Iraq
Cradle of Civilisation, Mesopotamian Marshes & Timeless Cities
Tours in
Iraq
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Discover
Iraq
From the bustling bazaars of Baghdad to the reedy waterways of the southern marshes, Iraq offers travellers a rare window into the cradle of civilisation. Ancient empires left behind monumental ruins at Babylon and Nineveh, while Kurdish cities like Erbil continue to thrive atop tells that have been settled for millennia. With improved security and renewed optimism, intrepid visitors can now explore this storied land and meet the warm‑hearted people who call it home.
Adventure Highlights:
- Dress modestly and respect religious customs; avoid consuming alcohol in public and remove shoes before entering mosques and shrines.
- Check current travel advisories and hire reputable local guides; always follow security advice.
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and security personnel.
- Avoid disturbing wildlife or removing artefacts from archaeological sites.
- Support local businesses by buying crafts and staying in family‑run accommodation; pay fair prices.
Cultural Encounters:
- Explore Baghdad’s intellectual heritage through historic sites like the Mustansiriyya Madrasa and vibrant literary spots like Al-Mutanabbi Street.
- Visit the Yazidi temples of Lalish or Christian monasteries in Nineveh for a glimpse into Iraq’s deep religious diversity.
- Engage with local artisans in souks and workshops, where calligraphy, copperware, and textiles still thrive as living crafts.
Local Life & Flavors:
- Savor traditional dishes such as masgouf (grilled river fish), dolma, kubba, and qatayef, often shared during generous family meals.
- Stay in family-run guesthouses or rural homes in Kurdistan and southern marsh areas to experience Iraqi hospitality firsthand.
- Stroll local bazaars for spices, dates, and handwoven rugs, and enjoy tea in roadside cafés where conversation is a cherished ritual.
Explore
Iraq
Baghdad: Literary Legacy and Living History
Once the centre of the Abbasid Caliphate, Iraq’s capital is reclaiming its title as a hub of learning and culture. Visit the 13th‑century Mustansiriyya Madrasa, which once taught medicine, mathematics and law, and wander down Al‑Mutanabbi Street, lined with bookshops and outdoor stalls and often described as the heart of Baghdad’s literary scene.
Babylon: Echoes of an Ancient Empire
A symbol of Mesopotamian power, Babylon’s ruins include city walls, ornate gates, palaces and temples such as the ziggurat Etemenanki and Nebuchadnezzar’s palatial complex. Only about 15 % of this vast archaeological site has been excavated, making it a tantalising window into a civilisation that flourished under Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar.
The Mesopotamian Marshes: Life on the Water
Also known as the Mesopotamian Marshes, this inland delta where the Euphrates and Tigris meet is one of the world’s largest wetland ecosystems. Explore by boat to see floating reed houses and water‑buffalo herds of the Ma’dān people, who have lived here for over 5 000 years and build their homes on artificial islands. The wetlands are a crucial stopover for migrating birds and a refuge for wildlife.
Read About
Iraq
Discover the wonders of this beautiful country
