They're a company who specialise in the more unusual and exotic destinations, with itineraries to North Korea and Iran amongst their offering, but Tailor-Made Adventures, the bespoke travel service from Dragoman and Imaginative Traveller, has just added what it believe to be the most unique and immersive itinerary to Oman available on the travel market.

Described by Jim O'Brien, Head of Operations, as 'The Morocco of the Middle East', the new two-week long 'Arabian Explorer' trip takes what Jim believes to be a 'totally unique and as yet unexplored route' through this little visited but, due to ongoing instability in other parts of the Middle East, increasingly attractive tourist destination.

"As a destination, Oman is safer and more accessible than many other countries in the Middle East, a place where English is spoken widely. Exotic, far-flung and less developed than neighbouring states including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman offers the more adventurous traveller something truly 'different.'

"Rather than flying between the north and southern Dhofar region, travellers drive along remote and little-visited coastlines, visiting towns and villages that have until now received almost no Western visitors," says Jim.

Biblical sites, wide open vistas, high-octane desert adventure, one of the largest canyon's on earth, history and culture in bucket-loads and welcoming and respectful people are just part of Oman's appeal.

Jim describes the country as having 'all the beauty of Morocco but none of the hassle.'

And, for a country that was one of the poorest in the world a mere 25 years ago, the last 10 years has seen the Sultan take the country from peasantry to oil-rich wealth. Roads are well conditioned, making travel there not just easier, but possible - great news for a country whose landscape is dominated by mountains in the north, desert in the centre and lush, green agricultural land in the south.

This comparatively recent modernisation and development has seen tourist numbers increase. According to the most recent figures*, Oman's tourism sector grew 10 per cent in 2013, compared to 2012, with most visitors (202,000 in 2013) coming from European countries - an annual growth rate of 16.7%.

"The Sultanate's tourism sector witnessed a growth of 10 per cent in 2013, compared to 2012. Some 2.1 million tourists visited the Sultanate last year," says Maitha Al Mahrouqi, undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism.

Highlights in the two week bespoke trip, accompanied by an English speaking driver and guide, include:

Explore the capital city, Muscat; visit the gigantic Wadi Nakhr canyon, one of the largest in the world; the ancient city of Nizwa; a homestay in the mountain village of Bahia; the castle of Jabrin; the Izki tombs dating back to 400BC; visit; dune-thrashing through the Wahiba sands, spending a night in the desert, cross to Masirah island to see old dhow wrecks and watch giant turtles laying eggs; head south along a wild and remote stretch of coastline to Ras Madraka then Wadi Shuwaymiyyah; enter Dhofar region to visit the 'Queen of Sheba' Palace' ruins at Samahram; visit to the fabled lost city of Ubar. The trip ends in Salalah.

Arabian Explorer costs from £3,280 per person based on 2 people travelling. Accommodation is mainly 3 star hotel based although some wild camping and a homestay is also included.  Flights ex London cost from £249 per person.

For bookings call Tailor-madeadventures.com on 01728 888 030 or visit tailor-madeadventures.com

Notes to Editors

1. *Source: timesofoman.com

2. The best time to visit Oman is between September and March, whilst November 18th is the National Day of Oman, a date which marks both the birthday and beginning of Sultan Qaboos bin Said's rule in 1970. Oman i the longest continually independent Arab state in modern history.