Legendary Routes of Mesopotamia

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Price: 2,450/ person in a shared double room, full board.

Group size: Min. 6 persons

The published prices are calculated for groups of at least 6 travellers. However, Travel to Iraq ensures that outings can be organised for smaller groups. In these cases the price will vary, being higher due to the smaller number of people in the group.

Travel dates for 2025:

• 16 May to 24 May
• 1 October to 9 October
• 27 October to 4 November
• 1 December to 9 December

Travel through the lands of the ancient civilisation in the Legendary Routes of Mesopotamia. From Basra and the marshes of Mesopotamia, to the mythical cities of Ur, Uruk, Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, Baghdad and Mosul. A unique journey connecting history, culture and spirituality in the heart of Iraq.

For an even more complete experience, we suggest adding three days to explore the fascinating Iraqi Kurdistan, a region full of history, culture and breathtaking scenery. This tour will take you first to DuhukIt is a city surrounded by mountains and natural landscapes that reflect the beauty of the region. There you will be able to visit the sculptures of Kinis, Lalish Templeamong other highlights.

You will then travel to ErbilThe capital of Kurdistan, where you will discover its historic Citadel, vibrant traditional markets and a mix of ancient and modern that will captivate you. You will also visit the city of Amedia and its traditional market, the Shanidar Cave and other interesting sites. With these three additional days, you will have plenty of time to get to know the essence of Kurdistan, enjoy the people and immerse yourself in the cultural and natural richness of the region.

Scroll down to see the additional 3-day offer and how to include this tour in your itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN BASRA

Early arrival at Basra International Airport. After completing the visa formalities we head to Las Marismas de Mesopotamia ( marshes of Mesopotamia) to enjoy the beautiful nature and do some activities:

• We will have a traditional lunch with a local family. The meal will be one of the national dishes of the country, Masgouf, grilled fish, with typical bread accompanied by other dishes.
• Enjoy an enchanting walk through the marshes of Iraq, World Heritage, to dmire the lush vegetation, wildlife and reed houses.

We will return to Basrah to take a short tour of Shatt Al- Arab and enjoy the nightlife of the Iraqi people.

Dinner and overnight stay after a busy day in Basra.

Day 2: ZIGGURAT OF UR AND URUK- NAJAF

We start the day by visiting the imposing Ziggurat of Ur, built around 2100 B.C. and declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. This ancient stepped tower, dedicated to the moon god Nanna, is a symbol of the greatness of Sumerian civilisation. Afterwards, we head to Uruk, considered the world's first civilisation, where cuneiform writing originated around 3000 BC and a culture that marked the beginning of human written history. Uruk is also famous as the home of King Gilgamesh, the protagonist of the famous epic.

After lunch, we head to Najaf. We will visit the holy city for Shiite Muslims, take a break at the hotel to recharge our batteries, then we will visit the Shrine of Imam Ali. We then stroll through the bustling Najaf Bazaar, near the imposing mosque.

The day ends with a delicious dinner and overnight in Najaf, where you can rest after a journey full of history and spirituality.

Day 3: NAJAF-KARBALA

We start the day with a good breakfast, then we head to visit the Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery, the largest in the world, which is home to more than 5 million graves. It is a holy site for Shi'ite Muslims, being the burial place of key religious figures. It is one of the largest and oldest cemeteries in the world. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 24 January 2011.

We then set off to explore the historic Kufa Mosque, famous for its connection with Imam Ali.

After a short break for lunch, we head to Thu al-Kifl, where the tomb of the Prophet is believed to be located (Ezequiel), an important religious site.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Karbala, where we will take a short break before heading to visit the impressive Mausoleum of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas, admiring the beauty of Islamic art and the deep history of the place.

We end the day with a delicious typical Iraqi dinner and we retire to rest and prepare for the next day.

Day 4: BABYLONIA-BAGDAD

After breakfast we head towards the Ziggurat of Borsippa. The Sumerian Tower, an ancient Sumerian structure located near Babylon. This monumental stepped tower, dedicated to the god Nabu, is a reflection of the religious and cultural importance of the region in antiquity.

From there, we head to Babylon, one of the most iconic civilisations in ancient history. Founded in 2300 BC, Babylon reached its glory under the reigns of Hammurabi, famous for its code of laws, considered one of the earliest legal systems of mankind, and of Nebuchadnezzar II, who restored the city, building impressive monuments. We will visit the famous Ishtar Gate, one of the grandest portals of antiquity, the Lion of Babylon, and other archaeological sites that reveal the magnificence of this ancient city.

At the end of the visit, we will go to Saddam's Palace (if open), whose structure reflects the power and grandeur of Saddam Hussein's regime.

After the visit we will enjoy a typical lunch and then drive to Baghdad.

We conclude the day with a typical dinner and a well-deserved rest at the hotel to recharge our batteries for the next day.

.

