Grand Iraq Explorer

Airport Pickup & Hotel Check-in

Arrival at Basra airport, pickup and transfer to 4-star hotel for check-in.

Basra Museum

Former Saddam Hussein palace converted into archaeological museum featuring Babylonian, Sumerian, and Assyrian artifacts. Rich collection of historical treasures from ancient civilizations.

Old Town Tour - Shanashel Houses

Walking tour of historical buildings in the old town, featuring unique architecture designed by Arab Jewish architects. Includes a one-hour lecture about Basra's history and the Gulf War.

Cultural Lunch Experience

Enjoy traditional Iraqi cuisine in a cultural restaurant setting.

Corniche of Basra

Visit the scenic waterfront promenade of Basra.

Evening Activities (Optional)Optional

Optional evening activities including: Shatt Al-Arab boat ride, Sindbad The Sailor experience, and Italian bridge visit.

Drive to Nassryiah

Approximately 2 hours drive (200km, 124 miles) to Nassryiah.

Al Qurna - Tree of Knowledge

Stop at Al Qurna after 1:30 drive where Tigris and Euphrates meet and visit the Tree of Knowledge (Adam's Tree Garden).

Marshlands Experience

Arrive at the Marshlands after 50 minutes drive. Enjoy lunch (Mazgof) - fresh fish from the marshlands grilled by the locals the Iraqi way in a local reed house. Note: Grilled chicken with rice also available for those allergic to seafood. After lunch, take a boat ride in the Marshland to experience the wonders of wildlife, see buffaloes and wild birds unique to the marshlands, learn about local life, and take photos and videos. Swimming possible.

Duration: 3-4 hours

Ziggurat of Ur

Drive to the ziggurat of Ur through Nassryiah, the birthplace of prophet Ibrahim. Includes one-hour lecture. 1:30 hour drive.

Uruk (Samawa)

Drive to Uruk (5,000 BC), where the first written words were created and the first city in the world. Tour the ancient temples. 2-hour drive with 1-hour lecture.

Wadi Al Salam Cemetery

Located in Najaf, Iraq, this is one of the world's largest and oldest cemeteries. It holds the graves of many important Islamic figures and is a significant pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims. Exclusive access to a parking lot.

Imam Ali Shrine

Visit the shrine of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, who served as the fourth Rashidun caliph from 656 to 661 and is also revered as the first Shia Imam. Includes 1-hour lecture about the place and the Imam.

Kufa Mosque

Visit Kufa mosque and the 4 shrines inside. 1-hour walking tour.

Babylon Tour

Drive to Babylon after open buffet breakfast. Visit: Ishtar Gate (6th century BCE), Lion of Babylon, Processional Way, Nebuchadnezzar's Palace, Temple of Marduk (Esagila), Ancient Theater (Alexander the Great's era), Summer Palace, and Saddam's Babylon Palace. Includes 3:30 lecture.

Saddam's Babylon Palace

Visit Saddam's Babylon Palace, built in the 1980s, overlooking the ancient city of Babylon. Intended to evoke the grandeur of Babylonian kings, it features luxurious architecture and decorations.

Imam Hussein Shrine

Visit the shrine of Imam Hussein, a central figure in Shia Islam who was martyred in Karbala in 680 CE. The shrine is a major pilgrimage site known for its elaborate architecture. Includes one-hour lecture and walking tour.

Lunch in Yemeni Restaurant

Traditional Yemeni cuisine experience.

Shrine of Abbas

Visit the shrine of Abbas ibn Ali, the half-brother of Imam Hussein, known for his bravery in the Battle of Karbala. 30 minutes walk to visit inside.

Abbasid Palace

Visit the 12th-century Abbasid Palace, a remarkable example of Islamic architecture. 30 minutes lecture about the place.

Al-Mutanabbi Street

Walk through the oldest Bazar in the world.

Shabandar Tea House

Stop for tea in one of the oldest tea houses in Baghdad.

Sarai Street Walking Tour

Tour of historical buildings including: Qishla Building, Mustansiriya Madrasa, AL-Arashdiya Military School, Baghdad old governorate, King Gazi Mosque, and cultural houses. Lecture about each house and building.

