Preserving traditions in the face of rapid modernization, the bustling port city of Doha offers a bevy of fascinating attractions. Wander the bustling Souq Waqif, a modern evolution of an ancient Bedouin market. Take in the stunning National Museum of Qatar, Doha’s newest architectural gem that seems to grow out of the landscape like a desert rose. After admiring the treasures of the Museum of Islamic Art, look for Doha’s famed pearl monument as you stroll the crescent-shaped Corniche.
Explore Qatar’s capital of Doha – a harmonious mix of modern and traditional attractions – enjoy a dinner cruise on a wooden dhow and race through the surrounding desert in a 4x4 vehicle.
DAY 1
Disembark in the port of Doha and meet your guide.
Begin your tour at the National Museum of Qatar for a delightful encounter with Qatar’s past, present and future. The design of the museum resembles the naturally occurring crystal formations known as the desert rose.
Built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s original palace and the seat of government for 25 years, the National Museum of Qatar gives voice to Qatar’s heritage and celebrates its future. Exhibitions combine historic objects and contemporary influences, opening up a dialogue around the impact of rapid change. You will have time to visit the museum’s shop before transferring to your hotel.
After check-in, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure with meals on your own.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel into the surrounding desert in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle. To improve traction in the deep sand, the tires of the vehicle will be deflated. Then, off you will go, racing through the desert dunes in an exhilarating activity known as dune bashing. The driver is highly experienced at negotiating the shifting sands at ever-changing speeds.
A traditional lunch follows at the seafront desert camp, which is a collection of huts furnished with beach beds and Arabic carpets. Other facilities include gazebos, restrooms and a sunken firepit.
In time, you will drive back to the hotel to freshen up before boarding a traditional wooden dhow for a dinner cruise around Doha Bay. The city will be beautifully illuminated as you pass landmarks such as The Pearl, a manmade island with high-end residential towers, marinas and shops. The dhow will maintain a fairly slow speed that is ideal for sightseeing and snapping photos of the city.
After disembarking, you will return to the hotel for the evening.
DAY 3
Following a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will tour Doha, the capital of Qatar and a city that embraces modernity yet still preserves the nuances of the Arab tradition. The highlights include:
?A tram tour of historical downtown Doha and "the world's smartest and most sustainable fully built city district.“
?Browsing the Souq Waqif, a traditional bazaar with myriad of shops full of merchandise such as ceramics, fabrics, spices, Arab sweets, perfumes, candied fruit and traditional clothing.
?Stopping for Arabic sweets and tea at Souq Waqif and free time for lunch on your own.
?Driving past the gleaming towers of West Bay on the way to the cultural hub Katara for a walking tour of the mosques, amphitheater and street art.
?Visiting The Pearl Qatar, an attraction on a manmade island with resort hotels, exquisite shopping and fine dining.
The city tour also includes visiting the state-of-the-art Education City complex, a collection of university satellite campuses, a mosque and the Qatar National Library.
The Education City Mosque is located in the Minaretein building as a part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Islamic Studies. Designed by Iraqi architect and calligrapher Taha al-Hiti, the mosque’s minarets feature vertical calligraphy that sweeps upward, taking the viewer’s eye heavenward in a contemplation of faith and meaning. The mosque is supported by five pillars, each representing one of Islam’s pillars: Shahada (profession of faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (giving alms), Sawm (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage).
Individuals from all backgrounds are welcome to visit the mosque, which can accommodate as many as 2,800 worshippers in the main prayer hall and the exterior courtyard. There are four streams outdoors that irrigate a garden in the center of the building. The streams represent the four rivers of paradise promised in the Qur’an: water, honey, milk and wine. The complex also houses the Qur’anic Botanic Garden, which contains plants been mentioned in the Holy Qur'an, along with Qatar’s native flora. Designed to reflect Islamic art and architecture, the garden focuses on harmony, maintaining and preserving plant diversity from around the world.
