• Overall

  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. 

  This tour runs from Basra in the south to Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, combining ancient civilisations, living religious traditions, and a unique overnight experience in the UNESCO-listed Iraqi Marshes.

  We'll see the highlights as we make our way from south to north, as well as enjoying some unique cultural experiences as we go to give you the best, all-rounded experience of your time in Iraq. 

  Get to know the places and the people. 

  We begin in Basra, Iraq's southern port city, before travelling into the Marshes for a night in a traditional reed house and a sunset boat trip. 

  Heading north, we visit ancient sites and holy sites, including Najaf and Karbala, before arriving in Baghdad to explore both its historic and modern sites, many monuments and beautiful riverside restaurants.

  We continue through northern Iraq to Mosul and the Christian town of Baghdida, before crossing into Iraqi Kurdistan for Yazidi heritage sites, dramatic mountain scenery, and Erbil's famous citadel. 

  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. 

  Highlights

  • Unique Accommodations | One night in the marshes under the stars and amongst the buffalo as we stay in traditional reed huts, enjoy local food, and live the local life. One night in a local homestay to experience life with a typical Iraqi family. 
  • Holy Cities of Najaf & Karbala | Visit two of the most important cities in the Shia Muslim world, with incredible shrines and pilgrimage culture
  • Federal Iraq & Iraqi Kurdistan | Two very different places, extreme history and extreme nature - all in one trip!

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• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 12

  1. January 29 | Friday 

     Arrival Day in Basra 

     Arrival in Iraq's third-largest city

     • Arrive at Basra International Airport (BSR) from major hubs in the Middle East or Istanbul.
     • Your driver will wait for you at the airport to pick you up for a transfer to our hotel.
     • Check in at the hotel.

     Welcome Dinner 

     • We will gather for a welcome dinner and also take a walk on the award-winning Basra Waterfront Coronation. 

      

     Accommodation | Hotel in Basra

     Included Meals | Dinner 

  2. January 30 | Saturday 

     Basra Day Tour & Iraqi Marshes

     Basra Tour 

     • Day tour in the old city of Basra. 
     • Basra | This is the main southern city and its largest port. It has long been a gateway for trade, culture and ideas. Basra is also known for its canals lined with date palms!
     • Basra Museum | A look into the history of Basra and the surrounding areas. It used to be Saddam's Palace.
     • Tiger & Euphrates River | We will take a drive to the meeting point of the Tiger and the Euphrates River.
     • Adam's Tree | This is considered to be the Garden of Eden. 

     Iraqi Marshes

     • Travel to the Iraqi Marshes, where we will have a late lunch of Masquf, the Sumerian local fish (vegetarian option available).
     • Marshes | A UNESCO-listed wetland where life has changed little over millennia. The Marsh Arabs still live in traditional reed touses and travel by narrow boats along the waterways.
     • Boat trip in the Marshes | We take a boat trip for sunset, where we will go to a local Samarian-designd house in the middle of the marshes to spend the night.
     • Night in the Marshes | Enjoy an evening amongst the marshes where we will have snacks and a light dinner around the fire. We will have a fun evening of local music surrounded by nature 

     Accommodation | Samarian Style local accommodation in the marshes. 

     NB: This accommodation features local-style sleeping arrangements and is not a hotel. Amenities such as toiletries are not provided, but the experience makes up for it!

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  3. January 31 | Sunday 

     City of Ur and Najaf 

     Marshes to Najaf 

     • Local Sumerian breakfast of buffalo's cream and milk. After this, we will begin our drive north.
     • City of Ur | Visit the ancient city of Ur, where we will see the ancient Ziggurat and the House of the Prophet Abraham. This 4,000-year-old city was once one of the most important Sumerian settlements. The Ziggurat of Ur, a massive stepped structure dominating the otherwise flat landscapes. According to tradition, this is the birthplace of Abraham. 
     • City of Nippur | Nippur was the religious capital of the Sumerians and one of the oldest cities in Mesopotamia. It was dedicated to Enlil, one of the chief deities in the Sumerian pantheon, and served as a major religious centre during the 3rd millennium BCE. 
     • Continue driving to the city of Najaf. 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Najaf

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  4. February 1 | Monday 

     Najaf

     Najaf City Tour 

     • Old City | Explore Najaf and Najaf's Old City, one of the most important cities of the Shia Muslim world. 
     • Wadi al Salam | We pay a visit to the largest cemetary in the world - Wadi al Salam. Meaning "Valley of Peace", it is located in Najaf and is the largest cemetary in the world. It has been a burial site for over 1,400 years. 
     • We then take a trip to the market where we can buy local clothes and Abayas, as well as lots of other souvenirs. You'll need this local attire to enter the shrine.
     • Imam Ali Shrine | The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf is the burial site of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam in Shia Islam. The shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims. The golden dome of the Imam Ali Shrine draws pilgrims from across the globe. We will take a look inside the seperated male/female sections, and you'll truly be astounded by the colours, lights, and decoartions from this fantastic piece of architecture. 

