Excursion Land of frankincense tour at Salalah

Explore the history of Salalah and its connection to the ancient frankincense trade during this captivating, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Salalah City, Lush Vegetation, Desert Landscape, Al Baleed Archaeological Park

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive through Salalah City and its surrounds to see the contrast between the lush vegetation of the 'Garden City' and the barren, bleak landscape of the desert. From here, head to Salalah's Haffa District for the first stop on your sightseeing tour of Salalah, the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. Affiliated with the Office of His Majesty the Sultan's Advisor for Cultural Affairs, the park is one of the prominent cultural landmarks in Salalah. Upon arrival, take a guided tour inside this captivating park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guided Tour, Al Baleed Museum, Historical Artefacts, Ruins

Along the way, learn about the ancient city of Dhufa, which existed in this area between the 12th century-16th century. 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 also a thriving export of frankincense and Arab horses to India and the Far East from Al Baleed. Stop by the Al Baleed Museum to explore the ruins unearthed at this site and attend a lecture by an expert, who explains the roots of frankincense and the important role it played in building the trade route. Next, re-board your coach and head to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wadi Dawkah.

Wadi Dawkah, Frankincense Trees, Extraction & Processing

Wadi Dawkah is a natural park of famous Frankincense trees. This wadi, located in the Dhofar region of Oman, is a stony, semi-desert valley. Its dense population of around 5,000 frankincense trees, including ancient specimens, is spread across approximately 1.9 square miles (about five square kilometres). Although frankincense trees can reach a height of approximately 26 feet (about 7.9 metres), most trees in Wadi Dawkah are no more than approximately 10 feet (about three metres) in height. Observe a demonstration of how frankincense is extracted from the tree and learn about the process for producing the best-quality frankincense. Your tour concludes with an approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Salalah City, Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Al Baleed Museum, Historical Artefacts, Ruins, Wadi Dawkah, Frankincense Trees, Extraction & Processing

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (about one kilometre), at times over uneven, natural, and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the jeep and at the Al Baleed Museum. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, sturdy, and closed-toe walking or hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, bottled water, and US Dollars, local currency, or credit cards for purchases from the ship; few shops accept credit cards. Because of the differences in temperature between the air-conditioned vehicles and outside, we recommend that you bring along a light cotton jumper (sweater or light jacket). Guests must be at least four years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old to participate on this tour. Do not take photographs of local individuals without their permission. Women do not like being photographed. Observe 'No Photography' signs. The Al Baleed Museum is closed on Friday mornings. The tour sequence may vary.