Baghdad to Mosul Explorer
A 7-day journey through Iraq's most historic cities, from Baghdad to Mosul, ending in Erbil
Duration
7 Days
Distance
Baghdad → Mosul → Erbil
Itinerary
Day 1 – Baghdad
Arrival and city tour of Baghdad
Arrival in Baghdad
All sites are walking tour from 8:30 leave the hotel
Freedom Monument (نصب الحرية)
Designed by Iraqi artist Jawad Saleem and architect Rifat Chadirji, this iconic monument was completed in 1961. Located in Tahrir Square, it symbolizes Iraq's 1958 revolution and the struggle for freedom, featuring 14 bronze reliefs that blend Mesopotamian and modern art styles. The guide will explain the symbols in details.
Bird Market & Busy Bazaar
After taking photos a bus ride in the busiest part of Baghdad to Abbasid palace. On the way we'll see the busy bazaar and the famous bird market.
Abbasid Palace
Built in the 12th century during the Abbasid Caliphate, this historic palace is one of the few surviving examples of Islamic architecture from that era in Baghdad. It's located near the Tigris River and showcases brickwork, arches, and courtyards typical of Abbasid design.
Sarai Street Walking Tour
Walking tour in Sarai street and also explain about each historical building and visit some of them
Al-Mutanabbi Street
Named after the poet Al-Mutanabbi, this historic street is Baghdad's cultural hub, famous for its bookstores, cafes, and intellectual life. It dates back to the early 20th century and remains a symbol of Iraq's literary heritage.
Shabandar Café
Established in 1917 on Al-Mutanabbi Street, Shabandar Café is a historic gathering place for writers, poets, and intellectuals. It symbolizes Baghdad's cultural and literary life and has survived decades of political and social change.
Al-Mustansiriya School
Founded in 1227 CE by Caliph Al-Mustansir, this was one of the oldest universities in the world, offering studies in medicine, math, literature, and Islamic law. It's a key example of Abbasid-era architecture and scholarship.
Darbouna Kitchen
Drive to Darbouna restaurant for a cultural experience.
Green Zone Visit
Car tour of two sites in the Green Zone. Visit Green Zone, take photos from outside of Victory Arch: Unveiled in 1989 by Saddam Hussein, this monument features two giant hands holding crossed swords, commemorating the Iran-Iraq War. Located in Victory Square, it symbolizes military pride and remains a powerful symbol of Iraq's modern history.
Unknown Soldier Monument
Monument to the Unknown Soldier (closed): Inaugurated in 1982, this monument honors Iraqi soldiers who died in war, especially during the Iran-Iraq War. Designed by Khaled al-Rahal, it features a modernist helmet and shield symbolizing sacrifice and national pride.
Martyrs' Monument
Take photos from outside (closed): Monument to the Unknown Soldier – Baghdad Inaugurated in 1982, this monument honors Iraqi soldiers who died in war, especially during the Iran-Iraq War. Designed by Khaled al-Rahal, it features a modernist helmet and shield symbolizing sacrifice and national pride.
Optional Baghdad MonumentsOptional
Also possible to visit some other monuments in Baghdad like Sharazad and Sharayar, Sindbad flying carpet, Kahramana statue, and The magic lamp of Aladin.
Accommodation: Hotel in Baghdad
Day 2 – Baghdad to Babylon & Karbala
Travel to Babylon and Karbala, visit historical sites
Travel to Babylon
Travel from Baghdad to Babylon 1:30 hours (approximately three and a half walking tour in Babylon)
Ancient Babylon and Ishtar Gate
Explore the old city of Babylon and the Ishtar Gate and two palaces of Nebuchadnezzar
Saddam Palace
Visit the ancient city and Saddam Palace exclusive access inside the palace full tour (photo stop only).
Traditional Yemeni Restaurant
Travel to Karbala 1 hour drive, enjoy a meal in a Yemeni traditional restaurant, has Arabic settings. Chicken with colored rice meat with some salad.
