Khalifa bin Salman (Manama) Kreuzfahrten

OVERVIEW

Get an overall look at Bahrain on a panoramic drive to key landmarks that define the island nation. In the nearby capital of Manama, you will view the modern Al Fateh Mosque, which can hold as many as 7,000 worshippers and houses the National Library of Bahrain. The mosque is just one of many strikingly contemporary buildings downtown, including the Bahrain Financial Harbour office towers and the Bahrain World Trade Center. While pausing for photos at the latter, be sure to ask about the massive wind turbines between the two trade centers and how they effectively reduce energy consumption. Still, not everything in Bahrain reflects modern life, as you will discover at the Royal Camel Farm nearby. It is home to hundreds of camels, once the primary mode of transportation for carrying goods to market. In the Manama Souq, the capital’s oldest bazaar, you will see an incredible array of merchandise, ranging from aromatic spices to antiques.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain an overall understanding of Bahrain on an introductory tour of its capital, Manama.
• Visit a huge contemporary mosque that can hold 7,000 worshippers.
• Behold skyscrapers that including office towers and the Bahrain World Trade Center.
• See the traditional side of life at a camel farm and in Manama’s oldest souq.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See the attractions that best represent the past and present of Bahrain, an island nation that became independent in 1971. Few places are quite so emblematic of the country’s modern mindset as the Bahrain International Circuit, a venue for Formula One racing, drag racing and other high-speed motorsports. For the ultimate view of the race tracks, you will visit the VIP tower and the media center, which was once the world’s largest. Similarly, the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque is wonderfully modern and features the world’s largest fiberglass dome and space for 7,000 worshippers. Not far away at the Portuguese-built Bahrain Fort, you will gain a historical perspective of the country. UNESCO deemed the fortification worthy of a World Heritage site designation as excavations of the surrounding area have unearthed evidence of human occupation since 2,300 BC. You will delve even deeper into the past by browsing the collection of antiquities at the Bahrain National Museum.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how Bahrain has embraced modern life at the Bahrain International Circuit race track.
• Visit the contemporary Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, which can hold 7,000 worshippers.
• Explore Bahrain Fort, an archaeological site that lends insight into the country’s past.
• Browse the antiquities in the Bahrain National Museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See Bahrain through a historical lens while visiting attractions that highlight how the island country has changed over time. Although Manama has been the capital since 1946, it was originally Muharraq. Several bridges connect the two cities. In the Old Town of Muharraq, you will browse the Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture, which aims to preserve the Bahraini heritage. Numerous traditional buildings surround it, including the House of Coffee, where you will enjoy lunch. Its façade was retained while the interior was completely renovated. Back in Manama, you will see the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, a fine representation of contemporary Bahrain. It can hold more than 7,000 worshippers under its fiberglass dome, the world’s largest. The Bahrain International Circuit is emblematic of the country’s vision for the future. You will be treated to an insider’s tour of this cutting-edge venue for Formula One racing, drag racing and other high-speed motorsports.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse a cultural center dedicated to preserving Bahraini’s traditional heritage.
• Visit a huge contemporary mosque that can hold 7,000 worshippers.
• See how Bahrain has embraced modern life at the Bahrain International Circuit race track.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the cultural diversity of Bahrain, an island nation that is believed to be the site of the ancient kingdom of Dilmun. While browsing the Bahrain National Museum, you will likely see artifacts from Dilmun, a trading port that flourished about 4,000 years ago. Other highlights include a re-creation of a Bronze Age souq and glazed pottery and jewelry from the period when ancient Greeks sailed to Bahrain to trade for pearls. You will discover more about pearling at Bu Maher Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that you will reach by boat. Built in 1840, it guarded the pearling trail that linked Bahrain to other nations. For glimpses into other time periods, you will visit the Shaikh Ebrahim Cultural Center and a collection of historical houses, including one owned by a pearl merchant and another where the ruling sheikh lived. A photo stop at the Bahrain World Trade Center will add yet another cultural dimension.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse antiquities that date back thousands of years in the Bahrain National Museum.
• Cruise to Bu Maher Fort, a World Heritage site that guarded Bahrain’s pearling trail.
• View historical homes from different time periods at an enlightening cultural center.
• Pause for photos of the twin towers that make up the Bahrain World Trade Center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore the attractions in the low desert plains that lie beyond the capital of Manama, a harsh landscape that hasn’t changed in centuries. Before leaving the city, you will pause for photos of the Bahrain World Trade Center, a skyscraper with highly-visible, eco-friendly wind turbines that link its twin towers. Although Bahrain is known more for processing crude oil than for its oil reserves, seeing the first oil well drilled there and the adjacent oil museum will offer great insight into the industry. Perhaps the most unusual sight in the barren desert will be the Tree of Life, a lone mesquite tree estimated to be 400 years old. It sits atop a hill and somehow ekes out moisture from the sand. Bahrain’s military history will come to light at Riffa Fort, an early 19th-century fortification where the sultan once lived. Its location was particularly strategic when the town of Riffa was Bahrain’s capital.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the first oil well drilled in Bahrain nearly 100 years ago and a nearby oil museum.
• Behold the Tree of Life, a lone mesquite tree that has survived 400 years in the desert.
• Delve into Bahrain’s military history at a 19th-century fort built in Riffa, the former capital.
• Pause for photos of the twin towers that make up the Bahrain World Trade Center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Royal Beach Club at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, an elegant paradise in the heart of the capital’s Seef District. The wonderfully modern resort sits directly on the bay with its own lagoon, private island and lengthy beach, all of which you can freely enjoy. Do whatever you wish, whatever the mood strikes. You might stretch out in a lounge chair and bask in the sun, stroll the pristine beach and take a refreshing swim in the sea. Or you might prefer to just wade out into the water, which is typically as smooth as glass and crystal clear. You can also take advantage of the resort’s outdoor swimming pools. Shade is plentiful, whether under a palm or a beach umbrella. Around midday, a hearty buffet lunch will be served to round out your experience at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the amenities of the Royal Beach Club at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain.
• Spend hours luxuriating at the private beach and the outdoor swimming pools.
• Do whatever you please, from basking in the sun to relaxing in the shade.
• Savor a midday buffet with plenty of tasty choices.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Disembark and depart for a full-day tour of Bahrain.