     Cultural Afternoon

     • This afternoon we spend with a local family together at their house with various activities.
     • Homestay & Cooking Class | Return to our homestay for a cooking class where we will prepare and eat our lunch prepared by ourselves. 
     • Private River Chalet | Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation Iraq-style: with shisha, tea, and snacks in front of the river in our private rented chalet, including a swimming pool. 
     • Return to our homestay for the evening. 

     Accommodation | Homestay in Najaf. This will be local-style sleeping arrangements. The local family and us will be sleeping seperately but we can't guarantee private rooms. A hotel option is available for an extra fee of $50 USD.

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  5. February 2 | Tuesday 

     Babylon and Karbala 

     Najaf to Karbala 

     • Kufa Mosque | Start the day by going to Kufa Mosque, the fourth-holiest place for Shia Muslims. It has historical and religious significance due to its association with Imam Ali and early Islamic history. 
     • Ezekiel Tomb | Visit the Ezekiel Tomb, where we will see old Hebrew writings. This town used to be shared between Jews and Muslims. It is believed to be the burial place of the biblical prophet Ezekiel, and the tomb is inscribed with Hebrew writings.
     • Daniel's Market | Explore the old market to Ezekiel Tomb, called Daniel's Market.
     • Ziggurat of Borsipa | Visit the Ziggurat of Borsipa, which is believed by many to be the Tower of Babel. 
     • Lunch at a local farm. 

     Babylon 

     • Ancient City of Babylon | Babylon was one of the most important cities of ancient Mesopotamia, known for its role as the capital of Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar II. It is associated with significant cultural achievements, included the Code of Hammurabi and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders to the Ancient World. 
     • Saddam's Palace | Pay a visit to Saddam Hussein's palace and see the last remnant from his regime. From here, enjoy a great view of the ancient city. 
     • Drive to Karbala.

     Karbala

     • Karbala is a holy city for Shia Muslims and the site of the shrine of Imam Hussein. It is the focal point of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Karbala

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  6. February 3 | Wednesday 

     Karbala and Baghdad 

     Karbala to Baghdad

     • Imam Hussein's Shrine | Visit Imam Hussein's shrine. Here, you will learn why it is one of the most important cities in Iraq religiously, with the largest annual gathering in the world. The shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala marks the burial place of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was martyred at the Battle of Karbala in 680 BCE. 
     • Ctesiphon | Drive to Ctesiphon (Taq kisra), the second largest single-span unreinforced brickwork vault in the world. See the panoramic view from a building next to it that is abandoned. It was the capital of the Parthian and Sassanian empires. 
     • Drive to Baghdad.
     • Enjoy an evening walk and dinner in front of the Tiger River. 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baghdad. 

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  7. Feburay 4 | Thursday 

     Baghdad 

     Baghdad City Tour 

     • Iraqi National Museum | Visit the Iraqi National Museum to get introduced to Iraqi culture and history throughout the years. The Iraqi National Museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from Mesopotamian civilisations, including Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian relic. It is considered one of the most important museums in the Middle East. 
     • Mutanabi Street & Old Baghdad | Explore the old part of Baghdad. We will go to Mutanabi Street, known as the Book Street, the antique market, and the old copper market. It is named after the 10th-century poet Al-Mutanabi. 
     • Tea & Coffee stop in Baghdad | One of Baghdad's mots famous tea and coffee shops. Stop here for some lemon tea or shisha!
     • Mustansiriya School | We will also visit Mustansiriya School, one of the oldest remaining schools in the world. The Mustansiriya Madrasa was established in the 13th century. It served as an important educational institution during the Abbasid era.
     • Baghdad Green Zone | Drive through Baghdad's Green Zone. 
     • Save the Iraqi Culture Monument | A monument dedicated towards Iraqi culture and history. 
     • Martyrs Monument | Go for sunset to the Martyrs Monument. The Martyrs Monument in Baghdad is a large blue-domed structure built in 1980s to commemorate Iraqis who died in past wars. It is a symbol of national rememberance. 
     • Dinner in the new part of Baghdad. 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baghdad 

