Grand Mesopotamia

Destinations

• Baghdad
• Karbala
• Najaf
• Ur
• Mesopotamian Marshes
• Basra
• Samarra
• Mosul
• Nineveh
• Hatra
• Lalish
• Duhok
• Erbil
• Ashur
• Babylon

Day by day

1. Day 1Discover Historic Baghdad Explore Baghdad’s historical landmarks, including Al-Mutanabbi Street, Al-Mustansiriya School, the Abbasid Palace, Al-Qishla, and the city’s traditional markets and cafés. Discover the capital’s rich history, architecture, and vibrant local culture. Visits are subject to opening hours, accessibility, security conditions, and official regulations.
2. Day 2Babylon & Holy Karbala Explore the ancient ruins of Babylon, including the Ishtar Gate, the Processional Way, and the Lion of Babylon. Continue to holy Karbala to visit the shrines of Imam Hussein and Al-Abbas and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the old city. Visits are subject to opening hours, accessibility, and official regulations.
3. Day 3Al-Ukhaidir, Najaf & Kufa Visit Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, Al-Aqiser Church, and Al-Tar Caves before exploring Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery, the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali, Najaf Bazaar, and the historic landmarks of Kufa, including the Great Mosque and Dar Al-Imara. Overnight in Najaf.
4. Day 4Uruk, Ur & The Mesopotamian Marshes Explore the ancient Sumerian cities of Uruk and Ur, including the famous Ziggurat of Ur. Continue to the Mesopotamian Marshes for a traditional Iraqi lunch, a boat tour at sunset, and an overnight stay in a traditional reed house. Overnight in the Marshes.
5. Day 5The Marshes, Qurnah & Basra Enjoy an early-morning boat tour through the Mesopotamian Marshes, then visit Qurnah and the legendary Tree of Adam. Continue to Basra to explore the Old City, Basra Museum, and traditional heritage houses. In the evening, enjoy a boat trip on the Shatt al-Arab and a walk along Basra Corniche. Overnight in Basra.
6. Day 6Basra to Baghdad Visit Basra’s traditional fish market and the historic British Military Cemetery before driving back to Baghdad. Enjoy a free evening to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Baghdad.
7. Day 7Samarra, Hatra & Mosul Explore Samarra’s historic landmarks, including the Al-Askari Holy Shrine, Qasr al-Baraka, the Great Mosque and Malwiya Minaret, and Abu Dulaf Mosque. Pass through Tikrit to view Saddam Hussein’s former palaces, stop for lunch, then visit the ancient city of Hatra. Arrive in Mosul for hotel check-in, followed by an evening visit to Al-Nuri Grand Mosque and a taste of local Mosuli cuisine. Overnight in Mosul.
8. Day 8Discover Historic Mosul Explore Mosul’s Old City and its historic markets, including the spice and fish markets. Visit the Old Bridge, Al-Tahira Church, and the Nabi Yunus Mosque site and surrounding bazaar. In the evening, relax at Mosul Forests and enjoy the local atmosphere. Overnight in Mosul.
9. Day 9Nimrud, Ashur & Mosul Discover the ancient Assyrian cities of Nimrud and Ashur, exploring their archaeological remains, historic temples, and palaces. Return to Mosul in the evening to enjoy the traditional markets and relax at a local café overlooking the Tigris River. Overnight in Mosul.
10. Day 10Mar Mattai Monastery, Lalish & Duhok Visit Mar Mattai Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the Middle East, then explore Lalish, the holiest religious site of the Yazidi faith. Continue to Duhok to discover the city centre and local markets. Overnight in Duhok.
11. Day 11Amedi & Zakho Explore the historic mountain town of Amedi, visiting its ancient gates, Ottoman cemetery, historic church, traditional mosque, and other heritage sites. Continue to Zakho to visit the local museum, then enjoy an evening walk along the river and admire the famous Delal Bridge. Overnight in Duhok.
12. Day 12Akre & Erbil Visit Akre Mountain and the historic Qishla before travelling to Erbil. Explore Erbil Citadel, the Mudhafaria Minaret, and the Grand Mosque. In the evening, enjoy the atmosphere of the citadel and the traditional Qaysari Bazaar. Overnight in Erbil.
13. Day 13Hamilton Road, Shanidar Cave, Bekhal & Rawanduz Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery along Hamilton Road, visit the prehistoric Shanidar Cave, and discover the beautiful Bekhal Waterfall and Rawanduz Canyon. In the evening, experience Kurdish hospitality by visiting traditional local cafés and socializing with local people. Overnight in Erbil.
14. Day 14Return to Baghdad Depart Erbil and travel back to Baghdad, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to Baghdad International Airport for your departure flight. Farewell to Iraq, taking with you unforgettable memories of its ancient civilizations, diverse cultures, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality.