once the most important trading centreon the Arabian Peninsula and today famous for its dates. Drive along the coast through the date palmsand sparkling springs to the soaring Bait Na’aman Fort at Nakhl. This restored 300-year-old fort is nowa beautifully furnished country house, its time-honoured artefacts such as Khanjars, artillery, jewelleryand chinaware still intact where you will learn how the Imam and his family lived. Enjoy a dramatic drivethrough the sedimentary mountains from Al Awabi to Wadi Bani Auf, stopping en route to hike throughthe wonderful canyon. Explore the old world appeal and enjoy a picnic lunch in tranquil Bilad Sayt with itspatchwork of terrace farming and traditional houses laid out against the rocky slopes. Head on to WadiSahtan to meet local beekeepers tending their hives in the date palms, to understand the art of honeyproduction and to explore the Al Hazm Fort with its two high cylindrical towers.Nizwa and the InteriorHistorically the power base of the Imamate, the Interior is a rich and rewarding region to visit, extendingfrom the rugged central Al Jauf plateau to the arid expanse of Al Wusta. Here, visit the large Nizwa RoundTower Fort, built to guard the Sumail Gap, and the fascinating Nizwa Souk famed for its silverwork andantique jewellery. Drive on to the pretty village of Birkat Al Mauz to enjoy a walk through the lush greendate plantations. Winding roads take you to the green jewel of the Al Hajar mountain range to enjoy thecool mountain climate. It is famed for its fruit orchards laid out in terraces along the slopes of mountainswhich are endowed with natural springs and aflaj. The villages of Saiq, Wadi Bani Habib (‘Village of the OldHouses’) and Al Ain dot the landscape, overlooking a spectacular landscape of dramatic peaks, gorges andwadis. Explore the beautifully executed woodcarvings of 17th century Jabrin Castle, one of Oman’s finest.Al Hazm Fort