4-Day Holy Shrines and Islamic Architecture Tour in Iraq
Day 1: Baghdad Shrines
We start the tour with a visit to the Kadhimiya gold-gilded-domed shrine, the burial site of two Shia Muslim Imams.
Next, we visit the Abu Hanifa Shrine, the burial site of Abu Hanifa, the founder of the largest-followed Sunni school.
In the same district as the Abu Hanifa Shrine, we will visit the tomb of the last Abbasid Caliph, al-Musta’sim.
Then, we visit the Abdul Qadir Gilani Shrine, the burial site of a 12th-century Sufi scholar and Hanbali Sheikh.
We end the tour at Umm al-Tubool Mosque, a mosque with impressive architecture.
Day 2: Karbala and Najaf Shrines
From Baghdad, we drive to Karbala, where we embark on a walking tour, marveling at the magnificent burial shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas.
We immerse ourselves in the vibrant nearby bazaar.
Next, we head to Najaf to explore the holy shrine of Imam Ali, the burial site of the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad.
A visit to the immense Valley of Peace cemetery, with over 6 million graves. From the top of a multistory garage, we gain a panoramic view of the vast cemetery.
Overnight in Najaf.
Day 3: Kufa – Baghdad Old Town
Visit the historical Kufa Mosque, one of the earliest mosques in Iraq.
In Baghdad, we will start the tour with a captivating walking tour through the old quarters of Baghdad, visiting al-Mutanabbi Book Market Street, an intellectual haven.
Mustansiriyah Madrasah, one of the earliest universities in the world.
A stop at the century-old Shabandar Café for a glass of lime tea, a specialty in Baghdad.
Our path leads to the Abbasid Palace, known as a palace but actually a 12th-century school on the banks of the Tigris River. Its walls are beautifully carved with ornamental designs.
Another century-old juice shop that serves refreshing raisin juice, which was visited by Iraqi kings and presidents.
A walk through the shops of Khan Al-Mudallal Antique Market.
A boat tour on the Tigris River follows.
Lunch at an old Baghdadi restaurant offering kubba, a dumpling-like Iraqi dish.
Strolling through the bustling Copper, Stationery, and Clothing Markets.
A walk along historical Rashid Street, the center of Baghdad in the past century, seeing several important old mosques and buildings.
Overnight in Baghdad.
Day 4: Samarra
In the morning, we set out for Samarra to explore its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the 9th-century spiral Malwiya Minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra.
Visit al-Askari Shrine, the burial site of two Shia Muslim Imams.
Another spiral minaret, the Abu Delaf Mosque, standing at a height of 30 meters and built in 859 AD of baked bricks by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mutawakkil.
Then, we drive back to Baghdad.
The Tour includes:
An experienced guide with a deep knowledge and passion for Iraq’s history.
A modern, private vehicle with a dedicated driver for comfortable transportation.
Airport pickup and drop-off.
Starting at $1100 for 1-2 guests
