With its vast deserts and breezy coastline, Oman has long attracted travellers in search of quiet beauty. But away from glossy brochures and five-star resorts, some visitors are discovering a more intimate side of Oman — thanks to an Italian blogger who has made the country her home.
Nicoletta Vittori arrived in Oman in 2019 and quickly fell under its spell. What began as a travel blog grew into a trove of stories capturing village life, forgotten trails and the stillness of the desert. Over time, her readers began asking for more than posts and photographs: they wanted to experience her Oman for themselves.
“Living here taught me to listen to silence, to value small details and to slow down”, she says. “It’s this rhythm I want others to feel when they come”.
Vittori’s itineraries now take shape in small groups, focussing on slow travel and encounters that go beyond postcard views. She often draws from her own experience of running a guesthouse in Qantab during the pandemic and her collaborations with local tourism operators. Her role has expanded — blogger, guide and storyteller — each reinforcing the other.
This season, she is turning her attention to the capital, Muscat, with thematic tours designed to peel back layers of the city rarely noticed by visitors. One trail, aimed at architecture enthusiasts, explores lesser-known mosques, the old quarters of Muttrah and even contemporary design projects that show how Muscat is evolving.
Another itinerary caters to photographers chasing golden light and unusual perspectives. From sunset points and cliffside views to overlooked forts and hidden beaches, the focus is on authentic vantage spots, capped by a night tour of the city.
For travellers who seek cultural immersion, Nicoletta offers pottery workshops, cooking sessions with the community initiative of Sidab Women’s Association and market visits where the aromas of spices mingle with everyday chatter.
Guests can join locals in preparing Omani coffee, share home-style meals and learn traditional dishes — experiences that turn strangers into friends.
Although she has quietly launched a small venture, Nomadic Nights, Vittori downplays the agency aspect, preferring to frame her work as a cultural bridge. “The idea is not to be just a tour operator. It’s to give people stories to take home, experiences they can carry within them”, she says.
Her own stories keep multiplying. She recalls spontaneous conversations in souks, invitations into village homes, or cups of coffee shared under the shade of a tree. For her, Omani hospitality remains the true hallmark of the country. “You immediately feel part of something here. That sincerity is unforgettable”.
Alongside her tours, Nicoletta continues producing podcasts and a Muscat travel guide with practical tips for visitors. Through these channels, she promotes responsible exploration and encourages travellers to go beyond the obvious.
From the silence of Rimal Al Sharqiya to the terraced fields of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, Oman offers no shortage of breathtaking landscapes. But for Nicoletta, it is the people — and the simple, everyday gestures of welcome — that make the country extraordinary. Through her work, she invites others to see it the same way: not as a destination to tick off, but as a living story to step into.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
