Basra to Erbil Journey
9-Day journey: Basra, marshes, Najaf, Karbala, Baghdad, Mosul, Rawanduz and Erbil.
Duration
9 Days
Route
Basra → Nassriyah → Najaf → Karbala → Baghdad → Mosul → Erbil
Itinerary
Day 1 – Basra
- Arrive in Basra airport pickup
- Checkin hotel , 4 star hotel
- Have a city tour or rest in the hotel
- Visit Basra museum a former Palace of Saddam hussen made to a archeological museum it has many rich artifacts from the babylonian and summerian and assiryan.
- Visit the old town in Basra the Shanahel houses designed by the Arab jewish. 1 hour Lecture about the history of Basra and the Gulf war
- Have lunch in a cultural restaurant
- Cornice of basra
- Go back to the hotel
- During Night take a walk next to the port shat Al Arab and take a boat
- Rid- Ride Sindbad The Sailor ( optional)
- Visit the Italian bridge
- Come back to the hotel
- All this is Optional for whoever wants to join
Day 2 – Basra → Nassriyah (Marshes / Chibayesh)
- Drive to Nassryiah , approximately 2 hours drive, 200km ,124 miles
- Stop at Al Qurna after 1:30 drive where Tigris and Euphrates meet and visit the the (tree of knowledge ) ( Adam's Tree Garden )
- continue and go to the Marshlands arrive after 50 minutes drive
- Have 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 who are allergic to sea food please inform your tour guide.
- After lunch take a boat ride in the Marshland and experience the wonders of the wild life and see buffaloes and other wilde birds that only exists in the marshlands and how the locals live there and listen to their stories. Take photos and videos and possible to swim.
- Drive to the ziggurat of Ur through nassriyah which is the birthplace of prophet Ibrahim, one hour lecture 1:30 hour drive
- Go to Nassiriyah sleep in nassriyah checkin the hotel
Day 3 – Nassriyah → Najaf
- Local breakfast then drive to Najaf (approx. 3.5 hours)
- Wadi Al Salam Cemetery (one of the world's largest cemeteries)
- Visit the Shrine of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, served as the fourth Rashidun caliph from 656 to 661 and is also revered as the first Shia Imam. 1 hour Lecture about the place and the Imam
- Visit Kufa mosque and the 4 shrines inside 1 hour walking tour
- 🕌 The Great Mosque of Kufa (Masjid al-Kufa) – one of the oldest mosques in the world, founded in the 7th century. It was the capital of Imam Ali's rule and a place where many prophets are believed to have prayed.
- Inside are four important shrines:
- 1️⃣ Muslim ibn Aqil – envoy of Imam Husayn, martyred in Kufa.
- 2️⃣ Hani ibn Urwa – loyal supporter who sheltered Muslim ibn Aqil.
- 3️⃣ Mukhtar al-Thaqafi – leader who avenged Karbala.
- 4️⃣ Muslim ibn Kathir al-Azdi – companion of Imam Ali, martyred later.
- A sacred place of history, faith, and sacrifice.
Day 4 – Najaf → Babylon → Karbala
- Drive to Babylon after breakfast: Ishtar Gate, Lion of Babylon, Processional Way, Nebuchadnezzar's Palace, Temple of Marduk, Ancient Theater, Summer Palace, Saddam's Babylon Palace
- 3.5-hour lecture at Babylon
- Lunch in a Yemeni restaurant
- Drive to Karbala (approx. 1h20) and checkin Baron International Hotel
- Visit Imam Hussein Shrine and the Shrine of Abbas (lectures & walking tours)
Day 5 – Karbala → Baghdad
- Early drive to Baghdad; visit Iraq Museum (national museum of Mesopotamia)
- Al-Mustansiriyya School – built in 1227 CE by Caliph al-Mustansir in Baghdad. One of the world's earliest universities, teaching religion, medicine, math, astronomy, and literature. It was unique for hosting all four Sunni schools of law in one place. With its library, hospital, and beautiful Abbasid architecture, it remains a landmark of Baghdad's golden age.
- A walking tour in Sarai street about each building
- Shabandar café . one of the oldest cafes in baghdad
- Continue the tour in Mutanabi street
- walk through Suq Al Safafer the oldest Bazar in the world
- Cross the bridge The Martyrs' Bridge walking and visit Taq Kasra (Ctesiphon)
- Have lunch in darbona Restaurant the owner of the Cultural heritage house near by.
