Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Doha's world-class museums, from the Museum of Islamic Art to the National Museum and Mathaf, are a magnificent highlight. Doha is home to some of the finest museums in the world. The Museum of Islamic Art, a masterpiece by I.M. Pei, houses one of the world's greatest collections of Islamic art amid breathtaking architecture. The dramatic National Museum of Qatar, shaped like a desert rose, tells Qatar's story through spectacular galleries. Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art, showcases modern and contemporary Arab art. The architecture and collections are magnificent. Exploring Doha's world-class museums.
- The UNESCO World Heritage fort and town of Al Zubara are a fascinating heritage highlight. On Qatar's north-west coast, Al Zubara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the remains of a once-thriving 18th-century pearling and trading town, with its restored fort and the extensive archaeological remains of the old town, walls and harbour. You explore the atmospheric fort, with its exhibits, and the evocative ruins by the sea, learning the fascinating history of Qatar's pearling and trading past. The history and atmosphere are captivating. Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage fort and town of Al Zubara.
- The atmospheric Souq Waqif and the cultural hub of Katara reveal Qatar's living culture. In the heart of old Doha, the beautifully restored Souq Waqif is a labyrinth of atmospheric lanes filled with spices, handicrafts, falcons and Arabian character, alive with cafes and life. Katara Cultural Village is a beautiful hub of theatres, galleries, mosques, an amphitheatre and restaurants, celebrating Qatari and Arab culture and hosting exhibitions and events. The atmosphere and living culture are captivating. Wandering the atmospheric Souq Waqif and the cultural hub of Katara, with its galleries, theatres and celebration of Arab culture, reveals Qatar's rich living culture.
- Qatar's remarkable desert land art and public art are a fascinating highlight. Qatar has commissioned extraordinary public and land art from world-renowned artists. In the desert at Zekreet, you can see Richard Serra's monumental 'East-West/West-East' sculpture, four towering steel plates rising from the desert, a striking encounter of art and landscape, and take in the strange 'mushroom rock' formations and the abandoned film city nearby. Across Doha, striking public artworks adorn the city. The art and landscape are fascinating. Encountering Qatar's remarkable desert land art, above all Richard Serra's monumental steel sculpture rising from the desert at Zekreet.
- Ancient rock carvings and Qatar's pearling heritage add depth to this journey. Qatar's heritage stretches back millennia. At Al Jassasiya, you can see hundreds of mysterious ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs), including rows of cup-marks and depictions of boats, etched into the limestone. You also learn about Qatar's pearling heritage, the foundation of its old economy, at the museums and heritage sites. The ancient carvings and pearling history add fascinating depth. Discovering ancient rock carvings and Qatar's rich pearling heritage, the foundation of its old economy, adds fascinating historical depth, a rewarding highlight of this cultural journey through Qatar.
- Above all, this journey immerses you in the remarkable art, culture and heritage of Qatar. Qatar is one of the most exciting cultural destinations in the region, and this journey immerses you in it. Over five days you explore its world-class museums and galleries, its atmospheric souq and cultural hub, the UNESCO fort of Al Zubara, its remarkable desert land art, and its ancient carvings and pearling heritage, guided by expert local guides and warmed by Qatari hospitality. The combination of world-class art and architecture, living culture, rich heritage and striking land art makes Qatar a fascinating cultural destination.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Your cultural journey through Qatar begins as your flight arrives at Doha's Hamad International Airport, one of the finest in the world, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in Doha. Qatar is one of the most exciting cultural destinations in the region, home to world-class art, architecture and heritage, and the striking, cultured atmosphere of Doha is immediately apparent. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first stroll along the beautiful Corniche, with its views of the gleaming skyline and the Museum of Islamic Art across the bay, or relaxing at your hotel. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the flavours of Qatari cuisine and to the fascinating cultural journey ahead. As you settle in, the cultural richness and warmth of Qatar work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore Doha's world-class museums and atmospheric souq tomorrow.
Today you explore Doha's world-class art and the atmospheric old city. You visit the magnificent Museum of Islamic Art, a masterpiece by I.M. Pei on its own island, housing one of the world's greatest collections of Islamic art amid breathtaking architecture and skyline views, and its beautiful park. You explore Msheireb, the regenerated old heart of Doha, with its Msheireb Museums telling the story of Qatar's past, and wander the atmospheric Souq Waqif, a labyrinth of lanes filled with spices, handicrafts, falcons and Arabian character. The world-class art and atmospheric heritage are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored Doha's art and old city. This evening, savour the atmosphere of Souq Waqif with its cafes and restaurants. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the National Museum, modern art and Katara.
Today you explore more of Qatar's remarkable art and culture. You visit the dramatic National Museum of Qatar, shaped like a desert rose, telling Qatar's story through immersive, spectacular galleries, and Mathaf, the Arab Museum of Modern Art, showcasing modern and contemporary Arab art. You explore the Fire Station, a former fire station transformed into an exciting artists' residency and gallery, and Katara Cultural Village, a beautiful hub of galleries, theatres, mosques and restaurants celebrating Arab culture. The remarkable art and living culture are fascinating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having immersed yourself in Qatar's art and culture. This evening, savour Doha's cosmopolitan dining, perhaps at Katara or the Pearl. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to the UNESCO fort of Al Zubara and the desert land art.
Today you explore Qatar's heritage and land art beyond the city. You journey to Al Zubara, on the north-west coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring its atmospheric restored fort and the evocative archaeological remains of the once-thriving 18th-century pearling and trading town by the sea. You might see the ancient rock carvings at Al Jassasiya along the way. You then journey to Zekreet, in the desert, to see Richard Serra's monumental 'East-West/West-East' land art sculpture rising from the desert, and the strange 'mushroom rock' formations and abandoned film city nearby. The heritage and land art are fascinating and striking. As the day ends, you return to Doha, having explored Qatar's heritage and land art. This evening, savour a final dinner in Doha, reflecting on the remarkable art, culture and heritage you have experienced. Rest well ahead of your departure.
