Qatar's North and West Historical Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Al Zubara Fort's ancient walls
- Discover the unique Purple Island's flora
- Navigate through the serene Mangroves Colony
- Learn about Qatar's rich history and heritage
- Enjoy a comprehensive full-day excursion
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Visit to Al Zubara Fort
- Exploration of Purple Island
- Guided tour of Mangroves Colony
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Also spelled Al Khawr means "sea on threesides" in Arabic. Older than Doha but far smaller in size. Al Khor is located an easy 50 kilometres to the north of Doha. It used to be the center of the pearling industry in Qatar but lost its importance after the introduction of cultured pearls. It now boasts a scenic harbour where you can find traditional fishing dhows, a corniche leading to mangrove colonies and a museum showcasing the fishing, pearling and dhow building industries.
The mangroves colony is not only a major tourism product for Qatar but an important natural environmental resource for Qatar. It provides a natural habitat and a sanctuary for birds, fish and other animals as well as prevent coastal erosion.
Located in the northeast of Qatar, Bin Ghannam Island, popularly known as Purple Island, is a must-visit spot. An hour’s drive from Doha, near Al Khor city, the island is famous for its natural beauty, exotic flora and fauna, and is ideal for a day trip for the whole family.
Situated on the North-Western part of Qatar, the Al Zubarah Fort was built besides the ruins of an ancient fort. Al-Zubarah was once a flourishing port and a centre of trade, fishing and pearling. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this protected area has become one of the most important archaeological sites in Qatar. An international team of archaeologists and antiquities experts, led by the Qatar Museums Authority, have uncovered many of the artifacts which are displayed in the renovated fort.
The old pearling and fishing village is the place to see for those interested in heritage and learning more about the history of Qatar.
view the camel racing track while they are under training
One of the most amazing historical landmarks in Qatar, the Zekreet Fort is one of the very few historical places in Qatar that underwent two different phases of construction. Here's how it all unfolded
This breathtaking sculpture in the Brouq nature reserve spans over a kilometre and comprises four steel plates, each over fourteen metres in height. To guarantee perfect alignment, Serra examined the topography of the land and beautifully enhanced the vast, desolate space in the heart of the desert. The result is spectacular and although modern, timeless.
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Confirm your booking at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot.
- Be prepared for a full-day excursion with minimal breaks.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for various terrains.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- Kindly choose your preferred option: group or private
Traveler reviews
Very nice tour guide
We went on this eight-hour tour with our tour guide Sajid and he was the perfect tour guide. He was very polite, accommodating and service oriented. We could not have imagined a better tour guide. He told us many things about the sights and even took many photos of us. Unfortunately, Qatar does not have so many highlights to offer, but with it it was special anyway. If you don’t have much time in Qatar, however, you should focus on Doha and skip the sights outside the capital. In total, the group consisted of four people, i.e. two couples. We were traveling with an SUV and were picked up by Sajid from our hotel.
Nice day trip
Nice day trip that offers you many impressions of Qatar. Our guide Abdullah told us a lot and showed us... you sit in the car a lot, get to see a lot and get off at the individual sights again and again.... We were driven safely, picked up on time and returned
Discovery day Qatar
Very nice day we could discover the north and west of the country in one day Too bad for mangroves the weather is too dry and little water Hassan was a good guide and very nice Stop at a gas station for lunch or plan something to eat Drivers drive a bit fast for us European we are not used to but it is an experience!
Qatar North & West
A lovely day exploring the country outside Doha. Our guide Abdul Rehman was a good driver , friendly, helpful & knowledgeable about the places we visited. He made sure we had plenty of time to explore each stop and had time to take photographs. A very informative day out.
Disappointing tour
Our guide Hassan was kind but had minimal knowledge of Qatar. When we stopped he visited with his friend Abdul and didn’t talk with us. In the car he talked on the phone with Abdul. He told us incorrect information or admitted he didn’t know the answers. I talked with a woman who went on this tour with another company and she said her guide was so knowledgeable. I felt cheated.