- Visit Taq Kasra Taq Kasra, near Baghdad, is the world's largest brick arch, built during the Sassanian Empire. It was part of the imperial palace in Ctesiphon, showcasing ancient Persian engineering
- Stay and over night in baghdad
Day 6 – Baghdad → Samarra → Mosul
- Al-Shaheed Monument: Also known as the Martyrs' Monument in Baghdad, it honors Iraqi soldiers who died in the Iran-Iraq War, with a striking blue dome split in half.
- Baghdad to Samara 133 kilometers 2 about hours drive .
- Visit The Grand Mosque of Samarra, built in the 9th century by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil, is renowned for its large courtyard and iconic minaret, the Malwiya Tower. The Malwiya, a spiral-shaped tower, stands 52 meters tall and offers a unique architectural design that has become a symbol of Samarra's historical significance
- Drive to Mousl 3hours drive and stay in Modern Palace hotel. Open buffet breakfast included
Day 7 – Mosul to Rawanduz
- Full day tour in Mosul
- Walking tour: visit the old bazaar, old town and old cultural houses and ruins and the fish market
- Mosul's cultural houses feature traditional architecture, historical artifacts, and local arts and crafts. You'll gain insights into Mosul's diverse history and cultural practices, offering a profound understanding of the region's identity and artistic legacy and they were used by in the war so we can experience sniper sites in the roof and also other military usage
- 1 hour Lecture about the battle of Islamic state and history of Ninevah
- Visit the Al-Masfi Mosque, a historic site originally founded in 743 AD. Known also as Al-Khuffafis Mosque, it was restored in 2012 and recently renovated in 2024. This mosque reflects Mosul's rich architectural heritage and historical continuity
- Next visit Baytuna Cultural Museum - A neighborhood was restored by UNESCO World Heritage organization
- A walking tour next to Noori Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret - The Noori Mosque, once a key historical and architectural landmark in Mosul, was severely damaged and destroyed. Its iconic Al-Hadba Minaret, known for its leaning appearance, was a symbol of the city's heritage. Currently, extensive renovation efforts are underway to restore both the mosque and the minaret, aiming to preserve their historical significance and cultural legacy
- Brief Lecture about the city and those sites
- Visit The Assyrian Wall and Adadd Gate in Mosul - remarkable remnants of the ancient city of Nineveh. The Assyrian Wall, dating back to the 8th century BC, once enclosed the ancient city, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Assyrian Empire. The Adadd Gate, part of this ancient fortification, is notable for its historical and artistic significance, providing insight into the grandeur of Assyrian civilization
- The Tomb of the Prophet Jonah - 40 minutes of lecture about those sites
- Go to Erbil 2:3 hours drive
- Go to dinner in a kurdistan cultural restaurant
- After lunch of traditional Kurdish fare, visit holy Lalish - pilgrimage site of the mysterious and fascinating Yazidi people. Experience a unique culture amidst its famous shrines and welcoming residents. Lecture 1 hour tour inside the temple
- Arrive in Duhok in time for dinner. Accommodation: 3 star hotel Transportation: 4 (+/-) hours
- Stay and overnight in Rawanduz
Day 8 – Rawanduz to Erbil
- Visit Bekhal Waterfall and take photos
- Visit Hamilton road short lecture about the road and British empire in the 1920s
- Visit Gali Ali Bag waterfall
- Stay and overnight in erbil
Day 9 – Erbil & Departure
- Visit Erbil Citadel (UNESCO) and Qaysari Bazaar
- End of the tour and departure
Tour Details
Inclusions
- ✓Transportation according to group size (modern bus, mini bus or Chevrolet Tahoe)
- ✓English speaking guide
- ✓Entry tickets to historical sites and museums
- ✓Open buffet breakfast
- ✓4-star hotels
- ✓WiFi 4G during the tour
- ✓Airport pickup and drop off
- ✓Open buffet farewell dinner
Exclusions
- ✕Alcoholic drinks
- ✕Souvenirs
- ✕Lunch and dinner
- ✕Travel insurance
Important Information
- Dress code: Modest clothing required; women are asked to cover hair at religious sites.
- Carry your passport with at least 6 months validity. Follow guide instructions; some sites may have restricted access.
- Contact: WhatsApp +9647715740776 • Email: wanderIraq@outlook.com • www.wanderiraq.com
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.
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.
Questions? Chat with us
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