Oman: Tips, Secrets, Ideas, etc.??!!

[TLCOhio]

7 hours ago, Mtngirl2 said:

The old souk is fun, plus the museum, mosque, etc.  Muscat is an enchanting, beautiful old city!!  Enjoy every moment!  I would go back once more!

 

Great background from your experiences in Muscat and Oman.  Wonderful "preview" to build up our excitement for this first visit here.  Looking forward to gaining this sampling.  We will use a ship's tour.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 15, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 214,322 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

[Mtngirl2]

Also, if anyone has a chance in Muscat, take a taxi out to the Al Bustan Hotel (about 15 minutes from center of Muscat), gorgeous hotel on the sea, and treat yourself to lunch!  It is a fabulously beautiful hotel, built for the OPEC oil conference 20 or so years ago.  Well worth the lunch or afternoon tea experience!!!!!!

[TLCOhio]

On 10/28/2018 at 5:29 PM, Mtngirl2 said:

Also, if anyone has a chance in Muscat, take a taxi out to the Al Bustan Hotel (about 15 minutes from center of Muscat), gorgeous hotel on the sea, and treat yourself to lunch!  It is a fabulously beautiful hotel, built for the OPEC oil conference 20 or so years ago.  Well worth the lunch or afternoon tea experience!!!!!!

 

Appreciate this great suggestion and follow-up.   Did look up more for this Al Bustan hotel/resort.  Seems very classy and impressive!!  We are only in port from 7 am to 4 pm.  Have a ship's tour to see many of the key Muscat highlights from 8:45 am-12:45 pm.  Will see how much added time we have, etc.  Good option to consider.  Keep up the excellent sharing, tips and ideas!!  Now less than two weeks until we depart for Athens and starting our cruise on Nov. 16. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 231,796 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Mtngirl2]

Enjoy your travels, Terry in Ohio!  You are a wonderful writer and I have enjoyed your postings! We are headed to an Amazon River cruise on November 9 for 28 days! Have fun on your trip! 

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, Mtngirl2 said:

Enjoy your travels, Terry in Ohio!  You are a wonderful writer and I have enjoyed your postings! We are headed to an Amazon River cruise on November 9 for 28 days! Have fun on your trip! 

 

Enjoyed your wonderful follow-up and kind wishes.  YES, enjoy your Amazon River adventure!!  What specific ports will you be visiting and which parts of this amazing river will you be exploring?  If I can answer any questions from our Amazon River trip three years ago, let me know. Good luck and safe travels. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 61,093 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

[TLCOhio]

Sorry for not posting back on this thread for what we saw and did in Oman.  Did we enjoy?  YES!!  Super, wonderful experience.  Fortunately, we had a private guide who made such a significant difference.  With our excellent private tour for just the four of us,  we experienced a wide range of sights both inside Oman and nearby to this capital city.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

Here is one of the key sights when doing either a sail-in or sail-away for Oman.  This white, uniquely-shaped structure is somewhat of an icon for Oman.  Left below is one of the old fortresses built by Portugal during its control here in this area.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

In doing the sail-in to Muscat, here was the pilot boat approaching our ship with some of the scenic areas showing in the background.  Great welcoming for this impressive city and its setting.:

 

Here is a small sampling for what we saw and experienced in and around their Grand Mosque.  Very impressive with its classy design, refined style, wonderful landscaping and plantings, etc., etc.:

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the Oman flag flying high in the cool sea breeze.:

[TLCOhio]

Below picks up more for the amazing experiences in Muscat, Oman.  Don't miss this town with its dramatic improvements during the past couple of decades under their current Sultan.   He has been very forward-looking and visionary for his nation.  Plus, having billions in oil money helps the process.  And, he is the absolute ruler, so the critics do not slow him down too much with his leadership that has taken his country into the 21st Century.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 219,855 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

Here is the view as we approached walking into the spectacular Royal Opera House Oman.  The building design and construction detailing were amazing to see as we were exploring this facility.  It was officially opened on October 12, 2011, with a production of the opera Turandot, conducted by Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo.  The Sultan is a big classical music fan and it shows.  The second picture shows its main lobby and grand staircase.  We could not get fully into the main auditorium as a rehearsal was being conducted inside.  The third picture gives a small sample for the wood and other materials used with this facility inside its main theater.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

