Iraq Unframed: A Journey of Discovery

Mar 10

Highlights: Full Baghdad city tour, Old Baghdad, Tigris River, Green Zone

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll embark on a full tour through Old Baghdad, delving into the city’s rich tapestry of history and contemporary life. The day will first take us through the heart of the city’s bustling markets, a sensory feast of colors, sounds, and aromas that showcase the vibrancy of local commerce and culture. We’ll continue our adventure with a tranquil boat trip on the Tigris River, offering us a unique perspective of Baghdad and providing glimpses into the daily activities along its banks. A visit to the Baghdad Cultural Center is next, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the city’s artistic traditions and historical narratives, enhancing our appreciation for Baghdad’s cultural significance. Our exploration will finally lead us into the Green Zone, an area known for its political and diplomatic significance in contemporary Iraq. This secured district houses government buildings, foreign embassies, and has been a focal point for Iraq’s recent history, offering insights into the country’s journey towards stability and governance.

Mar 11

Highlights: Local breakfast, modern Baghdad

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We’ll start the day with a photo walk through modern Baghdad, immersing in the cities contemporary side and its recent developments. Our day will conclude with an authentic evening out, where our local friends will introduce us to the warm hospitality of Iraq. We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, tasting a variety of local dishes, followed by a relaxed visit to a local shisha café, where we can unwind and share stories, enveloped in the flavorsome smoke of shisha and the vibrant Iraqi night.

Mar 12

Highlights: Ancient Babylon, Imam Ali Shrine, Najaf

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our day begins with an early departure from Baghdad, setting the stage for an immersive tour of the ancient city of Babylon. Here, we’ll explore the ruins of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, walking through history where the Hanging Gardens once stood and marveling at the remnants of its great walls and gates. From here, we’ll drive to the city of Najaf, check in to our hotel and proceed to the Valley of Peace, the world’s largest cemetery, an expansive and historic site. As dusk falls, we’ll prepare for a surreal experience at the Imam Ali Shrine, one of Iraq’s most revered spiritual sites, where the evening’s atmosphere and crowds of pilgrims from around the world adds a profound sense of reverence to our visit.

Mar 13

Highlights: Nasiriyah, Sumerian City of Ur, Abraham’s house

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll start the day with a 4 hour drive to the city of Nasiriyah, setting off early to make the most of the day ahead. Upon arrival we’ll check in to our hotel and head out for lunch. In the late afternoon, we’ll make the short drive out of the city in order to explore the ancient Sumerian city of Ur, one of the world’s earliest cities. Here, we’ll delve into history with a visit to the archaeological site that includes the Ziggurat of Ur and the area believed to be the house where Abraham possibly lived. After soaking in the historical and cultural significance of Ur, you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy some free time in Nasiriyah. This is a great chance to wander, absorb the local atmosphere, or simply rest before we gather in the evening for a group dinner featuring some local cuisine.

Mar 14

Highlights: Al Hammar and Central Marshes by boat, local breakfast and lunch, local activities

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we’ll have a very early start so that we can make the 1.5 hour drive to the marshes in time for a breathtaking sunrise over the region, casting a golden glow over the water and reeds, setting a serene tone for the day. A highlight of our morning will be sharing a traditional regional breakfast with some of our local friends in their reed home, offering an intimate glimpse into the local way of life. Our exploration then continues as we continue by boat to visit Al Hammar West and the Central Marshes, immersing ourselves in the dynamic ecosystem and lifestyles of this unique area. Once our boat trip concludes, we’ll enjoy a local fish lunch, before making the 5 hour drive back to Baghdad in the afternoon. We’ll check in to our hotel in Baghdad and have a free evening to rest.

Mar 15

Highlights: Fallujah day trip

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day’s adventure begins with a morning trip to Fallujah, a city known for its abundant history, where we’ll dive into the local culture right away with a traditional Fallujah lunch, featuring dishes rich in flavors and history. After lunch, we’ll take a leisurely photo walk along the corniche and through the local markets, absorbing the city’s atmosphere and scenic views. From here, we’ll return to Baghdad. With the evening free, you’ll have the opportunity to explore at your own pace before we all gather for a group dinner.

