7-Day Baghdad to Erbil Cultural Heritage Tour

Explore the iconic sights in Federal Iraq in between the cities of Baghdad and Erbil over the course of seven days! Discover the incredible world-class heritage and take in the treasures of Iraq as well as the ancient and contemporary history that has yet to be discovered. 

This adventure offers the best of Iraq featuring its amazing cultural heritage and rich history. From Baghdad, journey South to Babylon and the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf. You will also pass through the Iraqi Marshlands on the way to Samarra, Mosul, and Erbil in the North. 

An unforgettable journey that most history enthusiasts can only imagine!

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, visit the magnificent National Museum of Iraq, which houses significant artifacts from the Mesopotamian, Abbasid, and Persian civilizations. Continue to the Al-Mustansariya School, which served as the most important center for Islamic education and has become one of Baghdad’s most remarkable architectural masterpieces. Then, take a stroll through the famous Al-Mutanabi Street, the historical center of bookselling in Baghdad lined with bookstores and outdoor book kiosks. You will also get to see the eye-catching Al-Shaheed Monument (Martyr’s Monument), an imposing structure dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq war, as well as the admire the notable Save the Iraqi Culture Monument and stop by the vast Liberation Square, the central square of the city.

Day 2 - Baghdad - Karbala

Travel to the ancient city of Babylon and tour the capital city of the ancient Babylonian Empire, including the Hanging Gardens and the Tower of Babel. Although there is not much of the actual ruin remains, get a chance to walk the same streets that the rulers of one of the most prominent empires once did and where the legendary Alexander the Great died. You will also stop by the Palace of Saddam Hussein situated on top of a hill overlooking Babylon before heading to the holy city of Karbala to see the historic Imam Hussein Shrine and the grand Al-Abbas Mosque.

Day 3 - Najaf - Ur

Continue your adventure by going to Najaf, another holy city in Southern Iraq. Here, visit the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali, the fourth caliph and cousin of the prophet Muhammad. En route to Najaf, make a brief stop in Al Kilf and visit another significant pilgrimage site, the tomb of the Old Testament’s Prophet Ezekiel. Check out the Hebrew and Arabic inscriptions on the tomb’s wall, serving as a reminder of the shared Abrahamic roots of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions. You will then head towards the Sumerian City-State of Ur and travel back in time as you explore the famed Ziggurat of Ur, a stone temple complex constructed in honor of the moon God Nanna, the city's patron deity. Afterwards, make your way to Nasiriya and stroll through its bustling souk markets.

Day 4 - Chibayesh - Baghdad

Make your way to the Mesopotamian Marshes early in the morning. Travel by boat through the complex marshes, stopping at the local communities for tea along the way, and get an insight into how the marshes played a big role in the community. The Ma'dn people who have evolved to live on the water over the years reside there as well. Then, drive back to Baghdad after visiting the local market in Chibayesh. You will also visit the Al-Yassin Shrine, regarded as the best in Baghdad. 

Day 5 - Baghdad - Samarra - Mosul

Drive through the villages that have been entirely destroyed in the fight against IS as you make your way to the historic city of Samarra. Visit the Great Mosque of Samarra, also known as the Samarra Minaret, and try your best to ascend to the top. Then, travel to Hatra after lunch, a significant ancient religious site with a prominent location along caravan trade routes, before driving onward to Mosul, where you will stay the night.

Day 6 - Mosul - Erbil

Enjoy a traditional breakfast before exploring the ancient city, which includes the Al-Nuri Mosque and Al Tahira Church. You will also get to see the Bash Tapia Castle before savoring the popular Kubba of Mosul for lunch. Afterwards, travel to Bakhdida or Qaraqosh to see the Church Square, the place where the Pope celebrated mass during his historic visit to Iraq in March 2021. Continue on to your journey towards Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region before dusk, then meet up with other travelers over a welcome dinner and drinks. 

Day 7 - Erbil

Check out from the hotel after breakfast, then make your way towards your next destination.

Inclusions

• Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• 6 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (6)

• 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.