13-Day Ultimate Iraq Adventure from Baghdad to Erbil

Experience the splendor and majestic cultural heritage of Iraq as you journey across the Land between the Two Rivers from Baghdad to Erbil over the course of 13 days! Discover the ancient and modern history of Iraq featuring the Ancient City of Babylon, Mesopotamian Marshlands, the Death Highway, and the Citadel of Erbil. You will get a chance to see the magnificent gates of Babylon, where King Hammurabi ruled the great Babylonian Empire and Alexander the Great spent his final years, check out one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces in Amadiya as well as visit numerous sacred shrines and museums.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Baghdad

Arrive at Baghdad International Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel for check in. Take a short break, then meet your local guide for a short orientation. Afterwards, stroll along Al-Mutanabi Street, Baghdad's historical center for bookselling, which is filled with bookstores and outdoor book kiosks. Continue on to the Liberation Square (Tahir Square), the central square of the city commemorating the 1958 establishment of the Repubic of Iraq. Next, enjoy a lunch break in town and try some of the popular Iraqi dishes such as Kubba and Manti. You will also visit the iconic Al Shaheed Monument, the notable Former Camp Al-Adala (Camp Justice), and the significant Victory Arch (Hands of Victory). 

Day 2 - Baghdad - Ctesiphon

Spend the day discovering Baghdad! Admire the magnificent relics of the Persian, Abbasid, and Mesopotamian civilizations in the notable Archaeological Museum of Iraq. 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 stunning examples of modern architecture. Then, explore the famous Copper Market, Souk al-Safareen, for some unique souvenirs and amazing photo sites. Afterwards, enjoy a delightful lunch in Baghdad before heading to Ctesiphon, a historic city situated on the left bank of the Tigris River. The site is well-known for the remnants of the Taq Kisra, a massive hall that was once thought to be the palace of the Sasanian ruler Khosra I. You will also visit the impressive Unknown Soldier Monument before heading back to Baghdad. 

Day 3 - Baghdad - Samarra - Agargouf Ziggurat - Karbala

Drive to the ancient city of Samarra, passing by the villages that have been completely destroyed in the struggle against IS. Visit the iconic Samarra Minaret, also known as the Great Mosque of Samarra, where you will have the opportunity to ascend the spiral staircase all the way to the top. Continue on to the holy city of Karbala to witness its bustling markets, the majestic Al-Abbas Mosque, and the historic Imam Hussein Shrine. Along the way, stop at Abu Ghraib to see the ancient site of the Ziggurat of Agar Qouf.

Day 4 - Karbala - Babylon - Najaf

Start the day with a visit to the magnificent Al-Abbas Mosque and sacred Imam Hussein Shrine before making your way to the ancient city of Babylon, which was once the biggest and most powerful city in the world. With the help of your guide, explore the historical ancient site of the Babylonian civilization, including the ruins of the Tower of Babel and the Hanging Gardens. Continue on to the Saddam Hussein Palace, which is situated on a hilltop with an impressive view of Babylon. Afterwards, travel to Najaf, one of the holy cities in Shia Island.

Day 5 - Najaf - Ur - Marshes - Basra

Enjoy a walking tour of Najaf, taking in sights including Imam Ali's home, the exact location of his murder, the Kufa Mosque, and the Wadi-e-Salam cemetery, the biggest cemetery in the world with over 8 million graves. You will then step back in time as you explore the Sumerian City-State of Ur. Visit the famed Ziggurat of Ur, a stone temple complex constructed in honor of the moon God Nanna, the city's patron deity. Afterwards, discover what it's like to live in the Iraqi marshes as you paddle through one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the Middle East! Learn more about the Ma’dan people and their ancient customs as you get a chance to meet the local community in the area. Continue on to Basra, where you will spend the night.

Day 6 - Basra - Baghdad

Spend the day around Basra, the second largest city in Iraq! Stroll through the historic Ashar and Shanashil Al Basra district, taking in the beautiful ancient residences constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries. Next, enjoy a cruise across the Shatt al-Arab River to see the remnants from the Iran-Iraq War from the 1980s as well as Sadam Hussein’s grand yacht. You will then make your back to Baghdad after lunch, stopping by the Basra British War Memorial along the way. 

Day 7 - Baghdad - Erbil

Head to Baghdad International Airport to catch a flight to Erbil. Your local guide will meet you at Erbil International Airport and take you to the hotel for check in. Take a short break to freshen up before heading out for a welcome drink and dinner. 

Day 8 - Erbil - Sulaymaniyah

Journey to Sulaymaniyah in the morning, the most contemporary and Westernized city in all of Kurdistan. Visit the Red Prison in Sulaimaniyah, also known as Saddam Hussein's House of Horrors, which is housed in the former regime's administrative center. Afterwards, make your way to Sulaymaniyah Museum, one of the largest museums in Iraq featuring artifacts from the prehistoric era all the way to the Ottoman period, including a tablet from the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh. The afternoon and evening will be spent exploring the bazaar, going to its mosques, and taking in the Goyje Mountain sunset. 

Day 9 - Rawanduz

Enjoy Rawanduz’s breathtaking canyons, enchanted meadows, steep gorges, and traditional Kurdish villages! Spend the day experiencing the natural beauties of Rawanduz, a lovely town surrounded by some of the best and most stunning scenery in the region. One of the most picturesque locations in the Kurdistan Region, Rawanduz is renowned throughout Iraq for its lush greenery and stunning canyons. Make a short stop at Dokan Lake, a popular local summer vacation spot and a great spot to unwind. Although this is not a historical or cultural excursion, it is for those who appreciate the great outdoors, mountains, and breathtaking sights. You will also drive by the legendary Hamilton Road, a road that the British constructed in the 1930s and is well-known across the world, and pass through the town of Shaqlawa for its famous locally made Kurdish wine.

Day 10 - Amadiya - Dohuk

Drive to Amadiya, which is situated at the summit of a flat mountain and offers stunning views of the valley. It is a 5,000-year-old historic settlement and is thought to have been the Three Wise Men's house when they traveled to Bethlehem to meet Jesus after his birth. Stop along the road at one of Saddam Hussein's numerous (yet most impressive) abandoned palaces spread out around Iraq. You will enjoy a traditional Kurdish lunch at a locally famous fish restaurant along the river before heading towards Duhok. 

Day 11 - Lalish - Akre - Erbil

Head to Lalish early in the morning. Lalish, a little quaint village with an amazing Yazidi temple, is one of their holiest locations. Visit the temple and get to know the Yazidi people. Continue on to the Dayro d-Mor Matay Monastery (St. Matthew’s Monastery) and explore one of the most important ancient sites. Afterwards, drive towards the city of Aqrah (Akre), which is surrounded by amazing scenic landscapes and is known for its celebrations of the Newroz festival. See the old fortress and the grand Mosque, one of the oldest in Iraq, as well as the Sipa Waterfall before making your way back to Erbil.

Day 12 - Erbil

Take some time to explore the amazing city of Erbil! Explore 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 famous Textile Museum within the Citadel, highlighting traditional Kurdish clothing, handcrafted rugs from various Kurdish regions and eras, and so much more. Afterwards, check out many interesting local products as well as delightful local delicacies as you explore the food market and Qaysai Bazaar. 

Day 13 - Erbil

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

Inclusions

• Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• 11 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (11)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• 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.