Mar 16

Highlights: Spiral minaret of Samarra, fortified city of Hatra, arrival in Mosul

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing from Baghdad in the morning, our journey takes us to the historic city of Samarra, where we’ll marvel at its ancient spiral minaret, an architectural marvel and a symbol of the city’s Islamic heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique glimpse into the Abbasid era, showcasing the innovative art and architecture of the period. Our exploration continues as we head to the magnificent fortified caravan city of Hatra, known for its high walls and towers that have withstood the sands of time, and its blend of Greco-Roman and Eastern architectural influences, reflecting the city’s importance as a trading hub in ancient times. The day’s journey concludes with our arrival in Mosul, setting the stage for further discovery in this city that bridges the past and present with its deep historical roots and bustling culture.

Mar 17

Highlights: Full walking tour of Old Mosul, meeting local residents

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll embark on a walking photo tour of Old Mosul. Our journey will take us to significant UNESCO sites, including the majestic Al-Nouri Mosque and the venerable Al Tahira Church. As we meander through the bustling Old Bazaar and aromatic spice market, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant local culture. We’ll engage with the resilient residents, who will share their stories from the ISIS era, offering a deeper understanding of the city’s recent struggles. The day will conclude with an evening at a local cultural cafe providing a perfect end to our day.

Mar 18

Highlights: Nineveh Plains, local village with unique local activities!

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Embarking on a day trip from Mosul, we’ll venture into the heart of the Nineveh Plains where we’ll visit a local village that is home to both Christian and Yazidi communities. Our day begins with the warmth of local hospitality, as we’re invited to share breakfast with a family, offering us a taste of their time-honored cuisine and a personal insight into their daily lives. As we tour the village, we’ll be guided through a series of interesting locations, each with its own story and significance. These stops may include ancient churches, cultural landmarks, and sites of spiritual importance to the Yazidi and Christian communities.

Mar 19

Highlights: Arrival in Erbil, city tour

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing from Mosul in the morning we’ll set off to Erbil, the capital city of the Iraqi Kurdistan region of the country. Known for its ancient citadel and bustling bazaars, Erbil presents a fascinating blend of history and modernity. After lunch, we’ll head out into the old city in order to visit the citadel, markets, tea shops and more before making a stop at the gorgeous Jalil Khayat Mosque. After this unique experience, we will head out for our farewell dinner in the hip Ankawa neighborhood of the city, marking an end to this most spectacular adventure!

Mar 20

Highlights: Shaqlawa, Newroz Festival!

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Get ready for a spectacular day as you prepare to witness one of the most mesmerizing festivals in the world! After a leisurely morning, we’ll head into the heart of Old Erbil for a leisurely walk through the historic markets and impressive 5000 year old citadel. After lunch, we will drive to the town of Akre, a small town in the countryside about an hour from Erbil. Once in Akre, it’s time for an incredible festival – Newroz! This celebration of spring needs to be seen to be believed. We’ll observe festivities and interact with locals from a rooftop overlooking the town. Then, we’ll join the crowds and walk into the hills as thousands of people parade alongside us. As the sun sets, we’ll find a perfect spot to witness the lighting of fires, parades of torches, impressive fireworks out over the valley and plenty of song and dance. The atmosphere will be unforgettable as you stand in awe at all that is happening around you! Once the celebration winds down, we’ll make the 1.5 hour drive back to Erbil for a well-deserved night of sleep.

Mar 21

Departure day

Included: Breakfast

You will be picked up for your private airport transfer based on the time of your departing flight. *We recommend booking a flight after 12:00 PM for this day. If you wish to spend an additional night in Erbil, we can arrange a hotel room for you and assist with any plans.