Excursion In the footsteps of jacques cartier tour at Al Manamah

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.

"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 the amwaj island to meet a Local who is going to demonstrate and help the guest to open the oysters.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Bahrain National Museum, Boat Ride, Bu Maher Fort - UNESCO SITE, Old Quarters of Muharraq, Amwaj Island, Oysters Opening

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) in total, at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and 25-30 steps at both the National Museum and Bahrain Fort. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or for guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes. 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.