A tour around Iraq for 14 days
Explore Tours
This itinerary offers a deep dive into Iraq’s ancient history, religious significance, and modern challenges. It combines visits to archaeological sites, religious shrines, and cultural landmarks, providing a comprehensive view of the country’s complex heritage and contemporary situation.
About the Itinerary
The itinerary should be considered an approximate schedule of activities rather than a rigid plan. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions, road and trail conditions, government restrictions, and other factors beyond our control. Asfar Iraq continuously seeks ways to improve trips, which may result in superior routing or activities based on advance reconnaissance.
Included/Exclude
- Accommodations and meals as specified in the itinerary
- All ground transportation, including airport transfers
- Sightseeing, events, and visits outlined in the itinerary
- Entrance fees, service charges, and standard taxes
- Services of national guide, drivers, and other staff
- Asfar Iraq travel specialist expertise
- Bottled water and soft drinks during included meals and sightseeing
- International flights
- Gratuities for the national trip leader
- Passport and visa fees
- Potential increases in VAT or tourism taxes
- Excess baggage charges, departure fees, and airport taxes
- Personal expenses (phone calls, alcohol, internet, laundry)
- Trip cancellation, travel delay, baggage loss, or similar insurance
- Charges due to delays beyond Asfar Iraq's control
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Basra airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. After check-in and rest, meet your trip leader and national guide in the hotel lobby for a trip orientation and dinner.
Basra has occupied a strategic location on the banks of the Shatt Al-Arab for millennia. Once known as the "Venice of the East" due to its canals, Basra has been impacted by modern conflicts. Today, the city appears to be in a constant cycle of construction and destruction.
Notes:
• Drive time from airport to hotel: ~30 minutes
• Your hotel room is booked for immediate check-in on arrival
• Meet your trip leader and national guide in the hotel lobby
• For Independent exploration, please check with your tour leader in advance.
Accommodation:
Movenpick Hotel, Basra (2 nights)
xplore Old Basra, wandering along canals lined with historic Ottoman-style villas called shenashil. Visit one of the remaining intact homes, once owned by a wealthy 19th-century Greek merchant.
Visit the Armenian Church, originally built in 1763
Drive to the Imam Ali Mosque, one of the oldest in the Islamic world
Lunch at a local restaurant
Boat ride on the Shatt Al-Arab waterway
Enjoy an Iraqi-style barbecue dinner before returning to the hotel.
Notes:
• Total drive time/distance: ~2.5 hours / ~31 miles
• Ladies must wear an abaya to enter the Imam Ali mosque (provided by guide)
Depart for Al-Qurnah, visiting the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers
See the shrine of the Cidrat el Muntaha, believed to be the Tree of Knowledge
Drive to the Mesopotamian Marshes, stopping at a model Mudhif (traditional reed house)
Boat tour through the marshes, home to diverse wildlife and the Marsh Arabs
Lunch with a local family
Drive to Nasiriyah, checking into your hotel
Time permitting, stroll through Nasiriyah's souk.
Notes:
• Total drive time: ~4 hours / ~137 miles
• Be prepared for passport checks at checkpoints
Accommodation:
Sumerian Hotel, Nasiriyah (2 nights)
Visit the ziggurat of Ur, a former Sumerian metropolis dating back to the 27th century BCE.
Explore Tello (ancient Girsu), known for its important archaeological discoveries, including 2,000 tablets from the archives of the goddess Ba'U.
Return to Nasiriya for dinner.
Notes:
• Total drive time/distance: ~3 hours / ~96 miles
• Good mobility required for exploring ancient sites
Your journey begins with a morning departure from Nasiriyah, heading towards Najaf. 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 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.
Imam Ali, the fourth caliph and spiritual founder of the Shi'ite sect, was martyred in 661 CE.
Your visit includes the 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
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
Granada Hotel in Najaf ( 2 nights )
Iraq, Najaf
Centrally located, simple but comfortable accommodation with en-suite bathrooms.