Day 5: SAMARRA-ASSUR-MOSUL

We start the day with an early breakfast to make the most of our day. Then we head towards Samarra, a historic city famous for its impressive spiral minaret of the Al-Askari Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Iraq. This mosque was built in the 9th century. Samarra was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical and cultural value. Here we will discover the history of this ancient city which was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate during its glory, and its influence on Islamic culture.

After visiting Samarra we head to Assur. The ancient capital of the Assyrian empire, located on the banks of the Tigris River. Assur was one of the first cities in the ancient world to have an advanced political and military organisation. It is famous for its massive walls, temples and palaces. Despite the devastation of time and war, it remains a testament to the greatness of the Assyrian Empire and its influence on the history of the region.

For lunch, we will possibly enjoy a picnic.

In the afternoon/evening, we arrive at Mosul, where we head to the hotel. After having a rest, we meet for a typical dinner at one of the local restaurants where we can enjoy the delicious Iraqi cuisine. We finish the day at the hotel and getting ready for the next day.

Day 6: MOSUL-HATRA-BAGHDAD

We start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards we head towards the historic city center which has witnessed important events in recent years.

Our first stop will be the famous Al Nuri Grand Mosque, which is a landmark of the city. This mosque is known for its leaning minaret which became a symbol of the city Mosul. It was destroyed in 2017 during the conflict with ISIS, but remains an important landmark for the city's inhabitants.

During our visit, we will see the part of the centre that was severely destroyed by ISIS. Reconstruction is underway, but traces of the devastation are still visible, giving us an in-depth perspective on the impact of conflict on the city and its inhabitants.

We will visit the lively FISH MARKET where fresh products from the Tigris River are sold, and we'll explore the walls of Nineveh.

On the way back to Baghdad we will have lunch. Then we will make a stop at Hatra, which is an impressive archaeological site that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival in Baghdad we end the day with a delicious dinner in one of the city's best restaurants, where we can relax and reflect on the day's experiences.

Day 7: BAGHDAD

We start the day with a typical Iraqi breakfast. Afterwards, we head to the National Museum of Iraq, one of the most important museums in the country. Here you can explore a vast collection of historical pieces, from ancient Mesopotamia to the Islamic period, offering a fascinating insight into Iraq's rich history and cultural heritage.

We continue to the old city center of Baghdad, starting at the Street Al-Mutanabbi, famous for being the literary heart of the city. In this street we can visit a series of bookshops and book markets, a tradition that has lasted for generations.

We makea pause in the historic cafeteria Tetería Al-Shabander which has been in operation since 1904. This is a Baghdad landmark, known for the traditional atmosphere, its tea and coffee and where writers, intellectuals and citizens gather to chat and share ideas.

We then headed to the Mustansiriya University, one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in the 13th century.

we will visit the Abbasid Palace, an impressive building that reflects the splendour of the Abbasid dynasty, which ruled during the Middle Ages. Lunch in a traditional restaurant

After lunch, we make a short visit to the Tahrir Square and other squares that offer a unique insight into urban life in the city.

We end the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8: BAGHDAD-CTESIPHON- ZIGGURAT OF AKARKOUF

We start the day with breakfast at the hotel enjoying local delicacies.

After breakfast we head to Ctesiphon. It is an ancient city that was the capital of the Parthian Empire and later of the Sassanid Empire. It is famous for its imposing Arch of Ctesiphon, considered one of the largest and best preserved of the ancient world.

We then head to the Ziggurat of AkarkoufAn ancient Mesopotamian structure located near Baghdad. It was built during the period of the kings of the Isin dynasty around 2100 BC. This type of religious architecture is characteristic of ancient Mesopotamia and is believed to have been used for both religious and astronomical purposes.

We return to Baghdad to enjoy a traditional lunch where we will be able to taste typical Iraqi dishes, such as kebab, dolma and kubba.

In the afternoon we head to the Abu Hanifa Mosque. One of the most important mosques in Baghdad. This mosque is dedicated to Abu Hanifa, founder of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, one of the main schools within Sunni Islam.

We then visit the tomb of Imam Khadhim. The tomb of Imam Musa al-Kadhim is a holy site for Shi'ite Muslims. Imam Musa al-Kadhim is one of the twelve Shia imams, and his tomb is a pilgrimage destination. We will also explore the local bazaar next to the mosque.

We conclude our day with dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards we return to the hotel to rest and prepare for our return journey.

Day 9: RETURN HOME

Depending on the time of your flight, transport will be available to take you to the airport for your return flight.

Travel dates for 2025:

• 28 April to 6 May
• 16 May to 24 May
• 1 October to 9 October
• 27 October to 4 November
• 1 December to 9 December

Continuation of the journey to Iraqi Kurdistan

Day 9: DUHUK

After breakfast, we head towards DuhukThe city is located in the heart of Iraqi Kurdistan, famous for its impressive mountainous environment and rich history. The trip will take us to discover some of the main points of interest in the region.

