Start City

Baghdad

End City

Erbil

Number of Nights

8

9 Days Iraq Tour Package

this is our original 9 Days Iraq Tour Package (2024/2025), for 9 days and 8 nights starting from the capital Baghdad ending with Erbil.

Baghdad visits:

  • Iraq National Museum.
  • Al Kadhimiya Holy Shrine.
  • Al-Shaheed Monument.
  • Tahrir Square.
  • The Qishleh.
  • The Abbasid Palace.
  • Dur-Kurigalzu.
  • Taq Kasra.
  • Tigris river boat trip.
  • Al-Mutanabi street.

Babil:

  • Old city of Babylon.
  • Ishtar Gate.
  • Lion of Babylon.
  • Saddam Palace.

Najaf:

  • Imam Ali shrine.
  • Al-Hirah.
  • The Great Mosque of Kufa.

Dhi Qar:

  • Nasiriyah Museum.
  • Ziggurat of Ur.
  • The Hammer Marshes.

Erbil:

  • Erbil Citadel.
  • Syriac Heritage Museum.
  • Kurdish Textile Museum.
  • Mudhafaria Minarett.

Mosul:

  • Hatra city.
  • Dur-Sharrukin.
  • Lalish Temple.

Day 1: Arrival at Baghdad

  • upon landing at Baghdad 1 International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative holding a sign. Afterward, you will be swiftly transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

Day 2: Baghdad tour (The Iraq National Museum, Al Kadhimiya holy Shrine, Al-Shaheed Monument, Tahrir Square, the Qishleh, and the Abbasid Palace.)  

  • Early morning, you start your day by visiting the largest multicultural museum in all of Iraq, The Iraq National Museum.
  • You will then go to the monumental Shia Al Kadhimiya holy shrine followed by a visit to the Al Shaheed monument which was made to commemorate the martyrs of Iraq.
  • Later on, you will then pass by Tahrir Square, the biggest am most central square in all of Baghdad.
  • Our next destination will be the beautiful Qishleh, a beautiful monument built and inspired by Ottman architecture.
  • Our last monument of the day will be the glorious and ancient Abbasid palace built by the great Abbasid caliph al-Nasir.
  • Lastly, you will return to your hotel overnight.

Day 3: cont. Baghdad tour (Dur-Kurigalzu, Taq Kasra, Tigris River boat trip, Al-Mutanabi street.)

  • Early morning, your first destination will be the ancient Mesopotamian city of Dur-Kurigalzu, stretching from the Euphrates to the Tigris rivers it was the royal residence and stronghold for the Kassite kings of ancient times and a center of trade and commerce.
  • Afterward, you will have a unique chance to explore the manifest Taq Kasra (Arch of Ctesiphon) the second-largest single-span vault of its kind in the world and the only remaining structure of the capital city of Sasanian-era Persia.
  • When you are done marveling at the arch of Ctesiphon you will be invited to a boat river along a serene, nerve-calming boat ride along the Tigris River, allowing you to truly enjoy the scenes around you.
  • Your last destination that day will be Al-Mutanabi Street the heart of Iraqi literacy and culture since the 10th century AD as it was named after one of the greatest Arabic poets of all times, Al-Mutanabi, it is a one-of-kind chance to explore numerous bookstores and libraries unique to Iraq.
  • Lastly, you will return to your hotel and overnight in Baghdad

Day 4: over day at Babil (The Old City of Babylon, the hanging gardens, Ishtar Gate, and Saddam Palace), then drive to Najaf (Al-Hirah City, The Great Mosque of Kufa, and Imam Ali Shrine and overnight.)

  • Early in the morning, we will head to the magical Babil by bus.
  • We will start today’s tour by sightseeing the old archeological city of Babylon (old Babil) that dates back to the 19th century BC and enjoy its numerous ancient structures and monuments.
  • We continue our tour by visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World of the Hellenic culture, the hanging gardens.
  • You will then witness the picturesque, lofty gate of Ishtar the goddess of love and fertility.
  •  Right after the arch, you will see a cultural and historical symbol of ancient Babylon and Mesopotamia, the unique 2600 years old Lion of Babylon
  • We then will head to the historic majestic Saddam Palace of Babylon.
  • Thereafter, you will travel by bus to the sacred city of Najaf, one of the capital and holy cities of Shia Muslims in the world.
  • Right before entering Najaf, we will visit the ancient city of Al-Hirah which was most famous due to its pre-Islamic cultural significance as it was the home of the Ibād. (a group of Arabic-speaking Christians that adopted the lifestyle of eastern Syrians.)
  • The first thing we will visit inside Najaf is one of the oldest mosques in the world, The Great Mosque of Kufa which dates back to the 7th century and was the residence of the 4th Rashidun caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib.
  • There you will visit the holy Imam Ali Shrine, devoted to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, which holds great cultural and religious significance for Muslims all over the world, especially Shia Muslims as he is regarded as the first Imam.
  • Lastly, overnight at your hotel in Najaf.

