early arrival and getting picked up from the airport

Morning: Old Baghdad Exploration

• Mutanabbi Street – we will start our day strolling through this historic book market, soaking in the literary and cultural vibes.

• Al-Rasheed Street – Walking through this iconic street full of history and architecture.

• Antique Market & Souvenirs – Shopping for unique keepsakes and traditional items.

• Martyrs Monument – Visiting this stunning landmark honoring Iraq’s fallen.

• Victory Monument (Swords of Qādisiyyah) – photos at this symbolic site are unique.

Afternoon: Scenic Views & Culture

• Rahman Mosque – Explore this beautiful, though unfinished, mosque with impressive design.

• Boat Tour on the Tigris River – Relax and enjoy the view of Baghdad from the water.

Evening: Nature & City Views

• Zawraa Park – Stroll or unwind in the city’s largest park.

• Viewpoint of Baghdad – End your day with a panoramic view of the city as the sun sets listening to stories of 1001 night.

overnight in Baghdad

Start Point: Baghdad (Early Morning Departure)

• Depart from Baghdad.

Stop 1: Ctesiphon (Taq Kasra)

• Explore the remains of the great Arch of Ctesiphon, the largest single-span brick vault in the world and a symbol of the ancient Sassanid Empire.

Stop 2: Ancient City of Babylon

• Discover the ruins of the legendary Babylon, home to the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

• Visit the reconstructed Ishtar Gate and the archaeological park.

• Tour the site of Saddam Hussein’s Palace, built overlooking the ruins—a dramatic contrast between ancient and modern history.

Stop 3: Al-Kifl

• Visit the Tomb of the Prophet Ezekiel (Dhul-Kifl), featuring ancient Hebrew inscriptions and unique Islamic architecture that reflect the area’s shared religious heritage.

Stop 4: Drive to Karbala and enjoy a view point with tea and Shisha

• Check-in at a comfortable hotel

• Optional traditional Iraqi dinner and cultural evening.

Morning: Karbala – The Holy City of Martyrdom

– Breakfast at Hotel (Karbala)

• Traditional Iraqi breakfast

– Visit the Holy Shrines of Karbala

• Imam Hussein Shrine: One of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. Spend time in reflection, prayer, and exploring the ornate architecture and history of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS).

• Al-Abbas Shrine: A short walk away, dedicated to Imam Hussein’s brother. Renowned for its spiritual significance and grand design.

: Stop by the Karbala Museum (inside the shrine complex) to view historical manuscripts and relics.

– Depart for Najaf

• Approx an hour drive (80 km). Scenic desert road with spiritual significance between the two holy cities.

– Imam Ali Shrine (Peace Be Upon Him)

• Explore the Shrine of Imam Ali (AS) – revered as the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam in Shia Islam.

• Witness the golden dome and intricate tile work; take time for personal prayer and guided shrine tour.

Walk Through the Old City of Najaf

• Stroll through the traditional market (souq) surrounding the shrine. Authentic local goods, books, perfumes, and religious items.

– Visit Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery

• Just adjacent to the shrine lies the largest cemetery in the world, with graves dating back centuries. Spiritual significance and profound atmosphere.

•explanation of the cemetery’s history and notable graves.

– Drive to Kufa

• 15–20 min from Najaf

– Visit the Great Mosque of Kufa

• One of the oldest and holiest mosques in Islam. Associated with Prophet Adam, Imam Ali, and events from early Islamic history.

• Visit Mihrab Imam Ali, House of Imam Ali, and other sacred spots inside the mosque complex.

– Return to Najaf for Dinner

• Recommended: Local Kabab

– Check-in to Hotel in Najaf

Breakfast in Najaf

• Enjoy a traditional Iraqi breakfast at your hotel.

•depart for Uruk – approx. 3.5-hour drive through the Iraqi desert

Explore Uruk (Warka),

• Uruk is considered the birthplace of writing, where the first cuneiform script emerged nearly 5,000 years ago.