After a final morning in Doha, perhaps a last visit to a favourite museum or gallery, some souvenir shopping in Souq Waqif, or a stroll along the Corniche, you are transferred to Hamad International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having immersed yourself in the remarkable art, culture and heritage of Qatar, the world-class museums of Islamic and modern Arab art, the atmospheric souq and cultural hub of Katara, the UNESCO fort of Al Zubara, the striking desert land art, and the ancient carvings and pearling heritage, all warmed by Qatari hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the masterpiece museums, the atmospheric souq, the evocative pearling town of Al Zubara, and the monumental steel sculpture rising from the desert. Qatar offers world-class art, living culture and rich heritage in abundance, and you depart already reflecting on a fascinating and rewarding cultural journey through this remarkable land.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner
- Airport and land transfers
- Touring and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides
- Entrance fees to museums, sites and reserves as per itinerary
- private touring with an expert local guide, museum and gallery visits, a Souq Waqif and Katara tour, an Al Zubara UNESCO fort and northern heritage excursion, a Zekreet land art and desert tour, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some lunches and dinners not specified
- Optional experiences and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities can enter Qatar visa-free or with a visa on arrival for short stays with a passport valid for at least six months; for major events, a Hayya card may be required. Requirements can change, so we confirm the exact process for your nationality before travel and arrange any visa needed
- Currency: The currency is the Qatari Riyal (QAR); cards are very widely accepted in Doha's hotels, malls, restaurants and shops, but carry some cash for the souq, taxis, tips and small purchases. ATMs are plentiful, and Doha is a modern, cashless-friendly city
- Best time to visit: November to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for the city, desert and coast; summer (May to September) is very hot and humid, best enjoyed via air-conditioned attractions, malls and indoor experiences, though spring and autumn shoulder months are pleasant
- Dress & etiquette: Qatar is a modern but conservative Muslim country; modest dress is appreciated in public (cover shoulders and knees), and required at mosques and some cultural sites. Qataris are warm and hospitable; respect for local customs, especially during prayer times and Ramadan, is always appreciated
- Desert & Inland Sea: Exploring the desert and the Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea) involves exhilarating 4x4 dune driving with expert drivers, camel rides and desert camps; desert days are hot and nights can be cool, so bring layers, sunglasses and closed shoes. It is a spectacular highlight, and the drives are safe with experienced operators
- Alcohol & Ramadan: Alcohol is available only in licensed hotel restaurants and bars, not in shops or public places, and public intoxication is not tolerated. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight are avoided out of respect, though hotels cater to visitors; we advise on timing and etiquette
- Safety: Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime and a welcoming, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and travel here is smooth, easy and rewarding. We use trusted local guides and drivers and follow official guidance; Doha is exceptionally safe, modern and easy to explore day or night
- Getting around & power: Touring is by private air-conditioned vehicle (and 4x4 for the desert) with your guide; Doha also has a modern metro and plentiful taxis. Power is 230V with UK-style type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Arabic is the language, and English is very widely spoken, making travel easy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qatar really a strong cultural destination?
Very much so. Qatar has invested extraordinarily in art and culture, and is now one of the most exciting cultural destinations in the region, with world-class museums (the Museum of Islamic Art, the National Museum, Mathaf), galleries, striking architecture by leading global architects, remarkable public and land art, and rich heritage sites like the UNESCO fort of Al Zubara. For lovers of art, architecture, culture and history, it is deeply rewarding, and our expert guides bring it all vividly to life.
Do the museums require a lot of walking or long days?
Not excessively. Doha's museums are world-class but manageable, and we pace the journey comfortably, with air-conditioned touring (welcome in the warm months) and time to savour each site without rushing. The heritage and land-art day involves some driving to the north and desert. We tailor the pace and depth to your interests and energy, and can focus more on particular museums, galleries, architecture or heritage as you prefer, for a rewarding cultural journey.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary (such as dinner at a desert camp). Doha has a superb, cosmopolitan food scene, from traditional Qatari and Levantine cuisine in the atmospheric Souq Waqif to world-class international and fine dining, so we usually leave meals free for you to explore, and are delighted to recommend the best restaurants, from souq eateries to acclaimed fine dining.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and air-conditioned vehicle (and 4x4 for the desert), giving you flexibility and a pace tailored to you; small-group options can be arranged if you prefer. Qatar's knowledgeable guides bring the museums, souq, heritage and desert vividly to life, greatly enriching every visit, and expert desert drivers lead the dune adventures.
Do I need a visa for Qatar?
Many nationalities can enter visa-free or with a visa on arrival for short stays, with a passport valid for at least six months. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality before travel and arrange any visa needed, so entry is smooth. Qatar is easy and welcoming to visit, and Doha's airport is one of the world's finest.
Is Qatar safe to visit?
Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime, excellent infrastructure and a welcoming, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and travel here is exceptionally smooth, easy and rewarding. We use trusted local guides and drivers and follow official guidance. Doha is modern, safe and easy to explore day or night, and the warmth of the Qatari welcome is one of the joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
November to March is ideal, with warm, sunny, comfortable days perfect for the city, desert and coast, and the season for many events and festivals. Summer is very hot and humid, best enjoyed via Doha's world-class air-conditioned museums, malls and indoor attractions. Spring and autumn shoulder months are pleasant. We advise on the best timing for your interests and any events you wish to see.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, culture, desert, beaches and shopping, add a desert camp overnight, more time at the museums, a beach or island day, or combine Qatar with a stopover elsewhere, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through Qatar, whether a short stopover or a fuller stay.
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