Ahmed Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Set against the backdrop of palm trees and the sea, the Grand Mosque strikes a beautiful picture. With its exquisite Bahraini architecture, crowned by the world's largest fiberglass dome and blessed with tranquility reserved for the holiest of holy places, The Grand Mosque truly lives up to its name. Though non-Muslim visitors are welcome, it is important to dress modestly, cover your head (for women) and take your shoes off before entering.

The Souq of Manama

A visit to Bahrain will be incomplete without shopping in the souq (market). The Souq of Manama - traditional and most modern articles are offered in shops located in the narrow streets of the souq. The traditional Bahraini Halwa (confectionary) fresh spices & nuts, textiles and coffee shops are the attractions here. At a distance of only a few minutes, the glittering gold articles in the Gold Centre will dazzle you, where modern and traditional designs ornamented with famous Bahraini pearls are displayed. The workmanship, quality and range of designs are bound to take your breath away. Bahrain is known as the Pearl of Gulf and renowned for centuries for the finest quality pearls. Bahrain also offers you the chance to purchase good Persian carpets, take your time in picking up a good piece and make sure you haggle on prices. Good handicrafts are on sale at the tourist office located at Bab-Al- Bahrain, which has variuos items on display such as handicrafts and souvounirs of Bahrain origin.

Muharraq

This is the former capital of Bahrain, is known for its cultural contributions through the many restored traditional Bahraini houses that can be found amidst the narrow lanes and byways. The Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research provides an important insight into several particularly interesting aspects of Bahrain's heritage. From embroidery at Kurar House to a splendid showcase of Bahrain's pearling history at the Bin Matar House, the former home of a renowned pearl merchant, the various houses reflect Sheikh Ebrahim Center's commitment towards preservation of both traditional architect and history. The collection of houses include the Sheikh Ebrahim Lecture Hall, Iqra Children's Library, Heraf al Diyar, Nukhida House (the first house to be restored along the Pearling Path), Kurar House, Abdullah al Zayed House, Bin Matar House, Bu Zaboon House, Mohammed bin Faris House that all showcase different aspects of Bahrain's rich heritage. Maison Jamsheer, another example of the traditional courtyard houses, which is situated a stone's throw away from Sheikh Ebrahim Center.