• Visit the remains of the White Temple, the Anu Ziggurat, and see where the Epic of Gilgamesh was born.

• Time for photos, walking the ancient grounds, and historical storytelling by your guide.

– Cultural Pause & Tea with Locals

• Stop at a local tea house or shaded rest stop for refreshments before continuing your journey.

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– Depart Uruk for Basra

• Approx. 4-hour drive, passing through rich agricultural areas.

• Light boxed snacks on the way or stop for lunch.

– Arrival in Basra & Hotel

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Evening: Basra Old City & Nightlife

5:30 PM – Walking Tour of the Old City

• Explore Ashar, the historic heart of Basra.

• Visit the Shanasheel houses with their iconic wooden balconies and intricate facades.

– Dinner on the Shatt al-Arab River

• Dine at a riverfront restaurant serving local seafood like grilled shrimp, masgouf, and tamarind fish stew.

• Enjoy sunset views over the water with traditional Basrawi music.

– Basra Nightlife Experience

• Explore the Basra Corniche, alive with families, vendors, and performers.

• Try local sweets like date halwa or a glass of chilled khushaf (dried fruit drink).

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Overnight in Basra

Optional: Nighttime River Cruise on the Shatt al-Arab

– Early Breakfast at Hotel in Basra

• Enjoy a local southern Iraqi breakfast with fresh bread, dates, labneh, and chai.

rive time: Approx. 1 hour

• Guide introduction to Mesopotamia’s geography and the cultural significance of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

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– Visit Qurnah: The Meeting Point of the Rivers

• Stand at the exact point where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers merge into the Shatt al-Arab — the mythical location of the Garden of Eden.

• Visit the symbolic Tree of Knowledge (Adam’s Tree) and take in the spiritual and natural ambiance.

– Boat Tour in the Mesopotamian Marshes (Al-Ahwar)

• Board a traditional mashoof (reed boat) or a modern motorboat with a local guide.

• Cruise through the UNESCO-listed Marshes, one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.

• Visit a reed house (mudhif) and enjoy Iraqi tea with marsh Arab hosts.

• Try grilled marsh fish prepared slowly on charcoals

– Depart for the Ancient City of Ur (Near Nasiriyah)

Drive Time: Approx. 1.5 hours

– Explore the Ruins of Ur

• Visit the legendary Ziggurat of Ur, once dedicated to the moon god Nanna.

• Walk through the remains of the Royal Tombs and ancient housing quarters.

• Learn about the earliest forms of writing (cuneiform), and see where Abraham (Ibrahim) is believed to have been born.

• Guided storytelling brings the Sumerian civilization to life.

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– Depart for Baghdad

Drive Time: Approx. 4.5–5 hours (including rest stop)

• Sit back and enjoy the road trip through Iraq’s heartland, with commentary on southern to central Iraq’s historical transitions.

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Evening: Arrival in Baghdad

– Check-In at Hotel in Baghdad

Optional Late Dinner:

• Try traditional Baghdadi dishes like tepsi baytinijan or dolma at a local restaurant near the hotel or along the Tigris promenade.

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Overnight Stay: Baghdad

Departure from Baghdad

Visit to Samarra – The Golden Age of Islamic Civilization

Travel north to Samarra, a former Abbasid capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights Include:

• The Great Mosque of Samarra: Famous for its unique spiral minaret (Malwiya Tower), this site exemplifies 9th-century Islamic architecture.

• The Caliphal Palaces: Explore the remains of Abbasid-era palaces along the Tigris, rich with historical and architectural significance.

Continue to Al-Hatra, deep in the desert — a vast archaeological site and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore on the way the towns that used to be under ISIS control.

Arrival in Mosul – The Cultural Heart of Northern Iraq

Conclude the journey in Mosul, one of Iraq’s oldest and most culturally rich cities.

• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant offering Moslawi specialties such as kubba, dolma, and masgouf.

