Bahrain's Friendship Tour team, which is travelling by road through Arabia and Europe in a bid to promote the country, has arrived in Greece after journeying through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey.

Bahrainguide.org and Visitor's Complete Guide to Bahrain publisher Ali Mushaima is leading the team of four adventurers, who include US journalist Deirdre Fitzgerald and Danish students Martin Joergensen and Christine Pagel. The team left Bahrain on June 22.

The team will drive through more than 20 countries as they bid to spread awareness and understanding of Bahrain and the Middle East. "Now, more than ever before in history, it's vital to promote understanding between cultures," says Ali.

The tour has been made possible thanks to tremendous support by Gulf Air, MTC Vodaphone, Bahrain International Circuit (Formula 1), Bapco, Zayani Motors and Bahrain's 5-star hotels.

Full story | Reaching across borders | Picture Gallery

Bahrainguide.org will have regular updates and pictures on Ali's unique expedition. To send Ali a message, .

Around the island in 24 hours

British travel photographer James Davis, a regular visitor to Bahrain, offers suggestions on what you can see and do if you have just 24 hours to explore. Full story

If you have planned a longer trip, you might like to read this.

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A winning Formula for tourism

Bahrain's tourist numbers are set to cross a record five million visitors in 2004, fuelled by the island's hosting of the first ever Formula-1 Grand Prix held in the Middle East.

Tourism officials predicted a banner year after the April 4 race drew more than 40,000 foreign visitors. The race was won by Ferrari superstar Michael Schumacher.

Bahrain came in for lavish praise from both F1 drivers and foreign fans. "The welcome we had was very warm and it was a very nice experience we all had here," said Schumacher. The world champion also praised the Bahrain F1 circuit. "It's really taken care of all the problems we have in other circuits. I think it's a great success," he told the BBC.

BAHRAIN FORMULA 1 STORIES

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Relive the Bahrain Grand Prix

Race reactions

Bahrain bids to cash in on F1 success

Pre-race report

Bahrain sets new
standard for Formula 1
FINANCIAL TIMES

Formula-1 generates
huge interest
BAHRAIN TRIBUNE

Gulf Air to boost
London services
TRADE ARABIA

Bahrain offers rich
cultural experience
ABOUT.COM

Plans to set up
tourism zones
GULF DAILY NEWS

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