Following the tour of the Education City complex, you will return to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Day 4
After breakfast and check out, transfer to the Doha International Airport (DOH) for your flight home.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
AM Disembark at Doha Port
9:00am Visit the National Museum of Qatar
1:00pm Drop off at your hotel
Remainder of the day at leisure, meals on own
Overnight at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Doha or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
10:00am Depart for the Desert Splendor Tour with Lunch
3:30pm Proceed to the Dhow Cruise including dinner on board
8:00pm Arrive back at your hotel
Overnight at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Doha or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Depart for a Vision of Doha Tour
1:00pm Vision of Doha Tour finishes
1:00 – 2:00pm Free time for lunch at the Souq Waqif
2:00pm Depart for Education City Mosque & Qatar National Library at Education City
4:00pm Drop back to the hotel
Free Dinner
Overnight at Ritz Carlton Hotel Doha
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
Departure Transfer to Doha Airport
Extra Nights:
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers:
•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather
Warm and sunny (Average temperature - 26° Celsius /78° Fahrenheit)
What to Bring
Light loose clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen. We recommend taking a light jacket for the dune dinner safari as the temperatures can be quite cooler in the desert at night.
Dress code while visiting mosques:
•Modest, conservative, loose-fitting clothing, long sleeves and trousers
•No transparent or see-through clothing. No white cloths are allowed at the mosque
•No shorts
•No skirts for ladies
•No tight clothing including leggings, no swimwear and no beachwear
•Shoes will be removed before entering the mosque, so we recommend slip off shoes
•Headscarf for ladies is mandatory so be sure to bring your own.
Currency
Qatari Riyal. USD are not accepted.
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own international travel adaptor for electric equipment.
Documents and Visa Requirements
It is imperative that each passenger traveling to the United Arab Emirates possess a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the United Arab Emirates. Some nationalities require a visa to enter the UAE. Please consult your local embassy for further details on visas for your nationality.
Accommodations
Ritz Carlton Hotel Doha
P.O. Box 23400, West Bay Lagoon, Doha, Qatar
Phone: +97444848000
*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes for guests
• 3 nights at the Ritz Carlton Doha (or similar hotel) including breakfast – Deluxe Room
• Desert Splendor Tour with lunch
• Dhow cruise with dinner onboard
• Vision of Doha city tour
• Education City Mosque and Qatar National Library at Education City tour
• Visit to National Museum of Qatar
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
• Meals and beverages not listed above including beverages with alcohol
• Gratuities to drivers and guides
• Portage at the airport and hotel
• Any personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change.
Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Explore Qatar’s capital of Doha – a harmonious mix of modern and traditional attractions – enjoy a dinner cruise on a wooden dhow and race through the surrounding desert in a 4x4 vehicle.
DAY 1
After arriving at the Doha International Airport (DOH), you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Check-in is 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you have an early flight, you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee your room upon arrival.
The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with meals on your own.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel into the surrounding desert in an air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle. To improve traction in the deep sand, the tires of the vehicle will be deflated. Then, off you will go, racing through the desert dunes in an exhilarating activity known as dune bashing. The driver is highly experienced at negotiating the shifting sands at ever-changing speeds.
A traditional lunch follows at the seafront desert camp, which is a collection of huts furnished with beach beds and Arabic carpets. Other facilities include gazebos, restrooms and a sunken firepit.
In time, you will drive back to the hotel to freshen up before boarding a traditional wooden dhow for a dinner cruise around Doha Bay. The city will be beautifully illuminated as you pass landmarks such as The Pearl, a manmade island with high-end residential towers, marinas and shops. The dhow will maintain a fairly slow speed that is ideal for sightseeing and snapping photos of the city.
After disembarking, you will return to the hotel for the evening.
DAY 3
Following a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will tour Doha, the capital of Qatar and a city that embraces modernity yet still preserves the nuances of the Arab tradition. The highlights include:
?A tram tour of historical downtown Doha and "the world's smartest and most sustainable fully built city district.“
?Browsing the Souq Waqif, a traditional bazaar with myriad of shops full of merchandise such as ceramics, fabrics, spices, Arab sweets, perfumes, candied fruit and traditional clothing.
?Stopping for Arabic sweets and tea at Souq Waqif and free time for lunch on your own.
?Driving past the gleaming towers of West Bay on the way to the cultural hub Katara for a walking tour of the mosques, amphitheater and street art.
?Visiting The Pearl Qatar, an attraction on a manmade island with resort hotels, exquisite shopping and fine dining.
The city tour also includes visiting the state-of-the-art Education City complex, a collection of university satellite campuses, a mosque and the Qatar National Library.
The Education City Mosque is located in the Minaretein building as a part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Islamic Studies. Designed by Iraqi architect and calligrapher Taha al-Hiti, the mosque’s minarets feature vertical calligraphy that sweeps upward, taking the viewer’s eye heavenward in a contemplation of faith and meaning. The mosque is supported by five pillars, each representing one of Islam’s pillars: Shahada (profession of faith), Salah (prayer), Zakat (giving alms), Sawm (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage).
