Iraq Group Trip 2024
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Baghdad
DAY 2 - old baghdad
Day 3 - Babylon & Karbala
Day 4 - Najaf
Day 5 - Open Day in Baghdad
Day 6 - Samarra
Day 7 - Mosul & Erbil
Day 8 - Lalish & Akre
Day 9 - Departure from Erbil
Itinerary
Monday 28th October - Tuesday 5th November 2024 (9 days/8 nights)
Day 1 - Arrival in Baghdad (Monday 28th October)
Tahrir Square, Baghdad
Arrive in Baghdad International Airport. Pre-arranged transfers will take you to your hotel, where you’ll meet myself and other members of our team/group.
Depending on your arrival time, there’s an opportunity to explore some parts of Baghdad in the afternoon. For those jet-lagged or wanting to rest before the evening meal and get-together, you can use this time for a siesta.
Options of sightseeing include the statues and monuments of the Arabian Nights, Firdos Square (where the Saddam’s statue was famously torn down in 2003), Tahrir Square, and the Martyr's Monument. Keep in mind that we’ll have a free day in Baghdad later in the trip, and so you’ll have another opportunity to visit some of these places.
Group dinner and first taste of Iraqi food!
Overnight: Baghdad
Day 2 - Old Baghdad (Tuesday 29th October)
Al-Mutanabbi Book Street
Today we’ll explore Baghdad's atmospheric Old Town. You’ll see plenty of interesting markets - Copper, Antiques, and Souq Al-Sarai (one of Baghdad’s oldest). Fans of literature will love the renowned book street (Al Mutanabbi), where nearby it’s a must to stop for tea or coffee at one of Baghdad's old world institutions. Oum Kalthoum or Shabandar Cafe will transport you back in time.
Along the way, we’ll see some impressive historical and cultural sites, like the Mustansiriyah Madrasah School and the Clock of Qishla. If there’s enough time, we can visit the Ziggurat of Dur-Kurigalzu, one of the best-preserved ancient Sumerian temples. At sunset, Taq Kasra will offer us views of Baghdad.
For dinner we’ll taste the delicious national dish of Iraq, Masgouf fish (alternatives available).
Overnight: Baghdad
Day 3 - Babylon & Karbala (Wednesday 30th October)
Ancient Babylon
It’s an early start for our journey to the ancient city of Babylon. Founded more than 4,000 years ago and formerly the largest city in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once home to the ancient Hanging Gardens. We’ll see the rebuilt Ishtar Gate and the original city walls as we maze through the the northern & southern palaces, including where Alexander the Great passed away.
Nearby, we’ll head up to Saddam Hussein's abandoned palace overlooking the ancient city, encapsulating the controversial man’s fall from grace.
Following lunch we’ll drive to Karbala, one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims. It’ll be a magical and unforgettable evening - rubbing shoulders with emotional pilgrims in the grandeur of the golden shrines of Imam Hussain and Abbas. There’ll be a chance to wander the surrounding night markets of Karbala and taste local sweets.
Overnight: Karbala
Magical Karbala
Day 4 - Najaf (Thursday 31st October)
The World’s Largest Cemetery, Najaf
After breakfast we’ll take a 30 minute drive outside of Karbala to visit the enormous Al-Ukhaidir Fortress. Standing in the desert, it was erected in AD 775 with a unique rectangular and defensive Abbasid style. It’s a spot that often takes people by surprise.
We drive south to Najaf, where we’ll be met by the world’s largest cemetery, Wadi al Salam is where millions of Shia Muslims choose to be buried near Imam Ali (the cousin of the Islamic prophet Muhammad). The cemetery contains more than 6 million bodies, and stepping between the tombstones of this maze is an experience you won’t forget.
We’ll go into the centre of Najaf to see the golden dome of the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali. A lively and colourful market occupies the path leading to the shrine.
Relax on the journey back north as we return to Baghdad.
