Excursion Serene salalah tour at Salalah

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Discover Salalah and the surrounding area with its contrast between the lush green vegetation of the Garden city and the barren yet majestic landscape of the desert. En route to the Salalah museum you may be so lucky to even see a camel roaming the roadside.


Al Balid

The ancient city known as Dhufa grew in this area between the 12th and 16th centuries. Today, the ruins of this magnificent city can be seen at the Al Balid archaeological site in the Haffa district of Salalah. Dhufa was once surrounded by water and a massive wall complete with gates and turrets. There is evidence of a grand mosque, palaces, houses and tombs that indicate the historical standing of the area. There was a thriving export of frankincense and Arab horses to India and the Far East from Al Balid. A visit is made to Museum of the Land of Frankincense which is located inside of the Al Balid site.


Grand Mosque

Enjoy a photo stop of the beautiful Grand Mosque with its exquisite art work and stained tiles.


Al Husn Palace

Next, drive through the grounds of the magnificent Al Husn Palace where photos can only be taken from the coach. The Palace is the personal residence of His Majesty, The Sultan of Oman.


Al Husn Souq

Lastly, stop at the Al Husn Souq and stroll among the vendors. The colourful stalls are heaped with mounds of frankincense, myrhh, incense, bottles of fragrant perfume oils and a large variety of fascinating artefacts.


Your tour concludes with a short ride back to the pier to embark the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Salalah, Salalah Museum, Al Balid Archaeological Site, Museum of the Land of Frankincense, Dhufa, Grand Mosque, Al Husn Palace, Al Husn Souq

Note

Please Note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 656 yards (600 meters) over rough, uneven ground at the archaeological site that may be on rough, uneven ground and approximately 5-10 steps throughout. This tour is not recommended for guests who utilize a wheelchair.  Guests with limited mobility may require the assistance of their travel partner. Women visiting the Mosque must be fully covered and are required to cover their heads with a scarf. Shorts, sleeveless tops, beachwear are not allowed at Job's tomb. Vehicles and guides are the best available in the city. Air conditioning cannot be guaranteed. The order of sites may vary. Souvenir shops accept cash in US Dollars or local currency.  Credit cards are mostly not accepted.  Do not take photographs of individuals without their permission. Women in particular, do not like being photographed. It is forbidden to take pictures of military facilities, borders and airports. Keep an eye out for 'No Photography' signs.  The Grand Mosque is closed on Fridays in the afternoons and during Ramadan, therefore only outside visits would be made instead.