Total Days: 4 Days | Accommodations: Hotel in West Bay, Doha | Transportation: Taxis and some walking | Traveled: With a girlfriend| Type of Trip: Treating yourself to Middle Eastern culture and food | Highlights: Souks, Desert Safari, Al Thakira Mangroves Forest
DAY 1
At a glimpse: A quintessential Doha day
Travel agenda: Once you’ve made it to your hotel, take a taxi to the celebrated restaurant Turkey Central for a mezze platter and mixed pies. From there, take a 10-minute taxi to the Persian Gulf waterfront. Meander and soak in the atmosphere along the Doha Corniche path. At sunset, book a ride on a traditional dhow boat. This 2-hour cruise includes a tour on both land and water. Finally, kick off your first dinner at Yasmine Palace, with grand rooms and Andalusian-inspired dishes which “revolve around a passion for jasmine.” Walk the 30 minutes or take a golf cart shuttle to the other side of the Pearl for drinks at Toro Toro.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Short hour-long trip north of Doha to see a unique ecosystem and then experience the Souq at night
Travel agenda: Start the day with breakfast at the Pool Grill, which is (sneakily) actually a distinguished beachfront restaurant. Fuel up because it’s time to get some exercise via kayaking at the Al Thakira Mangroves Forest, a little oasis just north of Doha. This tour features a leisurely paddle in a unique setting with live flamingos.
Once back in the city, enjoy some free time before heading to the Souq Waqif tonight! Plan on least 4 hours here. Wander the maze of stalls, haggle, pick up souvenirs, grab a tea from the Syrian Tamar Hindi Seller who offers refreshing drinks with flair. When you’re feeling hungry, Shebestan Palace in unlike any place you’ve ever been, plus it’s got incredible Iranian food. Before 8pm, wander to the Falconry Souk with Flacon shops or observe the falcons in the central sandpit. There’s no alcohol but for an evening of shisha stop by Tajine, a locals spot open 24/7.
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Desert adventure day
Travel agenda: Since you’re heading out of the city, grab the famous egg omelet sandwich from Al Banuche for breakfast. Then have a tour booked ahead of time with Regency Sealine Camp for an unforgettable full day safari. Partnering with this luxury boudin camp means that you have a home base (and even a room if you so choose!) The amenities and activities include dune bashing with 4×4 vehicles, quad biking across the terrain and camel riding through the desert, along with traditional lunches and dinners.
DAY 4
At a glimpse: Culture and architecture in Doha
Travel agenda: Savor pancakes for breakfast at Chef’s Garden, then pop into the Qatar National Library, which is an architectural masterpiece and a very modern example of a public library. From there head to the Museum of Islamic Art, a world class museum located on its very own island.
Get lunch at Sugar and Spice, a beautiful café with salads, more substantial plates and many many desserts. Walk across the street and explore the Villaggio Mall, with opulent Venetian-style interiors and an indoor canal with gondola rides. Head back to the hotel to get ready. End the trip on a high note with a boat shuttle trip to Banana Island, a luxury island resort. By making a reservation at Q Lounge, you’ll have access to the island and a place to enjoy a memorable international dinner and shisha on the terrace.
