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8-day Cultural Exploration Tour

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An unforgettable journey through ancient Mesopotamia.

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8-day Cultural Exploration Tour

Join our group tours to Iraq and discover the ancient wonders of Mesopotamia. These 8-day/8-night itineraries include Babylon, Uruk, Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf, Mosul and Erbil – as well as the stunning Mesopotamian Marshes. Our tours are ideal for small groups and feature fixed starting dates, private transportation, 4-star hotels, and expert English-speaking tour guides. They ensure a safe, smooth and deeply immersive experience: from sacred shrines to ancient ruins, you will witness Iraq’s rich culture and vibrant history up close.

 

During your trip, you will experience authentic local hospitality and cuisine.

 

You will enjoy carefully prepared activities that bring to life vibrant Iraqi traditions.


You'll create lasting memories with like-minded travelers on an unforgettable adventure.

 

 

Highlights of the trip

 

  • 8 days and 8 nights

  • Southern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region

  • Ancient cities: Babylon, Ur, Uruk, Hatra

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • Experience of the Mesopotamian swamps

  • Cultural immersion with locals

  • Holy cities of Karbala and Najaf

  • Historical treasures in Baghdad and Mosul

  • Natural beauties of Kurdistan

 

 

The tour price includes

 

  • flights from Your City to Baghdad and back

  • airport pick-up and drop-off

  • small group of up to 6–9 participants

  • 8 nights accommodation in quality 4* hotels

  • English-speaking guide services throughout the tour

  • transportation by modern air-conditioned minivan (Private 8-seater SUV 3-4 people, 33-seat passenger car 5-12 people)

  • entry fees to all visited ancient sites

  • breakfast during the trip

  • maximum individual approach and care for each participant

 

 

The tour price does not include

 

  • meals other than breakfast

  • checked baggage fee

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Tour Program

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Day 01

 

Baghdad – culture, history and Ctesiphon

 

  • Liberation Square: A powerful symbol of Iraq's modern history and resilience.

  • Al-Mutanabi Street: Baghdad's famous book market, brimming with poetry, culture, and intellectual energy.

  • Abbasid Palace: Explore this architectural gem from the golden age of Islamic civilization.

  • Copper Market (Souq al-Safafeer): Watch traditional coppersmiths at work in the bustling old bazaar.

  • Al-Shabander Cafe: A historic cafe where thinkers, poets, and revolutionaries once gathered.

  • Martyrs' Monument (Nasb al-Shahid): A stunning and emotional tribute to fallen Iraqi soldiers.

  • Ctesiphon (Taq Kasra): Admire the ancient Persian Arch – the largest single-span unreinforced brick vault in the world.

  • Shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (Al-Kadhimiya) – One of the holiest Shiite shrines in Iraq

 

Overnight stay in Baghdad

Day 02

 

Baghdad – Babylon – Karbala

 

  • National Museum of Iraq: See priceless artifacts from Sumer, Babylon, Assyria, and Islamic civilizations.

  • Ruins of Babylon: Walk through the reconstructed gates and remains of one of the world's most legendary cities.

  • Saddam Hussein's Palace (Babylon): Explore the eerily abandoned presidential palace built overlooking ancient ruins.

  • The journey to Karbala

  • Imam Abbas Shrine: A sacred site for Shia Muslims, known for its magnificent architecture and spiritual significance.

  • Imam Hussein Shrine: The resting place of Imam Hussein, a symbol of resistance and faith in Islam.

 

Overnight stay in Karbala

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By Aziz1005 - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48855927

Day 03

 

Najaf – Nasiriyah

 

  • Journey to Najaf, an important pilgrimage center.

  • Wadi As-Salám: Visit the largest cemetery in the world - the resting place of millions of souls.

  • Ruins of Uruk (Not possible on a rainy day): Discover one of the first cities in the world and the birthplace of writing and law.

  • Ziggurat of Ur: Climb this 4,000-year-old Sumerian temple – the pinnacle of ancient Mesopotamia.

  • Arrival in Nasiriyah: Relax in this southern city on the Euphrates.

 

Overnight stay in Nasiriyah

 

 

Day 04

 

Mesopotamian Marshes – Return to Baghdad

 

  • Visit the Mesopotamian Marshes: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once drained but now restored.

  • Meet the Marsh Arabs: Learn about their ancient way of life, hospitality, and unique reed architecture.

  • Shacktura boat ride: Sail through narrow canals in a traditional wooden boat.

  • Lunch Masgouf: Enjoy the national dish – grilled river fish served in a reed house (al-mudheef).

  • Visit Bab Alagha (Iraqi Willy Wonka): Explore this charming local sweet shop and sample authentic treats.

  • Drive back to Baghdad

 

Overnight stay in Baghdad

 

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By (Ahmed Abdul Amiralem)احمد عبدالاميرلازم - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95311993

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By Aliraad22333 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72623219

Day 05

 

Baghdad – Samarra – Mosul

 

  • Spiral Minaret in Samarra (Malwíya): An iconic 9th-century structure with breathtaking views from the top.

  • Explore the Abu Dulaf Mosque (Little Malwiya) – a rare surviving example of Abbasid architecture.

  • Hatra: Explore this well-preserved UNESCO site – a mix of Hellenistic and Parthian culture with towering temples and ancient ruins.

  • Driving to Mosul: the historic and resilient city of northern Iraq.

 

Overnight stay in Mosul

Day 06

 

Mosul–Duhok

 

  • Assyrian Wall: See the remains of the mighty Neo-Assyrian Empire.

  • Old City of Mosul: Stroll through the remains of churches, mosques, and souks that tell stories of a rich and diverse past.

  • The road to Duhok: A scenic drive through Kurdish mountains and valleys.

 

Overnight stay in Dahuk

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Day 07

 

Duhok – Lalish – Akre – Erbil

 

  • Lalish: Visit the holiest site of the Yazidi faith, a peaceful valley with sacred temples.

  • Khinis Reliefs: See ancient rock carvings commissioned by Assyrian kings.

  • Mar Mattai Monastery: A 4th-century Christian monastery, standing on a mountain.

  • Acre: A picturesque city nestled in the mountains, known for its unique culture and beauty.

  • Arrival in Erbil: The capital of Kurdistan, full of energy and history.

  • Citadel in Erbil: Night walk and enjoy the atmosphere around the Citadel.

 

Overnight stay in Erbil

Day 08

 

Erbil - departure

 

  • Optional airport transfer or more time to explore the citadel, bazaars and museums in Erbil. Possibility to extend your stay to suit your needs.

 

 

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How it works

STEP 01

 

You should then send us the form below. 

 

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or, give us a call.

STEP 03

 

Upon agreement, you make a 60% payment of the total price.

First of all, take a look at our tours. After you have decided which tour you are interested in, it's time to learn more about it.

STEP 02

 

We hold a face-to-face or virtual meeting so that we provide you with a consultation regarding your trip and more information about the service and what to expect.

STEP 04

 

We book the flights and make all necessary preparations as soon as we reach the minimum number of 4 travelers.

STEP 05

 

You should pay the remaining 40% of the tour price no later than 15 days before departure.

And finally, we will meet you at the airport just before your flight to answer all the questions you may have.

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