 

In the lobby, a large number of historic musical instruments are displayed.  Second is the lobby for the VIP visitors to this Opera House.  Third is an example of the teak work and iron lighting used in one of the areas of this complex.  No detail was missed in its design and construction.  It was done with great class and style.:

 

 

 

Finally, as a part of this complex are various dining and shopping options.  This picture below is of the interior for one of the candy/dessert shops from France that is located next door.  Yes, we super enjoyed a tasty treat from here!  Amazing!.:

[TLCOhio]

The various markets in Muscat, Oman, were very good, highly fascinating, etc., etc.  Need photo evidence and proof?  See below!!  So much more to share from Oman's capital and nearby. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 46,091 views.

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In the Muscat fish market, this is one of the most impressive areas we have seen during our world travels.  There was such a wide variety of fresh seafood being offered here.  Plus, many interesting people here staffing this market.  Sorry, this pictures do not transmit the special "smells" from the fresh fish.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

 

 

Next was for visiting their nearby market area for fresh produce, spices, dates, etc., etc.  Lots to sample and experience here!:

 

 

 

 

Finally, here is a very small sampling for their old market with a wide variety of goods being offered and in some cases, "pushed" in Muscat.  When my wife was looking for tee-shirts for our two grandsons, the price went up and the merchant was being unreasonable.  Our guide was great in showing her temper, pushing the point and getting us the more reasonable pricing after he tried to play games.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Oman's metropolitan area is large, covering approximately 1,400 square miles and including nearly two million people.  It has been known since the early First Century as an important trading port between the west and the east.   Muscat was ruled by various indigenous tribes as well as foreign powers such as the Persians, Portugal, the Iberian Union and the Ottoman Empire at various periods during its long history. 

 

A regional military power in the 18th century, Muscat's influence extended as far as East Africa and Zanzibar and up into Pakistan. As a key port-town in the Gulf of Oman, Muscat attracted foreign tradesmen and settlers such as the Persians, those from India, etc. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development that has led to a fast-growing economy and a multi-ethnic society.  The rocky Western Al Hajar Mountains dominate the landscape of Muscat. The city lies on the Arabian Sea along the Gulf of Oman and is in the proximity to the strategic Straits of Hormuz.

 

Our private guide, Valentina, set-up by our travel partner, Amy, was excellent in driving us around and giving us insights about such a wide variety of sites and sights in this surprisingly-wonder port stop.  Don't miss ALL that Muscat offers!!   Our guide/driver was originally from the Siberia section of Russia and wanted to escape the cold there.  She also lived and worked for a long time in Dubai before coming to Muscat seven years ago.  She likes having escaped the cold for the sun and warmth of the Gulf States.  She allowed us to sample a wonderful a flavor of Oman!!  Sure glad that we dumped the ship's tour for this key part of Oman.  A group of four with a good guide is much better than being on a large bus with 30-40 people. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 45,001 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

 

Near the old Souk or market in Muscat was this view of a mosque, plus, second,then a look across the waters to where one of the two large private ships of Sultan was docked.  Plus, you can see our Oceania Nautica in the background.  Third is the view with one more turn to an old fortress area built by Portugal.  Nice scenic harbor area!:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

 

Next we moved to a closer look at this icon of Muscat and then toward one of the water-front Palaces of the Sultan.  It is shown in the second picture.  Third is a close-up of the Sultan's official seal on the gate (with my image partly showing the reflection).:

 

 

 

We finalized our Muscat visit by exploring more of the nearby coastal sights and then going "upcountry" to obtain a sampling of the wilder, more desert areas. Like the camels we discovered?   Very dramatic mountains in this region.:

 

 

 

Final, some of the happy smiles of our group with expert guide/driver Valentina when being returned to our ship.   Great day in and around Muscat!!:

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Daily Mail today, they had this headline: “Head for Oman's majestic mountains and verdant valleys for a thrilling Arabian adventure” with these highlights: “Oman has been described as the Switzerland of the Middle East. Every acre of land in a country that is 82 per cent desert is in the process of being reclaimed.  There's no avoiding that Oman's lightning-quick development has come at a price. The previous day, I'd gone on a tour of three mountain villages and each was more deserted than the last.  That pattern is repeated across the region, with villagers leaving en masse to take up residence in the newly-built towns nearby.”

