Iraq Group Tours

Detailed Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrival

Your journey begins in Baghdad, where our team will meet you at the airport and arrange your private transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you will have time to rest and settle in after your flight.
This first evening is designed to be smooth and stress-free, giving you time to prepare for the days ahead and begin your journey in comfort.

Overnight in Baghdad

Day 2: Discover Baghdad, the heart of Iraq

We begin our day at Liberation Square, a historic and symbolic heart of Baghdad, famous for its striking architecture. The square has been the backdrop of key events in modern Iraqi history and remains a lively center for culture, gatherings, and city life.

Then, we will take a short boat trip on the Tigris River, crossing to Al-Mutanabi Street, the city’s oldest cultural market. Known for its vibrant book trade, the street offers a window into Baghdad’s rich literary and intellectual heritage.

Next, we explore the Abbasid Palace, a rare architectural gem from Baghdad’s Golden Age, when the city flourished as the intellectual and cultural capital of the Islamic world.

We continue with a stroll through the Old Bazaar and the colorful Copper Market, immersing ourselves in the bustling sights, sounds, and traditions of Baghdad’s historic trade.

Our journey then takes us to Ctesiphon, the site of the last standing structure of the ancient Sassanian capital. Its massive brick arch stands as a remarkable achievement of ancient engineering and a testament to Mesopotamia’s enduring legacy.

Finally, we visit the Imam Khadim Holy Shrine, an important pilgrimage destination renowned for its golden domes, intricate tilework, and spiritual significance. The shrine continues to draw thousands of visitors annually, serving as a center of worship, learning, and cultural heritage.

Overnight in Baghdad.

Day 3: Baghdad – Babylon – Karbala

We begin with a visit to the National Museum of Iraq, where you can view priceless artifacts from Sumer, Babylon, Assyria, and Islamic civilizations, offering a fascinating journey through Iraq’s rich history.

Next, we tour the ancient ruins of Babylon, the cradle of Mesopotamian civilization, dating from the 18th to the 6th century BC. Highlights include the legendary Hanging Gardens, believed to be attached to the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar. Although considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Hellenic World, its physical existence remains unproven, yet its presence is celebrated in literature and history.

We will also visit Saddam Hussein’s Palace, perched atop Babylon and inspired by King Nebuchadnezzar’s original palace, offering unique insights into modern interpretations of ancient architecture.

Afterward, we drive to Karbala, where you can relax and refresh at a local restaurant and hotel.

In Karbala, we visit the Imam Abbas Shrine, the resting place of Al-Abbas, a historic and revered figure known for his heroism and loyalty during the Battle of Karbala. He sacrificed himself to protect his family and uphold the ideals of Ahlul-Bayt, defending Islamic values against oppression.

We also visit the Imam Hussein Shrine, which contains the tomb of Imam Hussein, the second son of Imam Ali and grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, a central figure in Islamic history and spirituality.

Overnight in Karbala

Day 4: Karbala – Najaf – Nasiriyah

The day begins with a visit to Najaf City, where we explore Wadi al-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery, holding nearly six million graves.

This sacred place is recognized as a World Heritage Site and offers a profound glimpse into Iraq’s spiritual heritage.

Make sure to also check our private UNESCO tour

Next, we travel to Uruk, one of Mesopotamia’s earliest and most influential cities. Dating back to 4000–3000 BCE, Uruk is recognized as the world’s first major city and a central hub of Sumerian civilization.

Here, visitors can explore its ancient ziggurats and learn about the development of cuneiform writing, one of the earliest known writing systems. The city is also famously linked to King Gilgamesh, the legendary hero of the Epic of Gilgamesh.

From Uruk, we continue to Nasiriyah City to visit the Ziggurat of Ur. Unlike the smooth pyramids of Egypt, this monumental structure rises in tiered levels and served as a center for religious rituals and administrative activities.

Today, it stands as an impressive testament to the ingenuity and enduring cultural achievements of ancient Mesopotamia.

