Brief Itinerary
DAY 01: ARRIVE SALALAH Meet & assist at the airport and transfer to Souly Eco Lodge (4*). After the group meeting with Tour leader and our guide at the Hotel Lobby proceed to have our welcome dinner at Madhabi Restaurant (local restaurant) (D)
DAY 02: FULL DAY MYSTICAL SALALAH CITY TOUR (08:45 hrs – 18:30hrs)
We leave the Hotel at 8:30. Proceed to visit Sultan Qaboos Mosque from inside. Drive toView the Official Palace of His Majesty the Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq (Al Husn Palace) & stroll through the old Haffah souk, famous for the sale of high quality Frankincense & numerous other Dhofari traditional souvenirs. One can experience the smell of frankincense fills in the souk. Our guide along with the shopkeeper of the perfumery shop would do a brief talk on the Arabian oudh based perfumes. Haffah souk is very attractive with its small shops lined up with straight piles of incense boxes later visit to “The Museum of the Frankincense Land”. Opened in July 2007 at Al Balid Archaeological Park, a UNESCO heritage site located in Salalah, the Frankincense Land Museum is the latest addition to Oman’s heritage and cultural scene. It houses two main halls, namely the History Hall, depicting the geography, history of the ancient Frankincense trail and the historical background of the Sultanate through a number of archaeological findings, and The Marine Hall, featuring displays about the development of Oman’s rich marine history. A complete history of the Maritime trade & ship building industry of Oman could be experienced here, with meticulously carved replicas of the ancient boats & ships of the Omani Maritime trade. Drive through lush green plantations of vegetables & fruits. Make a brief stop to taste a fresh coconut water drink at fruit stalls within the periphery of the old Salalah town (Haffah).Our next stop will be at Nabi Imran Tomb inSalalah City. Nabi Imran Tomb holds the record for the longest grave in the world. It is the resting place of yet another important Islamic prophet known as Prophet Imran After the Lunch at Taraneem Panoramic Restaurant visit to the Salalah Grand mall for shopping. Later visit the local Coffee Shop to witness how the local women spend their free time. After the shopping proceed to Dahare Beach for watching the sunset. Return to Souly Eco Lodge (4*) (B/L/D)
DAY 03: SALALAH- UBAR (250 KM /11.00 hrs – 19:00 hrs)
Check out from Souly Eco lodge around 11 am and drive to Ubar by 4WD. Once you are in Dhofar, it is an absolute must, that you visit Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter), Dhofars most remarkable and popular site with its unspoilt and magical sand dunes drive towards the ‘Qara’ mountain range with its spectacular view of the Salalah plains dotted with thick shrub & woodland. Lunch break at Thumrait town, which was famous as a Bedouin settlement, we proceed west on graded road crossing the huge gravel desert of ‘ Al Nejd’. After a 175 Km journey from Salalah city we reach our first attraction in the desert, arriving at the ‘Lost City of Ubar’ (UNESCO World heritage site). This legendary ancient kingdom, known as Ubar, was said to have existed in one of the most inhospitable places on earth – a vast and forbidding Rub Al Khali desert, appropriately known as the Empty Quarter. According to myth, the desert swallowed up Ubar. Quite literally, it sank without trace -becoming the fabled “Atlantis of the Sands.” This once buried city, which was spotted by satellite, gives you a glimpse of the value of work carried out by a team of explorers in 1992, led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Later Proceed to Camel farm visit. After walking around the farm we proceed to the Empty Quarter to experience the “biggest sand desert in the World” by rambling on fascinating sand dunes. A breath taking overview of the vast desert awaits you on the top of the dunes. Dune bashing at Dune. After the sunset at dunes proceed to Empty Quarter. Snacks & soft drinks will provide the during the dune bashing or sunset cruise. Late evening the group will gather around the camp fire after the Dinner. Overnight & dinner at Empty Quarter Eco Lodge (B/L/D)
DAY 04: UBAR – SALALAH ( 250 km / 06:00 hrs – 13:30 hrs)