Arabic Lunch with Belly Dance Entertainment

It's time to experience the lunch at Amwaj Island Dragon Hotel. Here, against a lovely setting of the sea/lagoon you will be treated to a mouthwatering full Arabian Mezza. You will be greeted with a non-alcoholic welcome drink. As you settle down to soak in the sun on the deck and enjoy the beauty of the lagoon, soft Arabic music fills the atmosphere. A delightful array of typical Arabic starters (mezza), with mouth-watering kebabs & grills, tastes wonderful with a glass of white/red wine. Please do not forget to try the local hammour fish which is a delicacy and a favorite of the locals as well as expatriates. The adventurous ones can try hubbly bubbly with tent style cushions to relax. You can enjoy the surrounding of expatriate Arabian life before returning to the port. A truly memorable experience.

Bahrain World Trade Center (photo stop)

Also called Bahrain WTC or BWTC, is a 240-metre-high (787 ft), 50-floor, twin tower complex located in Manama, Bahrain. Designed by the multi-national architectural firm Atkins, construction on the towers was completed in 2008. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design. The wind turbines were developed, built and installed by the Danish company Norwin A/S.

Bahrain Fort

The Fort is at a distance of nearly 12 kilometers from the city of Manama and is situated at Karbabad. The Portuguese built the Fort in 1522 on the ruins of an earlier small fort built by the people of Bahrain. The Portuguese added the high walls, the huge square towers and a surrounding moat which is still visible to visitors. The Bahrain Fort occupies a strategic military position where the navigation movement could be watched. Excavations have revealed ancient soldier's barracks, horse stables, an ammunition depot, a secret passageway, ceramic utensils and Islamic and Chinese currency coins.

Camel Farm (visit unavailable until June 2024)

This farm is owned by His Highness late Shaikh Mohammed Bin Salman AlKhalifa, who was the uncle of the current ruler. There are more than 500 camels in this farm. You can see the baby and old camels here, if they are not taken out for feeding.

Dhow Building yard (this stop replaces the Camel Farm visit until June 2024)

A visit to Bahrain is never complete if one misses out the Dhow Building yard. Hidden behind the high fence by the Khalifa Al Kabeer Highway next to the Fishermen’s Port in Muharraq is the oldest and the only Dhow building yard of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The high raised masts of the completed dhows welcome the visitors to the busy yard where the timbers lying around and the melody of the gentle sea breeze tells you a different story about a seafaring nation.

In modern times the fiber glass boats have taken over the usage of traditional wooden dhows. Even though the wooden dhows are more durable, the cost that comes along with the building and the yearly maintenance is not an easy take. Early days a dhow would come close to 40,000BHD and now the price would be close to 250,000BHD. The raw materials used for building dhows are complicated and not easy to find. All the raw materials including the best teak wood used for making dhows used to come from India. But now with restrictions imposed, it has been very difficult to find the right material for building them. These are the challenges the dhow industry currently face.

A 100 feet boat fit for the kings was at its initial stage in the yard. Everybody says that all boats are the same, but for us each of them is unique. It could be the length or the design. It’s all there in our mind and we have learned the art of bringing that to life through ages of experience. With the straight faced Banoosh to slightly rounded or bend faced Sambuk. Or from the Jebut to the ancient mariners classic favorite Betheel, dhows do bear visible difference from each other. The major purpose of dhow has always been pearling. It is also used for fishing, passenger & cargo transportation and diving. With the deep rooted pearling traditions of Bahrain, it’s no wonder that the dhow industry has been closely associated with the heritage of the Kingdom.

Ancient Burial Mounds

Bahrain has probably the largest pre-historic cemetery in the world. There is an estimated 170,000 burrial mounds dating back to between 3000 BC and 600 AD. Each of these mounds covers a stone built chamber which formed the grave. Many of these are intact today, many having been looted way back in the past or destroyed over the years. The best preserved of the mounds can be seen at A'ali village. The mounds continue to both mystify and teach historians and archaeologists.

After the exciting day the tour will head back to the port where you can rejoin the vessel.

Depart from the pier for a Panaramic tour of Bahrain.

Al Manamah Sightseeing - Al Fateh Grand Mosque

Our first stop of the day will be Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Set against the backdrop of palm trees and the sea, the Grand Mosque strikes a beautiful picture. With its exquisite Bahraini architecture, crowned by the world's largest fiberglass dome and blessed with tranquility reserved for the holiest of holy places, The Grand Mosque truly lives up to its name. Though non-Muslim visitors are welcome, it is important to dress modestly, cover your head (for women) and take your shoes off before entering.

