Welcome to Baghdad, a city of layered histories, poetry, and resilience. Upon landing, a transfer will be ready to take you to your hotel. Once settled, you begin your introduction to the Iraqi capital with a walk through Tahrir Square, where the spirit of modern Iraq was born.

At the National Museum, you’ll step into the cradle of civilization itself—home to artifacts from Uruk, the world’s first city. Then, wander through the scholarly arcades of Al-Mustansiriya School, once a center of Islamic learning, and stroll along the storied Al-Mutanabbi Street, vibrant with books, cafés, and memories.

After some free time for lunch, continue to the traditional Copper Market, where craftsmanship glows beneath the vaulted ceilings. The day closes at the striking Al-Shaheed Monument, with its twin turquoise domes rising in solemn tribute to Iraq’s fallen heroes. For those interested, there is an optional stop in the modern part of Baghdad to observe daily life in the capital.

Highlights of the Day:

• Explore the National Museum of Iraq, where millennia-old treasures from Uruk, Eridu, and Babylon come to life.
• Wander through Al-Mutanabbi Street, the literary heart of Baghdad and meeting place for thinkers and poets.
• Stand beneath the Al-Shaheed Monument, a powerful tribute to sacrifice and remembrance in the modern era.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~25 km (local movement within Baghdad) Time: ~6–7 hours including transfers, visits, and breaks Overnight stay at a hotel in Baghdad (– / – / –)

Leave Baghdad behind and journey south toward Babylon, the legendary city that once ruled the ancient world. Although much of the original city has faded into ruins, the spirit of Babylon lingers in the reconstructed Ishtar Gate, adorned with vibrant blue tiles and mythical creatures, as well as in the profound weight of history that still hangs in its dusty avenues.

It was here that Nebuchadnezzar II, the greatest king of the empire, constructed towering ziggurats and, as legend has it, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Centuries later, Alexander the Great would take his final breath within these very walls. In modern times, Saddam Hussein, invoking the legacy of Babylonian kings, erected a grand palace overlooking the ruins—a haunting juxtaposition of ancient grandeur and authoritarian ambition.

In the afternoon, continue to Karbala, one of the most sacred cities in Shia Islam. Here, in 680 AD, Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was martyred in battle—an event that profoundly influences the Shia community to this day. Each year, millions gather in Karbala for Ashura, making it one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the world. You will visit its sacred shrines and feel the deep spiritual resonance that permeates the city.

Highlights of the Day:

• Baylon: Walk through the reconstructed Ishtar Gate, the gateway to ancient Babylon, which was once the beating heart of an empire.
• Saddam Hussein’s palace: Stand in the shadow of Saddam Hussein’s palace, overlooking the ruins of a city that shaped world history.
• Karbala: Explore the revered shrines of Karbala, where faith, memory, and martyrdom converge in one of Islam's holiest sites.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~160 km/ Time: ~4.5 hours total driving time Overnight at a hotel in Karbala (B / - / -)

Today, we journey deep into the roots of human civilization. Our first stop is Uruk, one of the oldest and most influential cities in human history. Founded around 4500 BCE, Uruk became the heart of Sumerian civilization. It was here that the world’s first written language, cuneiform, emerged around 3200 BCE—marking the beginning of recorded history. As you walk among the ruins, you’re standing in the footsteps of Gilgamesh, the semi-divine king whose epic story is the world's earliest surviving work of literature.

In the afternoon, the journey takes a beautiful turn as we head into the lush, tranquil world of the Iraqi Marshes. Known as the Mesopotamian Marshes, this area has been home to the Ma’dan (Marsh Arabs) for millennia. Their way of life, rooted in reed architecture, fishing, and water buffalo herding, offers a living glimpse into another time. You’ll spend the night in a traditional mudhif—a hand-built reed house—and share food, stories, and laughter with a local family.

