![]() ![]() For intrepid visitors, the isolation only adds to the appeal of Baku, one of the world’s quirkiest capitals.įrom the city’s iconic Flame Towers to its Zaha Hadid-designed Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, Baku has the glitz of a modern city built on oil money, yet the capital remains a living, breathing memory of its storied history, from the medieval ramparts of the Old City to the retro Baku Metro, which will transport you straight back to the Soviet era. It’s perched on the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, yet with its limited flight links and closed border with Armenia, Azerbaijan can feel like one of the most remote countries on Earth. With a brand new international airport terminal opened in March 2018, however, you’ll need to get here soon to beat the crowds.įlight options heading to Oman abound, including budget domestic airlines such as Saudi Airlines and Flynas. With wild beaches, stunning wadis, and excellent hiking and dune-bashing opportunities all within striking distance, Muscat makes an excellent Oman holiday base. ![]() The newish Royal Opera House and National Museum are just two examples of the cutting-edge modern Islamic architecture Muscat is becoming known for, while its well preserved 16th-century Al Mirani and Al Jalali forts are testament to the city’s tradition-steeped past. Mindful development and religious tolerance reign in this low-slung and laid-back coastal capital, where new buildings are required to reflect tradition, and the main place of worship – the resplendent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque – was especially designed to be accessible to non-Muslim visitors. ![]() Wedged between the glistening blue Gulf of Oman and the craggy peaks of the Al Hajar Mountains, Muscat is just an hour's flight (or five-hour drive) from Dubai, but couldn’t be more different from its flashy Emirati cousin. To find out more, read our guide to the best things to do in Jordan. Jordan has a wide variety of cultural experiences to offer. Opened in March 2018, the W Amman now provides a stylish spot to rest your head in Amman if you’re due for a splurge, while top-notch local operators such as Experience Jordan and Engaging Cultures can help to arrange everything from homestay experiences to hiking tours from the vibrant capital. Don’t miss the excellent Jordan Museum, nor the opportunity to sample some of Amman’s best restaurants, from rough-and-ready falafel joint Hashem to the cafés and restaurants on trendy Rainbow Street. The Amman Citadel, which dates back to Neolithic times, and the beautifully preserved 2nd-century Roman Theatre, are both within walking distance from the centre, which can be safely explored on foot. But this is a mistake, for the “White City” (top image) is well worth a look-in. Yet in their rush to explore the rock-cut caves of Petra and float in the Dead Sea, many travellers fly in to the nation’s capital – and promptly leave again. Thanks in part to last year’s opening of the Jordan Trail, a spectacular 650km-long hiking trail that spans the country from tip-to-tail, the Kingdom of Jordan has never been more popular. ![]()
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