Visit Bahrain Manama

Upon disembarking from your cruise, the guide will be waiting for you at the port of Manama, identified with the Shore2Shore sign, to begin an excursion that will lead you to discover the wonders of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This fascinating kingdom, whose name means “Kingdom of the Two Seas”, consists 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 Bahraini and the rest mainly 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, whose entrance fees are included in the itinerary. We will start with the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, a magnificent example of Arab Islamic architecture. It is one of the most important places of worship in the country and offers deep insight into Bahraini culture and religion. The mosque, which can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers, features the world’s largest fiberglass dome and architectural designs reflecting various Middle Eastern styles. This is a sacred place, so visitors are required to adhere to a proper dress code, with women covering their heads and shoulders, and men wearing trousers. For more details about the dress code, please consult this link:

dress code.

Next, we will head to the Bahrain World Trade Center, a skyscraper symbolizing the country’s modernity. This 50-story, 240-meter-high building is shaped like a sail and is unique for incorporating wind turbines into its design. It was the first commercial building in the world to use large-scale wind turbines, and in 2008 it was awarded as the best building in the Middle East and North Africa.

Another highlight of our visit will be the Bahrain Fort, an important historical site dating back to the 14th century when it was built by the Portuguese. Excavations have revealed that the site has been occupied throughout different eras, including the Dilmun period around 3000 BC, when it likely served as the island’s capital. This site allows us to dive into Bahrain’s rich history and understand its evolution through the centuries.

We will then explore the modern Bahrain Bay, a coastal area in the heart of Manama that connects the city’s original commercial and political area with its contemporary urban development. Designed by the American firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, also responsible for the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the bay represents the modern spirit of Manama.

We cannot miss the King Fahad Causeway, an impressive structure connecting Bahrain with Saudi Arabia. This 25-kilometer-long bridge, built at a cost of one billion dollars, was inaugurated in 1986 and symbolically ended 25,000 years of separation between the two nations. It remains one of the world’s longest bridges connecting two countries.

To end our journey, we will visit the traditional Manama Souq, a lively market offering a wide variety of local products, from spices and textiles to sweets. We highly recommend trying Halwa, a delicious traditional dessert from the region.

After the excursion, we will return to the port for farewell, carrying with us the memory of an enriching day exploring the history, culture, and modernity of Bahrain.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

• DURATION OF THE EXCURSION: COACH AND GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR UP TO 6 HOURS 
• THERE ARE NO SUPPLEMENTS, THE PRICE INCLUDES THE ENTRANCE FEES.
• The sites to be visited have free admission.
• The Mosque will be closed to the public on Fridays due to religious services, as well as on public holidays in the country. Some of these vary according to the Muslim calendar, such as the Feast of the Sacrifice, etc. Other national holidays are: 1 January, 1 May and 17 December.

OBSERVATIONS

• Easy level/Panoramic/Nature walk.
• It is mandatory to wear appropriate clothing in the places of worship that will be visited.
• Comfortable footwear is recommended.
• People with reduced mobility who use a wheelchair must be accompanied by another person who can assist them. Please use foldable wheelchairs, since the buses are not equipped with lifts or ramps. Shore2Shore is not responsible if the client does not inform us of their situation at the time of booking.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: THE ORDER OF THE PLACES TO BE VISITED MAY CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE DUE TO POSSIBLE CONTINGENCIES (SHIP ARRIVAL TIME, OPENING HOURS OF PLACES OF INTEREST TO BE VISITED, ETC.).