Highlights of the Day:

• Visit the ruins of Uruk, the cradle of writing, kingship, and the legendary Epic of Gilgamesh.
• Stay overnight in the Iraqi Marshes, hosted by a local family in a traditional reed house, nestled among serene waterways.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~250 km/Time: ~4.5–5 hours driving, plus visits and breaks Overnight stay at a guest house in Iraqi Marshes (B/ – / -)

At first light, we rise before the sun to experience a breathtaking sunrise over the Iraqi Marshes—a serene, dreamlike moment where mist floats over the glassy water and birds soar through the golden skies. This ecosystem, one of the largest wetlands in the Middle East, is home to rich biodiversity and a profound human history. We will spend the early morning learning about the Ma’dan people, or Marsh Arabs, who have thrived here for millennia.

After breakfast, we depart for one of Iraq’s most significant archaeological sites: Ur, the ancient Sumerian city-state believed to be the biblical birthplace of Abraham. Founded around 3800 BCE, Ur was once a thriving metropolis and a major religious center. At its heart stands the Ziggurat of Ur, a monumental step-temple. Its immense scale and remarkable preservation make it one of the most impressive ziggurats in the world—and walking its base, you can feel the weight of 5,000 years of human history beneath your feet. In the afternoon, we return to Baghdad for a well-deserved rest and an overnight stay in the capital.

Highlights of the Day:

• Experience the breathtaking sunrise over the Iraqi Marshes and discover the Ma’dan culture, which has been shaped by water, reeds, and ancestral resilience.
• Visit the Ziggurat of Ur, one of the best-preserved temples from the cradle of civilization.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~370 km/Time: ~6 hours driving + visits. Overnight stay at a hotel in Baghdad (B / – / –)

Today, we journey north into the heart of Iraq’s Abbasid legacy, beginning in Samarra, once a capital of Islamic power and splendor. We visit the Great Mosque of Samarra—a 9th-century masterpiece and formerly the world’s largest mosque—renowned for its striking Malwiya Minaret, a 52-meter spiraling tower that rises from the desert like a symbol of forgotten grandeur. Nearby, we explore the ruins of the Virgin Palace, with its central pool and echoes of imperial life, as well as the Medieval Prison, a haunting reminder of the city’s hidden past.

Heading northwest, we stop at Hatra (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the windswept ruins of a 2nd-century BCE trading and religious center. With its towering walls, colossal columns, and a unique fusion of Greek, Roman, and Eastern architectural styles, Hatra not only withstood Roman invasions but also flourished under Parthian rule.

By evening, we arrive in Mosul, a city once devastated by war, now rising with new hope. We’ll visit the Heritage Center of Mosul, where the city’s past and future come together in stories, exhibits, and efforts to rebuild.

Highlights of the Day:

• Climb the spiral minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra (UNESCO), a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture.
• Explore Hatra (UNESCO), a desert fortress blending east and west, and a symbol of cultural resilience.
• Arrive in Mosul and visit its Heritage Center to witness the rebirth of one of Iraq’s greatest cities.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~400 km/Time: ~7–8 hours total driving + site visits. Overnight stay at a hotel in Mosul (B / – / –)

This morning, we explore the old city of Mosul, a place once devastated by war, now cautiously returning to life. Years after its liberation, the scars remain evident—twisted metal, collapsed walls, and shattered homes—but so does the strength of those who stayed. We walk through narrow alleys where life is slowly reclaiming its space and visit the ancient Assyrian wall gates, remnants of a civilization that once ruled much of the known world. A stop at Mosul’s bustling souk (market) gives us a glimpse of the daily rhythm returning.

Leaving Mosul, we head into the Nineveh Plains to visit a Christian town that has preserved its ancient roots through generations of faith and resilience. Our next destination is Lalish, a tranquil mountain valley and the holiest site of the Yazidi faith. With its conical temple domes and a silence broken only by birdsong, Lalish feels like a sacred secret held by the hills. Although the village is uninhabited, it serves as a pilgrimage site for Yazidis, who are expected to visit at least once in their lifetime.

We continue to Alqosh, a Christian village nestled in the mountains, where we visit the Monastery of Saint Hormizd—once a refuge for monks and a symbol of quiet endurance. As the sun begins to set, we arrive in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, where ancient history and modern culture coexist.

