10 Days Around Iraq

Baghdad's rich history and culture are showcased through visits to Iraq Museum, Home to treasures from ancient Sumer, Assyria, Persia, and Islamic traditions.

Visit Dur-Kurigalzu, a significant ancient city located approximately 30 kilometers west Baghdad. Founded in the early 14th century BC by the Kassite King Kurigalzu I, the city served as the capital of Babylonia during his reign. The city boasted impressive architectural features, including Ziggurat, four Temples and Royal Palace.

Al Tahrir Square, a Site of recent protests and home to the Freedom Monument.

Return to Baghdad for dinner and overnight.

Notes

• Traffic in Baghdad is extremely variable. Some touring may need to be rearranged depending on traffic conditions.

In the morning, head to Great Mosque of Samarra, a 9th-century mosque with a unique spiral minaret.

Time permitting, visit Abu Dulaf Mosque, visitors may climb the minaret for panoramic views.

Proceed to the ancient city of Ashure, situated on the banks of the Tigris River in northern Mesopotamia. This historically significant site occupies a unique geo-ecological position at the intersection of rain-fed and irrigation-based agricultural zones.

Ashur's rich history spans millennia, with its origins dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. The city reached its zenith between the 14th and 9th centuries BC when it served as the inaugural capital of the mighty Assyrian Empire.

Following our exploration of Ashure, we proceed to the city of Mosul.

Notes

• Total drive time/distance: ~7 hours / ~275 miles

Accommodation

Modern Plaza Hotel

Mosul, Iraq

Start your day with an exploration of Nineveh, a historic site situated on the Tigris River's eastern shore. This ancient metropolis once reigned as the grand capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and held the title of the world's most populous city for several decades.

Continue your journey through Mosul's old city, where you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks that have shaped this ancient metropolis. Stop at the Great Mosque of al-Nuri. This iconic structure was famed for its leaning minaret, which earned Mosul the nickname "the hunchback".

After your excursion to Mosul, proceed to the ancient city of Hatra, once a thriving religious and trading center of the Parthian Empire during the 1st and 2nd centuries BCE. As you explore the well-preserved ruins of Hatra, you'll be transported back in time, witnessing the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's impressive architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Continue to Baghdad for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation

Noorland hotel

Iraq, Baghdad

Notes

• Total drive time/distance: ~7 hours / ~275 miles

The day includes a trip to Former Jewish Quarter: A glimpse into the city's diverse cultural heritage.

Al-Mustansiriya Madrassah: One of the world's oldest Islamic institutions of higher learning.

Al-Mutanabbi Street: The intellectual heart of Baghdad, known for its open-air book market.

Martyr's Monument, a memorial to Iraqis killed in various battles.

Continue to Ctesiphon to visit the ruins of this ancient city, including the impressive Taq Kasra arch.

Return to the hotel.

Notes

• Total drive time / distance: ~3.30 hours / ~50 miles

• It is not possible to walk beneath the arch of Ctesiphon due to ongoing restoration efforts.

• Martyr's Monument is undergoing restoration and access to the site may be limited.

The day focuses on the ancient city of Babylon. Explore the Palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Processional Way, Babylonian Lion, and the foundations of the Ishtar Gate. Proceed to Saddam Hussein's Palace, a haunting reminder of recent history, now abandoned and looted.

The tour then continues to Holy Karbala. visitors explore Shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas (peace be upon them). These connected shrines, built on the site of the Battle of Karbala (680 CE), feature golden minarets and glazed tiles. Visitors join pilgrims in worship and reflection.

Notes

• Total drive time/distance: ~4 hours / ~80 miles

• Ladies must wear an abaya, a full-coverage garment, to enter the shrine. Your guide will provide this garment for you.

• Please note - Delays may occur at the checkpoint before Ukhaider Palace.

Accommodation:

The Baron Hotel

+964 782 707 2515

Karbala, Iraq

Centrally located, The Baron is a simple but elegant hotel

The journey starts with a notable stop at Al-Ukhaider Palace, an impressive fortress believed to be built in 775 CE, showcasing a blend of Byzantine and Islamic architectural styles.

Trip continue to Al-Kifl, where visitors can glimpse the tomb of the 6th century BCE prophet Ezekiel. This site holds significance for both Islamic and Jewish traditions, featuring Hebrew script alongside Islamic artistry.

Continue to Najaf, a holy city and center of Shi'ite power. Najaf is home to the mausoleum and shrine of Imam Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Mohammed. Millions of pilgrims visit annually to pay their respects.

Explore Wadi Al-Salaam Cemetery, located in the holy city of Najaf, is considered the world’s largest graveyard. According to multiple sources. The sheer size and historical significance of Wadi Al-Salam have led to its recognition by UNESCO and its inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest burial ground.

