Iraq
Iraq, a land rich in history, culture, and significance, is a country that has often been misunderstood. Nestled in the heart of the Middle East, Iraq is the cradle of ancient civilizations, the birthplace of writing, law, and monumental achievements. From the epic tales of Mesopotamia to the vibrant cities of Baghdad and Erbil, Iraq offers travelers an unparalleled journey through time and tradition.
Visiting Iraq is more than just a vacation; it’s an opportunity to step into a living museum where every corner tells a story of human ingenuity, resilience, and culture. The awe-inspiring ruins of ancient Babylon offer a glimpse into the distant past, while the bustling markets, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality make every moment memorable. Iraq is a country of contrasts, where modern-day life intersects with some of the world’s oldest landmarks, creating an atmosphere that’s both humbling and exhilarating.
Why should you visit Iraq? Because it’s a destination that will change your perspective on the world. It’s a place where history, art, and culture come alive, where you can explore ancient wonders, experience the rich local traditions, and meet people whose stories are just as fascinating as the places they call home. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking an adventure like no other, Iraq promises to deliver an experience unlike any other.
This will be the best trip ever because of the unique opportunity it provides to engage with one of the most historic and culturally significant countries in the world. It’s a chance to explore Iraq’s ancient wonders, discover the hidden gems of its cities, and walk in the footsteps of legendary figures from millennia ago. More than just a destination, Iraq is an adventure, a journey to the past and present, and a trip that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
- Trip dates: 15 February, Saturday - 23 February, Sunday
- 9 days
- 8 nights
Itinerary
Day 1
- 15.02.24 , Saturday
Flight to Basra via Istanbul. Arrival in Basra at night. Transfer to hotel, sleep.
Day 2
- 16.02.24 - Tree of Knowledge/Life – the point where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet – Chibaesh – zigurat Ur – Nasiriyah
From Basra we go to see the Tree of Knowledge/Life, which is mentioned in the Bible.
Next we see is the place where the famous Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet.
Afterwards, we head to the Marsh Arabs in Chibaesh, we find out what Saddam Hussein did to this region when people rebelled against him. We will ride a boat, see the life of the Marsh Arabs and have lunch there.
Zigurat Ur – this place should be seen by everyone. The best preserved temple complex of Ancient Mesopotamia, built in the 21st century BC.
We arrive in the city of Nasiriyah and spend the night here.
Day 3
- 17.02.24 - Uruk – Najaf – Karbala
We start our day with a visit to the ancient city of Uruk, founded in the 4th millennium BC. Writing originated in this city.
Next, we go to Najaf – the most important and holy place for Shiites. We will visit the Imam Ali Mosque, where according to Shiite tradition the mosque is the burial place of Adam and Noah.
Next, we will visit the largest Shiite cemetery in the world. The deceased are brought here from all over the world. It contains more than 6 million burials.
We will finish the day by visiting the 2 main shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas in Karbala.
Night in Karbala.
Day 4
- 18.02.24 – Babylon - Saddam's Palace - Ctesiphon Arch - Baghdad
In the morning, we head to Babylon, the cradle of the Mesopotamian civilization. Nearby we will visit Saddam’s Palace, built in the 1980s with a beautiful view of Babylon.
Next, we will head to the Arch of Ctesiphon 120 BC. The city itself was once the capital of the Parthian Empire. The arch is one of the largest single-span vaults in the world made of unreinforced brickwork.
In the evening, we arrive in Baghdad and if there is time left, we will visit the main mosque of the city.
Night in Baghdad.
Day 5
- 19.02.24 - Baghdad
Baghdad is the business, political and economic center of Iraq. The city gives the impression of being war-torn, but quite modern.
We will visit:
National Museum, 13th century medieval religious school, Liberation Square (where Saddam’s statue was toppled), Martyrs’ Monument, Al-Mutanabbi Street, old bazaar and iconic Shabander teahouse, Green Zone (embassy and government building area). Dinner at 1001 Nights Restaurant.
Overnight in Baghdad.
Day 6
- 20.02.24 - Samarra - Tikrit (Saddam's birthplace) - Sulaymaniyah (Iraqi Kurdistan)
Transfer to Samarra. We will visit the famous spiral minaret 52m high. We will also visit the Samarra mosque. This city was included in UNESCO in 2007.
Next we will go to the city of Tikrit, where we will see Saddam’s palaces. Nearby is the village of Al-Awja, where he comes from.
After, we will cross the border into Iraqi Kurdistan and head to Sulaymaniyah.
Night in Sulaymaniyah.
Day 7
- 21.02.24 – Sulaymaniyah - Erbil
After breakfast we will go to see our first city in Iraqi Kurdistan – Sulaymaniyah.