Al Muharraq Old Quarters - Traditional Houses of Bahrain

Next visit will be to Old Capital of Bahrain to visit the Traditional Houses of Bahrain Muharraq, the former capital of Bahrain, is known for its cultural contributions through the many restored traditional Bahraini houses that can be found amidst the narrow lanes and byways. Make a photo stop at the Sheikh Isa bin Ali House is Bahrain's most impressive example of Gulf Islamic architecture featuring four courtyards, beautifully carved wooden doors, and perforated gypsum panels (currently closed for maintenance works). The Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research provides an important insight into several particularly interesting aspects of Bahrain's heritage. From embroidery at Kurar House to a splendid showcase of Bahrain's pearling history at the Bin Matar House, the former home of a renowned pearl merchant, the various houses reflect Sheikh Ebrahim Center's commitment towards preservation of both traditional architect and history. The collection of houses include the Sheikh Ebrahim Lecture Hall, Iqra Children's Library, Heraf al Diyar, Nukhida House (the first house to be restored along the Pearling Path), Kurar House, Abdullah al Zayed House, Bin Matar House, Bu Zaboon House, Mohammed bin Faris House that all showcase different aspects of Bahrain's rich heritage.

Manama Souq

Continue to The Souq of Manama. The traditional and most modern articles are offered in shops located in the narrow streets of the souq. The traditional Bahraini Halwa (confectionary) fresh spices & nuts, textiles and coffee shops are the attractions here. At a distance of only a few minutes, the glittering gold articles in the Gold Centre will dazzle you, where modern and traditional designs ornamented with famous Bahraini pearls are displayed. The workmanship, quality and range of designs are bound to take your breath away. Bahrain is known as the Pearl of Gulf and renowned for centuries for the finest quality pearls. Bahrain also offers you the chance to purchase good Persian carpets, take your time in picking up a good piece and make sure you haggle on prices. Good handicrafts are on sale at the tourist office located at Bab-Al- Bahrain, which has variuos items on display such as handicrafts and souvounirs of Bahrain origin.

Bahrain Fort

Our Last place in the itinerary is the Bahrain Fort. The Fort is at a distance of nearly 12 kilometers from the city of Manama and is situated at Karbabad. The Portuguese built the Fort in 1522 on the ruins of an earlier small fort built by the people of Bahrain. The Portuguese added the high walls, the huge square towers and a surrounding moat which is still visible to visitors. The Bahrain Fort occupies a strategic military position where the navigation movement could be watched. Excavations have revealed ancient soldier's barracks, horse stables, an ammunition depot, a secret passageway, ceramic utensils and Islamic and Chinese currency coins.

Experience a relaxing round of golf in the Kingdom of Bahrain during this unforgettable, full-day golfing excursion at the beautiful Royal Golf Club.

Khalifa Bin Salman, Royal Golf Club, Desert Landscaping and Vegetation

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Royal Golf Club, home to Bahrain's only 18-hole, Par 72 championship standard golf course and a Par 3, nine-hole course. Both courses were magnificently-designed by course architect and international golfing legend Colin Montgomerie. The desert feel is retained through the use of sandy waste bunkers, and the attractive indigenous vegetation and grasses used in the landscaping.

About the Royal Golf Club

The Royal Golf Club is managed by Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing, and was named Troon's 2013 Facility of the Year, the company's top accolade. Additional facilities at the Royal Golf Club include award-winning restaurants, a golf academy with full practice facilities, a golf and leisure shop, meeting and conference rooms, and a country club.

Clothing Change, Club Selection, Pre-Game Warm-Up, Electric Golf Cart, 18-Hole Round of Golf

Upon arrival, change into your golf attire, select your premium clubs and receive driving range balls for your pre-game warm-up. Your shared, electric golf cart and in-cart refreshments awaits your arrival. During this picturesque, 18-hole round of golf, gifts, additional refreshments, and food are available at the Pro Shop or Clubhouse at your own expense. At the conclusion of this unforgettable golf outing, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Relax and unwind at one of the premiere seaside hotels in Manama during this leisurely, full-day excursion in Bahrain.

