Desert Safari + History to Modern City Tour
Active
7h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Why waste hours at the airport when you can turn your Doha stopover into an adventure? Our specially crafted City & Desert Transit Tour is designed exclusively for transit and stopover passengers looking to experience the best of Qatar — all within a short stay window of under 6 hours.
Skip the airport lounge and head straight into the desert for an exhilarating drive across the Singing Sand Dunes of Mesaieed. Experience the calm of a scenic desert drive, visit the Khor Al Adaid.
But your stopover doesn’t end there. After the desert, step into Qatar’s vibrant culture & natural beauty. Start your journey with a guided Doha transit city tour through the capital’s most iconic landmarks from the scenic Doha Corniche and traditional Dhow Harbour to the modern luxury of The Pearl-Qatar and the cultural charm of Katara Cultural Village. Wander through the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif and catch a glimpse of the city’s rich heritage, all perfectly timed to fit your Doha layover tour schedule.
Available options
Pricing
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Stop at the Camel and falcon area
Professional Driver
Desert Drive: Scenic and Serene Dunes.
Insurance
Guided Tours
Detailed itinerary
1
Scenic desert drive, stop at the camel area for optional camel ride
2
Scenic desert views stop, stop at the Inland Sea, where travelers can sandboard and relax
3
Pass by the corniche on your way to the city sights
4
Stop 4
Attendees may stop for a snack at one of the local restaurants at their own expense.
5
Stop 5
Guided tour of Katara
6
Stop 6
30 minutes tour
7
Additional fee required to enter and tour the museum
What's not included
Anything not mentioned in inclusions
Sandboard
Meals
Available languages
Guide guide
AR
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
172 reviews
5★
169
4★
2
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
For travelers staying in Doha, we pick them up from anywhere in Doha City
About Doha
Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a vibrant city where modern skyscrapers and traditional souqs coexist. Known for its futuristic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning desert landscapes, Doha offers a unique blend of old and new.
Top Attractions
The Museum of Islamic Art
This stunning museum houses a vast collection of Islamic art from various periods and regions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic world.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free
Souq Waqif
A traditional Qatari market with a labyrinth of alleys filled with shops selling everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and souvenirs.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for purchases
The Pearl-Qatar
A man-made island known for its luxury residences, high-end shopping, and fine dining, offering a glimpse into modern Qatari lifestyle.
Architecture/Entertainment
Half a day
Free to explore, prices vary for shopping and dining
Aspire Park
A large, beautiful park with lush greenery, walking paths, and a lake, perfect for picnics, jogging, and relaxation.
Nature/Recreation
1-2 hours
Free
Katara Cultural Village
A cultural hub featuring art galleries, theaters, and open-air amphitheaters, hosting various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for events and activities
Must-Try Local Dishes
Machbous
A fragrant spiced rice dish cooked with meat (usually chicken, lamb, or fish) and served with vegetables and raisins.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be made halal or haram depending on the type of meat used.
Harees
A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a smooth consistency.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be made halal or haram depending on the type of meat used.
Luqaimat
Sweet dumplings made from a batter of flour, yeast, and cardamom, deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup or honey.
Dessert
Vegetarian, contains gluten.
Kahwa
A traditional Qatari coffee made with cardamom and saffron, often served with dates.
Drink
Caffeinated, contains cardamom and saffron.
Popular Activities
Dune bashing in the desert
Camel riding
Sandboarding
Kayaking in the Inland Sea
Relaxing on the beach
Spa and wellness treatments
Picnicking in the park
Yoga and meditation
Best Time to Visit
November to March
This is the best time to visit Doha, with comfortable temperatures and various cultural events and festivals taking place.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Qatari Riyal (QAR)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Doha is generally considered very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
- • Avoid isolated areas and unlit streets
Getting there
By air
- Hamad International Airport • 15 km from city center
By bus
Al Ghanim Bus Station, Al Riffa Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned, the metro is a convenient way to get around the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Karwa, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
West Bay
Old Doha
The Pearl-Qatar
Aspire Zone
Al Waab
Day trips
Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)
80 km from Doha • Full day
A unique natural phenomenon where the sea encroaches into the desert, creating a stunning landscape of sand dunes and turquoise waters.
Zubarah
100 km from Doha • Half day to full day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the ruins of an 18th-century coastal town, offering a glimpse into Qatar's rich history.
Al Khor
50 km from Doha • Half day to full day
A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and the Al Khor Island, which is a popular spot for birdwatching.
Festivals
Qatar National Day • December 18
Doha Tribeca Film Festival • November (dates vary)
Qatar International Food Festival • March (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Use the metro and public transportation to get around the city, as traffic can be heavy and parking can be challenging.
- Try traditional Qatari dishes like machbous and luqaimat for an authentic culinary experience.
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the modern and upscale West Bay to the historic and cultural Old Doha.
- Take advantage of the city's rich coffee culture by visiting local cafes and trying traditional Qatari coffee (kahwa).
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
