10-Day Iraq Exploration Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Basra

Your journey begins in Basra. Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax after your journey and prepare for the days ahead.

Overnight: Basra

Day 2 | Basra by Water and Land

Today offers an introduction to the character of Basra through its history, waterways, and traditional architecture.

Start at the Basra Museum, where archaeological and historical collections provide an overview of the region’s long and diverse past.

Next, head onto the Shatt al-Arab for a boat ride. From the river, you will see the surrounding waterfront and have views of Saddam Palace.

The afternoon focuses on old Basra. Discover the city’s traditional Shanasheel houses, recognizable for their wooden balconies, courtyards, decorative interiors, and colored glass. These historic homes provide an insight into the everyday architecture of the city in earlier generations.

Overnight: Basra

Day 3 | Into the Marshes

Leave Basra behind and head toward Al-Qurnah, where the landscape begins to change from city to waterways.

The first stop is the Tree of Adam, a site surrounded by local traditions linking it with Prophet Adam and with Prophet Abraham. The location also has meaning for some Christian and Jewish visitors.

Continue to Al-Multaqa (Meeting Point), the place where the Tigris and Euphrates meet before continuing together as the Shatt al-Arab.

The route then enters the Iraqi Marshes. Here, the journey becomes less about monuments and more about experiencing a distinctive way of life. Meet members of the local Marsh Arab communities, share traditional tea, and learn about life among the waterways and reeds.

A ride aboard a traditional shakhtura takes you deeper into the marsh landscape. Lunch is a traditional masgouf, prepared by grilling fish with reeds and served in an al-mutheef, a traditional reed-built guesthouse.

Later, continue to Nasiriyah.

Overnight: Nasiriyah

Day 4 | From Sumer to Karbala

After checking out, continue through southern Mesopotamia toward some of its most significant archaeological landscapes.

The first major stop is the Ziggurat of Ur, the imposing stepped monument that remains one of the clearest reminders of Sumer’s architectural achievements and religious traditions.

The journey continues to Uruk (not possible in rainy weather). Once a major urban center of Sumerian civilization, Uruk played an important role in the development of cuneiform writing and is traditionally linked with the legendary ruler Gilgamesh. Walk among the remains of its temples, ziggurats, and ancient city.

After the archaeological visits, travel onward to Karbala.

In the evening, visit the Imam Abbas Shrine, connected with Al-Abbas ibn Ali and the events of the Battle of Karbala. Continue to the Imam Hussein Shrine, the resting place of Imam Hussein ibn Ali.

Overnight: Karbala

Day 5 | Babylon and the Road to Baghdad

Depart Karbala after breakfast and make your way to Babylon.

Explore the remains of this celebrated Mesopotamian city, including monuments associated with the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II and the location traditionally associated with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Although counted among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the physical existence of the gardens has never been definitively confirmed.

Within the archaeological area, visit Saddam Palace, built above the ruins and incorporating architectural references to Babylon and the legacy of Nebuchadnezzar.

Continue north to Baghdad.

After settling in, head to Al-Kadhimiya for an evening among its busy streets and night market. Visit the Al-Kadhimiya Shrine, distinguished by its golden domes and its association with Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad.

Finish the day with dinner before returning to the hotel.

Overnight: Baghdad

Day 6 | Baghdad’s Cultural Quarter

Spend the day discovering Baghdad through its public spaces, historic buildings, riverfront, markets, and cafés.

Begin with the Martyr Monument, viewed from outside the fence, then continue to Liberation Square, an important gathering place with a strong connection to the city’s modern history.

A short boat trip on the Tigris River follows, providing a different perspective of Baghdad before continuing to Al-Mutanabbi Street. Famous for its booksellers and lively cultural atmosphere, the street remains one of the city’s most recognizable historic areas.

From there, visit Al-Qishla, an Ottoman-era complex dating from the second half of the 19th century, followed by the Abbasid Palace.

Continue on foot through the Old Bazaar and the Copper Market, where traditional shops and workshops reflect Baghdad’s long commercial heritage.

Take some time to sit at Al-Shabandar Café, one of the city’s renowned traditional meeting places. Enjoy Iraqi tea and dried lime tea while experiencing the atmosphere of old Baghdad.

Overnight: Baghdad

Day 7 | Samarra, Hatra and Mosul

Leave Baghdad and travel north toward Samarra, an important center of the Abbasid period.

See the famous Spiral Minaret, the striking 9th-century landmark that has become synonymous with Samarra. As restoration work is currently taking place, the journey continues to Abu Dalaf Mosque, another important example of early Islamic architecture from the city’s Abbasid era.

Continue toward Mosul.

From Mosul, travel to Hatra, where the remains of a fortified caravan city rise from the surrounding landscape. Hatra once served as the capital of its own kingdom and occupied a strategic position between the Roman and Parthian spheres. Its monumental ruins reflect the city’s importance during the 2nd century.

Return to Mosul at the end of the day.

Overnight: Mosul

Day 8 | Mosul and the Journey to Duhok

Today is dedicated to discovering part of Mosul and seeing the changes taking place within the city.

Visit sections of the Assyrian Wall, remnants of the fortifications that once surrounded the city. Continue into the Old City of Mosul, an area marked by centuries of history and architecture as well as the extensive damage caused during the conflict with ISIS. Historic structures and reconstruction projects can now be seen alongside one another.

Later, leave Mosul behind and enjoy a scenic drive to Duhok, with the landscape changing as you move toward the mountains.

Overnight: Duhok

Day 9 | Lalish, Assyrian Heritage and Erbil

Set out from Duhok toward Lalish, the holiest site of the Yazidi faith. Located within a peaceful mountain valley, its temples and sacred spaces form the spiritual center of Yazidi religious life.

Continue to the Khinis Reliefs, where Assyrian rulers left monumental carvings directly on the rock face.

The route then leads to Mar Mattai Monastery, a 4th-century Christian monastery dramatically positioned on the mountainside, overlooking the surrounding landscape.

Next, pass through Akre, a historic mountain town known for its distinctive local character, community, and setting.

Continue to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region and the final city of the journey.

In the evening, take a walk around the Erbil Citadel and experience the atmosphere of the surrounding city as the streets become livelier after sunset.

Overnight: Erbil

Day 10 | The Markets and Landmarks of Erbil

Your final full day is spent around the historic center of Erbil.

Begin at the Erbil Citadel. The citadel is currently closed for maintenance, so the visit will be from outside, allowing you to appreciate its elevated position and distinctive profile above the city.

Continue to the local food market and Qaysari Bazaar. Its traditional shops offer a variety of goods, including jewelry, gold and silver, carpets, antiques, sweets, and other local products.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Choli Minaret. Dating to the 12th-century Atabeg period, this leaning structure is one of the most recognizable surviving features of a historic mosque complex.

Overnight: Erbil

Departure from Erbil

After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Transfer to Erbil International Airport for your departure