Iraq · Archaeology

12-Day Iraq Cultural and Historical Tour from Basra to Erbil

12 Days Round trip from Basrah Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore ancient cities including Babylon, Ur, and Nineveh, along with the Iraqi marshlands in Nassiriya
02 Visit sacred pilgrimage sites such as the Shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala and the birthplace of Prophet Ibrahim
03 Discover Baghdad's cultural landmarks, including Qishla Building, Mutanabi Street, and the Iraq Museum
04 See important heritage sites in northern Iraq, from Lalish and St. Matthew's Monastery to ancient monasteries near Duhok
05 Experience local traditions through a Marshlands boat ride, cultural walks, and authentic Iraqi cuisine

Embark on a 12-day journey through Iraq's rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultures, from Basra to Erbil. Explore ancient cities such as Babylon, Ur, and Nineveh, visit the serene marshlands of Nassiriya, and discover the awe-inspiring mountains of Kurdistan. Along the way, witness the legacy of the Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Kurds, visit sacred pilgrimage sites, and experience local traditions while enjoying authentic Iraqi cuisine.

Embark on a 12-day journey through Iraq's rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultures, from Basra to Erbil.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Basra, Najaf, Sulaymaniya, Baghdad, Dahuk, An Nasiriyah, Erbil, Rawanduz, Karbala, Mosul, Samarra, Babylon

Languages Arabic, English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Basra and Evening by Shat Al Arab

Arrival at Basra Airport and pickup.
Hotel check-in at Shamas Al Basra 4-star Hotel.
Open buffet breakfast available.
Lunch and dinner at the hotel for those staying in.
Visit the Italian Bridge.

In the evening, enjoy an optional walk by the Port of Shat Al Arab.

An optional boat ride, "Sindbad The Sailor," is also available.

Return to the hotel for the night.

Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 02

Al Qurna, Adam's Tree Garden, and the Marshlands

Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Nassryiah (2 hours, 200 km/124 miles).
Stop at Al Qurna to see where the Tigris and Euphrates meet and visit Adam's Tree Garden.
Visit the Marshlands and enjoy lunch (Mazgof - fresh grilled fish, or chicken with rice for those allergic to seafood).
Boat ride in the Marshlands to experience the wildlife, buffaloes, and birds, and explore local life.

Stay the night at a reed house or a nearby local hotel.

Day 03

Ur, Uruk, and Arrival in Najaf

Breakfast at the reed house.
Visit the Ziggurat of Ur (1-hour tour) - the birthplace of Prophet Ibrahim.
Drive to Uruk (5,000 BC), the birthplace of the first written words and the first city in the world.
Drive to Najaf (3.5-hour drive).
Hotel check-in.
In the evening, visit the Shrine of Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Day 04

Wadi Al-Salam, Babylon, and Karbala Shrines

Visit Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery (quick stop for photos).
Drive to Babylon (1-hour drive).
Visit Dhu al-Kifl, a significant prophet in Islamic tradition.
Tour Ancient Babylon: Ishtar Gate, Hanging Gardens site, Lion of Babylon, Processional Way, Nebuchadnezzar's Palace, Temple of Marduk, Etemenanki Ziggurat, and Saddam's Babylon Palace.
Lunch at Babylon Palace, with exclusive access to remarkable rooms.
Drive to Karbala (1.5-hour drive).
Hotel check-in at Baron International Hotel (open buffet breakfast included).
In the afternoon, visit the Shrine of Imam Hussein and the Shrine of Abbas.
Optional dinner at a local Kurdish restaurant.

Day 05

Historic Baghdad and the Iraq Museum

Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Baghdad (2-hour drive).
Visit Bab al-Wastani (historical gate) and Abbasid Palace.
Take a walking tour of Sarai Street, including Qishla Building, Mustansiriya Madrasa, Al-Arashdiya Military School, Baghdad Old Governorate, and King Gazi Mosque.
Tea stop at Shabandar Tea House.
Continue to Mutanabi Street, visit Suq Al Safafer (the oldest bazaar), and cross the Martyrs' Bridge.
Visit Al Watar Cultural Heritage House and Shawaka Restaurant for lunch.
Tour the Iraq Museum (2-3 hours) with a specialist guide.
Visit Unknown Soldier Monument.

An optional stop at the Iraqi Culture Monument and Victory Arch in the Green Zone is available.

In the evening, have dinner at Darbona Cultural Restaurant.

Day 06

Samarra Monuments and Journey to Mosul

Check out from the hotel after breakfast.
Drive to Samarra (2-hour drive, 133 km).
Visit the Grand Mosque of Samarra and Malwiya Tower, a climbable spiral tower.
Visit the Abu Dalaf Mosque (9th century, spiral minaret).
Drive to Mousl (4-hour drive).
Check in at Modern Palace Hotel (open buffet breakfast included).

Rest for the day.

