9-Day Highlights of Iraq Cultural Heritage Tour from Baghdad

Discover different highlights of Iraq as you travel to the significant region between the Euphrates and the Tigris and learn more about one of the greatest histories in the world! See the renowned Hanging Gardens, the beautiful Samarra Minaret, the ancient site of the Babylonian empire, as well as other cultural and historical gems of Iraqi Kurdistan in Northern Iraq over the course of 9 unforgettable days. A journey this fantastic is something that most enthusiasts can only contemplate!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Baghdad

Meet your guide at the designated pick-up point, and embark on your wonderful Southern Iraq adventure by exploring the historic yet modern Baghdad for the day. Start with the spectacular National Museum of Iraq to admire significant treasures of the Persian, Abbasid, and Mesopotamian civilizations. Continue to the Al-Mustansariya School, which was once the main center for Islamic learning and is now recognized as one of Baghdad's most outstanding examples of modern architecture. Then, go down Al-Mutanabi Street, Baghdad's ancient center for bookselling, which is filled with bookstores and outdoor book kiosks. Explore the magnificent Clock Tower and the Abbasid Palace while strolling along the Tigris River. You may also enjoy the beautiful Save the Iraqi Culture Monument, visit the sizable Liberation Area, the city's central square that honors the founding of the Republic of Iraq, and view the striking Al-Shaheed.

Day 2 - Babylon

Visit the historic city of Babylon, once the biggest and most powerful city on earth. Explore the ancient Babylonian sites, such as the ruins of the Tower of Babel and the Hanging Gardens, with the assistance of your local guide. Continue by paying a visit to the massive Saddam Hussein Palace, which is perched above a hill and offers sweeping views of Babylon.

Day 3 - Karbala

Make your journey to the holy city of Karbala to explore the revered Al-Abbas Mosque, the majestic Imam Hussein Shrine, and its bustling marketplaces. Continue on to Najaf and make a stop to see the Imam Ali Shrine and his house (the very spot where imam Ali was killed).

Day 4 - Nasiriyah

Start the day with a drive to Nasiriyah. Learn about the Sumerian culture and history as you spend the day exploring the ancient ruins of Uruk and Ur.

Day 5 - Nasiriyah - Marches - Basra

Find out what it's like to live in the marshes of Iraq! Take a small boat across the marshes to watch water buffalo and enjoy a great meal of Masgouf, the national dish of Iraq—Iraqi carp. Continue on to Qurna and get back on the river to see where the Tigris and Euphrates meet to form the Shatt al Arab waterway.

Day 6 - Mosul

Stop by the historic city of Samarra to see the magnificent Samarra Minaret as you make your way through the city of Mosul that has been entirely destroyed in the fight against IS. Get an insight into the city’s history as you tour around the remnants of explosions.

Day 7 - Dohuk

Explore the famous Jirwana, one of the oldest aqueducts in the world, before heading to Lalesh, the holy site for the Yazidis. Visit the Mar Gorgis Monastery and the Mar Mekha Churches in Al Qush, where the Prophet Nahum's grave is located. Before traveling to Duhok, where you will spend the night, you will also stop by the Rabban Hormizd Monastery, a thousand-year-old monastery that was carved out of the rocks.

Day 8 - Erbil

Take some time to explore the amazing city of Erbil! Admire the fascinating artifacts in the Civilization Museum before continuing your tour of the historic Citadel of Erbil, a UNESCO monument that is claimed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world. You will also visit the Minaret of Choli and the famous Textile Museum, as well as the Kurdish Antique Shop and Qaysai Bazaar.

Day 9 - Erbil

Check out from the hotel after breakfast, then transfer to Erbil International Airport for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 5 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (5)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Accommodation in Erbil, Nasiriyah, Mosul and Dohuk

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Entrance Fees

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• A visa or stamp to Israel or the self-ruled territories, used or unused/valid or invalid, will lead to an immediate entry refusal at all Iraqi ports of entry, even if the traveler is carrying a valid entry visa, and even if traveling on a group visa.

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• When visiting the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, there are strict rules of faith. Men need a pair of trousers and t-shirt to wear and women will need long sleeves and a scarf. Please also be advised that alcohol is prohibited in these cities. 

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Depending on the political situation, the length of the tour and the order of visited places may change. In a situation of a serious threat to travelers’ safety, the tour may be canceled. 

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on the situation.

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.