Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Basra
Welcome to Iraq. Arrival and overnight in Basra.

Day 2 | Basra, Qurna & the Marshes
Explore old Basra and its historic Jewish quarter. Take a boat ride along the Shatt al-Arab, then head to Qurna—the meeting point of the Tigris and Euphrates, said to be the site of the Garden of Eden. Continue by boat into the Iraqi Marshes.
Overnight in Nasiriyah.

Day 3 | Ziggurats, Shrines & Najaf
Visit the Ziggurat of Ur and the ruins of Uruk. Continue to Najaf to see the Imam Ali Shrine and the vast Wadi Al-Salam cemetery.
Overnight in Najaf.

Day 4 | Babylon & Baghdad via Karbala
Explore the ruins of Babylon and the ruins of Saddam’s hilltop palace. Stop in Karbala to visit the Imam Abbas and Imam Hussein shrines before continuing to Baghdad.
Overnight in Baghdad.

Day 5 | Baghdad & Ctesiphon
Spend the day exploring Baghdad: visit the National Museum, Mutanabbi Street, Al-Mustansiriya School, Shahbandar Café, Rasheed Street, and the Martyr Monument. Stop at Firdos Square, where Saddam’s statue was toppled, and finish with the massive Arch of Ctesiphon.
Overnight in Baghdad.

Day 6 | Samarra, Hatra & Mosul
Depart early for Samarra. Although the Malwiya Minaret is under renovation, you’ll visit Abu Dulaf Mosque instead. Continue to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hatra, then on to Mosul.
Overnight in Mosul.

Day 7 | Mosul & Erbil
Tour Mosul’s key landmarks: Al-Tahira Church, the ruined Al-Noory Mosque, Bashtabia Castle, Saddam’s Grand Mosque, and the historic bazaar. See the tomb of Jonah and walk the narrow streets destroyed during the war. Later, head to Erbil and visit the ancient citadel and bazaar.
Overnight in Erbil.

Day 8 | Sulaymaniyah
Drive through the mountains to Sulaymaniyah. Visit Koya Caravanserai, the haunting Red Museum, the bustling bazaar, and Shaab teahouse. End the day with panoramic views from Goyzha Mountain.
Overnight in Sulaymaniyah.

Day 9 | Halabja & the Borderlands
Travel to Halabja to visit the memorial to the 1988 chemical attack. Continue to the Iranian border village of Biara and finish at the scenic Ahmed Awa waterfall.
Overnight in Sulaymaniyah.

Day 10 | Waterfalls & Gorges of Rawanduz
Travel through the lake region of Dokan. Walk the historic Hamilton Road and visit the Bekhal and Gali Ali Beg waterfalls. End the day in the mountain town of Soran with views of the Rawanduz gorge.
Overnight in Soran.

Day 11 | Shanidar Cave & Amedi
Visit Shanidar Cave, where Neanderthal remains were discovered. Continue to Amedi to explore its mosque, city gate, and the ruins of Qobahan Madrasa.
Overnight in Duhok.

Day 12 | Lalish & the Yezidi Heartland
Depart for Alqosh to visit the Monastery of Rabban Hormizd. Then head to the sacred Yezidi village of Lalish and continue to Akre.
Overnight in Erbil.

Day 13 | Departure from Erbil
End of the tour. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Payment

Tour package with shared room (per person): USD 3,800
Price per person in double occupancy. Please note this room requires a roommate. If you’re traveling solo, let us know if you’d like assistance in being matched with another traveler for this trip.

Tour package with private room (per person): USD 3,800 + 470
This option allows one traveler to stay in a private room.

If you have any questions about reservations, extra days before or after the trip, or anything else, please contact us via the ‘Check Availability’ button. The detailed itinerary, including packing list and trip notes, can be downloaded before payment.

What’s included

• 4 star hotels

  Twin share accommodation

• Transportation

  Air conditioned vehicle

• Airport Transfers

  From/to airport

• Local guide

  English speaking

• Tour leader

• Entrance fees

• Boat Rides

  Marshes, Basra and Tigris

• Bottled water and snacks

  Throughout the tour

About this trip

Journey through the heart of Iraq on a 13-day adventure that blends ancient wonders, living traditions, and powerful modern history. Iraq is a land of extraordinary contrasts and timeless stories. Walk through the ruins where ancient civilizations once thrived and sail the serene Mesopotamian Marshes. Explore bustling bazaars and experience the warmth of communities that keep centuries-old traditions alive. From sacred shrines to dramatic gorges and mountain villages, each day reveals a new layer of history, culture, and resilience—making this journey as rare as it is unforgettable.

Highlights

• Visit Basra and the surrounding marshlands, exploring local culture and history.

• Discover the ancient ruins of Ur and the remnants of Mesopotamian civilization.

• Explore the historic cities of Najaf and Karbala with guided tours.

• Experience traditional local life in Qurna and Basra, including markets and local cuisine.

• Visit Baghdad to see its architecture, museums, and vibrant street life with expert local guides.

• Learn about the region’s rich history, from ancient civilizations to modern times.

Group Size & Confirmation
Minimum 6 travelers are required for this tour. Once 6 spots are filled, the departure is confirmed and you can book your flights. If the group isn’t full yet, final confirmation will be given 90 days before the tour starts—well in time to secure travel plans.

Pace & Physical Level
Easy – suitable for most travelers. Expect walking, occasional stairs, and standing during tours. No strenuous activity is required, though there is enough walking to fully experience the sites.

Visas & Entry

All visitors to Southern Iraq must obtain an eVisa in advance online.
Most travelers from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Kurdistan visa-free.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all travelers and can be easily obtained through IATI.

Available Group Tour Dates:

• November 30 – December 13, 2025

• February 1 – 13, 2026

Deposit & Terms
A deposit of USD 500 is required to secure your spot. For full details on cancellations and policies, please see the Terms & Conditions.