Day 5: Drive to Baghdad

  • Early morning Drive to Baghdad you start your visiting (Iwan Al-Mada’in , Taq Kasra , The Baghdad Tourist Tower)
  • overnight in Baghdad

Day 6: travel to Dhi Qar, Nasiriyah Museum, Ziggurat of Ur, and the Hammer Marshes

  • Over day at Dhi Qar.
  • Your visit destination of the day is the cultural Nasiriyah Museum which includes 14 halls divided into 2 floors that include artifacts from 7 different civilizations including the Sumerian city of Ur.
  • Thereafter you will visit the one-of-a-kind Ziggurat of Ur, with its intricate structure and unique design serving as a testament to the greatness of ancient Sumeria.
  • Lastly, you will explore the Hammer marshes.
  • Then return to Basra overnight.

Day 7: flight to Erbil, Erbil Citadel, Syriac Heritage Museum, Kurdish Textile Museum,

  • In the early morning, you will head to Basra airport to fly to Erbil.
  • Upon landing, your first visit will be to the ancient yet historical citadel of Erbil which goes way back to 2300 BC.
  • You will then head to the Syriac Heritage Museum whose only purpose is to display and maintain multiple halls and exhibits of the once-great Syriac culture and heritage.
  •  Afterward, you will visit the Kurdish Textile Museum which shows beautiful Kurdish-style textiles.
  • Your last destination will be the Mudhafaria Minarett which was built to commemorate the great Saladin.
  • Lastly overnight at Erbil Hotel.

Day 8: head to Mosul, Hatra city, Dur-Sharrukin, and Lalish Temple.

  • In the early morning, you will drive to Mosul.
  •  Right after arriving, you will bear Witness the ancient city of Hatra the richest archaeological site of the Parthian Empire.
  • After which you will explore ancient Dur-Sharrukin which served as the Assyrian capital during the reign of the great Sargon II of Assyria.
  • And the last destination of the trip will be the holy Lalish Temple the most sacred site of the Yazidis. Where the tomb of Sheikh Adi ibn Musafir lies.
  • Overnight at Erbil Hotel.

Day 9: Final departure from Erbil International Airport.

Luxury accommodation:

  • Day 1 – 4: Baghdad Hotel -Nile view- on bed and breakfast.
  • Day 4: Najaf Hotel- Nile view – on bed and breakfast.
  • Day 5 – 6: Basra Hotel – Nile view – on bed and breakfast.
  • Day 7 – 9: Erbil Hotel – Nile view – on bed and breakfast.

Moderate accommodation:

  • Day 1 – 4: Baghdad Hotel -Nile view- on bed and breakfast.
  • Day 4: Najaf Hotel- Nile view – on bed and breakfast.
  • Day 5 – 6: Basra Hotel – Nile view – on bed and breakfast.
  • Day 7 – 9: Erbil Hotel – Nile view – on bed and breakfast.

Transfers:

  • Day 1: Arrival transfer to Baghdad Hotel from Baghdad International Airport.
  • Day 7: Transfer from Basra Hotel to Basra Airport.
  • Day 7: Transfer from Erbil International Airport to Erbil Hotel.
  • Day 9: Final transfer from Erbil Hotel to Erbil International Airport.

Sightseeing:

  • Day 2: Baghdad tour: (The Iraq National Museum, Al Kadhimiya holy Shrine, Al-Shaheed Monument, Tahrir Square, the Qishleh, and the Abbasid Palace.)  includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2023.
  • Day 3: cont. Baghdad tour (Dur-Kurigalzu, Taq Kasra, Tigris River boat trip, Al-Mutanabi Street.) includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2023.
  • Day 4: Babil tour (old city of Babylon, the hanging gardens, Ishtar Gate, Lion of Babylon, and Saddam Palace) + Najaf tour (Al-Hirah, The Great Mosque of Kufa, Imam Ali shrine, and overnight.) includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2023.
  • Day 5: Basra tour (the Arab Beach, Basra Heritage Museum, Natural History Museum of Basra, Al Ashar Bazaar, and the Italian Bridge) includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2023.
  • Day 6: Dhi Qar tour (Nasiriyah Museum, Ziggurat of Ur, and the Hammer Marshes.) includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2023.
  • Day 7: Erbil tour (Erbil Citadel, Syriac Heritage Museum, Kurdish Textile Museum, Mudhafaria Minarett.) includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2023.
  • Day 8: Mosul tour (Hatra city, Dur-Sharrukin, and Lalish Temple.) includes Guiding, Lunch, Entrance fees, and A/C Bus model 2023.

Domestic Flights:

  • Basra-Erbil.
  • Visa.
  • Tipping.
  • International flights.
  • any optional tours.

The best time to visit Iraq is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) as the temperature is pleasant and the landscape is lush and green. Most parts of Iraq have a desert climate with mild winters and sweltering summers. In the mountainous region of Kurdistan, the climate is cold and rainy (or snowy) in winter and warm and sunny in summer. You can visit Iraq throughout the year, except in the summer when the temperature generally exceeds 40 degrees, and it becomes almost impossible to do anything.

Iraqi Kurdistan is generally considered a safe region to visit as it has its borders separate from the rest of the country. It is protected by the Peshmerga, a fighting force supported by foreign aid.

