Itinerary

1. Day 1: Baghdad

   • Commence the exploration at the Iraqi Museum, immersing ourselves in ancient Mesopotamian antiquities.
   • Continue with a captivating walking tour through the old quarters of Baghdad.
   • Visit al-Mutanabbi Book Market Street—an intellectual haven.
   • Explore Mustansiriyah Madrasah.
   • Visit the century-old Shabandar Cafe for a glass of lime tea.
   • Proceed to the Abbasid Palace on the Tigris river bank.
   • Experience a century-old juice shop with refreshing raisin juice.
   • Explore the Antique Market.
   • Embark on a boat tour on the Tigris River.
   • Indulge in lunch at an old Baghdadi restaurant offering Kuba.
   • The day unfolds with walks through bustling bazaars like Copper Market, Stationery Market, and Clothing Market.
   • Culminate at the iconic Freedom Monument.

2. Day 2: Babylon - Karbala

   • The following day, embark on a journey to Babylon.
   • Explore the original lower part of the Ishtar Gate, the Lion of Babylon.
   • Stroll through the reconstructed palace of Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II.
   • Venture to Saddam's abandoned palace, exploring its grandeur.
   • Encounter the last standing portrait statue of Saddam.
   • Continue the journey to Karbala.
   • Embark on a walking night tour in Karbala.
   • Marvel at the magnificent shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas.
   • Immerse ourselves in the vibrant nearby bazaar.

   Conclude the night with a stay in Karbala.

3. Day 3: Karbala - Najaf - Nasiyriah

   • The following morning, embark on a journey to Najaf.
   • Explore the shrine of Imam Ali and the colossal Valley of Peace graveyard.
   • Witness over 5 million graves in the graveyard.
   • Gain a panoramic view from the top of a multistory garage.
   • Appreciate the vastness of the cemetery.
   • Continue the journey to Nasiyriah province.
   • Marvel at the well-preserved Ziggurat of Ur.
   • Explore the pyramid-like stepped temple tower dating back to around 2100 BC.
   • Discover when this ancient city served as the capital of the Neo-Sumerian Empire.

   Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Nasiyriah.

4. Day 4: Nasiyriah - Chibayish Marshes - Basra

   • The following day, venture to the Chibayish Marshes.
   • Discover a community living in reed houses, embracing a way of life dating back to the ancient Sumerians.
   • Interact with the local Marsh Arabs.
   • Embark on an exhilarating boat tour through the marshes.
   • Witness the reeds, swimming buffaloes, and various bird species.
   • Enjoy a delightful lunch of masgouf fish in a reed house.
   • Continue southward to Basra.
   • Pause at al-Kurna town to witness the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
   • Glimpse the ancient Adam tree.

   Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Basra.

5. Day 5: A Full Day In Basra

   • Begin the day with visits to various places in Basra.
   • Start at the Basra Museum, formerly one of Saddam’s palaces.
   • Explore al-Ashar Market.
   • Stroll through the historic old town to marvel at the Shanasheel houses, former residences of affluent aristocrats.
   • Continue the journey with stops at the al-Hasoun Antique Museum and Cafe.
   • Enjoy a walk along Basra Corniche.
   • Embark on a boat tour in Shat al-Arab River.
   • Visit the Lights Village.
   • Glimpse the statue honouring the renowned poet in Basra, al-Sayyab.

   Conclude the day with another night in Basra.

6. Day 6: Basra - Baghdad

   • Return to Baghdad the next day.
   • Dedicate time to exploring the vibrant Karada District on the eastern side of the Tigris.
   • Engage in a walking tour through the market.
   • Visit old cafes in the area.
   • Stroll along Abu Nuwas Corniche.
   • Admire the statues of the Arabian Nights.
   • Pause at the church visited by Pope Francis.

   Conclude the journey with a stop at Darbuna restaurant, offering authentic Iraqi traditional cuisine.

7. Day 7: Baghdad - Samarra - Erbil

   • Head to Erbil in the morning.
   • Stop at Samarra city to explore UNESCO Heritage Sites, including the spiral Malwiya Minaret, the Abbasid Pond Palace, and Abu Dalaf Minaret.
   • Reach Erbil.
   • Unfold the evening with a walking night tour along Askan Food Street.

   Stay overnight in Erbil.

8. Day 8: A Full Day In Erbil

   • Start the morning tour at Erbil Citadel, a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
   • Explore the Grand Bazaar surrounding the castle, stroll through roofed market lanes, and explore diverse shops.
   • Pause for tea in a historic cafe adorned with portraits of local figures.
   • Visit the Choli Minaret and the impressive Jalil Khayat Mosque.

   Spend another night in Erbil.

9. Day 9: Erbil - Musul

   • Head to Mosul in the morning.
   • Visit the 4th-century Mar Mattai Monastery on Maqlup Mountain.
   • Explore Al-Nouri Mosque, Assyrian ancient remains, and the famed Leaning Minaret.
   • Discover old churches, ancient Assyrian remains, and cultural sites.
   • Take a walk in the fish market.
   • Witness the destruction on the Right Side of Mosul, which experienced intense battles.

   Stay overnight in Mosul.

10. Day 10: Musul - Hatra - Baghdad

    • Journey back to Baghdad in the morning.
    • Stop at the ancient ruins of Hatra on the way.
    • Explore mesmerizing temples and buildings from the 2nd century AD.
    • Experience a distinctive blend of Roman-Greco and Eastern architectural elements.
    • Arrive in Baghdad by evening.