Iraq Grand
Baghdad to Erbil - The Whole Country in Ten Days
The first visit to Iraq, done properly. Ten days from Baghdad to Erbil through Babylon, the Garden of Eden, the ziggurats of the Sumerians, the spiral of Samarra, the Parthian walls of Hatra and the reborn old city of Mosul. Full board, a private air-conditioned coaster, a guide with you the whole way, and every entry ticket included. One published price per person. Room assignments - and any price difference that arises from them - are settled privately with Ali, never through the website.
Baghdad: Arrival & First Impressions
Meet & assist at Baghdad International Airport, private transfer to the hotel, rest. A relaxed orientation tour of the city's key viewpoints. Overnight: Baghdad.
Baghdad: Heritage Day
Al-Mustansiriya School, landmark of Abbasid-era education and architecture. Bab Al-Wastani, the last surviving historic gate of old Baghdad's walls. Taq Kasra at Ctesiphon, the most dramatic pre-Islamic monumental arch in the region. Overnight: Baghdad.
Babylon to Najaf
The archaeological city of Babylon: the Ishtar Gate, the Lion of Babylon, the Processional Street, the site of the Hanging Gardens. The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, and the Valley of Peace, the biggest cemetery in the world. Overnight: Najaf.
Uruk (Warka) to Nasiriyah
The Ziggurat of Uruk, where the first written words in history were inscribed, and the Ziggurat of Ur, crown of the Sumerian civilization. Overnight: Nasiriyah.
Chibayish Marshes, Qurna & Basra
The marshes of Chibayish: local breakfast, a traditional boat ride and lunch inside a unique wetland culture. The confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates near Qurna. Basra at night: a soft walk along the waterfront. Overnight: Basra.
Basra: Museums, Old City & Modern Icons
The Basra Museum in its riverside complex. Old Basra and its Shanasheel balconies. The Jadha Al-Nakhla stadium, Iraq's largest. A traditional Ashari boat ride on the Shatt al-Arab. Overnight: Basra.
Back to Baghdad
Comfortable road transfer with planned breaks. The Abbasid Palace, a rare surviving Abbasid structure on the Tigris. The Iraqi National Museum - the context for the Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian history you have just walked through. Overnight: Baghdad.
Samarra, Hatra & Mosul
The Malwiya spiral minaret of Samarra, the strongest visual of Abbasid architecture. Hatra, the fortified desert city that withstood Rome. Arrival and check-in in Mosul. Overnight: Mosul.
Mosul: Nineveh & Old City
The Nineveh Wall and a main gate, the remains of an Assyrian imperial capital. Bashtabia, the riverside fortress zone overlooking the Tigris. Hosh al-Bieaa, the square of four churches and one cathedral. The Al-Nuri Mosque and the Hadba Minaret legacy site, the city's most iconic revival landmark. Overnight: Mosul.
Hamdaniya to Erbil
The Grand Al-Tahira Church of Hamdaniya, a major heritage church of the Nineveh Plains. Drive to Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, and assisted departure at Erbil Airport. End of program.
- 10-day guided program from Baghdad Airport pickup to Erbil Airport drop-off
- Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout
- Private air-conditioned coaster with a dedicated driver for all transfers and daily tours
- 4-star hotels (or best available equivalent)
- Full-board meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
- All entry tickets to the ten listed sites (Al-Mustansiriya School, the Abbasid Palace, the Iraqi National Museum, Babylon, Ziggurat of Uruk, Ziggurat of Ur, Basra Museum, Samarra Malwiya, Hatra, Bab Al-Wastani)
- The Chibayish Marshes experience (local breakfast, traditional boat ride, lunch)
- The Shatt al-Arab Ashari boat ride in Basra
- International flights to/from Iraq
- Iraqi visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, minibar, laundry)
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)