Karbala Shrines
Check in at the hotel, rest, and during the evening visit Imam Hussein and Imam Abbas shrines. 1 hour to 1:30 hour walking tour to visit the two shrines. Go to a restaurant for dinner.
Travel Info: Baghdad to Babylon: 1:30 hours, Babylon to Karbala: 1 hour
Accommodation: Overnight in Karbala
Day 3 – Karbala to Najaf to Baghdad
Journey to Najaf and religious sites
Travel to Najaf
Departure early in the morning at 9am
Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery
Visit the biggest cemetery in the world. Wadi Al-Salam ("Valley of Peace") is the largest cemetery in the world, located in Najaf, near the shrine of Imam Ali (AS). It spans over 1,500 acres and holds millions of graves. For Shia Muslims, it is a sacred burial site, believed to be a place where souls are blessed due to its proximity to Imam Ali. The cemetery has been in use for over 1,400 years.
Imam Ali Shrine
After that visit the shrine of Imam Ali in Najaf 1:20 hour drive to Imam Ali shrine. Have a walking tour in the shrine. Located in Najaf, this shrine is the burial site of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) — cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the first Imam in Shia Islam. It is one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims, visited by millions annually. The shrine features a magnificent golden dome, intricate tile work, and a deep spiritual atmosphere, symbolizing justice, knowledge, and devotion.
Lunch
Have lunch
Kufa Mosque (Optional)Optional
Visit al Kufa mosque walking tour. Masjid al-Kufa, one of Islam's oldest mosques, is where Imam Ali (AS) was martyred and houses the shrines of Maytham al-Tammar, Muslim ibn Aqeel, Hani ibn Urwah, and Mukhtar al-Thaqafi.
Return to Baghdad
2:30 hours drive to 3h. Stay and overnight in Baghdad
Travel Info: Najaf to Baghdad: 2:30-3 hours
Accommodation: Overnight in Baghdad
Day 4 – Baghdad
Museums and historical sites in Baghdad
Iraq Museum
Visit Iraq Museum for an exclusive tour of the biggest museum in Iraq. The Iraq Museum in Baghdad displays treasures from ancient Mesopotamia, including Sumerian and Babylonian artifacts, though the Akkadian hall is currently closed. 2 hour tour
Lunch
Have lunch
Taq Kasra
Taq Kasra, also known as the Arch of Ctesiphon, is a massive 3rd-century structure with the world's largest single-span brick arch. It was once part of a grand palace complex, symbolizing the power and architectural mastery of the Sasanian Empire. Despite centuries of wear, its iconic arch remains a testament to ancient engineering.
Return to Baghdad
Come back to the city and end of the tour around the afternoon 3pm
Accommodation: Overnight in Baghdad
Day 5 – Baghdad to Samarra to Mosul
Journey through historical sites en route to Mosul
Travel to Samarra
2:30 hours drive to Samarra
Grand Mosque of Samarra
Visit the Grand mosque of Samarra (closed) and take photos next to the Malawiya minaret. The Great Mosque of Samarra, built in the 9th century, is famous for its giant spiral Malwiya Minaret and was once the largest mosque in the world.
Abu Dulaf Minaret
Visit Abo Dulaf minaret and climb it. The Minaret of Abu Dulaf is a spiraling structure from the 9th century, part of a once-grand mosque. Its unique, helical design reflects Abbasid architectural innovation, serving both as a call to prayer and a symbol of the region's cultural heritage.
Lunch
Lunch on the way to Mosul
Hatra (Optional)Optional
Visit Hatra (30 minutes on the way to Mosul). Hatra is an ancient city located in modern-day Iraq. It was a fortified city and a major religious and trading center during the Parthian Empire and later under the Sassanian Empire. Hatra is famous for its well-preserved ruins, including temples, city walls, and statues, showcasing a unique blend of Hellenistic and Eastern architectural styles.
Arrival in Mosul
Check in at the hotel in Mosul and rest. Have dinner later.
