Brief Itinerary
DAY 01: ARRIVAL SALALAH
On arrival salalah Airport, Meet & greet outside the airport then transfer to Hotel. In the afternoon you will visit the “The Museum of the Frankincense Land” at Al Balid. The museum opened in 2006 within the ancient harbour of Al Balid, houses many excellent works of art about the rich cultural history of the Dhofar Region. One hall depicting the Frankincense Trail History of the Sultanate, along with many audio/video presentations of the Omani Renaissance since 1970, fascinates the visitor to this site. You will make photo stops at the impressive Shanfari Mosque and later at Al Husn Palace (Palace of the Sultan). Over Night at Haffa House Hotel
DAY 02: FULL DAY VISIT OF EAST & WEST SALALAH.
Meet the guide at hotel lobby and proceed for full day visit of East & West Salalah. Visit the fishing village of Taqa, an old town with an interesting castle surrounded by watchtowers and Taqa stone houses. Proceed onward to Khor Rori creek, the site of the ruined city of Samhuram (visit from outside), and capital of ancient Arabia’s frankincense trade. Excavations have produced evidence of an ancient city with trade links by sea to far eastern destinations and with even distant Greece. Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar, was an important town as early as the 9th century for it’s trade in frankincense, horses and slaves. See some of the old houses famous for its woodcarvings. One of Dhofar’s best-known historic sites is Bin Ali’s Tomb. The twin domed structure; tomb of Mohamed bin Ali who died in 1135 AD is a fine example of medieval architecture.
Visit the Biblical “Nabi Ayoub” Prophet Job’s Tomb, perched high up in the “Jebels” (mountains). En route are spectacular views of the plains, mountain landscape and emerald green pastureland. Proceed to Mughsail Beach where “Blow-holes” – (perforations in the limestone rock) through which sea water gushes during high tide. Experience the Hairpin Bend Roads for approximately 15/20-Kms, which will take you to a wadi. The views are breathtaking due to heights involved. This is the road that takes you to the Yemen border. At the nearby bird sanctuary, one may see seasonal birds. En route, the stark shape of leafless Frankincense Trees dots the landscape. Once traded as a commodity more precious than gold, frankincense harvested in Dhofar is rated the best in the world.
DAY 03: DEPARTURE TRANSFER
For more information Oman sightseeing tours & Oman itineraries you can visit our website www.sttoman.com or contact Assaraya Travel & Tourism LLC (Email: [email protected]).