Individuals from all backgrounds are welcome to visit the mosque, which can accommodate as many as 2,800 worshippers in the main prayer hall and the exterior courtyard. There are four streams outdoors that irrigate a garden in the center of the building. The streams represent the four rivers of paradise promised in the Qur’an: water, honey, milk and wine. The complex also houses the Qur’anic Botanic Garden, which contains plants been mentioned in the Holy Qur'an, along with Qatar’s native flora. Designed to reflect Islamic art and architecture, the garden focuses on harmony, maintaining and preserving plant diversity from around the world.
Following the tour of the Education City complex, you will return to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure with dinner on your own.
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the National Museum of Qatar for delightful encounter with Qatar’s past, present and future. The design of the museum resembles the naturally occurring crystal formations known as the desert rose.
Built around Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al-Thani’s original palace and the seat of government for 25 years, the National Museum of Qatar gives voice to Qatar’s heritage and celebrates its future. Exhibitions combine historic objects and contemporary influences, opening up a dialogue around the impact of rapid change. You will have time to visit the museum’s shop before transferring to the cruise terminal to embark the ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until Day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive via international flights to Doha. You will be met outside the terminal and transferred to the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Doha.
Check in is 3:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have the rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed. Should your flight arrive very early in the morning you may wish to book an additional night. You could also store your luggage and start enjoying the facilities of your hotel upon arrival or perhaps take a stroll to see some of the sites close by while you wait for your room to be ready.
Meals will be on your own today.
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on Page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at the hotel
10:00am Pick up at the hotel in 4x4 vehicles
Depart for the Desert Splendor Tour with lunch
10:45am Entrance to the dunes
11:00am Deflation of vehicle’s tires
11:15am Dune bashing
12:45pm Free time to enjoy the camp facilities and recreational activities
1:00pm BBQ lunch
2:45pm Transfer by 4-WD private vehicles back to the hotel
3:30pm Arrive at the hotel
5:00pm Transfer to the Dhow for a dinner cruise
8:00pm Return to the hotel
Overnight at Ritz Carlton Hotel Doha or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Depart for the Vision of Doha tour
1:00 – 2:00pm Free time for lunch on your own at Souq Waqif
2:00pm Depart for Education City Mosque and Qatar National Library at Education City
4:00pm Return to the hotel
Evening at leisure with dinner on your own
Overnight at Ritz Carlton Hotel Doha or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Breakfast at the hotel
9:00am Check-out from the hotel
Visit the National Museum of Qatar
12:30pm Arrive at the Doha port to embark the ship
Expected Weather
Warm and sunny (Average temperature - 26° Celsius /78° Fahrenheit)
What to Bring
Light loose clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen. We recommend taking a light jacket for the dune dinner safari as the temperatures can be quite cooler in the desert at night.
Dress code while visiting mosques:
•Modest, conservative, loose-fitting clothing, long sleeves and trousers
•No transparent or see-through clothing. No white cloths are allowed at the mosque
•No shorts
•No skirts for ladies
•No tight clothing including leggings, no swimwear and no beachwear
•Shoes will be removed before entering the mosque, so we recommend slip off shoes
•Headscarf for ladies is mandatory so be sure to bring your own.
Currency
Qatari Riyal. USD are not accepted.
Electricity
220 volts. We recommend bringing your own international travel adaptor for electric equipment.
Documents and Visa Requirements
It is imperative that each passenger traveling to the United Arab Emirates possess a valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the United Arab Emirates. Some nationalities require a visa to enter the UAE. Please consult your local embassy for further details on visas for your nationality.
Accommodations
Ritz Carlton Hotel Doha
P.O. Box 23400, West Bay Lagoon, Doha, Qatar
Phone: +97444848000
*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.
Program Includes for guests
• 3 nights at the Ritz Carlton Doha (or similar hotel) including breakfast – Deluxe Room
• Desert Splendor Tour with lunch
• Dhow cruise with dinner onboard
• Vision of Doha city tour
• Education City Mosque and Qatar National Library at Education City tour
• Visit to National Museum of Qatar
• Currently applicable all taxes
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights independently of the cruise line are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
• Meals and beverages not listed above including beverages with alcohol
• Gratuities to drivers and guides
• Portage at the airport and hotel
• Any personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change.
Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered no-shows and their hotel space released.
