An organized tour is a great way to discover some of the attractions that Qatar has to offer, especially places that are a little off the beaten track or hard to get access to. Tours can range from a relaxed half-day shopping trip around Doha, to a full-on excursion into the desert with overnight camping. Tours of Qatar's historical sites are also popular. This section lists some of the available options and gives details of the various tour companies operating in the country. If you are staying at a hotel, they may recommend a company and should be able to help you book your trip.

A number of tour companies arrange trips that involve some level of activity. A trip into the desert can often incorporate the novel experience of sand skiing or boarding - it's a little different from snow, but worth a try just so you can say you've done it! If you're on a tour that ends up near the coast there should always be some spare time for a refreshing swim in the sea. QIT offers diving trips for groups of six or more people, visiting one of the many coral reefs off the coast of Qatar. All equipment, plus a packed lunch, will be provided. QIT can also arrange PADI diving courses for beginners. QIT, and Alpha Tours also, organize deep-sea fishing trips with an experienced skipper and all equipment and bait provided.

Tour companies such as QIT, Gulf Adventures, Arabian Adventures, and Alpha Tours offer evening dhow cruises that either sail around Doha Bay, affording spectacular views of the city skyline by night, or venture further afield to one of the many islands off the coast. Dinner and traditional music and entertainment are provided, and the trips usually last around three or four hours. Boats generally depart from the dhow harbour off the corniche.

If you are in Doha on a short visit, or you want a crash course in finding your way around, or you are traveling in a large group, then a city tour of Doha may be ideal for you. You will spend the day in an air-conditioned bus, with commentary provided by an experienced, English-speaking tour guide. Typical stops on the tour include some or all of the following: the camel market, the Weaponry Museum, the corniche, the dhow-building yard, the falcon market, the fish market, the gold souk and the fruit and vegetable market. Some tour companies (such as QIT and Alpha) offer shopping tours in the city, concentrating on the traditional souks and the modern malls. Both the city tour and the shopping tour can be taken as full-day or half-day trips.

QIT offers a tour that takes you north of the city to discover the history of Qatar, visiting Al Khor Museum and the fishing harbour, before stopping to explore the excavations in AI Zubara and the Al Raquiyat Fort. A visit to a traditional Qatari house in Al Ruwais and the Al Jassasiyeh rock carvings rounds off this seven-hour trip. A minimum of four people is required for this tour, which takes place in an air-conditioned bus and includes a packed lunch.

Throughout the country there are plenty of small mosques, some of which are very old, that are still used for daily prayer by local Muslims. Unlike other, more relaxed Islamic countries where tourists are allowed to enter and explore certain mosques, Qatar is more conservative. Non Muslims are not necessarily forbidden from entering some of the mosques (although some mosques, such as the Grand Mosque on the corner of Jasim bin Mohammed Street and Al Rayyan Road is totally off limits), but it is unusual and there are no organized tours. To respect the Islamic faith, it may be better to appreciate the beauty of Qatar's mosques from the outside only. If you do happen to gain access to the inside of a mosque you should remember to dress appropriately. That means shorts, sleeveless tops and low cut shirts are out, and ladies should cover their hair.

Unlike in Africa where a safari involves spotting wildlife in game reserves, a safari in this part of' world means an excursion into the desert. You be picked up in a powerful 4WD, driven b experienced (and often charismatic) driver, to n' off into the dunes for some thrilling off-road and spectacular scenery. For your own safety ~ enjoyment, it is probably better to stick to the re reputable tour companies when booking ~: desert safari (such as Arabian Adventures, Travco Alpha and QIT).

Tours commonly head south out of Doha, stopping at Sealine Beach Resort to meet up with other cars in the convoy and deflate tyres, before heading across the sand to Khor AI Udeid (also known as the Inland Sea). Seatbelts are compulsory and as you barrel up and over gigantic sand dunes, you'll understand why! At times you might feel like the car is going to tip over, but put faith in your driver and just the ride. When you stop at Khor Al Udeid you can try your hand at sand boarding or have a quick dip in the calm, shallow water. Watching the sun set over the desert dunes is a serene, beautiful experience and a great photo opportunity. You can choose to stay in the desert overnight - the tour companies have their own permanent campsites set up among the dunes, and in the evening you can enjoy a delicious Arabic barbecue, accompanied by music, belly dancing and a puff or two on a traditional shish a pipe.

As Qatar steps up its tourism efforts and opens the country up to more visitors, there are more and more tour operators being established. Most tour companies are locally owned, and locals who are familiar with the region are provided as guides. If you are staying in a hotel, they will be able to recommend reputable tour companies, provide contact information and even make bookings on your behalf. Tour companies usually provide a pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or house. Prices are fixed and there may be a stipulated minimum number of passengers on certain tours. If you do not have the minimum number of people you can still do the tour, but the price per person will probably increase.

Tour Operators
Alpha Tours	4344499
Arabian Adventure	4361461
Cleopatra	4411010
Desert Adventure	4362455
Destinations of the World	4671200
Gulf Adventure	4315555
Navigation Travel Tourism	4622880
Net Tours	4310902
Qatar Adventures Co.	4671752
Qatar International	4667782
Tours (QIl) Tourist Travel	4421832
Travco Qatar	5230891