The Mother of All Tours: A tour across 15 Iraqi provinces, covering all the main highlights 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.
Mustansiriyah Madrasah, one of the earliest universities in the world.
A stop at the century-old Shabandar Cafe for a glass of lime tea, a speciality in Baghdad.
Our path leads to the Abbasid Palace, known as a palace but it is a 12-century school on the Tigris river bank. Its walls are beautifully carved in ornamented designs.
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: 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: 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 4: 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 5: 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.
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. Our day concludes with an overnight stay in Basra.
Day 6: A Full Day Tour in Basra
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 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.
Walk in al-Ashar Market.
Stroll around the fish market in the old town, witnessing the different varieties of local fish.
Visit the 19th-century Church of St. Thomas.
See Saddam’s luxurious yacht, which he didn’t have the chance to sail.
Sunset boat tour in Shat al-Arab River.
Dinner at Shatt al-Arab restaurant with a view of Shatt al-Arab river and the Italian Bridge.
Get to the top of a 16-story hotel for tea and hookah, and enjoy the spectacular view of the city.
End the tour at the statue honoring the renowned poet in Basra, al-Sayyab, one of the pioneers of free verse poetry in the Arab world.
Day 7: Ancient Uruk - Baghdad
The following day, we return to Baghdad.
On the way to Baghdad, we will make a stop at ancient Uruk to explore its ruins. Uruk is an ancient Sumerian city-state known as the birthplace of the first writing system, cuneiform, and the home of the legendary king, Gilgamesh. We will explore ziggurats, temples, and clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing.
Our tour concludes with a stop at Darbuna restaurant, offering authentic Iraqi traditional cuisine.
Day 8: Falluja - Hit
In this day, we will explore Anbar province to the west of Baghdad. Our first destination will be Fallujah city, which witnessed intense battles between rebels and the US occupation forces following the Coalition Invasion in 2003. The city has been reconstructed nicely. Known as the City of Mosques, we will visit some of them.
Visit the Old Bridge which tells the history of bloody recent history.
Lunch at the famed Al-Badia Restaurant.
From Falluja, we will drive to Hit. An ancient town that served as a source of bitumen during Mesopotamia ancient history. It has beautiful waterwheels, used in the past to irrigate the land, which are considered important relics of Iraq’s heritage.
We will drive back to Baghdad after our tour in the west.
Day 9: 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 10: 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.
Marvel at Mosul unfinished Grand Mosque.
Explore Mosul Heritage Center.
End at a Mosuli authentic restaurant.
Day 11: Duhok
In the morning, we will drive to Duhok, and stop en route to see several sites, including:
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.
See the impressive Chaldean monastery of Rabban Hormizd, built upon a mountain ridge northeast of Alqosh in northern Iraq, it dates back to the 7th century.
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 Akre Restaurant that serves Iraqi dishes. An overnight in Duhok.
Day 12: Amedi
In the morning, we will drive to Amedi town, situated on top of a high plateau.
Making a stop on the way at King Faisal II summer palace, Iraq last king in monarchy time.
Exploring Enishke cave, one of the largest in northern Iraq.
Just before arriving to Amedi, we will stop at the ruins of Qubahani school, one of the oldest schools in northern Iraq, dating back to 1534 AD.
In Amedi, we will enjoy the spectacular view on the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Visit al-Amadiyah Mosque and its 9-centuries-old minaret.
Explore the old gates of the town.
Visit the old princes cemetery.
Stroll in the town.
Overnight at a hotel near Amedi.
Day 13: Barzan - Shanidar Cave
Our highlight on this day is Shanidar Cave, famous for its Neanderthal remains — 10 skeletons that date back over 50,000 years.
Making several stops to marvel at natural wonders all the way from Amedi to our destination in Shanadir cave, including: Gali Sherana, Barzan and Gali Dalash.
Arrive to Erbil and overnight there.
Day 14: A Full Day Tour in Erbil
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.
Visit the historical Choli Minaret.
See Jalil Khayat Mosque, an architectural masterpiece.
Explore the Syriac Heritage Museum. The Syriacs are an Aramaic-speaking Christian people, with a significant community in Iraq.
Stroll in the abandoned old Arab quarter.
During the night, we will walk in Eskan Food Street.
An overnight in Erbil.
Day 15: Kirkuk - Sulaymaniyah
A morning drive to Kirkuk, Iraq’s northern oil-rich city.
Visit the Ottoman Kishla barrack, built in 1863.
See Baba Gurgur, the Eternal Fire, burning for over 4,000 years.
Take a look at Kirkuk Citadel, dating back around 5,000 years.
Continue the ride to Sulaymaniyah, once in there, we will rest and then visit the Roman Theater.
Explore the city’s market and walk along the famed Salim night food street.
Drive to Azmir Mountain to sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the incredible view on the city.
Overnight in Sulaymaniyah.
Day 16: A Full Day Tour in Sulaymaniyah
Visit Red Security Museum, notorious for Saddam’s regime harsh treatment of prisoners. A former headquarters of the Iraqi Intelligence Service in Sulaymaniyah.
Drive to the town of Halabja to visit Halabja Monument, a memorial to Kurdish civilians killed in the chemical attack during the final days of the Iran–Iraq War in 1988.
Enjoy Halabja natural surroundings.
Drive to Byara, a town near the Iraqi-Iranian frontier, and enjoy the resort that straddles the border.
End at Ahmed Awa waterfall and resort.
Back to Sulaymaniyah.
Day 17: End of the Northern Trip
Drive to Erbil Airport or to Baghdad 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.
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, the Shatt al-Arab River in Basra, and the Euphrates River in Hit.
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:
Accommodation.
Meals.
Starting at $5340 for a group of 1 to 3 travelers
Note: Extra fees apply for boat tours and entry tickets for each additional member beyond the first.