DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BASRA, IRAQ

Meet your local representative on arrival at Basra International airport and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of day at leisure until meeting your fellow travelers and tour leader at the welcome dinner this evening.

Overnight in Basra.

 

DAY 2: BASRA SITES

We start our day with a visit to the Basra Museum which was also one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces. Explore the historic architecture and cultural heritage of Old Basra including traditional merchant houses, an old tea House, Armenian church, Jewish Synagogue, St Thomas Chaldean Church, all a reflect the city’s rich trade history and religious diversity. Enjoy lunch in an old traditional tea house.

In the afternoon, we take a boat trip on the Shatt al-Arab River, which is formed from the meeting of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers before emptying into the Persian Gulf. We will pass by the Italian Bridge and Saddam Hussein’s palace and yacht and later have a chance to go inside his personal yacht.

Overnight in Basra.

 

DAY 3: CONFLUENCE OF THE EUPHRATES & TIGRIS RIVERS; MESOPOTAMIAN MARSHES BY BOAT; TO NASIRIYAH

We depart Basra and travel north-west to Nasiriyah. Our first stop is the Mesopotamian Marshes, nestled
in the floodplain between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and is the largest wetlands in the Middle East.
Mesopotania means “land between two rivers”. The wetlands provide a habitat for hundreds of birds and fish species, water buffalo and home to thousands of Marsh Arabs who call this home. Some historians believe that these marshlands were once the biblical Garden of Eden. Some of the earliest civilizations lived here including the Sumerians who created the first written language around 3500 BC.

We will have a traditional dish caught in the marshes called masgouf, served in a traditional reed building. After lunch we explore the Marshes by boat. In the late afternoon, we continue to Nasiriyah where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Overnight in Nasiriyah.

 

DAY 4: ZIGGURAT OF ANCIENT UR; URUK (UNESCO); TO NAJAF

This morning we drive to the ancient city of Ur with it's impressive ziggurat (built around 2100 BC) and it's adjoining Royal Tombs. This is also where the Bible (Genesis 11:28-31 and Genesis 15:7) refers to being the birthplace of Abraham.

Later, we continue to Uruk a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s first cities and a true cradle of civilization. Explore the ruins of Uruk and learn about its historical significance as this is believed to be the site of the ‘first written Words’.

In the afternoon, we travel to Najaf. In the evening we will visit the Imam Ali’s Shrine, one of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam. We will have the opportunity to visit inside the shrine and experience its profound spiritual significance amongst the throngs of pilgrims.

Overnight in Najaf.

 

DAY 5: WADI AL SALAM, LARGEST GRAVEYARD IN THE WORLD; AL-UKHAIDIR FORT; TO KARBALA

We start our day with a visit to Wadi Al Salam, the largest graveyard in the world. It is estimated to have up to 9 million graves!

Next, we drive to Al-Ukhaidir Fort (on the UNESCO tentative list), an impressive early Islamic fortress known for its unique defensive structures and architectural significance. Not far from the Fort, we venture out to a 4th century abandoned church, in a
state of ruins, surrounded by desert.
Finally, we travel to Karbala to visit Imam Hussein's Shrine, a sacred pilgrimage site of profound importance for Shia Muslims.

Overnight in Karbala.

 

DAY 6: ANCIENT BABYLON (UNESCO); TO BAGHDAD

Today we travel to the Mesopotamian city of Babylon and explore the ruins of this legendary ancient city. Few city's from the ancient world have the myths and legends with that of Babylon. The mystery associated with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon have been lingering for millennium. Learn about recent theories that challenge where the Hanging Gardens may have actually been. We then visit Saddam Hussein’s Palace, with stunning views overlooking the ruins of Babylon. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Iraqi restaurant.

After lunch, we drive to ancient Ctesiphon, capital of the Parthian & Sassania Empires. Ctesiphon is famous for having the largest barrel arch in the world.

We continue to Baghdad where we will check into our hotel. Dinner this evening will be in a local restaurant.

Overnight in Baghdad.

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DAY 7: BAGHDAD; IRAQ MUSEUM; DUR-KURIGALZU

Today, we visit the Iraq Museum*, home to an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing Iraq's rich and ancient history.

We also stop at the Martyrs Monumemt and Al-Shaheed Monument, a memorial dedicated to Iraqi soldiers.

We drive to Dur-Kurigalzu, an ancient city just outside of Baghdad, to see its well-preserved ziggurat and learn about its historical significance. 
Overnight in Baghdad.

