Classic Qatar

Begin your journey through the small Persian Gulf nation of Qatar in the capital city, Doha. Doha is the political and economic center of the country and a rapidly growing modern metropolis brimming with global potential. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Unwind and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Due to Qatar’s heat, many businesses and restaurants have adjusted their hours to close during midday and reopen in the evening and late into the night. Evening arrivals will find a wealth of dining options and bustling nighttime scene.

This morning, visit the Museum of Islamic Art, an architectural gem by I.M. Pei, which houses a diverse collection of masterpieces of Islamic art dating from the 7th-19th centuries. Then, get a groundwork lesson on Qatar’s social and religious traditions at the Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center where social and educational activities and lessons are held. The center also houses a library and a mosque that allows entry for non-Muslims, with exclusive special opportunity to attend the Friday sermon in English. Head out of town to the Al Shaqab Equestrian Center which trains and breeds Arabian horses for a tour of the state-of-the-art facility. See how these prized Arabian horses, once integral to Qatari culture and heritage, are pampered, cared for, and trained, as well as the foal nursery. Return to the city and wander around the labyrinth Souq Waqif, where narrow lanes with tiny stores are cramped with everything from garments to spices, perfumes, and diamonds. There are also shisha lounges, restaurants and cafes, where shoppers can take a break and have traditional foods. The souq, with its cobbled alleys and aged look, is a pleasant change of pace from the modern construction dominating Doha’s cityscape.

Get out of the city for a day of sand and sea. To the south of Doha, across a stretch of desert, is Khor Al Adaid, also known as the Inland Sea. Sea water meets golden dunes here to create a beautiful landscape that is recognized by UNESCO as a natural reserve. Various wildlife live in the area including ospreys, dugongs, and turtles.  Arrive at an upscale desert camp where you can relax in a private gazebo on the shore. Spend the day swimming and relaxing as well as enjoying a host of activities from dune bashing, quad biking, camel riding, sand boarding, and desert paragliding. In the late afternoon, return to the city and visit the National Museum of Qatar, one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in Doha’s cityscape. Designed with curved discs to resemble a desert rose, just to admire the building itself is worth a visit. As the sun sets, set out on Doha Bay by traditional dhow for a leisure cruise to watch the city lights illuminate around the promenade.

Get active this morning and kayak around The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island developed for residential and commercial use just north of Doha and built to resemble a string of pearls. There are several luxury hotels, numerous dining and entertainment venues, and a yacht harbor. Then, visit Katara Cultural Village, a charming complex built in the style of traditional Qatari alleyways that houses various cultural organizations and societies, galleries, theaters, coffee shops, academic facilities, a handicraft souk, and restaurants. Stroll around at your leisure and enjoy a casual lunch. This afternoon, drive west toward Zekreet Peninsula. Along the way, see the East-West West-East art installation by Richard Serra. The artwork consists of four almost 40-feet tall steel plates, standing at intervals spread over a kilometer. Arrive at Zekreet Film City, an abandoned fishing village that was rebuilt to function as a film set. This replica of an antique Arabic village consists of traditional mud-brick houses with wooden doors, a mosque, and minarets. On the way back to Doha, make a detour to Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, home to wild species such as gazelles, ostriches, and oryx. With its dense vegetation, the landscape is remarkably different from the vast deserts that cover the majority of the country. 

After breakfast, say goodbye to Qatar as you check out of your hotel and check in for your international flight to your onwards destination.