Duration

7 Days 6 Nights

Country

Iraq

Iraq Diversity Tour Jan 2024

TOUR DATES:

20th of January until 26th of January 2024

We call this tour the “Iraq diversity tour” because it truly shows you how diverse the country of Iraq is. Every destination on this tour is completely different from the one before, in terms of natural landscape, religious makeup and ethnic make-up of the area, on top of other factors. You’ll get to meet people from every major religious and ethnic sect in Iraq during this tour – Sunni, Shia, Assyrian Christian, Kurdish, Yazidi and more.

Watch the video below to learn more about Mosul and the surrounding areas, where we’ll be visiting on this tour:

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD
ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD
Pickup from Baghdad airport and transfer to your hotel, where you'll meet the group members and have a pre-tour meeting, as well as conduct final payment. Explore Baghdad at night.
Day 2 - BAGHDAD
BAGHDAD
Today, we'll have a full day tour of Baghdad city, visiting all of the city's major sites. We'll start with the bustling Mutannabi Street, a historical intellectual hub and a fantastic place to buy old antiques and souvenirs. We'll then visit the famous Martyr's monument and the underground museum, much of which covers the crimes of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Then, we'll cross to the other side of the Tigris river, visiting some of the city's most famous monuments, such as the Swords of Qadisiyah and the Rahman mosque. Before sunset, we'll go to Zawra amusement park, where we can ride a ferris wheel which gives you a panoramic view of Baghdad.
Day 3 - BABYLON. AL KIFL AND NAJAF
BABYLON. AL KIFL AND NAJAF
We'll first visit the ancient ruins of Babylon and Saddam Hussein's former palace that is there. In Babylon, we'll have a special local guide that knows all of the hidden facts about the ruined city! Then, we'll move on to Al Kifl, where you can see ancient Hebrew writing. We'll finish the day in the holy city of Najaf, where we'll visit the world's largest graveyard and the shrine of Imam Ali.
Day 4 - SAMARRA & TIKRIT
SAMARRA & TIKRIT
We'll depart Najaf in the early morning and head north, visiting the famous whirling minaret of Samarra (which used to be part of the largest mosque in the world during the Abbasid period). We'll also visit the holy shrine of Samarra, as well as another lesser-known minaret nearby the city.

We'll then head to Tikrit, the hometown of Saddam Hussein, where we will relax and have dinner before checking into our hotel.
Day 5 - HATRA & MOSUL
HATRA & MOSUL
In the morning, we'll visit one of Iraq's most majestic ruined sites, known as Hatra. I personally believe that it's the most beautiful historical site in the country.

We'll then continue on to Mosul, where we will explore the ruined old city and old churches, including some exclusive sites such as the Nouri Mosque, which we will have to apply for special permission from UNESCO in order to enter.
Day 6 - BAKHDIDA, BAASHIQA & MAR MATI
BAKHDIDA, BAASHIQA & MAR MATI
Today we will visit the surrounding towns of Mosul and experience the region's rich religious diversity. We'll visit the Assyrian Christian town of Bakhdida, as well as the Mar Mati Monastery, before experiences the Yazidi temples of Baashiqa.
Day 7 - DRIVE TO ERBIL, TOUR END
DRIVE TO ERBIL, TOUR END
In the morning, we will depart Mosul and drive to Erbil (about 2 hours), the largest city in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region. We will visit the city's ancient citadel and marketplace, as well as the Jalil Khayat mosque.

In the afternoon, the tour ends. We will either drop you off to your hotel if you'd like to remain in Kurdistan, or to Erbil airport if you have booked a flight.

**Note. If you'd like to fly out of Baghdad airport, that can be arranged for an additional cost**

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
All museum entry fees that are mentioned on the itinerary
Breakfast
Transportation in a private vehicle
Foreign Arabic-speaking tour leader if the group is large enough

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
Lunch and dinner
Souvenirs
Optional tip for the guide

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
- The Ziggurat of Ur and the marshes of Chibayish
- Basrah city

Price = $1,400.00

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Iraq Diversity Tour Jan 2024

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD

ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD

Day 2 - BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD

Day 3 - BABYLON. AL KIFL AND NAJAF

BABYLON. AL KIFL AND NAJAF

Day 4 - SAMARRA & TIKRIT

SAMARRA & TIKRIT

Day 5 - HATRA & MOSUL

HATRA & MOSUL

Day 6 - BAKHDIDA, BAASHIQA & MAR MATI

BAKHDIDA, BAASHIQA & MAR MATI

Day 7 - DRIVE TO ERBIL, TOUR END

DRIVE TO ERBIL, TOUR END

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Iraq?

Can I extend the tour?