 

Here are some other points and info items shared in this profile: "There hasn't been a war in Oman since 1976 and it is considered very safe. Oman was one of the last countries to officially abolish slavery in 1970.  Muscat was named the world's second best city to visit in 2012 by Lonely Planet.  The Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said, is the longest serving ruler in the Middle East and the world's fourth longest serving head of state.  Between 2010 and 2016 the population of Oman almost doubled and half of its residents are under 15. The coastline is more than 3,000 km long and has some of the prettiest beaches in the world."

 

This profile brings back wonderful memories from visiting Oman.  Our touring and sampling here worked super well.  Very much enjoyed Muscat and the nearby areas. 

 

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travelsupplement/article-7144429/Head-Omans-majestic-mountains-verdant-valleys-thrilling-Arabian-adventure.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

Below are just three of the visuals featured in this profile about Oman.  This includes the old market in Muscat that we enjoyed.  Next are a couple of samples for the options in the nearby desert and in the scenic mountain areas.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

[buchhalm]

There is a fabulous website about different countries that educates with a twist. Called "geography now".

Their latest offering covers Oman. 

Google "geography now oman"

It's very quirky!

[TLCOhio]

On 6/17/2019 at 5:27 AM, buchhalm said:

There is a fabulous website about different countries that educates with a twist. Called "geography now".  Their latest offering covers Oman. Google "geography now oman"  It's very quirky!

 

Appreciate your sharing this video and the helpful follow-up.  YES, a very different style and approach for sharing background information.  BUT, it does give important insights into why Oman is in its current situation.  Clearly improving, as a country but uncertain long-term as the Sultan is older with some health history challenges.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 45,863 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[nightingalegirl]

Your time in Muscat sounds wonderful. Can you please  tell us what the tour company’s name was as I would like to follow up with them for our trip in November.

Thanks for your wonderful insight in Petra as well!

Avril

[sewgood]

Thanks Terry for all your wonderul photos and information about Muscat.

Interesting reading for our port day there in November.

I too would be interested in the company/guide name that you used for your day in Muscat.

[TLCOhio]

On 9/1/2019 at 1:20 AM, sewgood said:

Thanks Terry for all your wonderul photos and information about Muscat.  Interesting reading for our port day there in November.  I too would be interested in the company/guide name that you used for your day in Muscat.

 

Appreciate these follow-ups and this good question.  Sorry for my delay in responding.  As pictured above, our guide was Valentina.  

Valentina can be contacted at 
VS Private Tours, www.vs-tours.com/valentina
or email to: 
vitatoursoman@gmail.com

Or, you can see more and/or book through
https://www.toursbylocals.com/MuscatOmanTourGuide

 

Her website has some good background and details for Oman and its many interesting options there.  Hope this of help.  Let me know if you need more and/or have other questions.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 46,391 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

[nightingalegirl]

3 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate these follow-ups and this good question.  Sorry for my delay in responding.  As pictured above, our guide was Valentina.  

Valentina can be contacted at 
VS Private Tours, www.vs-tours.com/valentina
or email to: 
vitatoursoman@gmail.com

Or, you can see more and/or book through
https://www.toursbylocals.com/MuscatOmanTourGuide

 

Her website has some good background and details for Oman and its many interesting options there.  Hope this of help.  Let me know if you need more and/or have other questions.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 46,391 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

Thanks so much for this follow up info.

Will see what we can organize.

Your pictures and info are invaluable.

Avril

[sewgood]

Thanks Terry for the contact details.

Valentina sounds like a great guide especially in the old market.

I am looking forward to viewing the Royal Opera House after seeing your photos.

It was not on my list before but is now.

 

[TLCOhio]

On 9/2/2019 at 7:06 PM, sewgood said:

Thanks Terry for the contact details.  Valentina sounds like a great guide especially in the old market.  I am looking forward to viewing the Royal Opera House after seeing your photos.   It was not on my list before but is now.

 

YES!!  Valentina was very good in the old market area as my wife was considering some tee-shirts for our grandsons and the staff was being unreasonable as to the pricing, etc.  She went after them very aggressively and it "worked"!!

