Modern Arabia! Qatar wealthy Gulf nation offers Doha futuristic skyline, Museum of Islamic Art IM Pei design waterfront, Souq Waqif traditional market falcons spices, Katara Cultural Village, The Pearl artificial island luxury, desert safaris inland sea dune bashing, FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums legacy. Msheireb Downtown heritage architecture, National Museum desert rose. Luxury hotels, shopping malls, safe travel, mix tradition-modernity. Transit hub Hamad Airport. Short city break perfect stopover.
Day 1:
Arrive Doha - Arrive Hamad International Airport (world-class airport, Teddy Bear sculpture, Lamp Bear), hotel check-in, afternoon visit The Pearl-Qatar (artificial island, Venetian-style canals, luxury yachts, cafes, Qanat Quartier colorful buildings), Katara Cultural Village (amphitheater, art galleries, beaches, mosque with blue and gold tiles, pigeon towers, cultural events), evening Corniche walk (7km crescent waterfront promenade, Doha skyline views, West Bay skyscrapers), overnight Doha|
Day 2:
Doha City Tour - Morning visit Museum of Islamic Art (I.M. Pei designed iconic building on Corniche, 14 centuries of Islamic art from 3 continents, calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, free entry, QR 50 special exhibitions, caf├® with Corniche views), Souq Waqif (traditional market, spices, textiles, handicrafts, souvenirs, falcon souq, restaurants serving Qatari cuisine, shisha cafes, evening best for atmosphere), afternoon visit National Museum of Qatar (2019 opened, rose-shaped designed by Jean Nouvel, Qatar history from pearl diving to modern, immersive exhibits, QR 50), Msheireb Downtown (heritage area, museums, modern Arabic architecture), evening optional Dhow cruise on Doha Bay (traditional wooden boat, 1-2 hours, city skyline illuminated, QR 100-200), overnight Doha|
Day 3:
Desert Safari - Morning desert safari excursion (half-day or full-day tour, 4WD dune bashing thrilling ride over sand dunes, visit inland sea Khor Al Adaid (UNESCO natural reserve, desert meets sea, swimming possible, camel rides QR 50, sandboarding, Bedouin camps, falconry shows, traditional Qatari lunch, QR 250-350 half-day tour), afternoon return Doha, visit Villagio Mall (Venice-themed indoor shopping, gondola rides, luxury brands, food court), Aspire Zone (Khalifa International Stadium, Torch Tower, parks), overnight Doha|
Day 4:
Departure - Morning optional visit The Fire Station (artists in residence, contemporary Qatari art, gallery, caf├®, free), or Al Zubarah Fort (1 hour drive, UNESCO World Heritage, 18th century fort and archaeological site of pearling and trading town ruins, QR 10), or relax at hotel beach, afternoon airport transfer for departure, tour ends with modern Arabia memories (Best season: Nov-Mar pleasant 20-25┬░C perfect weather, Apr-May and Oct shoulder warm 30┬░C, Jun-Sep extreme heat 40-50┬░C outdoors difficult but malls air-conditioned, Doha very expensive destination, conservative dress recommended outside hotels and beaches, no alcohol except hotels with license, Friday is weekly holiday)