Classic Iraq: 10 Days of Mesopotamia

Destinations

• Baghdad
• Babylon
• Karbala
• Najaf
• Ur
• Mesopotamian Marshes
• Basra
• Samarra
• Hatra
• Mosul
• Nineveh
• Duhok
• Lalish
• Erbil

Day by day

1. Day 1Discover Historic Baghdad Explore Baghdad’s historical landmarks, including Tahrir Square, the Freedom Monument, Al-Mutanabbi Street, Al-Qishla, Al-Mustansiriya School, the Abbasid Palace, and Al-Rashid Street. Enjoy the traditional markets and the famous Shabandar Café while discovering the city’s rich history and culture. Overnight in Baghdad.
2. Day 2Babylon & Karbala Discover the ancient city of Babylon, including the Ishtar Gate, Processional Way, and Lion of Babylon. Visit Saddam Hussein’s Palace overlooking the archaeological site, subject to access conditions. Continue to Karbala to visit the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and Al-Abbas, and explore the historic old city. Overnight in Karbala.
3. Day 3Al-Ukhaidir, Najaf & Kufa Visit the impressive Al-Ukhaidir Fortress and the ancient Al-Aqiser Church. Continue to Najaf to explore the holy shrine of Imam Ali and the historic Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery, one of the largest cemeteries in the world. Then visit the Great Mosque of Kufa and the historic remains of Dar Al-Imara. Overnight in Najaf.
4. Day 4Uruk, Ur & the Mesopotamian Marshes Explore the ancient city of Uruk, one of the earliest urban centres in human history. Visit the famous Ziggurat of Ur and the Royal Cemetery of Ur. Continue to the Mesopotamian Marshes to enjoy a traditional local lunch, a boat ride through the waterways, and a beautiful sunset. Spend the night in a traditional reed house in the heart of the marshes. Overnight in the Marshes.
5. Day 5The Marshes, Qurnah & Basra Start the day with a sunrise boat trip through the Mesopotamian Marshes. Visit Qurnah, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet, and see the famous Tree of Adam. Continue to Basra to explore the historic old city, Basra Museum, and traditional heritage houses. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride along the Shatt al-Arab and a walk along the Basra Corniche. Overnight in Basra.
6. Day 6Basra & Return to Baghdad Visit Basra’s traditional fish market and the historic British Military Cemetery. After exploring these sites, drive back to Baghdad and enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure. Overnight in Baghdad.
7. Day 7Samarra, Tikrit, Hatra & Mosul Visit the Al-Askari Shrine, Qasr Al-Baraka, the Great Mosque of Samarra with its famous Malwiya Minaret, and the Abu Dulaf Mosque and Minaret. Continue through Tikrit, viewing Saddam Hussein’s palaces from the road, before stopping for lunch along the way. Explore the ancient city of Hatra, then arrive in Mosul to enjoy local food and visit the historic Al-Nuri Grand Mosque. Overnight in Mosul.
8. Day 8Discover Historic Mosul Explore the Old City of Mosul, including its traditional spice and fish markets, the Old Bridge, and Al-Tahira Church. Visit the historic Nabi Yunus area and its lively bazaar, then enjoy a relaxing evening at Mosul Forests. Overnight in Mosul.
9. Day 9Mar Mattai Monastery, Lalish & Duhok Visit the ancient Mar Mattai Monastery, dramatically perched on the mountains overlooking the Nineveh Plains. Continue to Lalish, the holiest site of the Yazidi faith, to discover its sacred temples and unique spiritual traditions. End the day in Duhok with a walk through the city centre and traditional bazaar. Overnight in Duhok.
10. Day 10Erbil & Departure Visit the historic Erbil Citadel, the Grand Mosque, and the Mudhafaria Minaret. Enjoy a final walk through the traditional Qaysari Bazaar before transferring to Erbil International Airport for your departure. Farewell and safe travels!