Silversea Luxury Cruises To AL MANAMAH

Explore Al Manamah at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 12 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

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Explore Al Manamah at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 12 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

For first-time visitors this half-day tour offers an excellent introduction to Bahrain and the main attractions of its capital, Manama. Leaving the port, a 15-minute drive takes you to the first stop.

National Museum

Housed in this purpose-built complex is a rich collection of Bahrain's ancient artefacts and exhibits on the culture and lifestyle of Bahrain's pre-industrial past. Most notable is an actual burial mound that was transported from its site in the desert and reassembled in the museum. Another important display features a tableau which depicts a scene from the Epic of Gilgamesh in which reference to Bahrain is made as the paradise of Dilmun. This visit provides a better understanding of the fascinating history of Bahrain.

Leaving the museum, continue with a drive out of Manama to the island's north coast and the Bahrain Fort.

Bahrain Fort

Historically, this is one of the most important sites in Bahrain. Built in the 14th century, excavations in the area reveal that settlements existed here as far back as around 3000 BC. In the early 1500s, the Portuguese invaded the island and set up a military base at the fort. They erected new stone towers and used the fort as a key point to protect their trade routes between India, Africa and Europe. After a photo stop, head next to the Dilmun Burial Mounds.

Ancient Burial Mounds

A necropolis dating back to the third millennium BC Dilmun lies scattered along large stretches of the Sheikh Kalifa Highway. These rare archaeological burial mounds are of great historical importance, thought to be Dilmunite royal tombs. Few are intact today; many have been looted in the past or destroyed over the years. Pause for photographs before driving next to a camel farm.

Camel Farm

Visiting this camel farm owned by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the uncle of the present ruler, is a unique experience. Here some 175 camels are kept and bred for the purpose of racing. See both younger and older camels, making for great photo opportunities.

Conclude this tour with a drive of approximately 45 minutes back to the port.

Please note: This tour involves extensive walking, some of it on uneven terrain at Bahrain Fort. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. The tour sequence may vary.

Explore the history, architecture and culture of Bahrain during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion to its most celebrated landmarks.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque and Bahrain National Museum

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Set against a lovely backdrop of palm trees and the sea, the Grand Mosque features exquisite Bahraini architecture and the world's largest fibreglass dome. From here, proceed for a visit to the Bahrain National Museum to see a wonderful collection of exhibits depicting the history of the island. Included are contemporary Bahraini paintings, sculptures and ceramics, along with Arabic calligraphy, Qurans, religious documents, ancient artefacts, and more.

Bahrain Fort

Next, visit the Bahrain Fort, located in the northern part of the main island. The Portuguese built the fort in 1522 on the ruins of an earlier small fort built by the people of Bahrain. The Portuguese added the high walls, huge square towers and a surrounding moat which is still visible today. Excavations here have revealed ancient soldiers' barracks, horse stables, an ammunition depot, a secret passageway, ceramic utensils, and Islamic and Chinese coins.

Camel Farm

Your last stop is at the Camel Farm, owned by His Highness the Shaikh Mohammed Bin Salman AlKhalifa, uncle of the current ruler. These camels are used for racing. There are about 175 camels on this farm. You can see the baby and older camels here, if they are not taken out for feeding. Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the brief drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a extensive amount of walking for approximately 547 yards (about 500 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and approximately 20-25 steps to negotiate at the Bahrain Fort. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. A conservative dress code is observed at the Grand Mosque; women must cover the shoulders and knees, and are provided with special cloaks to wear during the visit inside the mosque. Men are required to wear trousers. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the mosque. This program cannot operate on Fridays due to the closure of the Mosque.

A visit to Bahrain would be incomplete without the experience of a shopping expedition that runs the gamut from traditional markets (souqs) to a modern shopping complex. During your various visits, browse and shop for traditional favourites, antiques, carpets, gold and pearls. Your local guide is available to answer questions and provide practical advice, especially about the custom of bargaining.

Bab Al Bahrain

Your first visit will be to Bab Al Bahrain located in Manama's central business district and known as the Manama Souq. The monumental entry way, Bab Al Bahrain, was built by the British in the 1940s and refurbished in 1986 to incorporate Islamic architectural features. Beyond the monumental arch begins a fascinating scenario of shops lining the main thoroughfare and along a labyrinth of alleys. Take in the mind-boggling atmosphere and perhaps choose a nice memento at one of the souvenir shops.

Spice Market and Gold Souq

From Bab Al Bahrain continue the short distance to the Spice Market. Taking a brief stroll provides a feeling of stepping back in time as you pass colourful displays of spice products and nuts while wonderful aromas permeate the air. Proceed walking to the adjacent Gold Souq, where a dazzling selection of gold jewellery makes for a magical experience. Bahrain is famous for its gold and the Bahrain gold hallmark provides an assurance of quality and origin. Gold is sold by weight and usually starts at 18 carat going to 24 carat. Don't be bashful in exercising your bargaining skills! U.S. dollars and major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Conclude your Bahrain shopping experience with the transfer back to the port.

Please note: This tour offers shopping in a group and with a local guide. It involves extensive walking at the various venues. The Souq will remain closed from noon to 3:00 p.m. for prayer & lunch. The order of sites visited may vary.