• Optional: Walk along the Tigris River promenade or explore the nightlife in select areas known for music and local cafés.

Overnight Stay in Mosul

Start your day by exploring the Old City, where layers of Mosul’s rich past meet the scars of recent history.

Highlights Include:

• Al-Nuri Mosque: Site of the symbolic leaning minaret, now undergoing restoration. Learn about its cultural role before and after the conflict.

• Ruins of ISIS Destruction: Witness areas impacted during the occupation and liberation, including destroyed churches, homes, and markets. stories of survival.

• Traditional Moslawi Homes and Marketplaces: Walk the narrow lanes where rebuilding continues. Meet local artisans and families restoring their heritage.

Visit to Mar Mattai Monastery (Marmiti Monastery)

Located on Mount Maqloub, Mar Mattai is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, dating back to the 4th century.

Explore:

• Ancient Syriac Christian architecture and monastic life

• Panoramic views of the Nineveh Plains

• Stories of preservation and interfaith coexistence in a region marked by turmoil

Drive to the town of Bashiqa, a stronghold of Yazidi culture and spirituality.

Discover:

• Yazidi Temples and Shrines: Including Lalish-style sanctuaries, with white conical domes and symbolic imagery

• Learn about Yazidi beliefs, customs, and their survival after the genocide by ISIS

• Interact with community members engaged in rebuilding and cultural revival

• Taste traditional Yazidi sweets or beverages in the town’s quiet streets and talk to locals

Visit the Christian Town of Baghdida

On the way back toward Mosul, stop in Baghdida, one of the oldest Christian towns in Iraq, known historically as “Little Baghdad.”

Explore:

• Reopened Assyrian and Syriac churches, many of which were damaged and have been restored

Return to Mosul – Evening & Nightlife and many locals and Heritage houses

Conclude the day with an evening in central Mosul, where signs of renewal are emerging.

Enjoy:

• A traditional dinner at a local Moslawi restaurant, sampling dishes like kubba Mosuli, dolma, and grilled fish

• Stroll along the Tigris River promenade, a hub of family outings and evening cafés

• Visit a cultural café or rooftop lounge with live music or poetry, experiencing Mosul’s youth-driven cultural revival

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Overnight in Mosul

Departure from Mosul

Visit to Lalish – Heart of the Yazidi Faith

Arrive in Lalish, the holiest site in Yazidism, nestled in the green valleys of northern Iraq.

Experience:

• Lalish Temple Complex: Walk barefoot through the sacred grounds, in respect of Yazidi tradition.

• surrounded by ancient domes and spiritual symbolism.

• Cultural Interaction: Engage with local Yazidi caretakers to learn about their customs, rituals, and post-conflict recovery.

This is a serene and humbling visit — a sacred space of peace, spiritual endurance, and unique cultural identity.

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Continue to Erbil – Capital of the Kurdistan Region

Travel east toward Erbil, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, blending ancient heritage with modern dynamism.

Explore the Erbil Citadel and Historic Market

Upon arrival in Erbil, begin your farewell tour with a walk through its vibrant cultural core.

Highlights:

• Erbil Citadel: A UNESCO World Heritage Site rising above the city, offering panoramic views and a walk through 6,000 years of history.

• Textile and Kurdish Costume Museum (optional): Inside the citadel, showcasing traditional Kurdish heritage.

• Qaysari Bazaar: Dive into the sounds, scents, and colors of the bustling market below the citadel — perfect for final souvenirs like Kurdish scarves, sweets, or handmade crafts.

• Local Cuisine: Enjoy a farewell meal at a traditional Kurdish restaurant or rooftop café with a view of the citadel.

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Departure from Erbil International Airport

Transfer to Erbil International Airport for your onward flight.

As you leave the land of Mesopotamia, ancient temples, resilient cities, and spiritual crossroads, take with you the stories, the hospitality, and the timeless echoes of Iraq.