Oman
For two weeks from late February, blossom turns this terraced village pale.
Stone steps climb above Wakan's terraced orchards, lifting the view down Wadi Mistal with every flight. In late February the blossom arrives and the whole village turns pale for a fortnight.
Wakan hangs above Wadi Mistal on terraces of apricot, pomegranate and grape, and for two weeks from late February the blossom turns the whole village pale. A stone stair trail climbs through the orchards and keeps going onto the old mountain paths, lifting the view with every flight. The heritage home at the top runs the village's only restaurant, which after the steep 4WD approach feels earned. People farm every terrace here, and the paths keep to the public stone.
Solo
The stair trail takes an hour and the old paths above take as long as you give them; blossom fortnight is the time if you can choose.
Couple
Late February for the blossom, lunch at the heritage home, and the long view down Wadi Mistal to finish.
Lunch at Sama Wakan Heritage Home, the only restaurant in the village, above its own terraces.
Orchard fruit in its season: apricots and grapes in summer, pomegranates as the heat breaks.

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