IRAQ EXPEDITION
Iraq is not the easiest nation to visit on your own, but it is possible. Either it is your first visit or you have already gone there,you can spend three weeks backpacking around Iraq by yourself. Travelers with experience or our complete travel guide will find it relatively easy and rewarding. Going on a tour, on the other hand, might provide numerous benefits. Planning an Iraq expedition would be more helpful if you are traveling for the first time.
DAY 1 & 2 OF IRAQ EXPEDITION – BASRA
Basra is the second largest area in Iraq as it is connected with the main region and many other countries. The main attractions of Basra include Sayyed Ali al-Musawi Mosque which is known as “Mosque of the children of Amer ” located in Al-Gazear Street which is the main area of Basra. You can also visit Akhora Park, Hanna-Sheikh Bazaar, Corniche al-Basra, Sayab’s house and the Latin Church. All these places hold time-honored spots with history in itself. Basra is a mesmerizing place, in your 2 day stay you will be able to visit all these places. And can spend time roaming Indian Market and Hanna sheik -Bazar.
DAY 3 IN NAJAF
On the 3rd day of your trip you will be board and will be enroute to Najaf through an agricultural area. While visiting the old and ancient city of Ur which is known as Ziggurat. In one day stay you can visit the shrine of Imam Ali ibn e abi talib where late night ceremony is held, mosque of Imam Ali, Grand mosque of Kufa and Iraqi museum.
THE MESOPOTAMIAN MARSHES
The Mesopotamian Marshes, also known as the Arab Marshes, are a wetland habitat in southern Iraq, an aquatic landscape in the middle of the desert, and home to a separate cultural group known as the Marsh Arabs.
The Marshes, which cover an area of 10,000 km2, are home to many different species of animals and plants, including a significant population of water buffalos, which you will almost surely encounter on your boat ride. The Marshes are also home to hundreds of islands, many of which are inhabited by the Marsh Arabs, who traditionally reside in sarifas, a unique reed housing.
DAY 4 IN IRAQ -KARBALA DRIVE TO BABYLON
ANCIENT BABYLON & SADDAM HUSSEIN PALACE
Following your exploration of Baghdad, your Iraq expedition should take you to Ancient Babylon, which is located 2-3 hours south of Baghdad, depending on traffic.
VISITING BABYLON: Babylon is located 88 km south of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. For tourists Babylon was reopened in 2009.
After years of demolition still not much ruins are left. Locals can climb all over the building everyday. Government should take steps to secure the heritage and antiquities of Babylon otherwise it will be gone.
On the 4th day of your visit to IRAQ, in Karbala you will stay overnight and will visit Al Abbas mosque and Famous Imam Husayn Shrine.
VISIT SADDAM HUSSEIN’S PALACE
Saddam Hussein erected a magnificent, magnific palace for himself overlooking the Euphrates River, with the greatest views of Ancient Babylon, making it the most unusual destination to visit in Iraq. This abandoned palace still has an outstanding painting on the ceiling of the main hall and a Communist-style mural at the main entrance.
DAY 5-6 IN BAGHDAD
Baghdad is a crowded, hectic, dynamic, and friendly metropolis all at once. Baghdad is appealing to everyone. It’s a wonderful city to wander about and hang out with open-minded Iraqis, but people have their reservations to visit Baghdad, possibly because it’s too tough to get around – traffic is ridiculous, and there’s no subway. Even yet, roaming the streets of Baghdad is epic because, well, we’re talking about Baghdad. Baghdad may keep you busy for several days with its bazaars, landmarks, and great places to hang out. So planning an Iraq expedition would be the best option.
The Iraq Museum is the country’s national museum. It is brimming with gems from many of the areas you will see in Iraq.As one of Iraq’s most sought-after historical destinations, it appears to have been reopened after years of closure.
Martyr’s Memorial: Al-Shaheed Monument is the most impressive spot to visit in Baghdad as a single destination. It’s a memorial to those who died – both Iraqis and Iranians – during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988), and it’s made up of two extraordinarily gigantic turquoise half domes.
Other attractions include the Save Iraqi Culture Monument and the Green Zone of Baghdad. Here you will have an overnight stay with a Traditional Masgouf dinner.
On Day 6 you will visit local markets including “Al Safafeer” and “Khan Al Mudalal”, Souq Al Sarai, Souq Al Sarajeen.STREET AL-MUTANABBI: Al-Mutanabbi (10th century) is the Arab world’s best poet, and the famed book store is named after him. Furthermore your tour will lead towards a boat tour. On this day you will be able to visit Sakman Pak and Taq Kasra.
DAY 7 IN MOSUL
Your visit will be leading towards Samarra where you will visit the Great Mosque of Samarra. Continuing towards Mosul where you will have an overnight stay.
DAY 8-9 IN ERBIL
From Mosul to Erbil we will travel through Nineveh and Qararqosh leading towards Iraqi Kurdistan.
After checking in a hotel and spending a night in Erbil we will be able to see the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
DAY 10- DEPARTURE FROM DUHOK
Our journey will begin to end from the drive towards Lalesh. It is one of the most religious towns of the Yazidi religion. Visiting (Algosh) one of the world’s oldest monasteries. Further we will check into local hotel’s of Duhok and will spend last night in Duhok.
That’s a wrap-up to our 10-day Iraq expedition. Hope you enjoy your time there.