Note: The Iraqi museum has been closed for renovations and is scheduled to open again the beginning of January 2026.

 

DAY 8:  EXPLORING BAGHDAD

This morning, we will explore some of Baghdad’s bazaars, street markets and stunning Islamic architecture.

Baghdad’s historic sites include the Mustansiriya Madrasa, Abbasid Palace, the coppersmith market, Shabandar café (most famous tea house in Baghdad) and Al-Mutanabi Street, famous for its book market. 

We have lunch at a traditional Iraqi restaurant. Afterwards, enjoy a boat ride on the Tigris river.

Overnight in Baghdad.

 

DAY 9: GREAT MOSQUE OF SAMARRA (UNESCO); ANCIENT ASHUR (UNESCO);TO MOSUL

Today we travel to Samarra to visit the great mosque and 8th century Abissid landmark, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is known for it’s famous 52 metre (171 feet) high minaret with it’s spiral staircase. 

We continue to Abu Dulaf Mineret, also built in the 8th-century surrounded by desert landscape.

After lunch, we continue to Ashur (UNESCO) which dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. It was the first capital of the Assyrian Empire, (14th-9th centuries BC), It also served as the religious and trading capital of the Assyrians, named after the god Ashur. 

Later, we arrive in Mosul and check into our hotel.

Overnight in Mosul.

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DAY 10: ANCIENT HATRA (UNESCO); OLD TOWN OF MOSUL; NIMRUD (UNESCO)

We begin our day with a very early departure to Hatra to ensure sufficient time at the site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved temples and fortifications of the Parthian Empire (200 BC–220 AD). We explore the impressive ruins and experience the grandeur of this once-powerful desert fortress.

We then return to Mosul, where we tour the Old Town and walk through the bustling streets of the Old Market, a place where history and modern life coexist. We also visit areas of the old city that were destroyed during the war with ISIS, offering insight into Mosul’s recent history and resilience.

Later in the day, we travel to the archaeological site of Nimrud, the ancient Assyrian capital. Here we explore the ruins of the royal palace, massive stone reliefs, and the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight in Mosul.

 

DAY 11: MAR MATTAI MONASTERY; TOMB OF NAHUM; AL- QOSH VILLAGE; MONASTERY OF RABBAN HORMIZD; TO DUHOK

We begin the day with a visit to Mar Mattai Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in Iraq, perched high on a mountain with stunning panoramic views. We explore its impressive architecture and learn about its long and fascinating religious history.

We then continue to Al-Qosh, a picturesque Assyrian village with deep historical and cultural roots. Here we visit the Tomb of Nahum, believed to be the burial place of the Biblical prophet, a sacred site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. We take time to walk through the charming streets of Al-Qosh, offering a glimpse into Assyrian heritage and daily life.

We also explore the Monastery of Rabban Hormizd, dramatically nestled in the hills near the village, learning about its spiritual significance while enjoying the serene surroundings.

Finally, we embark on a scenic drive to Duhok. 

Overnight in Duhok.

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DAY 12: KURDISH HIGHLIGHTS; SHANIDAR 'NEANDERTHAL' CAVE; TO BARZAN

Today our drive takes us to the picturesque, historic town of Amedi, perched on a hilltop. It's history dates back morethan 3,000 years. We also stop for views of the Great Zab River which starts at Van Lake in Turkey and flows into the
Trigris River. The river has great historical significance bearing witness to some of histories great battles. One of our main stops here will be the Mosul Gate which was built in the 13th century.

We continue to Shanidar ‘Neanderthal’ Cave, which was home to Neanderthals at least 65,000 years ago. Climb the steps (15 – 20 minutes) up to the cave entrance where you can go inside.

In the late afternoon, we continue on to Barzan, where we check in for the evening.
Overnight in Erbil.

 

DAY 13:  HIGHLIGHTS OF THE KURDISH CAPITAL: CITADEL OF ERBIL; FAREWELL DINNER

This morning, we head to the Citadel of Erbil, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Explore Citadel with it’s fascinating history while enjoying panoramic views of the city. We will visit a small textile and gem museum. Walk through Erbil’s old bazaar filled with friendly locals.

Tonight we will have our farewell dinner to reflect on the ancient wonders of Mesopotamia and the many friendly encounters with locals in modern day Iraq!

Overnight in Erbil.

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DAY 14: DEPART ERBIL

Today you are transferred to the airport for your flight home from Erbil.