Duration

11 Days 10 Nights

Country

Iraq

Whole Iraq Tour May 2023

TOUR DATES:

21st May 2023 until 31st May 2023

Although longer than most trips in the country, this tour encompasses all of the main sites in Federal Iraq. Most Iraq tours focus on either the north or the south, without travelling to both. This means that by joining this tour, you’ll have an idea about how diverse Iraq truly is, ranging from the historical sites of the south, where human civilisation first started, to the mixed ethnic groups of the north.

If this Iraq tour doesn’t suit you, or you’re more interested in the North, we have Iraq tours running immediately after this one ends! Click here to find out more.

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD
ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD
We'll pick you up from Baghdad airport and drive you to your hotel for check in, most likely in the Karrada neighbourhood. This youthful neighbourhood is buzzing at night, so we'll go out to explore some gems that it has to offer. The cafe and restaurant scene is awesome, with the famous Darbuna restaurant being among the best. We'll also check out the nearby park along the Tigris river. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2 - BAGHDAD
BAGHDAD
Today we'll cover the main and most important sites of Baghdad, including Muttanabi Street (famous market street selling books and antiques), Al Shahbander Martyr's Cafe, The Iraqi National Museum, 1001 Nights Monument, and more.
Day 3 - BAGHDAD & CTESIPHON
BAGHDAD & CTESIPHON
In the morning, we'll try a delicious local delicacy known as Kahi and Gaimer (traditional Iraqi breakfast) before visiting the Martyr's monument. Then, we'll drive outside of Baghdad to the ancient arch of Ctesiphon, the world's largest ancient archway built by the Persians (super impressive!). We'll then return to Baghdad to visit either the shrine at Kadhimiya or Adamiyah, and we'll spend the evening in a local cafe beside the Tigris river.
Day 4 - KARBALA & NAJAF
KARBALA & NAJAF
We'll leave Baghdad in the early morning and head south, first to the holy city of Karbala. We'll visit the shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas, where the largest religious gathering in the world takes place annually (Arbaeen). After lunch in Karbala, we'll continue south to Najaf, where we'll visit the Grand Mosque of Kufa. Najaf is also home to the world's largest cemetery, and we know the best spot that overlooks it! We'll go there for sunset. In the evening, we'll wander around the old city of Najaf. Overnight in a homestay where we'll be served homemade dinner and drinks.
Day 5 - NASIRIYAH & UR
NASIRIYAH & UR
Today, we will drive further south to the city of Nasiriyah. This place is special because it is home to the ancient Ziggurat of Ur. It's one of the most breathtaking historical sites one can visit in Iraq, where we'll see old cuniform writing, as well as learning about the history of the place. Then, we'll have lunch in Nasiriyah, before continuing to the Iraqi Marshes. We'll arrive at night, so there won't be much to see, but we'll socialise with the locals in a traditional reed home (really beautiful!). We'll spend the night in one of these homes.
Day 6 - THE IRAQI MARSHES
THE IRAQI MARSHES
Today will be a tour highlight. We'll wake up in the morning to a traditional breakfast, before departing our home by boat! We'll spend the morning travelling through the Iraqi marshes by boat, where we'll see traditional reed houses, water buffaloes and more. If the water temperature is good, we might even go for a swim! Then, we'll have Masgouf fish for lunch, which is one of the most famous dishes in Iraq. It's super delicious and something that every visitor to Iraq must taste. Then, we will drive back to Najaf and spend the evening socialising and relaxing by the Euphrates river.
Day 7 - BABYLON & BAGHDAD
BABYLON & BAGHDAD
We'll leave Najaf fairly early to head to Babylon. Upon arrival in Hillah, which is close to the ancient ruins, we'll have a local breakfast known as Baqala Bil Dihn (one of our favourites!). We will then explore the ruins with a local guide that knows all of the fine details, before checking out a former palace of Saddam Hussein. After this, we will drive back to Baghdad to visit Sindbadland Amusement Park, where we can go jet-skiing or ziplining with a view of the Martyr's Monument. We'll then have dinner in a nearby restaurant.
Day 8 - SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL
SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL
This day will be busy, but it'll also be one of the best. First, we'll drive north to visit the famous minaret of Samarra, one of the most photogenic places in Iraq. We'll then continue to the ancient city of Hatra, which are some of the best preserved ancient ruins in the country. The Roman-influenced architecture is truly stunning. Finally, we'll end the day in Mosul, where we'll sample the local cuisine, before visiting a traditional cafe and historical museum known as Bytna.
Day 9 - MOSUL TOUR & NEARBY VILLAGES
MOSUL TOUR & NEARBY VILLAGES
In the morning, we'll explore the old city of Mosul, which is home to some of the most beautiful churches and mosques in all of Iraq. We'll also be witness to the destruction that took place during the war against ISIS, as well as the reconstruction efforts that are taking place now. In the afternoon, we will leave Mosul to visit the nearby town or Baashiqa, home to Yazidi temples and the nearby monastery of Mar Matti, which is located on top of a mountain and has the most gorgeous sunset views. Overnight in Mosul.
Day 10 - BACK TO BAGHDAD
BACK TO BAGHDAD
We'll first visit an Assyrian Christian town such as Bartella or Bakhdida, before driving back down south to Baghdad. If time permits, we may stop by Tikrit on the way. Upon arrival in Baghdad, we'll visit a more modern part of the city, with flashing lights and bustling streets. We'll also try some delicious grilled chicken. Overnight in Baghdad.
Day 11 - END OF TOUR
END OF TOUR
We'll show you around any Baghdad sites that we might have missed in the morning, before dropping you off at the airport for your flight back home.

Cost Info

Price includes

Accommodation in top hotels or homestays throughout Iraq
Local Iraqi English-speaking tour guide with in-depth knowledge of historical sites and hidden gems
ALL MEALS
All museum entry fees that are mentioned on the itinerary
Transportation in a private vehicle

Price excludes

Iraqi visa support documentation (if you're not eligible for a visa on arrival in Iraq, we can help you get the visa for an additional cost)
Flights
Souvenirs
Optional tip for guide and driver

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Iraq?
Most Western nationalities, in addition to nationals of China and Russia, are able to get a visa on arrival in Iraq by paying 77 USD and filling out a simple form.

If you belong to another nationality, we are able to apply for you visa on your behalf from inside Iraq. Your visa approval will be sent to you as a PDF and then stamped into your passport on arrival at Baghdad airport. However, this bears an additional cost.
Can I extend the tour?
You most certainly can! We offer custom extensions all over Iraq. Here are some suggestions regarding interesting places that are not covered on this itinerary:

- Anbar and the ancient waterwheels of Hit and Haditha

- Basrah city

- Kurdistan region

Price = $1,950.00

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Whole Iraq Tour May 2023

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD

ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD

Day 2 - BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD

Day 3 - BAGHDAD & CTESIPHON

BAGHDAD & CTESIPHON

Day 4 - KARBALA & NAJAF

KARBALA & NAJAF

Day 5 - NASIRIYAH & UR

NASIRIYAH & UR

Day 6 - THE IRAQI MARSHES

THE IRAQI MARSHES

Day 7 - BABYLON & BAGHDAD

BABYLON & BAGHDAD

Day 8 - SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL

SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL

Day 9 - MOSUL TOUR & NEARBY VILLAGES

MOSUL TOUR & NEARBY VILLAGES

Day 10 - BACK TO BAGHDAD

BACK TO BAGHDAD

Day 11 - END OF TOUR

END OF TOUR

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Iraq?

Can I extend the tour?