4-Day Iraq Cultural Tour with Baghdad, Babylon, Samarra and Mosul

• 8:40 AM - Tour start: Begin your day with a visit to Bab al-Wastani (Bab al-Khorasan), a historical gate built in 1221 under Caliph al-Nasir and the only surviving gate of Baghdad's ancient city wall.

• Attend a 30-minute lecture on the significance of Bab al-Wastani.

• Visit the Abbasid Palace and explore this 12th-century Islamic architectural marvel, which served as an administrative and residential complex during the Abbasid era.

• Attend a 30-minute lecture on the history of the Abbasid Palace.

• Take a walking tour of Sarai Street and its historic buildings:

  • Qishla Building: Former Ottoman military barracks with a clock tower.
  • Mustansiriya Madrasa: A 13th-century educational institution showcasing Islamic architecture.
  • Al-Arashdiya Military School: A significant historical military school.
  • Baghdad Old Governorate: Built during the Ottoman era and once home to key state departments.
  • King Gazi Mosque: Built in 1776, this key historical mosque reflects Baghdad's cultural heritage.
  • Cultural Houses: Learn about the various cultural houses and their historical importance.

• Enjoy a tea break at Shabandar Tea House, one of Baghdad's oldest tea houses.

• Visit Mutanabi Street and walk through this lively area, including Suq Al Safafer, described as the oldest bazaar in the world.

• Cross the Martyrs' Bridge on foot and enjoy views of this historic bridge.

• Visit Al Watar Cultural Heritage House on a tour led by the owner of this cultural landmark.

• Lunch at Shawaka Restaurant: enjoy a traditional Iraqi meal.

Afternoon visits

• Iraqi Culture Monument: Take photos and explore this iconic structure (optional).
• Victory Arch in the Green Zone: Pass by and appreciate the architecture.
• Unknown Soldier Monument: Visit this site dedicated to Iraq's fallen soldiers.

• In the evening, arrive at the hotel for rest, followed by dinner at Darbona Cultural Restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Iraqi dishes.

• 8:40 AM - Departure: Head to the Iraq Museum, established in 1923, to explore the rich cultural heritage of Iraq and view artifacts from the Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian civilizations.
• Enjoy a 1.5-hour museum tour focused on Iraq's archaeological legacy.

Travel to Babylon (50-minute drive):

• Ishtar Gate: Visit the 6th-century BCE gate known for its glazed brickwork and depictions of dragons and bulls.
• Hanging Gardens site: Visit the debated location of the gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Lion of Babylon: View the grand statue symbolizing the power of Babylon.
• Processional Way: Walk along the ceremonial road leading to the Ishtar Gate.
• Nebuchadnezzar's Palace: See the remains of the grand palace of the Babylonian king.
• Temple of Marduk: Visit the ruins of the temple dedicated to the chief Babylonian god.
• Etemenanki Ziggurat: Explore the base of the ziggurat believed to be the Tower of Babel.
• Babylon Theater: Visit the ancient theater attributed to Alexander the Great.
• Summer Palace: See the palace built by Nebuchadnezzar II as a respite from the heat.
• Saddam's Babylon Palace: View the controversial palace built in the 1980s.

• 3:30 PM lecture: Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Babylon.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Babylon.

• Return to the hotel and finish the day after visiting these cultural sites.

• 8:30 AM - Departure: Drive to Samarra (133 km, about 2 hours).
• Grand Mosque of Samarra: Visit the 9th-century mosque, renowned for its iconic spiral-shaped Malwiya Minaret.

• Attend a 30-minute lecture on the history of Samarra and the Grand Mosque.

• Climb the Abu Dalaf Mosque and visit this site, famous for its spiral minaret and Abbasid architecture.

• Travel to Mosul (5-hour drive), then check in to the Modern Palace Hotel for the night.

• Explore Mosul on a walking tour focused on its historical sites and local culture.

• Walking tour of Mosul: Explore the city's ancient streets and learn about its history.

• Visit the Old Bazaar and wander through the oldest market, filled with traditional goods and local culture.

• Explore the Old Town and Mosul's restored cultural houses, featuring artifacts, traditional architecture, and remnants of the war.

• Attend a 1-hour lecture about the battle against the Islamic State and the history of Nineveh.

• Visit Al-Masfi Mosque, founded in 743 AD and restored in 2012.

• Visit Baytuna Cultural Museum, restored by UNESCO and showcasing Mosul's cultural heritage.

• Explore Noori Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret, known for their historical significance and ongoing restoration efforts.

• After the tour, depart for Erbil (2-hour drive) and conclude the tour.