Full Iraq Round 8: from Basra to Erbil

Oct 24 - Nov 3
2850
SOLD OUT

This tour starts in Basra, which means that we’ll travel across the whole country, from the very south of the country to the Kurdish lands in the north over 11 days, visiting highlights like the Mesopotamian Marshes, Karbala, Babylon, Baghdad, Mosul, Lalish, Erbil and more.

From visiting the center of Yazidism to the holiest place for Shia devotees, while learning everything about the ISIS legacy, this is the most comprehensive itinerary into the most diverse country in the Middle East.

BOOK NOW

October 24th to November 3rd, 2025

€2850

11 days

Pau Valero

travelers who joined us say

Itinerary

1 – Oct 24th: Arrival in Basra

2 – Oct 25th: Mesopotamian Marshes

3 – Oct 26th: Ziggurat of Ur & Karbala

4 – Oct 27th: Najaf & Babylon

5 – Oct 28th: Full day in Baghdad

6 – Oct 29th: Samarra, Hatra & Mosul

7 – Oct 30th: Full day in Mosul

8 – Oct 31st: Amedi and Duhok

9 – Nov 1st: Mar Mattai, Lalish and Akre

10 – Nov 2nd: Full day in Erbil

11 – Nov 3rd: – Erbil & departure

Oct 24th (Day 1) – Arrival in Basra

Flights into Basra arrive in the morning, so after checking in at the hotel, we’ll have almost a full day to explore the city. Our visit will include the Old City, a boat trip on the Shatt Al Arab, and the Basra Museum, which was built within the walls of a former Saddam Hussein palace.

Overnight in Basra.

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.

What’s Included

10 nights of accommodation (twin shared)

Private transportation and driver around Iraq

Lunch (not on day 1 & 11)

Clearance for all checkpoints

English-speaking knowledgeable local guide

International tour leader

Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary

Airport transfer in Basra and Erbil

Not Included

International flights

Visa fees ($165)

Dinner

Single supplement. Having your private room costs €450.

Travel insurance

BOOK NOW

October 24th to November 3rd, 2025

€2850

11 days

Pau Valero

FAQ

Which hotels do we stay?

For security reasons, the name of the hotels we stay will only be shared upon booking your spot.

Where does the trip start from?

Starting point: Basra

Ending point: Erbil

This means that, ideally, you should fly into Basra and fly out from Erbil.

Both cities have international airports with several connections, especially Erbil.

How does the room distribution work?

The price of the tour includes accommodation in a twin room.

If you are a solo traveler, you will share the room with another like-minded traveler from the group.

If you want a single room, you will have to pay an additional €450.

How to get a visa?

Since March 2025, it is necessary to apply for an online visa before entering Federal Iraq. It can be obtained through this portal.

This visa will be valid for both Federal Iraq and Kurdistan, but it can only be used if you arrive through Federal Iraq.

More details will be shared upon booking your spot.

Which nationalities can get an e-visa?

All European Union passport holders, and also the United States (yes, Americans can travel to Iraq), United Kingdom, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland

What about the rest of the nationalities, can they join?

If your passport is not on the lucky list, we can actually get your visa issued from Baghdad for an additional fee. More details will be shared upon booking your spot. 

What’s the minimum number of people required for this tour?

All our Iraq expeditions have a guaranteed departure, that’s for sure.

However, in the hypothetical and unlikely case we didn’t reach a minimum number of 8 people, the Western Tour leader would not join, but you’d just be traveling with the local guide.

How many people will attend this tour?

We will be a group of maximum 12-13 people.

How does payment work?

To secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit.

We accept payments in both Euros and US dollars. All details will be shared upon booking your spot.

DISCLAIMER: Is it safe?

Information about the risks and dangers of the trip:

The traveler is expressly informed that the activities included in the travel itinerary are adventurous and/or take place in conflict zones, which entail dangers and imply the risk of physical, and psychological injuries, and/or death for the traveler.

Due to the characteristics of the destination and/or activities, the specific risks and dangers of the trip are, by way of example but not limited to, those listed below:

War; terrorism; political instability; arbitrary detentions, gunfire in the activity area; and/or violent crime.

Regarding the potential dangers of the destination, travelers are advised to consult the travel recommendations for the destination country provided by their country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For example, in the case of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these recommendations can be accessed on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq

FCDO advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where they advise against all but essential travel to KRI.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. If you want to join any of our expeditions, you must purchase travel insurance.

We recommend IATI Insurance.

Why do we recommend IATI?

Against the Compass has been a partner of IATI for a very long time. We personally know their CEO and marketing team, and we collaborate regularly, so in the unlikely event that something happens, we know exactly what to do.

Moreover, IATI Insurance covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, something that most insurance companies don’t.

You can also benefit from a 5% discount by purchasing it through the link below.

Get a quote here to claim your discount

Can I use a different company?

Yes, you can, as long as your insurance covers the destination you’re travelling to.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Please check our General Conditions

However, specific conditions might apply depending on the destination. Example: when the trip includes airfare.

Full details will be shared upon booking your spot.