Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The stunning Museum of Islamic Art, a masterpiece of architecture and culture, is a magnificent highlight. The Museum of Islamic Art, a masterpiece by architect I.M. Pei on its own island, is one of the finest museums in the world, housing one of the greatest collections of Islamic art, from manuscripts and ceramics to textiles and jewels, amid breathtaking architecture and spectacular views of the skyline across the bay. The architecture and collection are magnificent. Exploring the stunning Museum of Islamic Art, a masterpiece of architecture housing one of the world's greatest collections of Islamic art, is a magnificent and unforgettable highlight of this Doha stopover.
- The atmospheric Souq Waqif, alive with spices, falcons and Arabian character, is a delightful highlight. Souq Waqif, in the heart of old Doha, is a beautifully restored traditional market, a labyrinth of atmospheric lanes filled with spices, textiles, perfumes, handicrafts and gold, alive with cafes, shisha lounges and restaurants, and the magnificent falcons of the falcon souq. You wander its bustling alleys, browse its treasures, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, especially magical in the evening. The atmosphere and character are delightful. Wandering the atmospheric Souq Waqif, with its bustling lanes of spices, falcons and Arabian character, alive with cafes and life.
- Doha's gleaming skyline and Corniche, with a dhow cruise, are a striking highlight. Doha's gleaming skyline of futuristic skyscrapers, best admired across the bay, is spectacular, especially at night. You stroll the beautiful Corniche along the bay, and take a traditional wooden dhow cruise for beautiful skyline views from the water, taking in the striking modern city. The modern ambition and glamour are striking. Taking in Doha's gleaming skyline, strolling the beautiful Corniche, and cruising the bay on a traditional dhow for spectacular skyline views, is a striking and memorable highlight of this Doha stopover.
- A taste of the desert, if you wish, adds spectacular adventure to your stopover. If time allows, you can enjoy a short taste of Qatar's spectacular desert on a half-day safari, with exhilarating 4x4 dune driving, a camel ride, and beautiful desert views, an exciting contrast to the city, easily fitted into a stopover. The desert adventure and scenery are spectacular. A taste of Qatar's spectacular desert on a short safari, with exhilarating dune driving and beautiful views, adds spectacular adventure to your stopover, a memorable optional highlight of this Doha stopover.
- Above all, this stopover offers a fascinating, efficient taste of striking Doha. Doha makes a superb stopover, and this journey lets you make the most of it. Over three days you explore the stunning Museum of Islamic Art, the atmospheric Souq Waqif, the gleaming skyline and, if you wish, a taste of the desert, guided by expert local guides and warmed by Qatari hospitality. The combination of world-class culture, atmospheric heritage, striking modernity and efficient ease makes this a fascinating and rewarding stopover. For the traveller breaking a long journey and seeking a fascinating taste of striking Doha, this stopover is deeply rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 3-day journey.
Your Doha stopover begins as your flight arrives at Hamad International Airport, one of the finest in the world, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in Doha. Doha is one of the most striking and fascinating cities in the Gulf, and its modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere is immediately apparent, a rewarding place to break a long journey. 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 across the bay, or exploring the atmospheric Souq Waqif with its spices, falcons and cafes. This evening, a welcome dinner introduces you to the flavours of Qatari and Arabian cuisine and to the fascinating stopover ahead. As you settle in, the striking modernity and warmth of Doha work their magic. Rest well, ready to make the most of striking Doha tomorrow.
Today you discover the best of striking Doha. 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. You wander the atmospheric Souq Waqif, a labyrinth of lanes filled with spices, handicrafts, falcons and Arabian character, and stroll the beautiful Corniche, taking in the gleaming skyline. You might also visit the dramatic National Museum of Qatar or the glittering Pearl, and in the evening take a traditional dhow cruise for beautiful skyline views as the city lights up. The museums, souq and skyline are captivating. As the day ends, you savour the atmosphere of Souq Waqif with its cafes and restaurants. Rest well ahead of your onward journey. (A half-day desert safari can be added if time allows.)
After a final morning in Doha, perhaps a last stroll along the Corniche, some souvenir shopping in Souq Waqif, or a quick visit to a site you have not yet seen (or an optional short desert safari if your flight allows), you are transferred to Hamad International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having discovered the best of striking Doha in a short, rewarding stopover, the stunning Museum of Islamic Art, the atmospheric Souq Waqif, and the gleaming skyline, perhaps with a taste of the desert, all warmed by Qatari hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the masterpiece museum, the atmospheric souq, and the gleaming skyline across the bay. Doha offers a fascinating blend of world-class culture, striking modernity and Arabian heritage, and makes a superb stopover, and you depart already reflecting on a rewarding taste of Qatar, perhaps dreaming of a longer return.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 2 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, a Doha city tour, a Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif visit, a dhow cruise, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Optional desert safari
- Most lunches and dinners, 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
Why is Doha a good stopover?
Doha's Hamad International Airport is one of the world's finest global hubs, ideal for breaking long journeys between Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Doha itself is safe, easy and compact, with world-class museums, an atmospheric souq, a gleaming skyline and a taste of the desert all within easy reach, so even a short stopover is rewarding. Qatar Airways and the airport also offer stopover programmes. We make the most of your time, however short, for a fascinating taste of Qatar.
Can I add a desert safari to a stopover?
Yes, if your stopover time allows. A half-day desert safari, with exhilarating 4x4 dune driving, a camel ride and beautiful desert views, is an exciting contrast to the city and can be fitted into a stopover of two or three days. We tailor the stopover to your flight times and interests, whether you prefer to focus on the city's culture and skyline or add a taste of the spectacular desert. Just let us know your schedule and we will make the most of it.
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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