Day 07

Walking Tour of Mosul and Transfer to Erbil

Full-day walking tour of Mosul.
Visit the Old Bazaar and cultural houses, which feature war-time sniper sites and historical artifacts.
Visit Al-Masfi Mosque, Baytuna Cultural Museum, Noori Mosque, and Al-Hadba Minaret (under restoration).
Visit the Assyrian Wall and Sun Gate in Mosul, and the Tomb of Prophet Jonah.
Drive to Erbil (2-hour drive).
Check in at the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a Kurdish cultural restaurant.

Day 08

Gaugamela, St. Matthew's Monastery, Jirwana, and Lalish

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Depart Erbil for Gaugamela, the site of the battle between King Darius III and Alexander the Great.
Visit Dayro d-Mor Matay Monastery (St. Matthew's Monastery).
Explore Jirwana, the world's oldest-known bridge and aqueduct (690 BC).
Visit Lalish, the pilgrimage site of the Yazidi people.
Arrive in Duhok for dinner and overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 09

Alqosh, Ancient Monasteries, and Duhok Return

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Sarsinc near Gara Mountain to explore Saddam Hussein's former palace ruins.
Visit Alqosh, the tomb of the Old Testament prophet Nahum, and ancient monasteries and churches.
Lunch in Duhok.
Visit Chwar Stoon (Zoroastrian site) and, time permitting, visit Khanis or Halamata Reliefs.
Return to Duhok for dinner and overnight stay in a 3-star hotel.

Day 10

Ancient Amedi and Gali Sherana Resort

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Amedi (4-hour drive).
Visit the ancient fortress city of Amedi, the 100-foot-high minaret, and the ancient synagogue.
Explore Gali Sherana Resort with its natural blue waters and scenic views.

Overnight stay at Pel House Motel.

Day 11

Shanidar Cave, Rawanduz Gorge, and Sulaymaniyah

Breakfast at the hotel.
Drive to Sulaymaniyah, passing through Shanidar Cave (optional climb) and Rawanduz Gorge.
Visit the Hamilton Road and enjoy a hike in Barzan or Rawanduz Gorge.
Picnic lunch in the scenic region.
Travel to Sulaymaniyah.
Sunset view from Goizha Mountain.

Stop in Dokan for lunch, with optional fish by the lake.

Overnight stay at a 3-star hotel.

Day 12

Sulaymaniyah Museums and Departure to Erbil

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.
Explore the Red Museum and the Archaeological Museum in Sulaymaniyah.
Depart for Erbil and arrive by noon.

Where this trip takes you

Ziggurat of Ur, Ishtar Gate, Rawanduz Gorge, Lalish

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Basrah 12 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Entry tickets.
Transportation by bus for a large number of people, or SUV Tahoe/Suburban for a small number of people.
Internet in the hotels and throughout the whole trip.
Professional English-, Arabic-, and Kurdish-speaking tour guide from Kurdistan.
Boat ride and Mazgof fish for everyone in the marshland.
Airport transfers.

What's Not Included

Travel insurance.
Air flight tickets.
Souvenirs.
Alcoholic drinks.
Lunch and dinner.

What to bring

One large bag for the whole trip.

Know before you go

Travel advisory and safety: You will pass through security checkpoints while travelling within the country and entering other cities. It is crucial not to take videos or photos or talk on the phone while passing through a checkpoint. If you do, they may take your phone and examine it. In some cases, this may lead to jail time, so it is best not to photograph police unless you ask their permission through the guide.
Visa and documentation: Individuals holding a valid US passport, or a passport from the United Kingdom, People's Republic of China, Russian Federation, French Republic, European Union countries, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or South Korea, are granted a visa to Iraq upon arrival through border crossings (land, air, and sea). The visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival, subject to the applicable health and safety conditions upon arrival, and costs 80 USD in cash only at the airport. For Indian nationals, an invitation from Baghdad is required.
Health and vaccinations: Vaccinations are not required for travel to Iraq. However, it is advisable to have travel health insurance before coming to Iraq. We will do our best to attend to necessary medical needs in case of sickness or illness.
Cultural sensitivities: Familiarize yourself with local customs and cultural norms to ensure respectful behaviour throughout your visit. Do not take photos of others unless you have their permission.
A woman must wear a hejab or abaya when entering any mosque or shrine.
Men must wear pants or jeans; shorts and clothes with weird symbols and long English words are prohibited.
Weather and packing: Understand the climate of the region you will be visiting and pack accordingly. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters may be colder.
Language: Arabic is the official language of Iraq. While English may be spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful. However, the guide is fluent in Arabic, English, and Kurdish.
Local currency and payments: The Iraqi Dinar (IQD) is the official currency. Credit cards may not be widely accepted, so it is advisable to carry cash in local currency.
You can also exchange money in the local market with the guide; it is preferred to bring US dollars for exchange.
Respect for local laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations to avoid misunderstandings or legal issues during your stay.