Salalah & Dhofar Explorer
Tour to the lush mountain region of southern Oman
This 3-day package is designed as an add-on to a Muscat holiday or an Oman touring itinerary for those who wish to explore the lush, green, mountainous region to the south of the country. We recommend flying from Muscat to Salalah as the distance between the two cities is 1,200km.
Day 1: Arrive Salalah
Arrival at Salalah Airport and transfer to the hotel. 2 nights stay at Crown Plaza or Hilton, Salalah.
Day 2: suggested itinerary:
Visit the fishing village of Taqa, an old town with an interesting castle, surrounded by watchtowers and stone houses. Continue on to Khor Rori lagoon, site of the ruined city of Samhuram, former residence of the Queen of Sabah and the capital of ancient Arabia’s frankincense trade. Excavations have produced evidence of an ancient city with trade links by sea to Greece and the Far East. Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar, is close by and was important early in the 9th century for trade in frankincense, horses and slaves. One of Dhofar’s best-known historic sites is Bin Ali’s tomb, just outside Mirbat. The twin-domed structure is a fine example of medieval architecture. End the day with a visit to the beautiful Wadi Darbat and the natural spring of Ayn Razat. Return to hotel.
Day 3: suggested itinerary:
Visit Job’s tomb, which lies high in the Jebel Qara 20 miles outside the city. Job - Nabi Ayoub in Arabic - is recognised as a prophet by Muslims, Jews and Christians. On the way down you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the plains, mountain landscapes and emerald green pastures (from June to October, after the monsoons). Pause at Mughsail Beach to visit the famous blowholes - perforations in the limestone through which seawater gushes during high tide - and continue along hairpin bends into the Jebel al-Qamar, going through a wadi and to more breathtaking views. This road eventually leads along the coast to the Yemeni border. On the way back to Salalah you’ll see the stark leafless shapes of frankincense trees dotting the landscape. Once traded as a commodity more precious than gold, Dhofar frankincense is rated the best in the world.
Serene Salalah is a tropical paradise. Explore the garden farms and their groves of coconut, banana, papaya and various vegetables, and see the ruins of ancient houses. Stop at the site of the prophet Salah’s Sacred Camel Footprint and the 30-metre-long tomb of Nabi Umraan, and continue to the Al Hisn souq where frankincense crystals and traditional Dhofari burners are sold. On your return along the waterfront you’ll see single-storey houses dwarfed by swaying palms, as well as Al Husn Palace, the summer residence of Sultan Qaboos.
Transfer to the airport for departing flights.
Prices from
Extension to Luxury Northern Oman Adventure
Prices from: £590 per person
Valid for travel: 14 April-14 July & 31 August-3 October 2012
Offer includes: 2 nights bed & breakfast accommodation, and all tours including lunch while on tour. Flights with Oman Air are to be booked separately and can include a free stopover in Muscat.
Terms & Conditions: Prices shown are based on two adults travelling. Supplements apply for other travel periods and are subject to availability and change.
To book, call 0845 643 6562
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102500.
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