 

Agree as to the Royal Opera House being worth a visit.  It was very impressive as to what we saw and experienced there.  On this guide, if you don't hear back from her in a few days, re-send your message.  At times, she can get busy and be a little slow in responding.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 32,058 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[irisbax3]

On 9/4/2019 at 5:44 AM, TLCOhio said:

 

YES!!  Valentina was very good in the old market area as my wife was considering some tee-shirts for our grandsons and the staff was being unreasonable as to the pricing, etc.  She went after them very aggressively and it "worked"!!

 

Agree as to the Royal Opera House being worth a visit.  It was very impressive as to what we saw and experienced there.  On this guide, if you don't hear back from her in a few days, re-send your message.  At times, she can get busy and be a little slow in responding.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 32,058 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

Terry, based on your experience and recommendation, we have booked a tour with Valentina for our Nautica cruise in Dec. She was very prompt in answering my emails and am looking forward to our tour.  Thanks for your beautiful pictures and detailed review of Muscat.

[JTor]

Hi Terry and all, enjoyed reading all the posts here, but.... what about Salalah? all anyone said was "not as good as Muscat".  OK,  but I don't have a choice - my ship is only going to Salalah.  What can I do to make the most of our visit?

[Jayayeff]

On 11/16/2019 at 1:03 AM, JTor said:

Hi Terry and all, enjoyed reading all the posts here, but.... what about Salalah? all anyone said was "not as good as Muscat".  OK,  but I don't have a choice - my ship is only going to Salalah.  What can I do to make the most of our visit?

 

Salalah is for most cruise ships a refuelling port call before heading into the Red Sea for the long haul up to Aqaba or Safaga, or across the Indian Ocean if heading east.  Whilst it was known as the 'summer capitol' of Oman that's mainly because it's where the ruling families etc. would spend the summer months due to the more temperate climate than in Muscat.  That is no longer the case but due to the milder climate it does possess several resort hotels but none of the history or cultural highlights that you find in Muscat.  To get the most out of your port call there you need to get 'out of town' so I would suggest looking a things to do in Salalah on TripAdvisor unless someone posts their experiences of tours from Salalah here...

 

Anne..

Edited November 17, 2019 by Jayayeff

[TLCOhio]

On 11/17/2019 at 1:16 AM, Jayayeff said:

Salalah is for most cruise ships a refuelling port call before heading into the Red Sea for the long haul up to Aqaba or Safaga, or across the Indian Ocean if heading east. To get the most out of your port call there you need to get 'out of town' so I would suggest looking a things to do in Salalah on TripAdvisor unless someone posts their experiences of tours from Salalah here...Anne..

 

Appreciate these great comments and follow-up from the smart and helpful Anne.    From our visit to Salalah, they are working to make some upgrades and improvements, but it is no where as interesting as Muscat.  Good idea for getting out of town and seeing some of the nearby countryside areas.  

 

From the South China Post Magazine last month,  they had this headline: “Oman: the good, bad and ugly sides to the ‘Switzerland of the Gulf’ for tourists” with these sub-heads: "The crime-free Arab nation is officially home to 2016’s ‘nicest people on the planet’
With temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius, make sure you pick the right time to go".

 

Here are some story highlights: “Despite bordering Yemen and Saudi Arabia, with Iran just across the Straits of Hormuz, Oman remains an oasis of stability. No wonder it’s known as the Switzerland of the Gulf. The sultanate is an underachiever when it comes to tourism but that’s about to change. It has to; the nation’s oil supply is predicted to dry up within a decade or two and diversification has become the name of the game.  Vision 2040 sets out Oman’s plan to future-proof the economy and tourism will play a central role in the long-term strategy for growth and development.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3036410/oman-good-bad-and-ugly-sides-switzerland-gulf

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

From late 2018, you can see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East. Now at 16,728 views.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Travel Section of the London/UK Independent two days ago, they had this headline: “Muscat city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Oman’s capital” with these highlights: “With its striking low-rise architecture and dramatic mountain backdrop, Muscat is arguably the Gulf’s most characterful capital. Opened in 2018, the city’s glitzy international airport hints at Oman’s high prices, but with a bit of planning, a wallet-friendly city break is perfectly possible. Returning visitors shouldn’t miss the National Museum, while adventure-seekers will find wadis, dunes, peaks and secret beaches all within easy reach of the city.”

