Muscat, the ancient cap*ital of Oman, is on a spectacular site. The city lies on a narrow
strip of land between the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the rocky brown moun*tains behind it. Muscat is a wonderful combination of historic sites and modern buildings. Tourists inter*ested in history will marvel at the splendid forts with their watchtowers and walled gateways. Those with an interest in contemporary architecture will appreciate the simple lines of the Sultan's lovely but unpretentious palace. Directly adjacent to Muscat is the harbor of Muttrah with its beautiful corniche and busy market full of the sights and sounds of this ancient bridge between the Middle East and Asia.