Iraq is one of those rare places where history feels alive. Mesopotamia, Babylon, Baghdad… you may have read about it in history books. Now it’s time to see the real thing.
The land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, often called the cradle of civilisation, has seen the rise and fall of empires. The birth of some of the world’s oldest cities. And the shaping of stories in modern history that we still hear about today. This tour is a chance to see Iraq as it truly is.
We begin in vibrant Basra in southern Iraq. A city thriving from its close proximity to the sea, we will take a walk along the waterfront and through the old streets. You can even spot Saddam Hussein’s old boat on the shore.
From there, we journey into the Iraqi Marshes for a unique experience as we stay overnight in a traditional reed house. Here, life flows as slowly as the waterways. We will taste masgouf, the local grilled fish, explore by boat at sunset, and enjoy an evening under the stars with the locals.
Heading north, we step into the ancient world at Ur. This is the site of the magnificent Ziggurat and the birthplace of Abraham. The ruins here tell a story that spans over 4,000 years. Our route continues through Nippur, once the religious capital of the Sumerians, before reaching Najaf.
In Najaf, we have the opportunity to stay with a local family. A great insight into true Iraqi hospitality! We will try our hand at cooking together for those that want to, eating, and relaxing by the river over tea and shisha.
Next up, we have the legendary city of Babylon and the nearby Ziggurat of Borsippa, often linked to the story of the Tower of Babel.
Our journey through Iraq continues in Karbala, where the Imam Hussein Shrine draws millions of pilgrims each year. Over 25 million in fact, giving it the title of the world’s second largest pilgrimage.
In Baghdad, we explore both the old and new faces of the city. We will explore the historic Mutanabi Street - an area buzzing with life and full of character, known for its books and cafes. Then onto the old as we pay a visit to the famous Iraqi National Museum.
We will also see the beautiful turquoise teardrop-shaped Martyrs Monument at sunset for a great photo opportunity.
Further north, the tour takes us to Samara, with its famous spiral minaret, and the ancient city of Ashur, the former Assyrian capital, and Mosul, a city still rebuilding from the scars of recent conflicts. Finally, we pay a visit to the welcoming Christian city of Baghdida.
Our journey ends in Iraqi Kurdistan. Moving from incredible history to stunning landscapes, our road trip takes us alongside rugged mountains and green valleys. We visit the sacred Yazidi site of Lalish, travel through the dramatic Rawanduz Valley, and finish in Erbil. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world - and the perfect way to end our trip.
Note: If you’d like to spend more time exploring Iraqi Kurdistan, let us know. We can assist in creating an Iraqi Kurdistan add-on private tour.
