Duration

7 Days 6 Nights

Country

Iraq

Iraq December Tour 2024

Join our Iraq December Tour to experience the true diversity and history of this wonderful country! Oh, and enjoy it whilst the weather is good!

TOUR DATES:

5th December 2024 until 11th December 2024

This tour encompasses all of the main highlights of Federal Iraq. Most Iraq tours focus on either the north or the south, without travelling to both. This means that by joining this tour, you’ll have an idea about how diverse Iraq truly is, ranging from the historical sites of the south, where human civilisation first started, to the mixed ethnic groups of the north.

Immediately after this tour, we are running a trip to Syria, so you can book a combo tour of both countries! Click here to find out more.

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD
ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD
We'll pick you up from Baghdad airport and drive you to your hotel for check in, most likely in the Karrada neighbourhood. This youthful neighbourhood is buzzing at night, so we'll go out to explore some gems that it has to offer. The cafe and restaurant scene is awesome, with the famous Darbuna restaurant being among the best. We'll also check out the nearby park along the Tigris river. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2 - BAGHDAD & CTESIPHON
BAGHDAD & CTESIPHON
Today we'll cover the main and most important sites of Baghdad, including Muttanabi Street (famous market street selling books and antiques), Al Shahbander Martyr's Cafe, The Iraqi National Museum, 1001 Nights Monument, and more.

Then, we'll drive outside of Baghdad to the ancient arch of Ctesiphon, the world's largest ancient archway built by the Persians (super impressive!).
Day 3 - BABYLON & NAJAF
BABYLON & NAJAF
We'll leave Baghdad in the early morning and head south, first to the ancient ruins of Babylon. On the way, we'll see one of the last remaining murals of Saddam Hussein in the country, before continuing to the ancient ruins, where you'll learn all about the history.

We'll then visit a former palace of Saddam Hussein (highlight!), before continuing south to Najaf, where we'll visit the shrine of Imam Ali. Najaf is also home to the world's largest cemetery, and we know the best spot that overlooks it! We'll go there for sunset. In the evening, we'll wander around the old city of Najaf. Overnight in a homestay where we'll be served homemade dinner and drinks.
Day 4 - UR & THE MARSHES
UR & THE MARSHES
Today, we will drive further south to the city of Nasiriyah. This place is special because it is home to the ancient Ziggurat of Ur. It's one of the most breathtaking historical sites one can visit in Iraq, where we'll see old cuniform writing, as well as learning about the history of the place. Then, we'll have continue to the Iraqi Marshes, where we'll try Iraq's most famous dish at its source - Masgouf fish!

We will then take a boat ride through the marshes, and see some water buffaloes! (HIGHLIGHT).

We'll socialise with the locals in a traditional reed home (really beautiful!), before driving on to Basrah.

In the evening, we will wander around the lively waterfront area and perhaps take a boat trip here as well, for those that wish.
Day 5 - BASRAH & BAGHDAD
BASRAH & BAGHDAD
In the morning, we will explore the old city of Basrah, including some spectacular traditional houses, one of which has been converted into a traditional café and museum.

After this, we will drive back to Baghdad to visit Zawrah park (busy with locals) and it's amusement park, where you can take part in the roller-coasters or the (highly recommended) ferris wheel with views over Baghdad. Then, we will head back to the hotel.
Day 6 - SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL
SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL
This day will be busy, but it'll also be one of the best. First, we'll drive north to visit the famous minaret of Samarra, one of the most photogenic places in Iraq. We'll then continue to the ancient city of Hatra, which are some of the best preserved ancient ruins in the country. The Roman-influenced architecture is truly stunning. Finally, we'll end the day in Mosul, where we'll sample the local cuisine, before visiting a traditional cafe and historical museum known as Bytna.
Day 7 - MOSUL TOUR & BAKHDIDA & ERBIL
MOSUL TOUR & BAKHDIDA & ERBIL
In the morning, we'll explore the old city of Mosul, which is home to some of the most beautiful churches and mosques in all of Iraq. We'll also be witness to the destruction that took place during the war against ISIS, as well as the reconstruction efforts that are taking place now.

In the afternoon, we will leave Mosul to visit the nearby town or Bakhdida, home to the Assyrian Christians. We'll visit one of their local museums and get to know locals in their unique town, which was previously occupied by ISIS. We will then drive on to Erbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdistan region. We'll have a final goodbye dinner.

End of tour OR continuation to Syria tour (overnight in Erbil and flight to Damascus the following day).

Cost Info

Price includes

Accommodation in top hotels or homestays throughout Iraq
Local Iraqi English-speaking tour guide with in-depth knowledge of historical sites and hidden gems
Breakfast
All museum entry fees that are mentioned on the itinerary
Transportation in a private vehicle

Price excludes

Iraqi visa support documentation (if you're not eligible for a visa on arrival in Iraq, we can help you get the visa for an additional cost)
Flights
Souvenirs
Optional tip for guide and driver

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Iraq?
Most Western nationalities, in addition to nationals of China and Russia, are able to get a visa on arrival in Iraq by paying 77 USD and filling out a simple form.

If you belong to another nationality, we are able to apply for you visa on your behalf from inside Iraq. Your visa approval will be sent to you as a PDF and then stamped into your passport on arrival at Baghdad airport. However, this bears an additional cost.
Can I extend the tour?
You most certainly can! We offer custom extensions all over Iraq. Here are some suggestions regarding interesting places that are not covered on this itinerary:

- Anbar and the ancient waterwheels of Hit and Haditha

- Basrah city

- Kurdistan region

Price = $1,560.00

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Iraq December Tour 2024

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD

ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD

Day 2 - BAGHDAD & CTESIPHON

BAGHDAD & CTESIPHON

Day 3 - BABYLON & NAJAF

BABYLON & NAJAF

Day 4 - UR & THE MARSHES

UR & THE MARSHES

Day 5 - BASRAH & BAGHDAD

BASRAH & BAGHDAD

Day 6 - SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL

SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL

Day 7 - MOSUL TOUR & BAKHDIDA & ERBIL

MOSUL TOUR & BAKHDIDA & ERBIL

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Iraq?

Can I extend the tour?