The day begins with a trip 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.
Returning to Najaf, to 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.
Notes
• Total drive time: ~1.5 hours / ~45 miles
• Ladies must wear an abaya, a full-coverage garment, to enter the shrine. Your guide will provide this garment for you.
The journey continues from Najaf to Karbala, 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.
In 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: ~2.5 hours / ~106 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
he day focuses on the ancient city of Babylon and the transition to modern Baghdad:
Explore the reconstructed Palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Processional Way, and the foundations of the Ishtar Gate.
Saddam Hussein's Palace: A haunting reminder of recent history, now abandoned and looted.
The tour then proceeds to Baghdad for check-in and dinner.
Notes
• Total drive time/distance: ~3 hours / ~103 miles
Billitom Hotel
Baghdad, 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.
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: ~1.5 hours / ~20 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.
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
enturies 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
Accomodation
Modern Plaza Hotel ( 2 nights )
Mosul, Iraq
Start your day with an exciting journey to the ancient city of Hatra, located in northern Iraq's Al-Jazīrah region. 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.
After your excursion to Hatra, head back to Mosul. Your first stop will be the Great Mosque of al-Nuri. This iconic structure was famed for its leaning minaret, which earned Mosul the nickname "the hunchback".
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.
Notes
• Total drive time/distance: ~4 hours / ~140 miles
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.
Your journey then takes you to Nimrud, an Assyrian archaeological treasure located approximately 32 kilometers south of Mosul in the Nineveh Plains region of Upper Mesopotamia.
The next stop is the Monastery of the Martyrs Mar Behnam and Marth Sarah. Tragically, the monastery fell victim to destruction by Daesh on March 19, 2015.
Proceed to Erbil.
Early morning transfer to the airport for departure.
This itinerary offers a deep dive into Iraq's ancient history, religious significance, and modern challenges. It combines visits to archaeological sites, religious shrines, and cultural landmarks, providing a comprehensive view of the country's complex heritage and contemporary situation.
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Comfort Level
Trip Overview:
Moderate touring trip covering southern Iraq, from Basra to Baghdad
Numerous long drives (1-4.5 hours) in air-conditioned vehicles on mostly good highways
Potential for traffic delays
Limited luggage space (one piece of luggage and a carry-on/camera bag recommended)
Tourism Development:
- Southern Iraq’s tourism industry is in its early stages
- Arrangements may be subject to changes due to various factors
- Guiding, service, and efficiency levels may differ from more developed tourist destinations
Accommodations and Services:
- Hotels range from 3-5 stars with en-suite facilities
- Food, service, and accommodations are generally adequate, sometimes surprisingly good
- Potential issues: plumbing problems, mediocre meals, indifferent service, demanding schedules
- Bottled water recommended over tap water
- Alcohol generally unavailable
- Internet usually available, but possibly only in hotel lobbies
- Occasional power outages may occur
- Western-style facilities in hotels; eastern toilets prevalent at sites and restaurants
- Important Note: Flexibility and a sense of humor are essential for this trip.
Money and Tipping
Currency and Exchange:
- Recommended: Combination of cash, debit/ATM cards, and credit cards
- Bring clean, post-2006 “big head” U.S. dollar bills in large denominations
- Primary currencies: Iraqi Dinar and U.S. Dollar
- Iraqi Dinar preferred for smaller purchases; U.S. Dollars widely accepted
- ATMs available but unreliable for overseas withdrawals
- Guide can assist with money exchange upon arrival
- Iraq is predominantly a cash society
- Credit cards accepted only in major hotels
Tipping:
- Tips for Asfar Iraq trip leader not included
- Recommended: $15-25 per person per day for trip leader and assistant
- Tips can be paid in USD or local currency
- Tips for national drivers, hotel staff, baggage handlers, and other support staff are included
- Remember to keep credit and debit card company phone numbers separate in case of loss or theft.
