Exploring Manama, the Jewel of the Bahrain Gulf
Shore excursion from port of Manama, Bahrain
- Duration 6h
- Activity level low
What you'll do
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Upon disembarking from your cruise, the guide will be waiting for you at the port of Manama, identified by the Shore2Shore sign, to begin an excursion that will take you to discover the wonders of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
This fascinating kingdom, whose name means "Kingdom of the Two Seas," is made up of an archipelago of about thirty islands located in the Persian Gulf. Bahrain shares maritime borders with the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia and the Qatar Peninsula, giving it a strategic location in the region. With an area of 727 square kilometers and a population of approximately 1,039,000 inhabitants, 60% of whom are Bahrainis and the rest mostly Asian workers, Bahrain stands out for its vibrant mix of cultures. The capital, Manama, is located on the largest island of the archipelago, which gives the country its name.
During our excursion, we will explore some of the country’s most significant monuments, with entrance included in the itinerary. We will start with the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, a magnificent example of Arab Islamic architecture. This is one of the most important places of worship in the country and offers a deep insight into Bahraini culture and religion. The mosque, which can accommodate more than 7,000 worshippers, is characterized by its imposing fiberglass dome, the largest in the world, and its architectural design reflecting various Middle Eastern styles. This is a sacred place, so visitors are required to comply with an appropriate dress code, with women covering their heads and shoulders, and men wearing trousers. For more details about the dress code, you can consult this link: dress code.
Next, we will head to the Bahrain World Trade Centre, a skyscraper that is a symbol of the country’s modernity. This 50-story, 240-meter-high building is characterized by its sail shape, and what makes it truly unique is the incorporation of wind turbines in its design. It was the first commercial building in the world to use large-scale wind turbines, and in 2008 it was awarded the best building in the Middle East and North Africa.
Another highlight of our visit will be the Bahrain Fort, an important historic site dating back to the 14th century, when it was built by the Portuguese. However, excavations in the area have revealed that the fort has been occupied during different periods, including the Dilmun era, around 3000 BC, when it was probably the island’s capital. This place will allow us to delve into Bahrain’s rich history and understand its evolution over the centuries.
Then, we will tour the modern Bahrain Bay, a coastal area located in the heart of Manama, connecting the original commercial and political zone with contemporary urban development. This project was designed by the American firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, also responsible for the design of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The bay is a representation of the modernity that characterizes the city of Manama.
We cannot miss visiting the King Fahad Causeway, an impressive structure that connects Bahrain with Saudi Arabia. This 25-kilometer-long bridge, with an investment of 1 billion dollars, was inaugurated in 1986 and ended 25,000 years of separation between the two nations, being one of the longest bridges in the world connecting two countries.
To conclude our tour, we will visit the traditional Manama Souq, a lively market offering a wide variety of local products, from spices and textiles to sweets. We recommend trying Halwa, a typical regional sweet that is a true delight.
At the end of the excursion, we will return to the port for farewell, carrying with us the memory of an enriching day that has allowed us to delve into the history, culture, and modernity of Bahrain.
Details
GENERAL INFORMATION
- DURATION OF THE EXCURSION: BUS AND GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 6 HOURS
- NO SUPPLEMENTS, THE PRICE INCLUDES ENTRANCE FEES.
- The sites to be visited have free entrance.
- The Mosque will remain closed to the public on Fridays due to religious celebrations, as well as on national holidays, some of which vary according to the Muslim calendar, such as Eid al-Adha, etc. Other national holidays include: January 1st, May 1st, and December 17th.
NOTES
- Easy level/Panoramic/Nature tour.
- It is mandatory to wear appropriate clothing in the places of worship that will be visited.
- It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear.
- THE ORDER OF THE PLACES TO VISIT MAY BE MODIFIED BY THE ORGANIZATION OR THE GUIDE DUE TO TRAFFIC AND/OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
- People with reduced mobility who use wheelchairs must be accompanied by another person who can assist them. Please use foldable wheelchairs, as buses do not have lifts or ramps. Shore2Shore is not responsible if the client does not inform of their situation at the time of booking.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: THE ORDER OF THE PLACES TO VISIT MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE DUE TO POSSIBLE EVENTS (SHIP ARRIVAL TIME, OPENING HOURS OF PLACES OF INTEREST, ETC.)