Day 1: Arrival in Baghdad
Arrive in Baghdad and check into your hotel. Visit the National Museum of Iraq to learn about the country's rich history. Explore Shahrazad and Shahryar statues, walk near the Tigris River, and see the Iraqi culture monument. Visit Liberation Square, the central square of Baghdad. Enjoy a traditional Iraqi dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Baghdad
Visit the iconic Al-Mustansiriya University. Explore the historic Al-Mutanabbi Street, known for its bookstores and the famous Shabandar Cafe. Visit the copper market, known for its copper handicrafts. Take a leisurely stroll along the Tigris River. Visit Al-Firdaws Square, where the statue of Saddam was overthrown during the occupation of Iraq in 2003. Visit the Al-Shaheed Monument to pay respects to fallen soldiers.
Day 3: Babylon and Karbala
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Babylon. Explore the ruins of the Ishtar Gate, the Hanging Gardens, and castles. Visit the Babylon Archaeological Museum and Saddam Hussein’s palace on the Euphrates River. Head to Karbala, an important pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims. Visit the Imam Hussein Shrine and the Imam Abbas Shrine. Explore the historic city center and marketplaces. Attend a religious ceremony if possible. Enjoy dinner in a restaurant. Overnight in Karbala.
Day 4: Karbala and Najaf
Travel to Najaf, a holy city for Shia Muslims. Visit the Imam Ali Shrine, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Iraq. Visit the largest cemetery in the world, Wadi Al-Salam. Explore the bustling bazaars and markets of Najaf. Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant. Visit Kufa Mosque, the 4th holiest mosque in Islam.
Day 5: Uruk, Ur, and Nasiriyah
Head to Uruk, Ur-Nammu in 2100 BC. Enjoy dinner. Overnight in Nasiriyah.
Day 6: Mesopotamian Marshes
Take a boat ride trip around the Mesopotamian marshes to see the buffaloes and animals. Enjoy a local grilled fish for lunch. Head to Baghdad. Enjoy dinner in Baghdad. Overnight in Baghdad.
Day 7: Samarra, Hatra, and Mosul
Visit the Al-Malwiya Tower (minaret), Caliphate Palace, and Imam Al-Hassan Al-Askari shrines in Samarra. See the spiral minaret and Abbasid Empire prison. Have lunch on the way to Hatra, the oldest Arabian Kingdom.
Overnight in Mosul.
Day 8: Mosul
Explore the Old City of Nineveh, the Assyrian Empire. Visit the wall and the gates around the Old City of Nineveh. Visit the Grand Mosque of Mosul. Explore the destroyed areas by ISIS, including the Christian neighborhood and Mary Church in Mosul. See destroyed houses. Explore the Bazaar of Mosul. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Visit Bashtabiya Castle, Bytna Local Museum, and Al-Nuri Mosque. Enjoy dinner in Mosul.
Day 9: Erbil
Visit the Erbil Citadel, dating back to 600 BC. Explore the minaret of Erbil and Park Minar. Walk around the old city, downtown, and visit the bazaar and shops. Enjoy lunch in a Kurdish local restaurant.
Day 10: Departure
Drop off at the airport.