Martyrs' Bridge & Al Watar Cultural Heritage House

Cross the bridge and visit the cultural heritage house.

Victory Arch & Unknown Soldier Monument

Visit these significant monuments in the Green Zone.

Iraq Museum

Opened in 1926, houses one of the world's most important collections of Mesopotamian artifacts, including treasures from Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.

Iraqi Cultural Monument

A symbolic structure representing Iraq's rich heritage and diverse cultural history.

Al-Shaheed Monument

Also known as the Martyrs' Monument in Baghdad, honors Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq War, with a striking blue dome split in half.

Al-Kadhimayn Mosque

A sacred Shia shrine in Baghdad, housing the tombs of two Shia Imams, Musa al-Kadhim and Muhammad al-Jawad.

Taq Kasra

The world's largest brick arch, built during the Sassanian Empire. Part of the imperial palace in Ctesiphon, showcasing ancient Persian engineering.

Karada Street

Evening walk to explore Baghdad's nightlife.

Grand Mosque of Samarra

Built in the 9th century by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil, renowned for its large courtyard and iconic Malwiya Tower. The Malwiya, a spiral-shaped tower, stands 52 meters tall.

Abu Dalaf Minaret

An architectural marvel from the Abbasid era, built in the 9th century under Caliph Al-Mutawakkil. Features a unique spiral minaret and intricate brickwork.

Hatra

An ancient Parthian city known for its well-preserved temples and defensive walls. A religious and trading hub blending Greco-Roman and eastern architectural styles. 3 hours drive, 1 hour tour.

Old Bazar Walking Tour

Visit the old town, cultural houses, ruins, and the fish market. Experience sniper sites in the roof and other military usage from the war. 1-hour lecture about the battle of Islamic state and history of Ninevah.

Al-Masfi Mosque

Historic site originally founded in 743 AD, also known as Al-Khuffafis Mosque. Restored in 2012 and recently renovated in 2024.

Baytuna Cultural Museum

A neighborhood restored by UNESCO World Heritage organization.

Al-Nuri Mosque

Visit the site of the Noori Mosque and its iconic Al-Hadba Minaret, currently under renovation to preserve their historical significance.

Assyrian Wall and Adadd Gate

Remarkable remnants of the ancient city of Nineveh, dating back to the 8th century BC. The wall once enclosed the ancient city, showcasing Assyrian architectural prowess.

Tomb of the Prophet Jonah

40 minutes lecture about the historical sites.

Gaugamela Battlefield

Site of the famous battle between King Darius III and Alexander the Great. 30 minutes lecture about Alexander the Great and the battle.

St. Matthew's Monastery

Visit the fourth-century Dayro d-Mor Matay Monastery, one of Christendom's most important ancient sites in almost continuous operation for nearly 2000 years. 30 minutes lecture about the monastery.

Jirwana Bridge and Aqueduct

The world's oldest-known bridge and aqueduct (from 690 BC). Learn about Assyrian King Sennacharib. Short lecture.

Lalish

Holy pilgrimage site of the Yazidi people. Experience unique culture amidst famous shrines and welcoming residents. 1-hour tour inside the temple.

Amedi

Scenic ancient town perched on a mountain plateau, known for its rich history dating back over 3,000 years. Visit the Amedi Synagogue, Great Mosque of Amedi, and Mosul Gate (Bab al-Saray).

Shanidar CaveOptional

Significant archaeological site where Neanderthal remains were discovered, offering insights into early human life. Optional visit - no museum inside, only remains of the digging. Short lecture.

Rawanduz Gorge

Visit the gorge considered to be the deepest in the Middle East.

Bekhal Waterfall

Visit and take photos of the beautiful waterfall.

Hamilton Road

Short lecture about the road and British empire in the 1920s.

Gali Ali Bag Waterfall

Visit another stunning waterfall in the region.

Akre Village Tour

Discover the local neighborhood, its heritage and history.

Farewell Dinner

Open buffet dinner at ABC restaurant.