Early Morning wake up for Sunrise and exploring a dune sunrise. After the breakfast at the Camp proceed to Salalah. Stop at Ayn Sahalnoot picturesque spring. The spring, located approximately 15 kilometers from Salalah, offers a stunning landscape with clear water, mountains, and valleys, making it a favorite spot for visitors, especially during the Khareef (autumn monsoon) season. Continue drive to Salalah and check in at Serene Oman Glamping (4*). Evening meeting with Tour leader and guide to conversation about the traces of the Bible in Oman. Dinner at Local restaurant. Overnight at Serene Oman Glamping (4*) (B/D)
DAY 05: FULL DAY WEST SALALAH TOUR (09:00 hrs – 16:00 hrs)
We start our exploration of Dhofar by 4wd driving towards the ‘Qara’ mountains on a road steadily winding up a steep incline; herds of Camels & Cattle are a common sight which gives a scenic view of a traditional Dhofari rural beauty. Visit the ancient tomb of ‘Prophet Job’ situated in the scenic green mountains of the Salalah Plains. Experience the legendary story of Prophet Job and his devoutness. After the Lunch at Local restaurant proceed to Fazayah beach. Swimming and relaxation on the beach. Enjoy the Picnic lunch at the beach. after that Proceed to the beach of Mughsail where the white sand touches the deep blue of the ocean & at high tide, where waves burst through the natural titanic ‘Blow Holes’, at the far end of the ‘Rocky beach’ with a cave-like entrance. Return journey we make a photo stop at the lagoon at Mughsail where migratory birds – occasionally flamingos – are a common sight. Return to the hotel. Overnight at Serene Oman Glamping (4*). Dinner at Local restaurant (B/L/D)
DAY 06 : FULL DAY EAST SALALAH TOUR (09:30hrs -14:30hrs) After the breakfast proceed to East Salalah tour by 4wd. The excursion begins with a visit to the old fishing village of ‘Taqah‘, famous for the manufacture of ‘Dried Sardines’ & its traditional & old ‘Dhofari Houses’. Continue onto the ancient ruins of the once famous city of Sumharam (Khor Rohri). The city was the easternmost outpost of the Hadramawt Kingdom on the ancient incense route between the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf and India. Khor Rori was an important port on the coast of Dhofar, and one of the major trading cities with frankincense, believed to have been the hub & harbour for the shipping of Frankincense (UNESCO World Heritage site).A picturesque drive then leads you to ‘Mirbat‘, the ancient capital of Dhofar and the beginning of the ‘Frankincense trail’. Stroll through the streets lined with old Omani mud houses & visit the ‘twin-domed Bin Ali’s Tomb’ as a photo stop a classic example of medieval architecture. After the Lunch at Local restaurant check in at Koofan Heritage Lodge (4*). Dinner at Local restaurant. Overnight at Koofan Heritage Lodge (4*) (B/L/D
DAY 07: FULL DAY JABAL SAMHAN & WADI DIRBAT (09:00hrs – 16:00hrs)
After the breakfast Proceed to Antigravity Point by 4wd. The Salalah Anti-Gravity Point is one of the most intriguing and talked-about natural phenomena in Oman. Located along the road between Salalah and Mirbat. Continue to visit of Ain Hasheer and Baobab Trees. Ain Hasheer in Salalah, Oman is a popular destination for nature lovers, especially those seeking to see baobab trees. The area features several large and impressive baobab trees, with one even said to be over a thousand years old. 10 Minutes hiking to the biggest tree. Later drive to Jabal Samhan. The highest mountain range in Dhofar, offering panoramic views,(1310 M) rugged terrain. Ideal for adventure seekers and those seeking serene highland beauty. After the Lunch at Local restaurant drive to Tawi Attair Sinkhole (The Bird’s Well) A colossal natural sinkhole in Dhofar, famous for its dramatic cliffs, impressive depth, and the enchanting echoes of birds resonating within.After the Lunch at Local restaurant to explore Wadi Darbat & Seasonal Waterfalls. A lush green valley near Taqah, renowned for its seasonal waterfalls and stunning mountain vistas. During the Khareef season, it transforms into a verdant paradise, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Return back to Hotel. Dinner at Local restaurant. Overnight Dinner at Koofan Heritage Lodge (4*) (B/L/D)
DAY 08 : DEPARTURE
Departure transfer to Salalah International airport to catch your flight back home
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]).
