- Duration: 10 Days (approx.)
- Location: Baghdad
- Product code: 10dayFI
10 Day Federal Iraq Tour
Day 1: Baghdad and Taq Kasra
Visit the city of Baghdad this morning before departing for Taq Kasra, an ancient monument with the world’s largest single-span brick vault arch, built between the third and sixth centuries AD. Late this afternoon enjoy some local cuisine before being dropped at the hotel. Overnight in Baghdad.
Day 2: Samarra (about 1.5 hours from Baghdad)
Leave early in the morning from your hotel for Samarrato climb the great minaret of the Malwiya mosque, one of the highlights of the trip (entrance 25k IQD). The impressive Askari Shrine shrine is also worth checking out. Return to Baghdad this afternoon for dinner and your hotel.
Day 3: Babylon
From Baghdad, depart for Hillah (approx. 1 hour) the get-in point for the ancient city of Babylon.
Explore the ancient ruins of Babylon, including the Ishtar Gate, the site of the Tower of Babel and Saddam’s summer palace this afternoon before returning to Hillah. Overnight in Hillah.
Day 4: Karbala
From Hillah, depart Karbala, which takes about one hour and costs.
Explore Karbala, Iraq’s second holy city after Najaf, and the Al Abbas holy shrine. From here if there is time you can visit the Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, which is about 50km away in the desert to the west
Day 5: Najaf
From Karbala, depart for Najaf (about 1 hour). Explore Najaf, which many Iraqis refer to as the third holiest city in Shia Islam, after Mecca and Medina, plus the world’s largest graveyard (more than 5m graves) and Kufa mosque. Overnight in Najaf
Day 6: Nasiriyah – The Mesopotamian Marshes and Ziggurat of Ur.
Depart from Najaf to today Nasiriyah (3-4 hours) very early.
Get up early to beat the heat and visit the Mesopotamian marshes near Chibayish.
Once you get back to Nasiriyah, we will head to the Ziggurat of Ur. Depart back to Nasiriyah for the night.
Day 7: Basra
Depart from Nasiriyah to Basra today (about 3-4 hours).
Visit Basra.
Day 8: Basra- Baghdad
Arriving back in Baghdad today from Basra completes the southern loop of the itinerary. Visit Baghdad for a couple of hours this afternoon. Overnight in Baghdad.
Day 9: Baghdad - Mosul
Depart Baghdad for Mosul (about 4-5 hours). Overnight Mosul.
Day 10: Kirkuk
Depart from Mosul today to Kirkuk, the centre of Iraq’s oil industry (along with Basra). The city also has a dilapidated but still interesting citadel and the Qishla, an ancient building that was once the headquarters of the Ottoman army in Kirkuk.
From Kirkuk, depart for Baghdad.
“We visited Iraq in August despite reservations based on news in the US. Our experience was entirely contrary to what was portrayed in the West. We were there for four days and it was entirely peaceful with no signs of conflict whatsoever. Ahmet organized our hotels and itinerary based on what we had requested. We wanted to travel for ziaret to the religious sites but also see other historical sites to mix it up. Hayder was our guide and Ali was our driver - we couldn't have asked for more helpful, friendly,respectful pair. Our kids felt immediately comfortable around them and they made an effort to cater to all of our needs. We were able to see Karbala, Najaf, Kufa, Samarra, Baghdad, and Babylonin four days. We even stopped in Fallujah for dinner! The food there is incredible and Hayder and Ali were sure they took us to the best places with lots of variety. We were welcomed everywhere we went as the Iraqis are warm, inviting folk. A trip to Iraq is highly recommended with this team!”
