Excursion Cultural bahrain tour at Al Manamah

Embrace the rich culture of Bahrain during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Khalifa Bin Salman, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Fiberglass Dome

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Set against a 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 a tranquillity reserved for the holiest of holy places, the Grand Mosque truly lives up to its name. Leaving the Grand Mosque, re-board your coach and continue on to the Bahrain National Museum.

Bahrain National Museum, Paintings, Sculptures, Ceramics, Calligraphy, Photos, Pearl Exhibits

Situated on the intersection of the Muharraq Causeway and King Faisal Highway, the museum houses a wonderfully diverse collection of exhibits. Highlights include contemporary Bahraini paintings, sculptures, ceramics, scenes depicting life in the Dilmun civilization of 6,000 years ago, and even a reconstructed burial mound, complete with skeleton. A section on Arabic calligraphy, including a beautiful display of illuminated Qur'ans and other religious documents, is breath-taking. Traditional trades and crafts are cleverly displayed in a reconstruction of a typical souq of the 1930s. There are also photographs and models of pearl exhibitions, along with artefacts representing the former source of Bahrain's wealth before the advent of oil.

Muharaq Island, Restored Traditional Bahraini Houses

Next, re-board your coach and head to Muharaq Island. Muharraq, the former Bahraini capital, is known for its cultural contributions through the many beautifully-restored traditional Bahraini houses that can be found amidst the narrow lanes and byways. The Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research provides an important insight into several particularly interesting aspects of Bahrain's heritage. Included are the 19th-century Shaikh Isa Bin Ali House, Kurar House, Bin Matar House, Sheikh Ebrahim Lecture Hall, Iqra Children's Library, Heraf al Diyar, Nukhida House, Kurar House, Abdullah al Zayed House, Bin Matar House, Bu Zaboon House, Mohammed bin Faris House, and Maison Jamsheer. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Khalifa Bin Salman, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bahrain National Museum, Muharaq Island, Restored Traditional Bahraini Houses

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 301 yards (about 275 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 25-30 steps at the National Museum. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a change of clothing, and U.S. Dollars or Euros for purchases from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter the Grand Mosque; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. A head covering is required for women entering the Grand Mosque, and is provided for female guests. Shoes must be removed when entering religious sites; bring an extra pair of heavy socks for comfort, as the pavement may be hot. Guests must be at least four years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Photography/videography with a personal camera or cell phone is permitted; however, guests must receive permission to conduct professional camera photo shoots in all areas of Bahrain. The tour sequence may vary.