10-Day Cultural and Historical Tour to explore the heritage, archeological and religious sites and to experience the daily life in different parts of Iraq
Day 1: Baghdad
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 Coppersmiths, Stationery, and Clothing Markets.
A walk through the 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: Babylon - Karbala
We head to Babylon, exploring the original lower part of the Ishtar Gate and The Lion of Babylon, a 2600-year-old black basalt statue of a lion trampling a man.
Strolling through the reconstructed palace of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II, seeing some ancient bricks stamped with cuneiform writing.
Following the ruins, we walk to Saddam's abandoned palace, exploring its grandeur and encountering the last standing portrait statue of Saddam.
Walk to see the remains of the Tower of Babel (the Etemenanki Ziggurat).
Our path then leads us to Karbala, where we embark on a walking night tour, marveling at the magnificent shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas.
Immersing ourselves in the vibrant nearby bazaar.
Tea or coffee time at a rooftop cafe with a view of the gold-gilded domes.
The night concludes with a stay in Karbala.
Day 3: Najaf - Nasiriyah
The following morning, we head to Najaf to explore the holy shrine of Imam Ali, the son-in-law and the cousin of the prophet Muhammed.
A visit to the immense Valley of Peace graveyard, with over 6 million graves. Gaining a panoramic view from the top of a multistory garage, we gaze at the vastness of the cemetery.
Continuing our travels, we drive to Nasiriyah province to marvel at the well-preserved Ziggurat of Ur, a pyramid-like stepped temple tower dating back to 2100 BC, during the time when this ancient city served as the capital of the Neo-Sumerian Empire.
Explore the Great Pit of Ur, the royal tombs cemetery, including that of Queen Puabi, where golden jewelry was found. Discovered by Sir Leonard Woolley in the 1920s.
See Dub-La-Mah temple which served as the entrance to the passage that leads to the ziggurat.
A special access to the house of the biblical prophet Abraham.
The day concludes with an overnight stay in Nasiyriah.
Day 4: Chibayish Marshes - Basra
The next morning, we venture to the Chibayish Marshes, home to a community living in reed houses, embracing a way of life dating back to the ancient Sumerians. After interacting with the local Marsh Arabs, we hop on an exhilarating boat tour through the marshes, witnessing tall reeds, swimming buffaloes and various bird species.
Following the tour, a delightful lunch of masgouf fish awaits us in a reed house and a glass of hot tea comes afterward.
Visit a tribal reed guesthouse, a larger reed structure where local tribesmen gather.
Continuing southward to Basra, we pause at al-Qurna town to witness the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and take a look at the ancient Adam tree.
When in Basra, we will visit Shat al-Arab Corniche.
See Saddam’s luxurious yacht, which he didn’t have the chance to sail.
Get to the top of a 16-story hotel for tea and hookah, and enjoy the spectacular view of the city.
Our day concludes with an overnight stay in Basra.
Day 5: Basra - Baghdad
During the day, our itinerary starts with visits to several places in Basra. Starting at the Basra Museum, once one of Saddam’s palaces. Seeing Mesopotamian and Arab-Islamic artifacts.
Wander through the historic old town to marvel at the Shanasheel houses, former residences of affluent aristocrats.
Our tour continues with a stop at al-Hasoun Antique Museum and Cafe.
Stroll around the fish market in the old town, witnessing the different varieties of local fish.
Return to Baghdad.
Day 6: 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 7: Samarra - Hatra
In the morning, we set out for Mosul with a stop at Samarra city to explore the UNESCO Heritage Sites, including the 9th-century spiral Malwiya Minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra.
Another spiral minaret of Abu Delaf Mosque, standing at a height of around 30 meters, built in 859 AD of baked bricks by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil.
Next, we will drive to Hatra ancient ruins. This was one of the first Arab kingdoms in Iraq, reaching its zenith in the 2nd century AD. Here, we will explore mesmerizing temples and buildings featuring a distinctive blend of Roman-Greco and Eastern architectural elements.
Upon reaching Mosul, our evening unfolds with dinner in Mosul. Our stay for the night will be in Mosul.
Day 8: A Full Day Tour in Mosul
Morning walk in the old Bab Al-Saray bazaar, seeing a variety of several markets, including coppersmiths and spices markets.
Walk in the fish market and see the different types of fish.
Witness the tragic destruction in the old town of Mosul, which experienced intense battles. We will see old houses decorated with ornamented facades.
Visit the fifth oldest mosque in the Islamic world and the second oldest in Iraq.
Walk in the narrow alleyways of the old town.
See the historical al-Nouri Mosque and its famed Leaning Hadba’ Minaret, which was destroyed by the terrorist group ISIS but has been rebuilt by UNESCO from the original bricks.
Visit al-Tahira and the Clock catholic churches.
Relax at Bytna Cultural Center and Museum-Cafe.
Visit the capital of ancient Assyria, Nineveh, and see Adad Gate, one of the fifteen gateways of the ancient city.
Visit Mar Mattai monastery dating back to the 4th century AD, built atop Mount Maqlub
Marvel at Mosul unfinished Grand Mosque.
End at a Mosuli authentic restaurant.
Day 9: Duhok
In the morning, we will drive to Duhok, and stop en route to see several sites, including: Jerwan Aqueduct, one of the oldest aqueducts in the world, built in around 700 BC by the Assyrian king Sennacherib.
Visit Lalish temple, the most sacred site to the believers in Yazidism. Situated in a valley where the founder of the faith is buried.
Then we will explore Khinnis canal, which dates back to the 7th century BC and was carved out of rock by the Assyrian monarch Sennacherib, whose ancient reliefs and inscriptions we will see on the cliffs.
In Duhok, we will take a moment to rest before driving to the summit of Zawa Mountain, where we will sip coffee while enjoying the panoramic view of the city.
A night tour in the city local market.
End the tour at a lcoal restaurant that serves Kurdish dishes. An overnight in Duhok.
Day 10: Akre - Erbil
The next day, we head to Erbil.
On the way to Erbil, we will stop in Akre and walk through its beautiful, terraced landscape, where Nowruz celebration is held.
Our tour kicks off at Erbil Citadel, a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
Within the Grand Bazaar surrounding the castle, we will stroll through roofed market lanes, exploring diverse shops.
Pause for tea in a historic cafe adorned with portraits of local figures.
Walk in Jalil Khayat Mosque, an architectural masterpiece.
During the night, we will walk in the vibrant Eskan Food Street.
An overnight in Erbil.
The trip ends with a drop-off to Erbil Airport.
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.
4-star accommodation including buffet breakfast.
Entry fees and special access to all of the mentioned sites in the itinerary.
Boat tours on the Tigris River in Baghdad, the Chibayish Marshes, and the Shatt al-Arab River in Basra.
