
Oman's immortal second citySalalah is Oman’s immortal second city, famed for its frankincense since biblical times. The beautiful unspoilt coasts and countryside boast baobab trees and coconut palms, leopards and hyenas, while the many historical wonders include the ruins of Samhuram, reputedly the site of the Queen of Sheba’s palace, and the town of Taqah with its old fort and traditional Dhofari houses. Enjoy cruising in Salalah with MSC Lirica. MSC Lirica is the perfect floating resort from which to explore this very special part of the world. Welcomed with traditional Italian hospitality, you’ll be treated like a sultan, surrounded by precious natural materials in creative designer interiors, cosseted in comfort and delighted by world-class leisure facilities and entertainment. Returning from our varied excursions, dining on superb Italian and international cuisine in four different restaurants, soaking up the atmosphere of the Lord Nelson Pub, chilling to the music in the Beverly Hills bar or dancing your heart out in the Blue Club Discotheque, these beautifully-conceived eight to twenty-day cruises will bring you an unforgettable experience of Arabia. |
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Port average temperatureThe temperate figures shown are based on monthly average weather conditions for the selected port. Weather data is not real-time, and sometimes no data is shown for a specific date, month or port in general.
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SLL01 - SALALAH CONTRASTS (APPROX. 4,5 HOURS) - 2013/2014
An ideal introduction to Salalah and the surrounding Dhofar region; this tour offers an array of images and experiences. Your excursion begins with a visit to the Frankincense Souk, where you can buy perfumes, curios and souvenirs. Drive to the ancient ruins of the Palace of the legendary Queen of Sheba (Khor Rouri), believed to have been the hub and harbour for the shipping of frankincense for export to the rest of the Arabian Peninsula. You’ll visit the Taqah Castle, nestled in the heart of a coastal Dhofari town famed for its pottery, silverwork and other artisan industries. It should come as no surprise that Taqah Castle has an artistry of its own and the castle's numerous shuttered windows are particularly distinctive with latticed wooden screens and keyhole-shaped arches. Round off your tour with a visit of Ain Razat Springs, a natural underground spring amidst the tranquil lush mountains. Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair.
Price per person $79.00 Adults $59.00 Children
SLL02 - SALALAH BEACH TOUR (APPROX. 4 HOURS) - 2013/2014
You will leave the Port of Salalah for a short bus transfer to a local hotel where you will have free time to relax on the beach or at the swimming pool. After 3 hours of pure relaxing in the sun you will return to the port and to your cruise ship. Please note: do not forget your swimming costume, towel, sun-glasses and sun lotion. The tour might take place in the morning or in the afternoon. This tour is not recommended for guests using a wheelchair.
Price per person $79.00 Adults $59.00 Children
SLL03 - SERENE SALALAH (APPROX. 4 HOURS) - 2013/2014
Nestling in the southern region of Oman, Salalah is a city of great natural beauty, especially during the Khareef season (spring/summer), when the area receives the annual Indian monsoon that transforms it into a lush garden with streams and waterfalls. Salalah is also an important archaeological and historical site, and your half-day tour will commence at the archaeological site of Al-Balid that displays exhibits illustrating the region's archaeology, history and heritage. You will then drive to Shanfari Mosque (outside visit only) to take photographs, before continuing to the Al Husn souk, which offers frankincense, as well as textiles, handicrafts. Next, you will visit the site of the 14 footprints of the Prophet Saleh's sacred camel, before driving past the Al Husn Palace the summer residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair.
Price per person $77.00 Adults $58.00 Children
SLL04 - EAST AND WEST SALALAH (APPROX. 7 HOURS LUNCH INCLUDED) - 2013/2014
This full-day tour features a visit to the archaeological excavation & blow holes. If you are lucky you will be able to witness the sprays of water gushing out of these natural holes in the rock face, sometimes reaching heights of over 15 metres. In ancient times Dhofar was renowned as an important centre of the frankincense trade. In fact, legend has it that the frankincense-bearing king who went to adore the newborn Jesus travelled from Dhofar. Nowadays, however, frankincense is little used and there are only a few places in the world (Yemen and Oman) where the trees can still be found. Your first stop will be frankincense souq where you will enjoy some free time for shopping before continuing to the fishing village of Taqah, the third largest "town" in Dhofar. Its inhabitants were traditionally farmers and fishermen and today Taqah is famous for its sardines. You will then proceed to Khor Rori creek, allegedly the site of the ruined city of Sumhuram, the capital of ancient Arabia's exotic frankincense trade. Excavations at the site have produced evidence of an ancient city with trade links by sea to Far Eastern destinations and even distant Greece. It is also supposed to be the site of the palace of the legendary Queen of Sheba, which is now in ruins and undergoing restoration. You will have lunch in a hotel in Salalah. On your way back to the ship you will stop at the archaeological site of Al-Balid that displays exhibits illustrating the region's archaeology, history and heritage and at Mughsail beach, nearly two miles of unspoilt white sandy beaches, with high cliffs.Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than English. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in English only. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair.
Price per person $122.00 Adults $92.00 Children
SLL05 - WADI OFF ROAD (APPROX. 4 HOURS) - 2013/2014
See Salalah from a different perspective on a 4 wheel drive expedition to Wadi Darbat, Ain Hamran and Ai Razat. By 4x4 vehicles you’ll travel to the east of Salalah to the old town of 'Taqah' before heading on to the ancient ruins of the palace of the legendary Queen of Sheba (Khor Rohri), believed to have been the centre for the shipping of frankincense. Continue the drive into the spectacular ‘Wadi Darbat' and take a relaxing stroll along the Wadi bed which is home to herds of camels, goats, cattle and donkeys. This is an area of great beauty with lakes and lush green vegetation creating a natural paradise. Your next stop is at the Ain Hamran, a spectacular location in which age-old trees and shrubs have become nesting places for several species of birds throughout the year. You’ll proceed to the Natural Springs at Ain Razat to enjoy the breathtaking views of the cave face and landscape by the springs, where a variety of bird species and plants can be found.Please note: the safari leader will provide you with information only in English during the stops.
Price per person $120.00 Adults $108.00 Children
The excursions in the program above are intended to provide MSC Guests with an idea of the different tours that can be arranged in each port of call; this program is merely a guide and confirmation of each excursion and its description and prices will be made during your cruise. Full information can be found in the onboard Tour Magazine.