Bahrain Tour

DESCRIPTION

Bahrain will surprise some — at once an Islamic state and surprisingly liberal and progressive in its views, it is one of the most laid-back parts of the Middle East that you will visit.

As a gateway tour to our extended visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we can relax on the corniche and enjoy the weekend with Bahraini people — we can even enjoy a cold beer in the evening!

We will also see the best of Manama — including its mosques, forts and souqs — before heading out on a road trip to see outside the capital. From oil fields and deserts to ancient burial grounds and go-karting on the Formula 1 track, you’ll get to see a different side of this island nation!

This tour can be done as a standalone, or as an introduction to the Middle East before we head to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran as part of our Arabian Peninsula Mega Combo. As always, return Pioneer discounts apply!

ITINERARY

Thursday, 15th October – Manama

Arrival into Manama and transfer to our centrally-located hotel
For those arriving early we can arrange camel rides or snorkelling activities for an extra charge
At 1pm we meet in the hotel lobby and head out for dinner to get to know your YPT guide and the other people in the group. We’ll be eating at Al-Abraaj which offers all manner of Middle Eastern food from Lebanese to Persian!
Bahrain is one of the only places in the region where alcohol is permitted, and we’ll go out to rub shoulders with Saudi holiday-makers and expats alike!
Today we go exploring outside Manama in our private transport
Check out the 11^th century Al Khamis Mosque and Museum
Stop by the ancient Dilmun burial mounds which go back 4000 years
Dinner half way up the King Fahd Bahrain/Saudi Causeway
After dinner we head south to the Formula 1 circuit, hopefully for some go-karting!
Visit the oil museum, the first oil well drilled on the island
In amongst the oil infrastructure we can see the Tree of Life. This tree stands unique in the desert, covered in graffiti, and the size of it makes an impressive sight in amongst the oil wells and desert, especially considering it doesn’t have an obvious water source!
Drive back to Manama
Overnight in Manama

Friday, 16th October – Manama

Our first stop is the impressive Al Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the whole world which can hold over 7000 people at the same time!
We head to the Al Fateh Corniche to check out the Bahrain National Museum. The corniche itself is a great place to walk along the seaside and take in the weekend with the Bahraini people
Visit the Abu Mahir Fort — otherwise known as the Muharraq Fort — which offers the best views over the whole of Manama
Lunch at the 1950s Haji’s Café
Explore Manama Souq
Watch the sunset from the top of the Qala’at al-Bahrain, the Bahrain Fort. Built on DIlmun settlements over 3000 years old, it was built in the 14^th century but has since been renovated. The fort is located just outside of Manama and offering stunning views of the area
Dinner in town at Bahrain Block 338
Overnight in Manama

Saturday, 17th October – End of Tour