Day 1- Arrival>Doha
Dublin International Airport to Doha Hamad International Airport.
Transfer from airport to cruise terminal.
Doha
Doha is the beautiful capital of Qatar, located on the Persian Gulf and home to the majority of the country’s population. In 2006, the city hosted the world’s largest Asian Games yet and has since continued to thrive and grow, now preparing for the prestigious FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Doha has a surprisingly laid-back atmosphere and is a good base from which to explore the rest of the country. The city is also renowned to be safe, clean and accommodating of foreigners, which is not surprising considering the huge amount of expats that call Doha home.
As a cultural and commercial centre, Doha offers plenty to see and do. Topping the list of popular activities is shopping, an obsession fuelled by both mammoth modern malls and exotic traditional markets (souqs). Many of the travellers who visit Doha are primarily visiting on business, but the glitzy hotels, quality museums and booming restaurant scene keep everyone entertained.
Doha’s modern seaport, busy airport and great infrastructure make it exceedingly accessible to visitors, and Qatar is pouring wealth into an already sophisticated city in order to transform it into a cultural and economic powerhouse to rival the likes of Dubai.
The skyline becomes more impressive and attractive every year and more and more travellers are discovering the wonders the city has to offer. A stroll along the Doha Corniche, ocean on the one side and glamorous cityscape on the other, should leave nobody in any doubt as to why Doha is emerging as a hugely desirable travel destination.
Please Note: Conservative dress is required when going ashore. As a rule, women should not wear miniskirts, shorts or sleeveless tops and men should always wear a shirt in public. Please do not photograph people without their permission, especially women. You may not take pictures of government buildings, embassies or anything military in nature, including airports.
Day 2- Bahrain
Sophisticated, modern, and cosmopolitan, Bahrain is a kingdom of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf. It welcomes an increasing number of international tourists who come to experience the country’s fascinating blend of eastern and western cultures.
On the main island, Manama boasts excellent hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, an intriguing (bazaar), and all the other facilities visitors need for a great holiday. In addition, there are decent beaches, perennially hot and sunny weather, English is spoken and understood everywhere, and the kingdom has the remnants of more than 5,000 years of civilisation to be explored.
Bahrain is attached to the Arabian Peninsula via a 16-mile (25km) long causeway. During its construction, the islands’ archaeological significance came to light with the discovery of thousands of burial mounds dating from the third millennium BC, part of the well-ordered ancient city of Dilmun that existed where a forest of skyscrapers now reaches for the sky.
Throughout its history, Bahrain has been prosperous, first on the strength of its good position for trade and fishing, and the abundance and quality of the pearls found in its waters, and more latterly because of its oil resources.
Though the government is less stable than in years past, Bahrain is still growing as a popular tourist destination in the Middle East. A visit to Bahrain, whether on business or pleasure, is an interesting, relaxing, and rewarding experience.
Day 3 & 4- Abu Dhabi
The brash, bold city of Abu Dhabi is a modern marvel, capital of the wealthy United Arab Emirates and headquarters of the world’s richest oil operating companies. The pulsating city, with futuristic skyscrapers and wide tree-lined boulevards, is capitalising on its sophistication, amazing duty-free shopping zone, luxury hotels and top-class transport and communication infrastructure to attract tourists. They come not only for the ‘retail therapy’ and glitz, but also to explore the fascinating culture of the vast Abu Dhabi Emirate itself (it is the largest of the seven Emirates), with its miles of desert and interesting oases.
The city juts out into the Persian Gulf, with land having been reclaimed from the sea to make way for a long seafront Corniche lined with lush gardens and gushing fountains. It is a relatively young city, the area having been first settled by nomadic tribesmen in the mid-18th century. It remained little more than a fishing village until oil was discovered in the 1950s and the financial and trading boom began.
Today the international airport and deep water port bring in visitors from around the world, most clutching credit cards and cash, set on spending as much as possible in the enticing shopping malls and buzzing souk (market). Limousines are a common sight in the congested streets, and restaurants that offer the cuisine of many nations do a roaring trade, especially along the waterfront. Shopping fever is at its height during the annual Shopping Festival. Those taking a break from modern luxury can escape to the desert for a Bedouin feast under the stars, or a camel ride through the dunes.
Day 5- Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island is a stunning natural island located in the Arabian Gulf, southwest of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). One of the most significant aspects of Sir Bani Yas Island is its role as a wildlife conservation center. The island was originally established as a private nature reserve by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Today, it serves as a sanctuary for endangered species and is home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, cheetahs, and many bird species.
The island offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can go on game drives to observe the wildlife, take guided nature walks, and even embark on horseback riding and mountain biking adventures.
The surrounding waters of Sir Bani Yas Island provide opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with marine life, making it a paradise for underwater exploration.
Day 6 & 7- Dubai
Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Desert, Dubai has grown rapidly into a futuristic landscape of skyscrapers, man-made islands, shopping malls and beach resorts. There is a sense of outlandish possibility about this modern and progressive city.
Dubai has become a truly global city and influential business hub, growing particularly fast in areas such as aviation, tourism and real estate. Standing as testament to its success are architectural marvels such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, the Burj Al Arab, widely billed as the world’s only seven star hotel, and the iconic Palm Jumeirah island, to name just a few.
Dubai is a city of superlatives, home to the highest skyscrapers, the fastest cars, the most luxurious hotels and the biggest shopping malls. The enormous expatriate population, as well as millions of tourists each year, can enjoy shopping, partying, sunbathing and fine dining. From within these high standards of luxury, visitors can also experience exotic Arabia in the bustling souks of the Deira district, or a night in a Bedouin tent with belly dancing under the starlit desert skies.
Dubai’s attraction lies in the contrast between the ultra modern and the enchantingly traditional, which gives the city a personality like no other. From desert oases and unspoiled beaches, camel races and old wind towers, to top-class shopping opportunities and the finest international cuisine, Dubai has more than enough depth to satisfy even the most seasoned of explorers.
Day 8- Doha>Depart
Disembark the ship in Doha where you’ll be transferred to Doha Hamad International Airport. From there, you will fly back home to Dublin International Airport.