Highlights of the Day:

• Walk through Mosul’s old city, witnessing both the devastation of war and the spirit of recovery.
• Step into the sacred valley of Lalish, the spiritual heart of the Yazidi people.
• Visit the hidden monastery of Saint Hormizd, nestled in the cliffs above Alqosh.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~160 km / Time: ~4.5–5 hours total driving & visits. Overnight stay at a hotel in Erbil (B / – / –)

Today, we leave the city behind and journey deep into the dramatic landscapes of Iraqi Kurdistan, following the legendary Hamilton Road—a marvel of early 20th-century engineering. Built between 1928 and 1932 by New Zealander Archibald Hamilton, this winding route traverses spectacular gorges, canyons, and mountain passes. What was once a logistical challenge has become one of the most scenic drives in the Middle East.

Our route takes us through a series of breathtaking stops: the roaring Gali Ali Bag Waterfall, the rugged cliffs of Rawanduz Canyon, and the cool mists of Bekhal Waterfall—each a natural wonder in its own right. We’ll ride the Korek Mountain cable car, gliding above pine forests and panoramic ridgelines, and visit the historic “Old” Hamilton Road, now a quieter stretch of winding history.

We end the day with a visit to Shanidar Cave, a significant prehistoric site where Neanderthal remains were discovered—offering an extraordinary insight into life in the Zagros Mountains over 40,000 years ago. Return to Erbil in the evening for a final night in the capital of Kurdistan.

Highlights of the Day:

• Drive along the iconic Hamilton Road, through gorges, waterfalls, and high mountain passes.
• Experience the Korek Mountain cable car, taking in stunning views of the Kurdish highlands.
• Visit Shanidar Cave, one of the most significant prehistoric sites in the Middle East.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~200 km round trip from Erbil through the Hamilton Road and back/Time: ~6–7 hours including stops.  Overnight stay at a hotel in Erbil (B / – / –)

On your final day, explore the soul of Erbil, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The day begins at the vibrant main square, where Kurdish families, shopkeepers, and students gather beneath the watchful gaze of the Erbil Citadel—or Qelat—a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on an ancient mound. With origins possibly dating back to the Neolithic period, the citadel has witnessed millennia of life, conquest, and continuity.

Beneath the citadel, wander through the bustling lanes of the Qaysari Bazaar, a covered market teeming with spices, textiles, sweets, and lively conversations. Then head to the majestic Jalil Khayat Mosque, Erbil’s most impressive modern place of worship, with its grand dome and Ottoman-style architecture.

In the afternoon, we take a stroll through Qalay Deren, a quiet corner of Erbil where modern life meets tradition. As evening falls, those who wish can head to Askan Street, known for its open-air cafés, local delicacies, and relaxed atmosphere—an ideal place to reflect on our journey before spending one last night in Erbil.

Highlights of the Day:

• Walk along the walls of the Erbil Citadel, a timeless landmark inhabited for over 6,000 years.
• Get lost in Qaysari Bazaar, Erbil’s oldest market filled with colors, aromas, and warm Kurdish hospitality.
• Admire the Jalil Khayat Mosque, a breathtaking fusion of modern devotion and classical design.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~10–15 km (local movement in Erbil)/ Time: Full-day city exploration Overnight stay at a hotel in Erbil (B / – / –)

This morning in Erbil, we say our goodbyes—not as strangers, but as fellow travelers who’ve shared something rare. Over the past few days, you’ve walked the streets of ancient cities, broken bread with families in the marshes, stood in silence before temples and tombs, and felt the pulse of a land that defies all expectations.

We’ll arrange your transfer to Erbil Airport, where your journey home begins—but something stays behind, and something goes with you. The spirit of Iraq, the kindness of its people, and the courage of its history—these now belong to you, too.

Thank you for traveling with us. You leave not only with memories but also with connections—and perhaps a new way of seeing the world.

Travel Details: Travel distance: ~10 km/Time: ~20–30 minutes depending on traffic; (B / – / –)