 

Here are some tips and ideas that match two of the top spots/stops that we super enjoyed during our visit there a year ago:  "Grand Mosque: A gift to the nation from Sultan Qaboos to mark his 30th year of reign, this splendid piece of modern Islamic architecture features a magnificent main prayer hall, with a Persian carpet measuring 70m by 60m that took 600 women four years to weave. Entry is free, but bear in mind it’s only open to non-Muslims from 8am to 11am Saturday to Thursday.  Spend a night at the opera:  Designed by the same architects who dreamed up the Grand Mosque, the imposing white Royal Opera House Muscat is worth a visit just to admire its stunning fusion of wood, marble and arabesque design. Guided tours run Saturday to Thursday, and cost OMR3 (£6) per person (bookings essential). The performance season runs from September through May."

 

Full story at:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/48-hours-in/muscat-things-to-do-oman-city-guide-best-hotels-beaches-restaurants-a9240781.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 249,697 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[Crewbie]

Regarding Salalah - This port was included in our recent MSC Lirica itinerary and certainly one of the harder ones to plan for. We ultimately decided upon a nature-oriented tour west of the city and it turned out to be a highlight day for us. The outer landscape is beautiful, and we were treated to some incredible scenery through the course of the day (and enough time/distance to justify dedicating a full-day tour). This also helped to balance out our plans for Muscat - in an itinerary that included Salalah, Muscat, and Khasab all for the first time, we felt like Muscat should be the one for experiencing the city and staying in relatively compact distance (a lucky move, too, for the downpours we encountered) with Salalah and Khasab allowing more attention to the varied geography and natural highlights that Oman possesses.

 

Our tour (through Beautiful Salalah) included Mughsail Beach/Marneef Cave, a drive through the mountains, seeing multiple stops along Fazayah Beach, an Eftalquot area viewpoint, and two other, quick stops closer to the port. We saw many camels at Fazayah, and what we also did not realize was that this beach is accessed by a small, unpaved road winding its way down from the heights of the main road - spectacular cliff and beach views, and certainly not big tour bus friendly! (The ship excursions focused on Mughsail/Marneef on the western side.) It was very enjoyable, with mostly photo stops by off-road vehicle; no extensive or difficult walking necessary (the most we walked was at the Mughsail stop over to the blowholes). Do bear in mind that a meal (particularly payment with non-rial and cc, both) and restrooms may be less convenient on an itinerary like this - our guide was very thoughtful and we used the Mughsail stop twice (before/after Fazayah, not a close distance), and we simply had some snacks before meals back on the ship. 

 

Salalah is certainly different with its industrial port and the city off some distance from the area. Perhaps we could have been disappointed - Muscat has a core of cultural standouts, and Khasab's fjords and mountains alike were lovely; both have beautiful sail-ins and seemed much more immediately accessible. However, even on our hazy, mostly overcast day, our stop in Salalah gave us some great memories. I'd say it's not an area that can be "done in a day," and a worthwhile stop particularly with a little added research.

[TLCOhio]

3 hours ago, Crewbie said:

Regarding Salalah - This port was included in our recent MSC Lirica itinerary and certainly one of the harder ones to plan for. We ultimately decided upon a nature-oriented tour west of the city and it turned out to be a highlight day for us. The outer landscape is beautiful, and we were treated to some incredible scenery through the course of the day (and enough time/distance to justify dedicating a full-day tour). This also helped to balance out our plans for Muscat - in an itinerary that included Salalah, Muscat, and Khasab all for the first time, we felt like Muscat should be the one for experiencing the city and staying in relatively compact distance (a lucky move, too, for the downpours we encountered) with Salalah and Khasab allowing more attention to the varied geography and natural highlights that Oman possesses.

 

Appreciate these excellent details, comments and follow-up as to what Crewbie accomplished and enjoyed near Salalah as posted above.  During our Muscat tour, we fortunately had a sampling of these nearby "country" areas.  As pictured earlier, there is great and interesting drama to be experienced in these various parts of Oman outside of the cities.  Being "CREATIVE" in your research and planning for Oman can be smart and beneficial.  Might post later some added pictures for what we did in Salalah.  

 

Keep up the great sharing, plus any and ALL questions, comments, etc.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 249,718 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474