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  8. February 5 | Friday 

     Samara & Ashur 

     Baghdad to Mosul 

     • Depart from Baghdad north to Samara.
     • The Great Mosque of Samara | Built in the 9th century, it is famous for its spiral minaret, known as the Malwiya Tower. The structure is one of the most distinctive examples of Abbasid archietecture. It used to be the largest in the world at its time. 
     • Continue our way north and have lunch and a break. 
     • Travel to the ancient city of Ashur. 
     • Ashur | Ashur was the first capital of the Assyrian Empire and a significant religious centre. Its ruins, including temples and palace foundations, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was the capital of the Assyrians and one of the oldest cities in human history.
     • Continue our drive to Mosul. 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Mosul

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

  9. February 6 | Saturday 

     Mosul & Baghdida 

     • Mosul City Tour | Start the day with a tour in the old city of Mosul, where we will see a lot of destruction from the time of ISIS, including churches, mosques, and old neughbourhoods. We will also see the Hidba Minaret, which is the icon of Mosul. This was destroyed by ISIS snd rebuilt by UNESCO.
     • Nori Mosque | This is where they announced the Islamic caliphate by Abu Bakal al Baghdadi.

     Baghdida

     • Baghdida | We visit Baghdida, one of the last Christian communities in Iraq. Here we will visit Tahira Church, which was the largest church in the Middle East during the 1940s.
     • In the evening, we will spend time in a local bar enjoying local liquor and a small gathering, and spend the night in the town.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baghdida
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      

  10. Feburary 7 | Sunday

      Bashiqa and Iraqi Kurdistan

      Exploring Yazidi Religion

      • Bashiqa | Travel to Bashiqa, home to Yazidis, Christians, and Muslims, where we will visit Yazidi temples. The town is also known for local arak and beer.
      • Continue driving into Iraqi Kurdistan.

      Iraqi Kurdistan

      • Lalish | Drive to Lalish, the holiest site of the Yazidi religion, located in a mountain valley and a pilgrimage destination for Yazidis worldwide.
      • Rawanduz Valley | Continue to the valley of Rawanduz, one of the most scenic places in Iraq, known for dramatic gorges, mountains, and landscapes popular for hiking and photography.
      • Overnight in a hotel overlooking the valley.

      Accommodation | Hotel in Rawanduz
      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. February 8 | Monday

      Erbil

      Rawanduz to Erbil 

      • Enjoy the morning in Rawanduz.
      • Shaqlawa | Travel to Shaqlawa, a town known for fruit orchards, cool climate, and traditional markets.
      • Drive to Erbil city, 

      Erbil

      • Erbil Citadel | Visit the market next to the Erbil Citadel, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The citadel dominates the centre of Erbil and is surrounded by traditional markets and cafes.
      • Enjoy an evening at a local café overlooking the main square and market.

      Accommodation | Hotel in Erbil
      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. February 9 | Tuesday 

      Departure from Iraq

      Flight departures from Erbil Airport

      • You will be transferred to Erbil International Airport (EBL).
      • Departures from Erbil International Airport (EBL) throughout the day. Erbil is well connected to major Middle Eastern hubs, Istanbul, and select European cities.

      Accommodation | N/A
      Included Meals | Breakfast

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Iraq

• What is / is not included?

  • All accommodation in Iraq. 
  • Iraq visa support. 
  • Local Iraqi tour guide.
  • Expert Koryo Tours tour leader. 
  • All transportation within Iraq.
  • All entrance tickets and activities listed.
  • All meals.
  • Water throughout the day.

  • Travel to Iraq.
  • Iraq visa.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Tips for local guides.
  • Souvenirs. 
  • Extra drinks/snacks.
  • Single supplement rooming ($50 USD per night).

• Notes

  All visas are arranged through an e-visa scheme. We will provide supporting documents and help you make the visa application. The visa (including for VOA) ranges from $160-190 USD. 

  On this trip, we aim to see as much as possible in a very short amount of time. Iraq has a lot of history on offer, so of course we want to make the most out of this trip. Because of that, the days may be long and it involves a lot of driving as we make our way from south to north.

  Accommodation for both the marshes and the homestay will be the local-style thin mattresses either in tents or on the floor. We can provide private tents in the marshes but the homestay may not be able to accommodate for private rooms. There is an option to stay at the hotel if you prefer for an extra fee of $50 USD per night in Najaf. 

Please apply by 1st January, 2027.