• Khans sculptures: A group of sculptures belonging to the Assyrian civilisation of more than 2,700 years ago. The sculptures depict significant historical and cultural scenes from the area, carved into the rocks of the region. These sculptures are one of the most important artistic manifestations of antiquity in Kurdistan.
• Temple of Lalish: We continue towards the Temple of LalishThe holy site of the Yazidi community. It is a place of great spiritual and cultural significance, surrounded by mountains and impressive architecture, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
• Abbasi Bridge (Delal): A historic bridge dating from the Abbasi period, built over the Khabur River. Its classical architecture and stone structure make it one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
• Duhuk Traditional Market: Afterwards, we will explore the Duhuk traditional marketA bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, Kurdish handicrafts and a wide variety of textiles and spices typical of the region. It is the perfect place to experience the essence of everyday Kurdish life.

At the end of the day, we will enjoy a typical Kurdish dinner at one of the local restaurants, where we can enjoy traditional dishes such as kebab, rice pilaf and other local delicacies. Afterwards, we will spend the night in Duhuk, where we will rest and continue our tour the next day.

Day 10: DUHUK - ERBIL

After breakfast, we head towards ErbilBut not before making a number of interesting stops along the way.

• City of Amedia and its Bazaar: We start the day with a visit to the historic city of AmediaThe city is an ancient settlement that has witnessed many civilisations over the centuries. We will stroll through its charming bazaar, a traditional market full of colour, life and local produce that captures the essence of the region.
• Shanidar Cave: Afterwards, we will go to the Shanidar Caveone of the most important archaeological sites of prehistoric times. The remains of several Neanderthals were discovered here, some of which show signs of having been buried with flowers, suggesting funerary and ritual practices. In addition, evidence was found that Neanderthals cared for their wounded, indicating a social complexity and a surprising level of empathy for their time. The cave offers a fascinating insight into the lives of these ancient humans, who inhabited the region between 60,000 and 80,000 years ago.
• Barazan Mountains: We continue our journey to the impressive Barazan MountainsThe mountains are known for their natural landscapes, ideal for nature lovers and photographers. The mountains offer spectacular views of the region and a peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection.
• Hamilton Road: Finally, we will tour the Hamilton RoadThe road is one of the most scenic and famous routes in the region. This winding road takes you through breathtaking scenery, surrounded by mountains and valleys, and is considered one of the most beautiful roads in Iraq.

At the end of the day, we will head to Erbil to rest and prepare for the next day of adventures in the capital of Kurdistan.

Day 11: ERBIL

Today we spend the day exploring the capital of Kurdistan, a city with thousands of years of history and culture, combining ancient and modern in one place.

• Erbil Citadel: We will start the day with a visit to the impressive Erbil CitadelThe fortress, one of the oldest settlements in the world, has been continuously inhabited for more than 6,000 years. This fortress, protected by the UNESCO The city, a World Heritage Site, is perched on a hill in the centre of the city and offers spectacular panoramic views. We will walk through its cobbled streets, explore its ancient houses, museums and monuments, and learn about the fascinating history of this key place in the history of mankind.
• Erbil traditional market: After the visit to the Citadel, we will have free time to enjoy the traditional marketknown as the Qaysari Bazaar. This bustling market offers a variety of products, from spices and textiles to local handicrafts and fresh produce. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals and buy unique souvenirs of the region.
• Minaret of Choli: We will then head to the Choli MinaretOne of the most iconic structures in Erbil. This 35-metre-high minaret dates back to the 11th century and is an impressive example of Islamic architecture. The structure, with its delicate design, offers a clear view of the influence of Islamic cultures on the city over the centuries.
• Eskan Street: We will finish the tour with a visit to the Eskan StreetOne of Erbil's main shopping arteries, it is home to modern shopping malls, cafes and restaurants. It is an ideal place to stroll around, enjoy the urban atmosphere and discover the fusion of traditional and contemporary that characterises the city.

At the end of the day, we will enjoy a typical Kurdish dinner at a local restaurant, where we will be able to sample more of the region's gastronomic delights. After dinner, we will retire to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day of our trip.

Day 12: RETURN HOME

Depending on the time of your flight, transport will be available to take you to the airport for your return flight.

The trip includes

• 3 nights' bed and breakfast in the planned hotels or similar 4-star hotels in a shared double room.
• All transfers according to the programme.
• All tickets according to the programme.
• Lunches and dinners.
• Official, experienced, English-speaking local guide.
• Bilingual Tour Leader (Spanish and Arabic) for groups of 10 or more people, who will accompany the group throughout the tour, guaranteeing a more fluid and personalised experience.
• Private transport by bus, minibus, minivan or car (depending on the number of passengers).

The trip does not include

All of the above mentioned in the first part of the trip.

The standard supplement for a single room is 275 €.

Planned establishments or similar

• DUHUK: Parwar 4*.
• ERBIL: Erbil View 4*.

Additional price: 770 €/person in a shared double room

Total trip from south to north: 3.220 €/ person in a shared double room

Group size: Min. 6 persons