Visit Mausoleum of Imam Ali, a magnificent shrine with a golden dome, intricate mosaic tiles, and inlaid calligraphy. Visitors join pilgrims in prayer and reflection.

After wandering Local Bazar, An opportunity to explore the local market before returning to the hotel.

Visit Great Mosque of Kufa complex, one of the world's oldest mosques, dating back to 670 CE. This sacred site is where Imam Ali was fatally wounded while praying.

According to tradition, Noah began building the Biblical Ark

Continue to the hotel and check in before dinner.

Notes

• Total drive time/distance: ~3.5 hours / ~110 miles

• Ladies must wear an abaya, a full-coverage garment, to enter the mosque. Your guide will provide this garment for you.

Accommodation

Granada Hotel ( 1 night )

Iraq, Najaf

Centrally located, the Granada is a simple but comfortable hotel with en-suite bathrooms.

Your journey begins with a morning departure from Najaf, heading towards Nasiriyah. Along the way, you'll make a significant stop at Uruk, an ancient city steeped in history and archaeological importance. Uruk, the World's First City which inhabited since 4000 BCE, is renowned as the birthplace of human writing. This Sumerian city-state is closely associated with the epic of Gilgamesh, who may have been one of its kings. As you explore the ruins, you'll encounter:

A large ziggurat

Remains of temples and palaces

Bricks with preserved blue glaze

Ancient pottery shards and shells

The site's proximity to the Euphrates River, which once flooded the area with seawater, adds to its historical significance.

After Uruk, you'll continue to Nasiriyah, is a significant city in southern Iraq, serving as the capital of the Dhi Qar Governorate. Located on the banks of the Euphrates River. Founded in 1872and quickly became an important administrative center in the region. It flourished as a major trade hub, importing foreign goods and producing commodities such as leather, grain, and ghee.

The population of Nasiriyah in 2024 is estimated to be 690,000. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with a predominantly Shia Muslim population today, although it once had a diverse mix of Muslims, Christians, Mandaeans, and Jews in the early 20th century.

Notes:

Total drive time: Approximately 4.5 hours

Distance: About 175 miles

Dress code: Ladies must wear an abaya (full-coverage garment) to enter the mosque, which will be provided by your guide

Accommodation

Sumerion Hotel ( 1 nights )

Iraq, Nasiriyah

Centrally located, simple but comfortable accommodation with en-suite bathrooms.

Drive to the ziggurat of Ur, the former Sumerian metropolis. It was dedicated to the moon god Nanna, and its architectural characteristics are similar to the Biblical description of the Tower of Babel.

Proceed to the Marshes, a remarkable wetland is home to the Ma'dan, commonly known as the Marsh Arabs. These people are descendants of the Sumerians and have developed distinctive ways of life, architectural styles, and cultural practices in harmony with the marsh environment over the past five millennia.

Eexplore a Mudhif, structures have a rich history dating back to the ancient Sumerians around 4500 BCE and are even referenced in the legendary Epic of Gilgamesh.

drive to Basra via ancient Mesopotamian town of Al-Qurnah. After about an hour of driving, reach the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. In a humble park near the confluence, you approach a desiccated tree carefully protected by walls. This is the shrine of the Cidra el Muntaha, the Tree of Knowledge.

Continue to Basra and check in to hotel.

Notes

• Total drive time: ~5 hours / ~157 miles

• Please be prepared to pass through checkpoints and submit passports for inspection en route.

The

Accomodation

Movenpick Zenat Al-Hayat Hotel ( 2 nights)

Basra, Iraq

After breakfast, encounter Old Basra. Wander along canals lined with shenashil houses. Visit one of the remaining intact homes, owned by a wealthy Greek merchant in the nineteenth century.

Continue to the Armenian Church. Though it was originally built in 1763, much of the current structure dates from later periods.

From here you’ll drive to the Imam Ali Mosque, the first mosque built in Basra and among the oldest in the Islamic world. Although much of the original structure was lost to fire, the minaret dates to 635 CE.

A boat ride on the Shatt Al-Arab. This waterway, formed by the merging of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers further north, was of huge mercantile importance in the era of the Silk Road and remains so today.

After an Iraqi style barbecue dinner, return to the hotel.

Notes

• Total drive time/distance: ~2.5 hours / ~31 miles

• Ladies must wear an abaya, a full-coverage garment, to enter the Imam Ali mosque. Your guide will provide this garment for you.

• Please consult your national guide to explore independently/unaccompanied.

Early this morning you are transferred to Basra airport in time for your departing flight.

Notes

• Departure transfer time to be confirmed locally by your guide.

• Drive time to airport: ~45 minutes