The noble pearl of the Arabian Peninsula
Qatar is the emirate that took the world by surprise. Once a small emirate of fishermen and pearl divers, it has transformed within a few decades into one of the most ambitious nations on earth, without ever denying its roots. The capital, Doha, pairs ultra-modern skyscrapers with the atmospheric Souq Waqif, one of the most authentic markets in the Gulf region. The Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei, houses one of the most important collections of Islamic art in the world. And the National Museum of Qatar, opened in 2019 and conceived by Jean Nouvel as a “desert rose”, tells the story of the country in architecture that is a work of art in itself.
For discerning travellers from Switzerland, a Qatar luxury holiday is the best-kept secret among the Gulf states. Less touristy than Dubai, culturally richer than Abu Dhabi and with a hotel scene that has reached world-class level since the 2022 FIFA World Cup. A luxury holiday in Qatar combines exceptional culture, first-class hospitality and exclusive experiences of the highest standard.
As your personal Qatar travel consultant in Basel, Switzerland, we put together your trip to Qatar entirely around you. We know Doha not from catalogues but from personal experience. Your individual Qatar travel planning begins with a conversation at our office on Rümelinsplatz in Basel, in person or by video call.
Unforgettable experiences between Souq Waqif and man-made islands
Qatar offers a surprising depth of experiences: cultural, close to nature and exclusive. As your Qatar travel expert in Basel, Switzerland, we curate moments for your Qatar luxury holiday that you will not find in any other Gulf state.
The Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) is one of the few places in the world where the desert meets the sea directly, a nature reserve on the border with Saudi Arabia and a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. The drive there crosses spectacular dunescapes that rank among the highest on the Arabian Peninsula. We organise private 4x4 safaris with an experienced guide, including sandboarding, camel riding and a beach picnic where desert and sea merge: a natural spectacle found nowhere else on earth.
Designed by I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art is an architectural masterpiece on its own island in Doha's harbour. The collection spans 1,400 years of Islamic art: ceramics from Iran, calligraphy from the Ottoman Empire, glassware from Syria and jewellery from the Mughal Empire. We arrange private tours with an art historian who brings the stories behind the artefacts to life, a cultural highlight you will not find in any other Gulf state.
Glide across Doha Bay aboard a traditional dhow sailing boat as the West Bay skyline glows in the colours of the setting sun. Includes an Arabian dinner on board, shisha and live oud music. A dhow cruise offers perhaps the finest view of Doha's ultra-modern skyline, set against the centuries-old tradition of wooden boatbuilding.
Katara Cultural Village is Qatar's cultural heart: an open-air complex with an amphitheatre (in Graeco-Roman style), art galleries, an opera house, traditional architecture and its own public beach. It hosts the Doha Film Festival, international exhibitions and music events. We organise visits timed to current events and pair them with dinner at the exclusive Nobu restaurant or Sumo Japanese Restaurant.
Direct flights from Zurich to Doha (DOH) with Qatar Airways (daily, approx. 6 hrs). The Qatar Airways Qsuite, regularly voted the world's best business class, offers private suites with a lie-flat bed and sliding door, and on request a double suite for couples. As an IATA agency, we book your business class flights at the best possible fare.
Swiss citizens do not need to obtain a visa in advance; a visa waiver is granted free of charge on arrival. Please check the permitted length of stay with the Embassy of Qatar. You will need a passport valid for at least six months. Entry at Hamad International Airport is quick and efficient.
November to April: ideal conditions (22–30°C during the day, pleasantly cool evenings). December to February: perfect weather, the best time for desert excursions, outdoor activities and beach days. Ramadan (dates vary, approx. 30 days): hotel restaurants remain open, but public life is quieter, a special cultural experience for respectful travellers. May to September: hot (40–50°C), but dramatically lower hotel rates. All hotels, museums and malls are air-conditioned.
Since 2019, Doha has had a modern metro (Gold Line, Red Line, Green Line) connecting its main districts. We nonetheless arrange private chauffeur transfers for maximum comfort. For the desert excursion to the Inland Sea (approx. 80 km south), a 4x4 with an experienced driver is essential, and we take care of everything.
Qatar is more conservative than Dubai. Western clothing is acceptable in hotels and malls, but shoulders and knees should be covered in public. When visiting mosques, appropriate clothing and headscarves for women are provided. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and restaurants. Qatari hospitality is sincere and warm, and a smile opens every door.
The Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) is one of the few places in the world where the desert meets the sea directly, a nature reserve on the border with Saudi Arabia and a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. The drive there crosses spectacular dunescapes that rank among the highest on the Arabian Peninsula. We organise private 4x4 safaris with an experienced guide, including sandboarding, camel riding and a beach picnic where desert and sea merge: a natural spectacle found nowhere else on earth.
Designed by I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art is an architectural masterpiece on its own island in Doha's harbour. The collection spans 1,400 years of Islamic art: ceramics from Iran, calligraphy from the Ottoman Empire, glassware from Syria and jewellery from the Mughal Empire. We arrange private tours with an art historian who brings the stories behind the artefacts to life, a cultural highlight you will not find in any other Gulf state.
Glide across Doha Bay aboard a traditional dhow sailing boat as the West Bay skyline glows in the colours of the setting sun. Includes an Arabian dinner on board, shisha and live oud music. A dhow cruise offers perhaps the finest view of Doha's ultra-modern skyline, set against the centuries-old tradition of wooden boatbuilding.
Katara Cultural Village is Qatar's cultural heart: an open-air complex with an amphitheatre (in Graeco-Roman style), art galleries, an opera house, traditional architecture and its own public beach. It hosts the Doha Film Festival, international exhibitions and music events. We organise visits timed to current events and pair them with dinner at the exclusive Nobu restaurant or Sumo Japanese Restaurant.
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