Discover 5000 years of Arabian hospitality, let us take you on a tour around the
original Garden of Eden

A typical half day tour will last approximately 4 hours and would include 4 or 5 of the attractions detailed below.
For further information and tour suggestions please contact: dmcgolf@bahraintravel.com.bh or telephone: 17223315.

This museum houses an internationally celebrated collection of historic Holy Quráns and historic Quránic manuscripts from various parts of the Islamic world, including China and Spain.  They represent a progression of calligraphic traditions from the 1st century of the Islamic era (7th century) to the present day.  Artists have used beautiful calligraphy to write verses on wooden tablets, paper, parchment and even two grains of rice and split peas!

Built in 1907 and where the present King's father was born, the house is a good example of traditional Bahraini architecture.  Constructed from local building materials, mainly coral stone, gypsum, lime and clay.  Date palm trunks were used for strengthening both the outside and inside walls.  The rooms are furnished as they would have been in the 1930's when the late Amir was born.

The sanctuary was built on an 8 sq km area in the south of Bahrain as a unique experiment in conservation in the 1970's.  Although the major emphasis at Al Areen is to preserve the animal species from the Arabian Peninsula such as the Arabian Oryx, Gazelle and Houbarra Bustard it has also undertaken to keep Asian and African animals.  The sanctuary now houses over 40 species of mammal and over 70 species of resident birds.

The original parts of the mosque are thought to date back to 700 AD and its considered to be one of the oldest relics of Islam in the region.  Additions and renovations have happened on several occasions most notably in the 10th, 14th and 15th centuries.

Located about 2 km from Jebel Dukhan (Bahrain's highest point) the flourishing Tree of Life provides the only shade in an otherwise arid desert area.  It is a large, green mesquite tree that has been there for hundreds of years but whose source of water and nutrients is still unexplained.

Once the home of King Hamed's great, great grandfather, this 19th century house is a good example of local architecture.  It is complete with a wind tower (an early form of air conditioning), wall carvings and lattice world and has been sympathetically restored.

Standing on a low escarpment, overlooking the valley between east and west Riffa, the fort held a strategic position during the 18th century.  It was used as a private residence for a while but has now been restored as a fort.

Situated on the island of Muharraq, this Arab-style fort was built in the 15th century to guard the southern harbour of the island.  It was subsequently captured and used by invading Portuguese and Omani forces.  Today it has been restored using traditional materials.

Opened in 1986, the 25 km causeway is one of the most expensive bridges ever built.  It links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, crossing Umm Nasan Island, an area rich in wildlife.  At the halfway point is a tower with two restaurants both designed so patrons can enjoy the views.

                            Special Interest Attractions

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Saar Settlement - with dwellings dating back to the Dilmun period 4000 years ago, this site has houses with narrow streets leading to them and rooms whose usage can be clearly defined.  Burial grounds have been found adjoining the homes and a temple has also been discovered.  Another site dating back to a similar period is Barber Temple built as a place of worship for Enki, the God of Spring Waters.

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