Silversea Expedition Cruises À SALALAH

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 12^th and 16^th 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.

Experience the lifestyles, legacy and landmarks of Oman along the road less-travelled during this panoramic, full-day jeep excursion.

Salalah, Taqa, Old Town, Samhuram, Queen of Sheba Palace Ruins

Depart the pier via Jeep for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive east to the Old Town of Taqa. Upon arrival, take a sightseeing drive through the Old Town, then head to Samhuram (Khor Rohri). Here, an exterior photo stop is made at the ancient ruins of the palace of the legendary Queen of Sheba, believed to have been the centre of shipping for frankincense.

Wadi Darbat, Wadi Bed Stroll, Animals, Lakes, Greenery

Next, your drive continues on to the spectacular Wadi Darbat. Upon arrival, take a relaxing stroll along the wadi bed surrounded by herds of camels, goats, cattle and donkeys. This is an area of great beauty, with lakes and lush green vegetation creating a stunning natural paradise.

Jabal Samhan Plateau, Picnic Lunch, Ain Razat, Natural Springs, Caves, Landscapes

Leaving the Wadi Darbat, re-board your jeep and proceed for a picnic lunch at the Jabal Samhan Plateau. After lunch, head to the natural springs of Ain Razat. Upon arrival, enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the caves and landscape located around the natural springs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your 4x4 jeep and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the spectacular desert beauty, flora, and fauna of Salalah and its surrounds during this scenic, half-day, off-road excursion.

Old Town of Taqa, Khor Rouri, Ancient Palace Ruins

Depart the pier with your driver/guide for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive east to the Old Town of Taqa. Upon arrival, a photo stop is made at panoramic viewpoint. Afterward, re-board your Jeep and continue on to Khor Rouri. Visit the ancient ruins of the Palace of the legendary Queen of Sheba (Khor Rouri), believed to have been the centre for the shipping of frankincense.

Wadi Darbat, Wadi Bed, Lakes, Lush Vegetation & Wildlife

Next, re-board your coach and head to the spectacular Wadi Darbat. Upon arrival, take a relaxing stroll along the wadi bed, which is home to herds of camels, goats, cattle and donkeys. (Sighting of animals is not guaranteed). This is an area of great beauty, with lakes and lush green vegetation creating a natural paradise.

Ain Hamran, Old Trees, Shrubs, Bird Species, Ain Razat Springs, Cave, Natural Springs

Leaving Wadi Darbat, drive to Ain Hamran, a spectacular location in which age-old trees and shrubs have become nesting places for several species of birds throughout the year. Your final stop is at the Ain Razat Springs. Upon arrival, take a short, guided walk to enjoy breath-taking views of the cave face and landscape by the natural springs, where a variety of bird species and plants can be found. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your Jeep and commence the approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.

Relax and unwind amidst a full-day of Omani sunshine, sightseeing and shopping during this picturesque beach excursion with lunch.

Salalah, Al Husk Souq, Shopping, Salalah Rotana Hotel, Rotana Restaurant, Lunch

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Al Husk Souq, where some free time is made available to browse the stalls for frankincense, myrrh, incense oils, spices, and more. Following your visit, re-board your coach and head to the Salalah Rotana Hotel. Upon arrival, proceed for a buffet lunch at the hotel's Rotana restaurant.

Free Time, Hotel Swimming Pool and Beach, Salalah Grand Mosque

After lunch, some free time is made available to relax by the Salalah Rotana Hotel's swimming pool and beach. Next, re-board your coach and drive to the Salalah Grand Mosque for an exterior photo stop. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the town of Salalah at your leisure during this 2 hour, self-guided excursion to the capital of Dhofar Province which is located in the southern region of the Sultanate of Oman. The Dhofar region has been known for centuries for the production of frankincense. Together with a traditional burner, made of plain clay or decorated in attractive colours, it makes for a nice souvenir.

Al Husn Souq

Guests will be dropped off at the Al Husn Souq to stroll on their own 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.

On arrival your guide will advise of the central meet point for the return drive to the pier to re-join the ship.

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 12^th and 16^th 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.

Explore Salalah at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Salalah at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Salalah at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Salalah at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Discover the unique and little travelled Frankincense trail with its contrast of lush vegetation in the Garden City and the barren yet majestic landscape of the desert. En route to Mughsail Beach you may be so lucky to even encounter camels roaming along the roadside. What a sight to see!

Frankincense is a precious commodity and has been a source of wealth in Dhofar since Biblical times. In bygone days, export was done through caravan routes and by sea across the Indian Ocean, Today, Dhofar residents still use frankincense to add fragrance to their homes.

Mughsail Beach

Take a short walk and admire the 2-mile (3 kilometres) stretch of unspoilt, white sandy beach with steep cliffs at both ends. If your arrival coincides with the high tides, you may be able to witness the spectacular 'Blow Holes' shoot jets of water into the air. Next, depart Mughsail Beach towards town and the Al Husn Souq. See the lush vegetation the city is known for during the drive along the outskirts of Salalah.

Al Husn Souq

Take the time to stroll through the bazaar area and browse in the colourful shops and stalls. Marvel at displays of frankincense, spices, bottles of fragrant perfume oils, fabric, jewellery and a variety of fascinating artefacts. Most vendors here accept U.S. Dollars. Following the visit to the souq, travel into the Jubriah plain where a winding road takes you to the hillside location of Job's Tomb.

Job's Tomb

According to legend, the small mausoleum contains the remains of the Prophet Job. It is a sacred site of pilgrimage for Moslems, Christians and Jews. Take photos and admire the views of the striking Qara Mountains and the Jubriah plain below.

As you make your way back down, pass the walled complex of the Sultan's Palace. Photographs are only allowed from the coach.

Your tour concludes at the port to embark the ship.