I’ve transferred many times through Doha, but I never knew of this complementary city tour Qatar Tourism Authority offers to those who have a transit time of more than 5 hours. With 11 hours to kill this definitely helped take the edge off. So much that I didn’t have to use my other alternatives, going to the airport spa and buy lounge access. After landing I knew it was crucial to get to the tour desk asap, as it opened at the same time as I was scheduled to arrive, and with 33 seats available only, given out on a first come, first serve basis. When I got to the tour desk it was apparent that it was not only me who was aware of the offer, a decent waiting line making me not so sure that I was going to be able to secure a spot. Luckily I did 🙂 Very happy with my good fortune I returned to the designated meeting point a couple of hours later, where I was given my complementary visa, and off we went into the 40 degrees hot Doha evening in an, A/C, bus – honestly don’t know how we would have survived without the A/C. First stop on the tour was Dhow Harbour, where multi-coloured blinking light boats anchor up. Hadn’t I known better I would have mistaken them for booze cruise boats. Either way, not for me. The harbour offers some great views though, across the waters and the passing roads. Next up was manmade Pearl Island. Affluent in every way, and then nothing else. Seemed like a residential purpose project. Last stop was Souq Waqif, for those who like to bargain at markets, with 35 minutes to spend. After a short walk through, I just found myself an A/C’ed cafe to relieve me from the heat and to help time pass. 3 hours and we were back at the airport again. Might not have been the most elaborate city tour, but all considered, I was happy with what I got, and it left me with only 4 hours to go until boarding for Johannesburg.
What a fabulous idea! I love this so much. Why don’t more airports or companies organize something like this! I have definitely spent too many a long layover wandering the aisles of airport shops. #FarawayFiles
So true all around! Then I would have (almost) loved long layovers 🙂
What a great idea this is – so much nicer than sitting in the airport for hours. It’s good to know about this before getting off your flight. You probably wouldn’t have got a place otherwise. Thanks for sharing this great tip on #FarawayFiles
So much better, despite the heat 🙂 Yes, the tour was full when we left. There was a few trying to get on at that time. Don’t know how many were turned away after I signed on and left the line earlier in the day.
That’s about what it takes to see the whole city 😉 Jokingly it’s an interesting place. I lived there for three years. Glad you made use of your transit!
It is?!?! Was thinking I’d like to do the same trip in daylight. So glad too 🙂
Then you covered two days lol :))
Great to know! I have a 10 hour transit coming up in Doha so I’m looking forward to getting the transit visa to explore a bit more of the this city!
Glad to help 🙂 Yes, great way to kill time! Just try to be there as early as possible after the tour desk opens.
A very good idea to make use of the time to see a little of Doha!
Yes, I thought so too 🙂