In recent times, Southern Iraq has also become safe for tourists to visit. Since the complete fall and destruction of ISIS, many research and tourism companies have organized successful tours without any issues.

There are currently no Covid restrictions at all.

The official currency used in Iraq is the Iraqi Dinar. Credit cards are acceptable at the majority of hotels, upscale shops, and restaurants. ATMs are also available at hotels and outside major banks dispensing local currency.

There is no specific dress code in Iraq, but it is advisable to dress modestly and cover your legs. While there is no need to wear full-sleeved shirts or a mid-thigh “manteau” like in Iran, it is recommended to cover your arms a bit more in conservative cities like Mosul and Basra. You don’t have to cover your hair, and in Baghdad, you may see young girls wearing T-shirts. However, women are required to wear an abaya to enter mosques. If you don’t have one, you can purchase it from one of the shops around the site. In the holy cities of Kerbala and Najaf, the area around the shrines of Imam Ali and Hussein is considered sacred and requires a more extensive dress code.

Yes, it is recommended you have insurance before traveling to Iraq, pls contact your local insurance company for more details.

 you can’t enter Iraq without a visa, however Following Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq in March 2021, the Iraqi government has taken steps to ease the visa application process for travelers. As a result, Visa on Arrival (VOA) is now available for citizens of certain countries, making it more convenient for them to enter Iraq. These countries include:

  • UK, USA, Russia, China, France, South Korea, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, and New Zealand.
  • European Union countries: Belgium, Austria, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia, Germany, France, Greece, Ireland, Hungary, Latvia, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Spain
  • Side note: If you plan on visiting Kurdistan, it is important to note that the visa you receive from the Kurdish autonomous region does not allow you to enter federal Iraq. Thus, if you intend to visit federal Iraq, you should plan to arrive there instead. Previously, you could only obtain a visa on arrival if you flew to Baghdad, Najaf, or Basra. However, the rules have changed recently and now you can get a visa on arrival at any land border if you are entitled to one.

It is possible to enter Iraq with a work visa, but you will need to provide additional documentation such as a letter from your employer and a work permit. And it is better to make sure you have at least 6 months before your visa expires whatever its type is.

There are regular public transportation options, including minibusses and shared taxis, available between cities in Iraq. For foreign travelers navigating within cities, taxis are the best option. The Careem app is recommended for transportation within Baghdad as it is the cheapest and easiest way to get around. If you want a hassle-free experience, you can have a tour organized for you by a local or foreign travel agency. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can arrange for just your transportation and accommodation. It is worth noting that package tours in Iraq tend to be expensive.

It’s customary (and not mandatory) to tip in Iraq, the amount varies based on service and experience.

In Iraq, the power outlets use types D, G, and C with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz.

Alcohol consumption is not widely advertised but is not entirely prohibited in Iraq. Baghdad and the Kurdish cities in the northern part have bars, discos, and nightclubs. cities like Mosul, Basra, and Kirkuk have bars and alcohol shops, You can find the alcohol shops in the Christian quarters of Karrada and on Sadoun Street in the capital. Since the prices of drinks in bars are high, people often prefer to drink discreetly in their cars or at home.

you plan to travel independently around Iraq; however, it is encouraged to have someone with you who can translate Arabic if you do not speak it. Although Google Translate is helpful in these situations, it may not be sufficient for more complex issues. In many cases, you will need to provide proof of a local contact waiting for you at your destination. Therefore, it is highly recommended to travel with locals who can assist you and help avoid any potential troubles.

The official used in Iraq is Arabic but Kurdish is used in the Northern parts

Eastern European Time Zone (UTC+3).

If you plan to travel to Iraq and need to use your mobile phone, you’ll be glad to know that international roaming is available. It means that you can use your phone to make calls, send messages, and access the internet while you’re in Iraq. However, it’s crucial to check with your mobile service provider beforehand to ensure that you’ll have adequate coverage and to know the rates you’ll be charged for using your phone while abroad. This way, you can avoid any unexpected charges and stay connected with your loved ones or colleagues.

While you’re in Iraq, you can extend your visa by visiting the Iraqi Immigration and Passport Office. It’s crucial to apply for an extension well before your visa expires.

It is possible to apply for certain types of visas, such as tourism and business, through the Iraqi government’s visa portal.

The cost of an e-visa varies based on the visa type and duration of stay. It’s important to review the Iraqi government’s visa portal for current pricing.

The cost of an e-visa varies depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. Make sure to check the Iraqi government’s visa portal for current prices.

The processing time for an e-visa varies depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications. To avoid any delays, it’s recommended to apply well in advance of your travel dates.

No, if you are not a citizen of an eligible country, you will need to apply for a visa at the Iraqi embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip.

Before traveling to Iraq, it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis B and A, typhoid, polio, and tetanus. As there is a risk of contracting these diseases in Iraq.

In case of an emergency in Iraq, dial 112 for police or 115 for ambulance. Keep your embassy’s contact information handy.

It is advisable to seek permission before taking pictures of people or religious sites in Iraq.