Duration

8 Days 7 Nights

Country

Iraq

Iraq Diversity Tour November 2025

TOUR DATES:

22nd of November 2025 until 29th of November 2025 (8 Days / 7 Nights)

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.

Furthermore, you can book it as part of a combo with our “Whole Syria” tour, that happens the week before. This is one of the most comprehensive Syria tours you can find. Click here for more information.

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

Itinerary

Day 1 - BAGHDAD
BAGHDAD
Arrival in Baghdad early morning, or the previous night (contact us to book an extra night in the hotel)

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 (if open), 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 2 - BABYLON. AL KIFL AND KARBALA
CTESIPHONE, BABYLON. AL KIFL AND KARBALA
In the morning, we will visit the ancient ruins of Ctesiphon and the impressive archway!

We will then drive on to visit the ancient ruins of Babylon and Saddam Hussein's former palace. 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.

Then, we will continue to the city of Karbala, where we will spend the night.
Day 3 - KARBALA & NAJAF
KARBALA & NAJAF
Karbala is home to the shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas. This city hosts the world's largest annual pilgrimage known as Arbaeen, Awhere more than 20 million pilgrims come from around the world. You will learn about that in the morning, when we will visit the shrines.

We will then drive on to Najaf, where we will visit the holy shrine of Imam Ali, as well as the old city of Najaf. Najaf also has the world's largest cemetery, known as Wadi Al Salam, which we will see a viewpoint of, as well as explore.
Day 4 - NAJAF, URUK & BASRAH
NAJAF, URUK & BASRAH
In the morning, we will visit the Grand Mosque of Kufa, one of the most important sites in Islamic history.

From there, we will leave Najaf and drive south to the ancient city of Uruk. This rarely-visited place is UNIQUE and it's filled with historical ruins. It's famous for being the birthplace of the world's first writing, and you will find clay tablets lying around with cuneiform text on them.

Then, we will continue to the city of Basrah. Upon arrival, we will visit the city's ancient houses and old city. Then, we will go for dinner at one of our favourite restaurants in Iraq, before going for a stroll on Basrah's waterfront promenade.

The night time vibe here is really nice, and you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip.
Day 5 - MARSHES, UR & BAGHDAD
MARSHES, UR & BAGHDAD
We will leave Basrah early in the morning to slowly make our way north. We will first head to Al Qurnah, where the famous Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet - and also the home of Adam's tree!

Then, we will drive on the the southern Iraqi marshes (HIGHLIGHT). Here, we will see the traditional reed homes that have been made in a similar manner since the days of the Sumerians. Then, we will go on a boat trip through the marshes, where you'll see unique wildlife such as water buffaloes! We will then have lunch - traditional Iraqi Masgouf fish.

We will then continue on to Ur - one of Iraq's oldest historical sites and home to a Ziggurat, basically an ancient Mesopotamian pyramid. We will wander around the historical site before making our way back to Baghdad.

Check into the hotel and overnight in Baghdad.
Day 6 - SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL
SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL
We'll depart Baghdad 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). In case the large minaret is closed to climb, we will climb a secondary minaret which is smaller but just as impressive!

We'll then head to Tikrit, the hometown of Saddam Hussein, where we will relax and have lunch.

In the afternoon, we'll visit one of Iraq's most majestic ruined sites, known as Hatra, one of the first Arab kingdoms. I personally believe that it's the most beautiful historical site in the country.

We'll then continue on to Mosul, where we will check into the hotel and explore the city's night time vibes.
Day 7 - MOSUL, BAKHDIDA, BAASHIQA & MAR MATTI
MOSUL, BAKHDIDA, BAASHIQA & MAR MATTI
In the morning, we will explore the ruined old city of Mosul and old churches, including some exclusive sites such as the Nouri Mosque and Armenian Church, which we will have to apply for special permission from UNESCO in order to enter.

Then, we will visit of the the surrounding towns of Mosul and experience the region's rich religious diversity. We'll visit the Assyrian Christian town of Bakhdida, home to many beautiful churches and a museum about Assyrian culture.

Then we will drive on to the town of Baashiqa, which is extremely diverse! It is home to Yazidis and their temples, as well as Christians and Muslims. Above the town, there is a mountain with an ancient monastery known as Mar Matti - we will also visit it.

We will then return to Mosul, where we will spend the night.
Day 8 - END OF TOUR
END OF TOUR
In the morning, we will head to the ancient town of Lalish. This place is the centre of the Yazidi religion - a place of temples and religious pilgrimage. You will learn about their religious beliefs and wander around the beautiful place.

Finally, we will end the day in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region, where we will take you to the city centre and marketplaces, as well as the citadel.

At around 2pm, the tour ends. We can drop you off at Erbil airport if you have booked a flight that departs around that time, or we can drop you off at a hotel in Erbil.

**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 = $1,780.00

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Iraq Diversity Tour November 2025

Itinerary

Day 1 - BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD

Day 2 - BABYLON. AL KIFL AND KARBALA

CTESIPHONE, BABYLON. AL KIFL AND KARBALA

Day 3 - KARBALA & NAJAF

KARBALA & NAJAF

Day 4 - NAJAF, URUK & BASRAH

NAJAF, URUK & BASRAH

Day 5 - MARSHES, UR & BAGHDAD

MARSHES, UR & BAGHDAD

Day 6 - SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL

SAMARRA, HATRA & MOSUL

Day 7 - MOSUL, BAKHDIDA, BAASHIQA & MAR MATTI

MOSUL, BAKHDIDA, BAASHIQA & MAR MATTI

Day 8 - END OF TOUR

END OF TOUR

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Iraq?

Can I extend the tour?