Overnight in Nasiriyah

Day 5: Marshes of Iraq – Back to Baghdad

We will be visiting the Marshes of Iraq, the largest wetlands in the Middle East. These lush marshlands are home to hundreds of bird and fish species and have long been the heartland of the Marsh Arabs, many of whom are returning to preserve their traditional way of life.

During our visit, we pause to rest, enjoy traditional tea, and meet the locals, hearing their stories and learning about life in the marshes. Then, we embark on a boat trip aboard a traditional “shakhtura”, gliding through the intricate waterways and experiencing the marshes as generations before us did.

For lunch, we savor the famous masgouf, fish grilled over reeds rather than wood, served in a house built entirely of reeds, known as an “almutheef.”

After returning to Baghdad

we will visit Bab Alagha, famously nicknamed the “Iraqi Willy Wonka,” where we explore this charming local sweets factory and taste authentic Iraqi treats.

Overnight in Baghdad

Day 6: Baghdad – Samarra – Mosul

 We’re going to visit to The Great Mosque of Samarra, a unique 9th-century mosque famous for its spiral cone tower, built during the Abbasid Caliphate for the call to prayer (Adhan). Its distinctive corkscrew design allows visitors to climb the exterior, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a remarkable symbol of early Islamic architecture.

Next, we visit Abu Dalaf, another important historical site showcasing unique Islamic architectural features, including a large rectangular layout and a spiral minaret reminiscent of the famous Malwiya Minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra.

On our way to Mosul City, we will stop at Hatra, an ancient fortified city and major cultural and religious center of the Parthian Empire (3rd century BCE–3rd century CE).

Hatra is renowned for its impressive defensive walls, its blend of Greco-Roman and Eastern architectural styles, and its role as a vital trading hub and sanctuary for worship. The city’s well-preserved temples and sculptures reflect its rich multicultural heritage.

Hatra is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing as a testament to the region’s historical and cultural significance.

Overnight in Mosul

Day 7: Mosul – Duhok

We begin the day by exploring the ruins of the Assyrian Wall, part of the ancient fortifications built by the Assyrian Empire to protect its cities and territories. These massive stone and mudbrick structures once stretched for kilometers and stand as a testament to the military engineering and organizational skills of one of the world’s earliest empires.

Next, we visit the Old City of Mosul, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the Middle East. This area, once the last stronghold of ISIS, was heavily destroyed, including several hundred-year-old buildings, offering a poignant glimpse into the city’s recent history and resilience.

We also explore Mosul’s vibrant bazaars, mosques, and churches, experiencing the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Afterward, we embark on a scenic drive to Duhok, traveling through the stunning mountains and valleys of Kurdistan, enjoying breathtaking landscapes along the way.

Overnight in Duhok

Day 8: Duhok – Lalish – Akre – Erbil

We begin the day by visiting Rabban Hormizd Monastery, an important Christian site. We will admire its hilltop setting and reflect on its historical and spiritual significance.

Next, we explore Lalish, the holiest site of the Yazidi faith. Here, you can wander through sacred temples and courtyards while gaining insight into the unique spiritual traditions of the Yazidi community.

We then travel to Khinis to see the Assyrian rock reliefs, which depict kings, battles, and tribute scenes. These intricate carvings provide a fascinating glimpse into the artistic, political, and cultural world of ancient Assyria.

Afterward, we visit Mar Mattai Monastery, perched on a hilltop and considered one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. Explore its ancient chapels, enjoy breathtaking views, and experience a rich spiritual history that has endured for centuries.

Our journey continues to Akre, a picturesque mountain town renowned for its unique culture, architecture, and stunning scenery.

We then drive to Erbil, where we visit the Citadel (from outside), one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at its impressive architecture, learn about its long history, and enjoy panoramic views of the city, perfect for photos and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight in Erbil

 Day 9: Departure

Transfer to the airport for departure