Full Iraq Round 8: from Basra to Erbil

Oct 25th (Day 2) – Mesopotamian Marshes

In the morning, we’ll head to Chibayish, home to the Arab Marshes, a wetland ecosystem in southern Iraq. This aquatic landscape, located in the middle of the desert, is home to a distinct cultural group known as the Marsh Arabs.

On the way, we’ll also stop at the meeting point of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as well as the site believed to be the location of Adam’s Tree from the Bible.

We’ll arrive at the Marshes around lunchtime, followed by a tour of the area.

Overnight in Nasiriyah.

Oct 26th (Day 3) – Ziggurat of Ur & Karbala

We will first head to the Ziggurat of Ur, one of the oldest cities in the world (3800 BC), even older than Babylon, and believed to be the birthplace of Abraham.

Then, we’ll continue to Karbala, the holiest city in the world for Shia Muslims, a surprisingly touristic destination visited every year by literally millions of pilgrims.

The best time to visit Karbala is after sunset, which we’ll do while checking out the two jaw-dropping shrines.

Overnight in Karbala.

Oct 27th (Day 4) – Babylon, Saddam Hussein Palace

Early in the morning, we’ll head for Najaf, another of the holiest cities in the world for Shia Muslims. While Karbala is known for its energy and massive pilgrimages, Najaf feels more contemplative.

After lunch, we’ll drive to ancient Babylon, once the first great civilization in the world and believed to be the first city to reach a population of more than 200,000.

World wonders such as the Hanging Gardens and the Tower of Babel were once within these walls.

Today, Babylon is an archaeological site featuring a stunning replica of the Ishtar Gate and the original Lion of Babylon.

We’ll also visit the former Saddam Hussein Palace, which overlooks the ancient city of Babylon.

Overnight in Baghdad.

Update: There’s now a new checkpoint at the entrance to Saddam Hussein’s Palace near Babylon. We cannot guarantee that we’ll be allowed through.

Oct 28th (Day 5) – Full day in Baghdad

The capital of Iraq is a chaotic yet lively and fascinating city in the Middle East, packed with historical and cultural sites.

We’ll start our tour with a traditional breakfast found only in Baghdad, and then head to the old city.

We’ll explore the old book market, the leather and copper bazaars, the historic Shabandar Café, and other highlights of the old city. We’ll also visit the Martyr’s Monument and, depending on the political situation, we might try to enter the Green Zone — we’ll see.

In the evening, we’ll head to Dar Al Atraqchi Heritage Café, a traditional yet modern café and restaurant.

Overnight in Baghdad.

Please note that the National Museum of Iraq is currently closed due to restoration works.

Oct 29th (Day 6) – Samarra, Hatra & Mosul

Samarra is a city controlled by a Shia militia, practically impossible to visit for independent travellers, but thanks to our expert local guides, we should hopefully have no issues.

The city is famous for the spiral minaret of Malwiya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Iraq, absolutely stunning.

On our way to Mosul, we’ll stop in Hatra, a remarkably well-preserved ancient Mesopotamian city located in the middle of the desert, which also served as a former ISIS training camp. There, we’ll even have the chance to see actual ISIS graffiti.

Overnight in Mosul.

Oct 30th (Day 7) – Full day in Mosul

Mosul is Joan Torres’ favourite city in Iraq.

It is the second most important city in the country and one of the oldest in the world, the site of ancient Nineveh.

In 2017, Mosul was liberated from ISIS, and since then, people have begun returning to rebuild their lives.

Yes, we’ll explore the war-torn old city and its destroyed buildings, but we’ll also discover Mosul’s more human side, witnessing the ongoing reconstruction, meeting kind-hearted locals, and exploring its lively bazaars.

If time allows, we’ll also visit the newly reopened ruins of Nimrud, an ancient Assyrian city that was tragically destroyed by ISIS. Today, restoration efforts are bringing this archaeological treasure back to life.

Overnight in Mosul.

Oct 31st (Day 8) – Amedi and Duhok

Upon arrival at the border or checkpoint, we’ll be welcomed by our new Kurdish team, who will take care of us during our time in Kurdistan.

We’ll first go to Amedi, my favourite town in Iraqi Kurdistan, built on top of a flat mountain with incredible views over the valley.

It’s a 5,000-year-old historical village, believed to be the home of the Three Wise Men, who made a pilgrimage to Bethlehem to see Jesus Christ after his birth.

Then, we’ll continue to Duhok, where we’ll visit the local bazaar and the main city highlights.

Overnight in Duhok.

Nov 1st (Day 9) – Mar Mattai, Lalish and Akre

Our first stop of the day will be Lalish, the holiest place for the Yazidis — a religious group living mainly across the Middle East, the Caucasus, Turkey, and Russia, with Iraq home to the largest population.

We’ll visit their temple and, if possible, meet members of the Yazidi community.

Next, we’ll head to Mar Mattai, located only 20 km from Mosul and very close to the former front line against ISIS.

After lunch, we’ll drive to Akre, one of the most beautiful villages in Kurdistan, where we’ll enjoy the sunset with a stunning view.

We’ll then return to Erbil. Overnight in Erbil.

Nov 2nd (Day 10) – Full day in Erbil

Erbil is a 7,000-year-old city — one of the oldest in the world — filled with historical sites and inhabited by some of the most hospitable people in the Middle East, the Kurds.

For sightseeing, it’s my favourite capital in the Middle East.

During our visit, we’ll explore the Old Citadel, the bazaar, and the Jalil Khayat Mosque, and in the evening, we can all go for drinks in the Christian district of Ankawa.

Lunch, dinner, and overnight in Erbil.

Nov 3rd (Day 11) – Erbil & departure

After enjoying breakfast together, we’ll arrange your transfer to Erbil International Airport.

If your flight is later in the afternoon or evening, we’ll also take care of your transfer — no problem.