A 4-Day Tour to fully explore Baghdad’s ancient and medieval sites, and to experience both its old and modern sides

Day 1: Baghdad Regular

Our tour commences at the Iraqi Museum, immersing ourselves in ancient Mesopotamian antiquities and Arab-Islamic relics.
The tour continues with a captivating walking tour through the old quarters of Baghdad, visiting al-Mutanabbi Book Market street—an intellectual haven.
Walk to Mustansiriyah Madrasah, one of the earliest universities in the world, built by the Abbasid caliph al-Mustansir in 1233 AD.
A stop at the century-old Shabandar Cafe for a glass of lime tea, a speciality in Baghdad.
Next, we visit the Abbasid Palace on the Tigris riverbank, built in 1181. Adorned with beautiful ornamental designs and carvings, it is traditionally known as a palace, though Arab scholars believe it was actually a school.
Another century-old juice shop that serves refreshing raisin juice which was visited by Iraqi kings and presidents.
A walk in Khan Al Mudallal Antique Market shops.
A boat tour on the Tigris river follows.
Lunch at an old Baghdadi restaurant offering Kubba, a dumpling-like Iraqi dish.
Strolling through bustling bazaars of Copper Market, Stationery Market and Clothing Market.
A walk through historical Rashid Street, the center of Baghdad in the past century, seeing several important old mosques and buildings.
Visiting Firdos Square where Saddam bronze statue was pulled down.
Marvel at the Martyr Monument, a blue split dome built as a memorial for the fallen Iraqi soldiers and officers.
We end the tour at the iconic Freedom Monument.

Day 2: Baghdad Ancient Sites

On this day, we will visit the ancient sites on the suburbs of Baghdad.
Dur-Kurigalzu ziggurat is the remaining core of what was, 3400 years ago, a 60-meter-high multi-staged temple tower dedicated to the patron god of the city, Enlil.
Next, we will drive to the largest arch of unreinforced brickwork in the world, Taq Kasra built in the 6th century AD.
During the night, we will do a tour in Kkerada vibrant district on the eastern side of the Tigris and see the statue of the Arabian nights.
Visit a Catholic church which was visited by Pope Francis.
End at a Baghdadi restaurant that serves authentic Iraqi cuisine.

Day 3: Old and Medieval Baghdad

A morning walking tour in the alleyways of the old town, exploring shanasheel houses, an Iraqi architectural design of a second-story wooden balcony.
Visit the 13th century Caliphs Mosque, originally built in 908, when its 35-meter-tall minaret was the tallest in Baghdad.
Walk in the old Christian Quarter in the old town and see old Catholic churches.
Next, we will visit Baghdad’s Middle Gate, known as Bab al-Wasstani, is one of the four gates to the medieval city of Baghdad and the sole survivor.
Walk in Haifa street to see the old Baghdadi houses, nicely built.
Explore Bataween neighborhood, a mixed area that was once inhabited by Iraqi Jews. We will see the last surviving synagogue in Iraq, along with abandoned mansions showcasing amazing architecture.
Visit Abu Nuwas Street, a beautiful street along the Tigris River, lined with charming old houses and shaded by elegant trees.
End at the golden-domed Kadymia shrine and the lively night bazaar.

Day 4: Western Baghdad

We will tour the more modern side of Baghdad and visit a couple of important landmarks.
Victory Arch, two sets of enormous crossed swords that mark entrance to the parade ground near the Green Zone.
Save Iraqi Culture Monument, erected in 2011, is one of Baghdad’s icons that represents Iraq’s heritage and culture, threatened by years of conflict and war.
The grand al-Rahman Mosque, an unfinished structure, began construction in 1999 but was halted following the US-led invasion.
Relax at a cafe with a view of Burj Baghdad, a rotating restaurant and a recognizable landmark in the city.
Walk in the vibrant Ruwad Market Street in Mansour district.
Enjoy the sunset on the western bank of the Tigris, with a view of the Qishla Clock Tower.
Our last stop will be Jadriya District, a modern area where we will take a stroll, see the new Central Bank building designed by the famed Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, and enjoy the view from Jadriya Bridge.

The Tour includes:

Experienced tour guide with a deep interest in Iraq’s history.
Modern car with a private driver for transportation.
Airport pickup and drop-off.
Entry fees and special access to all of the mentioned sites in the itinerary.
A pre-trip video call to explain the details of the trip and to learn basic Iraqi phrases and cultural practices.

It doesn’t include:

Starting at $1000 for a group of 1 to 3 travelers

Note: Extra fees apply for entry tickets for each additional member beyond the first.