Prepare to spend a few hours at one of Bahrain’s premiere hotels, the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, your destination on this full-day tour. You’ll be welcomed on arrival, taken to the sun loungers and served a glass of fresh juice. Then you can choose what to do: soak up the sun, cool off in the pool, take to the crystal-clear waters of the sea or simply enjoy the lovely stretch of private beach, a tranquil seafront oasis that offers spectacular views of the Gulf beyond. After being served a lunch, you’ll also be free to take advantage of the hotel’s five-star amenities during your stay, all of which adds up to a stress-busting day of fun in the sun in the most luxurious surroundings. The unhurried tone of the tour then continues on the return coach ride to the port and your ship.

At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-45-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the splendid beauty of the Bahrain Desert and origins of the Kingdom's oil industry during this private, half-day, sightseeing excursion.

Khalifa Bin Salman, Riffa Fort

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Sheikh Salman bin Ahmed Al-Fatih Fort, commonly known as the 'Riffa Fort' due to its location in Riffa, an historic landmark that stands witness to one of the most important junctures in Bahrain's history. Built by Sheikh Salman Bin Ahmed Al-Fatih in 1812, the fort sits on a high vantage-point overlooking the surrounding desert. Within its beautiful architecture lives the memory of the ruling family of Bahrain, the Al Khalifas. A series of programs organized by the Ministry of Culture have brought life back to the fort. The programs present a chronological history of the Al Khalifa family, and showcase the interior space designed by the French firm, La Meduse, and the local engineering firm, PAD, which took its inspiration from the fort's history and people.

The tour continues to deeper into the desert The Tree of Life. It is an approximately 400 year-old, 9.75 m (32 ft) high Prosopis cineraria tree located 2 km (1.2 mi) from Jebel Dukhan. The tree stands on top of a 7.6 m (25 ft) high sandy tell that formed around a 500-year-old fortress. Trees and shrubs of Prosopis genus are extremely well adapted to arid environments with one of the deepest known root systems.

Bahrain International Circuit (photo stop)

The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is an ultramodern motorsport facility that is located in the heart of the Sakhir desert. Designed by the renowned German engineer Hermann Tilke, the circuit incorporates many features of local culture. Costing approximately $150 million, the entire facility took less than 18 months to build - quite a feat considering the massive undertaking that was needed to develop the land. It is a 5.412 km (3.363 mi) motorsport venue opened in 2004 and used for drag racing, GP2 Series (now FIA Formula 2), and the annual Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. The 2004 Grand Prix was the first held in the Middle East. Beginning in 2006, Australian V8 Supercars raced at the BIC, with the event known as the Desert 400. 24 Hour endurance races are also hosted at BIC. The circuit has a FIA Grade 1 license. The circuit also has multiple layouts.

Embark on the discovery of Arabian Hospitality during this half day excursion.

Equestrian Centre & Pure Blood Arabian Horse

Our first stop of the day will be the Horse Stable. Enjoy an introduction about arabain horses leaded by the Bahraini owner of the Horse Stable. Elegant. Majestic. Distinctive. Risen from the heart of the desert, the pure blood Arabian horse is a breed like no other. Begin your educational walk at the Equestrian Centre with a local instructor and take the opportunity of a photo section of these beautiful and unique horses.

Bahrain Fort

The tour will continue to visit Bahrain Fort. The Portuguese built the Fort in 1522 on the ruins of an earlier small fort built by the people of Bahrain. The Portuguese added the high walls, the huge square towers and a surrounding moat which is still visible to visitors. The Bahrain Fort occupies a strategic military position where the navigation movement could be watched. Excavations have revealed ancient soldier's barracks, horse stables, an ammunition depot, a secret passageway, ceramic utensils and Islamic and Chinese currency coins.

House of Coffee & Refreshment

Proceed to the House of Coffee that represents a combination of three old traditional Bahraini houses. To maintain the overall look of the area and the small lane leading to the house, the traditional façade was retained. However, the interior of the houses was renovated and now functions as a café. Take the opportunity to stop and rest at this café, sampling its modern and distinctive menu. The House of Coffee complements the traditional coffee place at the entrance of the area leading to the Shaikh Ebrahim Center.

High Tea Experience - Ritz Carlton Hotel

Prepare to spend a few hours savouring the lush elegance of one of Manama's premiere hotels, the fabulous Ritz Carlton. A short coach ride will first take you the renowned establishment, after which you'll get comfortable in the lovely Ritz Gourmet Lounge. While you relax in the luxurious setting of fine velvet upholstery and regal decorations, you'll get to indulge in a typically British pastime: afternoon tea. Look forward to a delicious selection of dainty sandwiches, miniature French gateaux and freshly baked scones with mixed berries and clotted cream, all served alongside tea or coffee to your liking.