Travel Info: Baghdad to Samarra: 2:30 hours, Samarra to Mosul: 2-3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Mosul
Day 6 – Mosul
Exploring the historical city of Mosul
Old Town Tour
Visit the old town of Mosul. The Old Town of Mosul, on the west bank of the Tigris River, is one of Iraq's most historic and culturally rich areas. Known for its narrow alleys, ancient mosques, churches, and traditional markets, it reflected Mosul's diverse heritage. It was also the most heavily damaged area during the war against ISIS. Today, reconstruction efforts are helping bring this iconic part of the city back to life.
Mosul Bazaar
Visit the traditional bazaar of Mosul
Fish Market
Visit the local fish market
Umayyad Mosque
The Umayyad Mosque of Mosul is one of the oldest mosques in the city, built during the Umayyad era in the 7th or 8th century. Located in the Old City, it has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The mosque was severely damaged during the war against ISIS, but efforts are now underway to restore it as part of Mosul's cultural revival.
Cultural Museums
Visit two cultural museums in Mosul
Al-Nuri Mosque
The Al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul was built in the 12th century by Nur al-Din Zangi. It was famous for its leaning minaret, known as "Al-Hadba" (the hunchback). The mosque became a symbol of the city. Sadly, it was destroyed by ISIS in 2017 during the battle to liberate Mosul. Today, it's being rebuilt through a major restoration project led by UNESCO and international partners.
UNESCO Renovated Neighborhood
Visit a neighborhood that was renovated by UNESCO. Most of these sites are walking tours.
Lunch
Have lunch
Adad Gate
The Adad Gate is one of the ancient gates of the Assyrian city of Nineveh, located near modern-day Mosul. It was named after the Assyrian storm god Adad and served as one of the main entrances to the city's massive walls. Though parts of it were damaged in recent conflicts, it remains a powerful symbol of Assyria's ancient glory. Efforts are underway to preserve and restore what's left of this historic site.
Nineveh Tour
Car tour around the city of Nineveh. Nineveh was the ancient capital of the Assyrian Empire, located near modern-day Mosul in northern Iraq. It was one of the largest and most impressive cities of the ancient world, famous for its massive city walls, grand palaces, and extensive libraries. Nineveh was a major political, cultural, and religious center until its destruction around 612 BC. Today, its ruins are an important archaeological site and a testament to ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
Prophet Yunus (Jonah) Site
Prophet Yunus (Jonah) is a revered prophet in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, sent to the people of Nineveh to call them to repentance; after they initially rejected his message, he was swallowed by a great fish, prayed sincerely, and was saved—his story teaches patience, repentance, and God's mercy.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mosul
Day 7 – Mosul to Erbil and Departure
Transfer to Erbil and departure
Travel to Erbil
1:30 hours drive to Erbil
Erbil Bazaar and Citadel (Optional)Optional
Possible to visit the bazaar in the morning next to the citadel. Have a day tour.
Departure
End of tour and departure from Erbil
Travel Info: Mosul to Erbil: 1:30 hours
Tour Details
Inclusions
- ✓Private transportation
- ✓Pickup and drop off from the airport
- ✓Professional English and Arabic speaking Guide
- ✓WiFi in the car
- ✓4-star hotels with open buffet breakfast
- ✓All entry tickets to historical sites and museums
Exclusions
- ✕Lunch and dinner
- ✕Souvenirs
- ✕Airline tickets
- ✕Visa
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 →Important Information
Health & Safety
This tour involves moderate walking, sometimes on uneven terrain. Travelers should be in good physical condition. Always follow your guide's safety instructions at historical sites.
Cultural Respect
When visiting religious sites, modest dress is required. Women should cover their heads when entering mosques. Always ask permission before taking photos of local people.
Travel Documents
Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity. Iraqi visa must be obtained in advance. We can provide assistance with visa application documentation.
For more detailed information, please visit our Facts & Information page or Booking & Refund Policy page.
Ready to Explore Iraq?
Embark on this unforgettable journey through Iraq's rich history and culture. Spaces are limited to ensure the best experience.
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