Excursion Amazing salalah tour at Salalah

Discover the amazing sites of Salalah City and its surrounds during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Salalah City, Lush Vegetation, Desert Landscape, Sultan Qaboos Mosque Salalah

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive through Salalah City and its surrounds to see the contrast between the lush vegetation of the 'Garden City' and the barren, bleak landscape of the desert. The first stop on your sightseeing tour of Salalah is at the huge Sultan Qaboos Mosque Salalah (Salalah Grand Mosque). Upon arrival, take a guided tour inside this beautiful house of worship.

Guided Visit, Marble, Artwork, Tiles, Swarovski Crystal Chandelier, New Salalah Souk, Shopping

Built between 1995-2001, the Salalah Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Oman and can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The entire interior is panelled with off-white and dark grey marble, and features exquisite artwork and stained tiles. An approximately 20-ton (about 18-tonne) hand-woven carpet with 115 million individual knots covers the floors. The ceilings are inspired by those of Omani forts, and a Swarovski crystal chandelier with gold-plated metalwork hangs down approximately 46 feet (about 14 metres). Afterward, re-board your coach and head to the New Salalah Souk, where a shopping stop is made to browse the many stalls selling spices, tropical fruit, handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs.

Coconut and Banana Plantation, Coconut Tree-Climbing, Coconut Tasting, Camels

Next, re-board your coach and continue to your final stop, a visit to a coconut and banana plantation. En route, look for the occasional camel roaming the countryside. Upon arrival at the plantation, proceed for a demonstration of coconut tree-climbing and an opportunity to sample the fresh coconut. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Salalah, Salalah Grand Mosque, New Salalah Souk, Free Time, Shopping, Coconut Plantation, Climbing Demonstration, Coconut Tasting

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometre), at times over uneven, natural, and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and access the shoppes at the New Salalah Souk, and five steps at the Salalah Grand Mosque. Walking at the New Salalah Souk is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, bottled water, and US Dollars, local currency, or credit cards for purchases from the ship; few shops accept credit cards. Because of the differences in temperature between the air-conditioned vehicles and outside, we recommend that you bring along a light cotton jumper (sweater or light jacket). Proper attire is required to enter the mosque; women must wear modest clothing that covers the entire body and bring a scarf that covers the head and hair. Arms and legs must be covered to the wrists and ankles. Men must wear modest clothing befitting the sanctity of the Salalah Grand Mosque. Tattoos must be completely covered before entering the Salalah Grand Mosque. Shorts, transparent, or see-through clothing, shorts and skirts, sleeveless shirts, clothing with profanity, tight clothing, swimwear, and beachwear are not permitted inside the Salalah Grand Mosque. Food, drinks, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the Salalah Grand Mosque. Slip-on shoes are recommended, as guests are required to remove their shoes before entering the Salalah Grand Mosque; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be hot. Guests must be at least four years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old to participate on this tour. Do not take photographs of local individuals without their permission. Women do not like being photographed. Observe 'No Photography' signs. The Salalah Grand Mosque is closed on Fridays, National Holidays, and VIP visits. The New Salalah Souk is closed on Friday mornings; the site will be visited from the outside only. Be advised that wildlife, while common, is not guaranteed. The tour sequence may vary. During the Ramadan time the Grand Mosque will be closed and guests will visit it only from the outside.