Manama Souq

Proceed to your next location the Manama Souq. This ancient bazaar is just the place to browse for a souvenir as you meander through the tangle of lanes and alleyways, each of which is lined with stalls selling everything from clothes and spices to antiques and traditional medicines. Enjoy some time at leisure before returning to the ship.

Bahrain National Museum

Depart the port for an educational visit to the Bahrain National Museum, which is situated, on the intersection of the Sheikh Hamad Manama-Muharraq causeway and King Faisal Highway. The Museum built in 1988, the $34 million complex offers a comprehensive view of Bahrain through the ages. Arguably the most interesting of the exhibits in nine halls is a reconstructed ancient burial mound dating to around 2800 BC. The mound was actually plucked from the desert and reassembled in the museum. Other fascinating exhibits depict life in the Dilmun era, 19-20th century pearl-diving scenes as well as community life. The museum is a virtual treasure hose of history.

Boat Ride & Bu Maher Fort

You then go to the Museum pier for a short relaxing boat journey to the Bu Maher Fort. Here you will get a sneek peek at the new Unesco world heritage site that is slowly unfoldeding. This new pearling pathway is a tribute to the famous jeweller Jacques Cartier. His journey to Bahrain in the 1920's to get the best pearls in the world for his exceptional jewelery is part of this pearling pathway.

Bahraini pearls

"El Bahrain " means two seas. The fresh water springs in the salt water sea surrounding Bahrain gives the pearls of Bahrain a very special lustre and roundness. This two sea feature which is unique to Bahrain was instrumental in ensuring that the Bahraini pearls were the best in the world. There were much sort after by the House of Cartier and other famous jewelers around the world. The entire pearling pathway when finished will be a 3.5 km long , It will consist of 17 buildings, 3 oyster beds located in the nearby sea and the seafront Bu Maher fort. This is a wonderful testimony to Bahrain's rich pearling history which dates back to 2000 BC.

Old Quarters of Muharraq & Oysters Opening

You then go to visit the old houses of Muharraq, painstakingly renovated by culture lover Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. It has all the visual delights of old Arabia with the narrow lanes and close cluster of houses. You visit the newly renovated Ebrahim Bin Mohd Al Khalifa house. A Kurar house, Iqra Children Library and a real treat for people who love culture.

After visiting the Old Houses lets now go an experience the Oysters opening to find a pearl. Drive to Muharraq Corniche to meet a local who is going to demonstrate and help the guest to open the oysters.

Al Manamah & Manama Souq

Our first stop of the day will be visit the Manama Souq - the old bazaar of Bahrain's capital, Manama. The souq is located in the heart of the capital, which are a vast area and the great advantage of most of the stores with some of the old design dating back to 19th Century. The souk with it labyrinthine lanes and alleys is best explored on foot. You can find everything from clothes to spices, antiques, traditional medicines with reasonable prices that suit all the classes. And you will discover religious diversity of Bahrain. Hindu Temple, Mosque Church all close to each other.

Fish Market - Fruit & Vegetable Market

Next visit fish market, which was a major source of employment and income for Bahrain in the pre-oil era, which remains an important activity today. The Manama fish market is a great place to see the wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish (catch of a day) available from Bahrain's waters - recommended to wear closed shoes due to water spilled all over the place. Most of the market do not exists in Europe.

Then we proceed to fruits & vegetable market which was established in 1978. Bahrain is an agriculturally-gifted area in the Gulf. Bahrain is a small island which has very good and richly-producing gardens - a rarity in this region which produces fresh fruits and vegetables for the local market.

Old Quarters of Muharraq - Cooking Class - Bahraini Lunch

Our next stop is in one of the old city of Muharraq - was the country's capital in the 19th Century and still has much of the charm of an old-world Arab city, with its low-rise buildings, narrow streets, tiny alleyways and fine historic building with their traditional Arab-Gulf style of architecture. The ruling family and many allied families lived in this town. We have arranged cooking classes in one of the old houses which have turned into Bahraini authentic cuisine kitchen, where you will learn to cook 2-3 different Bahraini dishes with a Bahraini chef. Enjoy lunch in the old house converted into a boutique restaurant.

Explore Al Manamah at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Al Manamah at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Al Manamah at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.