Originally, we weren’t planning to travel to Qatar. We couldn’t reach it by land because we would have to cross through Saudi Arabia, which does not allow for tourist visa.
By chance, we met a tourist from the US, Maria, who were part of our rafting group in Nepal. She shared her surprising experience finding out that Qatar Airline offers free 3 hour city tour(would have cost USD 90/person) plus free Qatar Visa (would have cost USD 30/person) if you have a layover in Qatar on their airline.
So when I booked our ticket to Egypt, I searched for Qatar Airline. It was a blessing that Qatar Airline had the cheapest flight! So I timed the connection flight such that we would spend overnight in Qatar’s airport and to give us enough time in the morning for the city tour.
So we got to enjoy an extra “free” country for our one year trip!
Below are the photos we took in Qatar airport (a very nice airport with free sleeper seat, Wifi, and iMac) and during the city tour:
I woke up at 5:20AM to be the first to sign up for the free Doha City Tour.We rode on the tour bus provided free by Qatar Airline.The tour guide was from Nepal who works in Qatar during the off season in Nepal.The amphitheater in the cultural village was designed with a mix of Roman and Islamic styles.Inside the amphitheater.Visiting the international cultural village of Doha.The Isalmic Art Center is a famous tourist destination, designed by I E Pan.The modern Doha in the background.These were the traditional boats used by the pearl divers.Qatar used to be the center of Pearl Diving before they discovered oil and natural gas.There are only paid beaches in Doha, unlike Oman.The old Souq in Doha.We tried out the local sandwich at the old souq.We ate local sandwich at the souq for lunch.The police of the souq rode on handsome Arabian Horses.Qatar used to be known for its pearl diving.The silver and gold soul of Doha.The police rode on camels when patrolling around the government building.Out door car parks have individual shades for each vehicle!Doha airport was rated one of the best airport in the Middle East.There are many creative playgrounds for children and adults alike at the Doha airport.Doha airport provides sleeper chair for travelers to sleep overnight.We flew over the country island of Bahrain on Qatar Airline.The food and utensils provided by Qatar Airline was one of the best we ever had, all free.
Thanks for the insight.Can a family of 2 adults and 2 children sleep on the sleeper chairs together in the same room?we have an 9 hour and 14 hour stopover respectively.
Hi,
Thanks for the insight.Can a family of 2 adults and 2 children sleep on the sleeper chairs together in the same room?we have an 9 hour and 14 hour stopover respectively.
Dear Anna,
Yes. There are several glass window rooms. Each room is very large can can accommodate around 50-70 persons at one time.
Hope you can make it to the tour.
Jonathan