Federal Iraq & Kurdistan Newroz Tour 2026
A 10-day journey celebrating the history of Mesopotamia and the vibrant traditions of Newroz.
Date & Duration
March 11 - 21, 2026 (10 Days)
Route
Basra → Baghdad → Mosul → Erbil → Akre
Price
$2,000 per person
Deadline
Feb 1, 2026
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival to Basra2026-03-11
Arrive in Basra airport pickup. Overnight in Basra at Rashid Hotel 4 star.
Highlights
- Airport pickup in Basra
- Check-in at Rashid Hotel (4 Stars)
Day 2 – Basra & Marshlands2026-03-12
Basra and the Mesopotamian Marshlands Experience. This journey takes you through the deep layers of southern Iraq.
Highlights
- Visit Basra Museum (former Saddam's palace) displaying Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian artifacts
- Explore the old town of Basra and Shanaheel houses
- 1-hour guided lecture on Basra's history and the Iran-Iraq war
- Drive to Al Qurna (meeting point of Tigris and Euphrates)
- Visit Adam’s Tree Garden (Tree of Knowledge)
- Boat trip in the Mesopotamian Marshlands
- Traditional Masgouf lunch in a reed house (grilled chicken available)
- Overnight stay in a traditional reed house in the marshes
Day 3 – Marshlands, Ur, Najaf2026-03-13
From the natural wonders of the Marshlands to the ancient city of Ur and the holy city of Najaf.
Highlights
- Morning boat ride for wildlife observation and photography
- Drive to the ancient city of Ur (Ziggurat and House of Prophet Ibrahim)
- Drive to Najaf and check in at Zamzam Hotel
- Historical and religious lecture on Najaf
- Visit the Great Mosque of Kufa and its shrines (Muslim ibn Aqil, Hani ibn Urwa, Mukhtar al Thaqafi)
- Overnight at Zamzam Hotel
Day 4 – Najaf, Karbala, Babylon2026-03-14
Exploring spiritual centers and the ancient wonders of Babylon.
Highlights
- Visit Wadi Al Salam Cemetery
- Visit the Shrine of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib
- Drive to Babylon: Ishtar Gate, Lion of Babylon, Processional Way, Nebuchadnezzar's Palace, Temple of Marduk, Ancient Theater
- Visit historic palaces and receive an in-depth historical lecture
- Lunch at a local Yemeni restaurant
- Drive to Karbala
- Dinner at a cultural restaurant
- Overnight at Plazma Hotel, Karbala
Day 5 – Karbala, Baghdad2026-03-15
From the shrines of Karbala to the bustling capital of Baghdad.
Highlights
- Morning visit to the Shrine of Imam Hussein with guided tour
- Drive to Baghdad
- Visit Taq Kisra (Ctesiphon), the monumental Sasanian arch
- Overnight at Gilgamesh Hotel, Baghdad
Day 6 – Baghdad2026-03-16
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Baghdad.
Highlights
- Visit Shabandar Café
- Walk along Al-Mutanabbi Street
- Explore Souq Al Safafer (Coppersmith market)
- Explore Al Rashid Street
- Walk across Martyrs’ Bridge
- Visit the Martyrs’ Monument
Day 7 – Baghdad & Samarra & Mosul2026-03-17
Journey north to Samarra and the historic city of Mosul.
Highlights
- Drive to Samarra to visit the Great Mosque and Malwiya Minaret
- Stop at Hatra (Parthian archaeological city)
- Arrival in Mosul
- Overnight at Airport Hotel
Day 8 – Mosul, Lalish, Erbil2026-03-18
Discovering Mosul's recovery, the Yazidi spiritual center of Lalish, and moving to Erbil.
Highlights
- Walking tour of Mosul: Old Bazaar, Old Town, Fish Market
- Lecture on the history of Nineveh and recent events
- Visit Al Masfi Mosque and Baytuna Cultural Museum
- Visit UNESCO restored area (Al Nouri Mosque, Al Hadba Minaret)
- Visit Assyrian city walls and Adad Gate
- Drive to Lalish to visit the Yazidi holy temple
- Drive to Erbil
- Overnight at Soul Mate Hotel, Erbil
Day 9 – Bekhal, Hamilton Road, Gali Ali Bag, Erbil2026-03-19
Exploring the breathtaking nature of Kurdistan and the ancient Citadel of Erbil.
Highlights
- Visit Rawanduz Gorge and Bekhal Waterfall
- Travel along the historic Hamilton Road
- Visit Gali Ali Bag Waterfall
- Visit Erbil Citadel (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Guided walk through Erbil’s main bazaar
Day 10 – Newroz in Akre2026-03-20
Experience the spectacular Newroz celebrations in Akre.
Highlights
- Drive to Akre
- Hike to historic town and ruins of Virgin Mary Cathedral
- Explore ancient Mithraism/Zoroastrianism sites and caves
- Walk down to Akre bazaar (option to buy Kurdish clothes)
- Late lunch/early dinner
- Witness the sunset Newroz ceremony with fire and traditional dancing
- Drive back to Erbil for overnight
Tour Details
Inclusions
- ✓Accommodation (4-Star Hotels)
- ✓All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- ✓VIP Air-Conditioned Bus Transportation
- ✓Entrance Fees to all sites
- ✓Multilanguage speaking local guides (English, Arabic, Kurdish)
Exclusions
- ✕International flights
- ✕Health insurance
- ✕Visa fees
- ✕Tips and personal shopping
Your Tour Guide
Your tour guide will be the founder of WanderIraq, Twana Burhan, who has extensive knowledge of Iraqi history, culture and traditions.
Contact Twana →