Overnight: Baghdad
Day 5 - Open Day in Baghdad (Friday 1st November)
Al-Shaheed Monument
Free day in Baghdad. A chance to explore the city on your own or with friends you’ve made on the trip. Hunt down some souvenirs, try more delicious Baghdadi food, or even have a lie in and take the day at your own pace before we continue north for the second part of our trip.
For those interested, there will be the option of organised touring with us. We can visit some of the places we missed in the capital last time round. Again, this could be Firdos or Tahrir Square, the Martyr's Monument, The Iraq Museum. If you’re not too shrined-out from Karbala and Najaf, Baghdad has the Imam al-Kazim & Imam al-Jawad shrines, which are spectacular in their own right. We’re open to your suggestions too - let us know!
You might also be interested in seeing Baghdad’s modern side - air-conditioned malls, fancy restaurants and its emerging cafe scene. We can give you recommendations.
Overnight: Baghdad
Day 6 - Samarra (Saturday 2nd November)
The Great Mosque of Samarra
Today the second part of our trip begins as we travel north to Samarra. We’ll visit the Great Mosque and its spectacular twisting minaret. If you're feeling brave, climb the steps up (there’s no boundary) for views of old Samarra and the surrounding area. It’s not for the faint hearted or for those with Acrophobia! Samarra was chosen as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in 836 and it’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
En route to Mosul we’ll visit the impressive Hatra. Like Samarra it was a capital (under the first Arab Kingdom). It’s undoubtedly the best preserved example of a Parthian city in Iraq today, dating from the 2nd or 3rd century BC.
We continue to Mosul, one of the largest cities in Iraq. Scars of its recent and tragic history are everywhere. We’ll have dinner at one of Mosul's new emerging restaurants.
Overnight: Mosul
Day 7 - Mosul & Erbil (Sunday 3rd November)
Mosul
Tour of Mosul. Captured by the Islamic State in 2014, it served as the ISIS capital for three years. Much of the city was destroyed in the fight to free Mosul from extremist occupation. Our day includes passing through the old town - the most devastated part of the city. Expect it to be an emotionally heavily experience. We’ll pass the Christian Syriac church and the Al-Nuri Mosque.
Later on, Mosul Castle will offer us views of the city and Tigris River. Across the day we’ll see plenty of positive examples of how this once turbulent city is rebuilding itself.
After a Mosuli lunch we’ll continue to Erbi in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. You’ll feel the cultural difference in the nation’s largest Kurdish city. We’ll aim to wander the city centre, soaking in the enormous Citadel and buzzing downtown as we embrace our new surroundings.
Overnight: Erbil
Erbil
Day 8 - Lalish & Akre (Monday 4th November)
Lalish Temple
Following breakfast we’ll make the scenic journey up to Lalish. Sitting in a mountain valley, Lalish Temple is the holiest site for Yazidi people, a religious minority group that has often faced persecution - including in recent times (targeted by ISIS in the 2014 genocide). The temple dates back more than 3500 years.
It’s a tranquil spot - embrace the silence and calm as the fresh air and trees surround you.
Next we’ll head to the historic Akre - built on the side of a mountain range by a Kurdish Prince in 580 B.C. The beautiful town offers breathtaking views of steep valleys and peaks.
Return to Erbil and last supper with the group.
Overnight: Erbil
Scenic Akre
Day 9 - Departure from Erbil (Tuesday 5th November)
Erbil
Final day of the trip in the Kurdish capital - today you’ll be flying home. Depending on your departure time, there will be the opportunity to explore more of the city alone or with us. This is an open day similar to the one in Baghdad, so it’s up to you on how you’d like to spend it.
This is your chance to grab some last minute souvenirs in the exciting bazaar. If you’re on the hunt for food, we can offer recommendations of atmospheric local joints to devour Kurdish kebab. The city also has some excellent cafes and tea/coffee drinking spots to take breaks in during your wanderings.
Now is the time to say your last goodbyes to the group!
Your pre-arranged transfer will collect you from the hotel and take you to the airport.
Departure from Erbil International Airport.