Island kingdom! Bahrain small Gulf nation offers Bahrain Fort UNESCO seaside Portuguese, Manama capital Bahrain World Trade Center twin towers, Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Bab Al Bahrain souq gate, Gold Souq. Muharraq UNESCO pearling path heritage, traditional houses. Bahrain National Museum archaeology, Tree of Life desert mystery 400-year acacia isolated, Formula 1 circuit, Dilmun civilization ruins. Liberal Gulf state alcohol available, causeway Saudi Arabia. Perfect short Arabian Gulf introduction blend ancient-modern.
Day 1:
Arrive Manama - Arrive Bahrain International Airport, hotel check-in, afternoon visit Bahrain National Museum (comprehensive history, Dilmun civilization 3000 BC artifacts, burial mounds, pearling heritage, Islamic manuscripts, free entry), Al Fateh Grand Mosque (one of largest mosques, can accommodate 7000, open to non-Muslims for guided tours, beautiful Islamic architecture, library with 7000+ books, free but donations appreciated, dress modestly provided abayas for women), evening Manama Souq walk (traditional market, textiles, spices, perfumes, gold jewelry, local atmosphere), overnight Manama|
Day 2:
Historical Bahrain - Morning visit Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort, UNESCO World Heritage, ancient Dilmun capital harbor, 4000+ years history, Portuguese fort, museum below fort with excavations, free entry), Barbar Temple (3rd millennium BC, three temples layered, ancient Dilmun worship, free), afternoon A'ali Burial Mounds (thousands of ancient tumuli from 3rd-1st millennium BC, UNESCO, largest prehistoric cemetery, free), A'ali Pottery workshops (traditional pottery making), Tree of Life (400-year-old mesquite tree surviving alone in desert, mystery water source, 2km from road, iconic photo, free), overnight Manama|
Day 3:
Modern Bahrain & Departure - Morning Bahrain World Trade Center (iconic twin towers with wind turbines, architecture landmark), Bahrain Financial Harbour, optional activities: Bahrain International Circuit Formula 1 track (drive your own car on track BHD 60 per session, museum BHD 2), Wahooo! Water Park (Seef, water slides, wave pool, BHD 16), Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park (Al Areen, largest in Bahrain, BHD 15), afternoon last shopping at Seef Mall, City Centre Bahrain, Moda Mall, airport transfer for departure, tour ends with Gulf pearl memories (Best season: Nov-Mar pleasant 20-25┬░C, Apr-May and Oct warm 30┬░C, Jun-Sep extreme heat 40-45┬░C, Bahrain small island nation 765 sq km can be covered in 2-3 days, alcohol available in hotels and some areas unlike other Gulf states, causeway to Saudi Arabia 25km King Fahd Causeway if extending tour, inexpensive compared to Dubai/Qatar, Formula 1 Grand Prix March attracts tourists - book in advance)