We will visit the building of the former regional headquarters of Amna Suraka (“Red Guard”). Now you can, accompanied by a guide, visit the former prison cells, which make a frightening but powerful impression. Samples of weapons from the Soviet era are on display. We will walk through the large bazaar and visit Freedom Square.
Next, we head to Erbil, where we will drive through the evening city, and visit the area where rich people live. We will see illuminated skyscrapers, visit the famous square with a view of the fortress.
Night in Erbil.
Day 8
- 22.02.24 - Erbil - Lalish
After breakfast we go to see the Erbil Fortress, if it is closed, we will go to Acre. This is a small town in the mountains, where there are ancient churches and mosques, and the most interesting thing is that there are remains of ancient ruins, caves and passages cut into the rocks. An amazing place with a view of the city from the mountains.
Next, we go to Lalish – the temple and pilgrimage of the Yazidis. The Yazidis are a mixture of such religions as Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Zoroastrianism. We learn about their history and religion. What these people went through under Saddam, ISIS and to this day.
Night in Erbil.
Day 9
- 23.02.24 – flying home
This is where we say good bye. Night at the hotel is included.
Your flight either at night or the following day.
- If you liked the program, let me know, I will tell you how to pay. To reserve your place, you need to make a deposit of $500, which is non-refundable. The remaining amount is no later than a 1 month before the trip (before January 15, 2025)
- The program is intense, we will walk a lot, eat a lot and see a lot!
- After the reservation, I will send the most necessary information that will be needed for this trip and what flights to book. Thanks
TOTAL PRICE PER PAX
-
Deposit $500 (To Book Your Space)
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Trip Lenght - 9 days
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Double room (with breakfast)
-
Accommodation in 4* hotels
Services Included
All transfers along the route, including from and to the airport,
4-star hotel based on double occupancy,
Full board (alcohol and hookah not included)
Professional local English-speaking guide (if you don’t understand English, I’ll translate)
All permits and entrance fees,
Boat rental in Chibaesh
Services NOT included
International flight to Basra and back from Erbil,
Visa on arrival $80,
International medical insurance,
Personal expenses, souvenirs, tips,
Single occupancy $400
Please Fill The Form
I will personally reach out to you via email or WhatsApp as soon as possible.
~NATALIA
Terms and conditions:
Tour Highlights
Dates: February 15, 2025 – February 23, 2025 (9 days / 8 nights)
Start Location: Basra, Iraq
End Location: Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Basra
Day 2: Tree of Knowledge/Life – Confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers – Chibaesh – Zigurat of Ur – Nasiriya
Day 3: Uruk – Najaf – Karbala
Day 4: Babylon – Saddam’s Palace – Ctesiphon Arch – Baghdad
Day 5: Baghdad
Day 6: Samarra – Tikrit (Saddam’s birthplace) – Sulaymaniyah (Iraqi Kurdistan)
Day 7: Sulaymaniyah – Erbil
Day 8: Erbil – Lalish
Day 9: Fly home
Accommodation
During our trip we will stay in 4* hotels.
Rooms are double occupancy.
Single occupancy supplement is $400
Transportation
We will have a private minibus throughout the tour.
Tour Cost
Apart from small personal expenses, this is an all-inclusive tour package.
What is included in the price?
8 accommodation nights
8 breakfasts
7 lunches
7 dinners
4-star hotel on double occupancy basis
All transfers as per itinerary, including from and to the airport
Local English-speaking guide
Translator – me
All permits and entrance fees
Boat rental in Chibaesh
What is NOT included?
International flights (to Basra and from Erbil)
International medical/travel insurance
Visa on arrival $80
Personal expenses, souvenirs,
Single occupancy $400
Tips
Any expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
Total Cost and Deposit
Total Cost of Tour: $2300.00
The payment method is by bank transfer in US Dollars only. I will send you payment instructions personally.
Deposit required to reserve your place: $500.00
The final balance of $1800.00 is due by January 15, 2025.
Visa to Iraq
For persons holding a valid passport of: USA, UK, People’s Republic of China, Russia, European Union, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea – a visa to Iraq is issued upon arrival through land, air and sea borders. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months before entry into Iraq.
Refunds and Cancellations
- All deposits are non-refundable, as well as payments made less than 30 days prior to travel.
- If you wish to cancel your trip due to personal circumstances, please notify me personally in advance.
- If the client decides to cancel the trip after paying the remaining amount:
- 90-45 days prior to travel: full refund minus deposit
- 44-30 days prior to travel: 50% refund
- 30 days or less: no refund.
Neither I, Natalia Hussain, nor any of our team of guides The Iraqi Way will be held responsible for any accidents or losses that you may experience before, during or after the tour. You join this tour with your responsibility and if anything happens, you must have travel insurance.