Mesopotamia Explorer

Step into a land where history was born and legends still whisper through the ruins. This immersive journey through Iraq traces the story of civilisation itself – from the cradle of Sumer to the splendours of Babylon, from the intellectual heights of Abbasid Baghdad to the hauntingly beautiful marshlands of the south. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient cities carved from myth, sacred shrines, and the resilient spirit of a nation that has withstood the tides of empires and war. This is more than a standard trip – it’s a rare opportunity to walk through the pages of history, guided by the echoes of prophets, poets, and kings.

Starting in Basra, we see charming old Ottoman era houses, cruise on the Shatt al Arab, and visit the old town. We then head to the iconic Iraqi marshes, where you’ll meet locals living in traditional reed houses and rediscovering the old ways of life after years of suppression under Saddam Hussein.

Discover ancient sites like Ur and Uruk – some of the earliest cities in the world – as well as Babylon, Ctesiphon and more.

Visit Shi’a shrines in Najaf and Karbala to uncover vibrant local culture, and explore Baghdad, home to great museums and historic streets. Travel north to see the ancient ruins of Samarra, Hatra, and Nineveh, and see how Mosul is starting to rebuild after the ravages of years gone by.

As your journey through Iraq comes to a close, you’ll carry with you far more than photographs—you’ll return with a deeper understanding of a land that shaped human civilisation, where resilience and heritage are etched into every stone and skyline. This is a destination that challenges perceptions, rewards curiosity, and leaves an indelible mark on all who walk its ancient paths.

Highlights

  • Explore Baghdad and Basra, two of the great cities of the Middle East
  • Discover the unique culture of the Marsh Arabs
  • The incredible ancient sites of Babylon, Ctesiphon, and Uruk
  • Immerse yourself in local traditions in Karbala and Najaf

Day 1 - Basra

Arrive in Basra and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Horizon Hotel or similar.

Basra
Comprising of a network of canals, Basra has been referred to as both the Venice and Amsterdam of the East. The leisurely lifestyle here coexists with the bustle of the country’s main port, and the city has a strategic location at the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab which is one of the busiest marine trade routes in the Middle East. This, paired with its proximity to Kuwait and Iran, means that the city has long been fought over.

Steeped in history, the city was a starting point for the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor and was home to the wealthy Iraqi-Jewish Sassoon family, including the celebrated poet Siegfried Sassoon. The city was founded in AD637 by Caliph Omar bin Khattab and gained importance as a focal point of the Arab Sea trade, and centre of culture and learning, during the time of the Abbasids.

Following this, the city was fought over by the Turks and Persians and was eventually occupied by the British who expanded the port and provided electricity. The city has seen its share of damage and losses over the years, namely due to the eight-year Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War.

Today, the area is one of the world’s most important date-producing centres. In parts of the Middle East, dates are a staple food, especially among Bedouins, but they are considered a dessert in the west and are often exported stuffed with walnuts or almonds.

Day 2 - Basra

Spend the morning sightseeing in the old city, along a stretch of canal lined with Ottoman Shenashil houses. A sad shadow of Basra’s former glory, unfortunately most of the houses are unoccupied and dilapidated. After lunch we take a boat trip on the Shatt al Arab, and time permitting visit the local bazaar and the Basra Museum. Overnight Horizon Hotel or similar. (BLD)


Day 3 - The Marshlands – Ur - Nasiriyah

Drive to Al Qurna where the Tigris and Euphrates meet, and purportedly the site of the Garden of Eden. We explore the Iraqi marshes by boat, one of the largest ecosystems in the world, where small communities of Marsh Arabs live in secluded villages of elaborate reed houses, often only reached by boat. We take lunch with a local family to learn about the unique customs here. This afternoon we visit the Ziggurat of Ur built with similar characteristics as the Tower of babel, mentioned in the bible. We discover the archaeological city of Ur, believed to be the birthplace of the prophet, Abraham, before continuing to Nasiriyah for the night. Overnight Sumerian Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Iraq’s southern marshes
The marshlands of southern Iraq were once inhabited by Sumerian fisherfolk around 6000 years ago. The Marsh Arabs, ancestors of the Sumerians and numbering at around 12,000, also inhabited this area until intense drainage occurred throughout the 1980s and 1990s. They built cathedral-shaped houses from reeds and bitumen covered-boats from which they would catch their fish using spears. The thin-grained rice grown in the area was considered one of the finest and most nutritious in the world. For eight years, from 1980, the Iran-Iraq War saw the marshes become a base for attacks by Iranian armed forces, and the area was also a hiding spot for deserters of the Iraqi army and opponents of the regime. A land reclamation project that was started decades earlier, which drained waterlogged farmland north and west of the marshes, was later extended and modified by the central government to drain the marshes, using extensive engineering works and hundreds of miles of dams. This heavily affected the unique culture found here, as the number of marsh dwellers decreased substantially, and much of the wildlife was lost. There are still a number of marsh Arabs eking out an existence here, although estimates of the population vary.

 

Ur
With dwellings that date back over 6000 years, Ur was also one of the leading religious Sumerian cities of Mesopotamia. Ur maintained its importance, even when political importance shifted to other Babylonian and Assyrian centres and great care was taken by kings of its temples and institutions. Ur has a magnificent, well-preserved Ziggurat which was first constructed by Ur Nammu, founder of the third dynasty, and was restored in the 6th century BC by Nebuchadnezzar II. The site also contains the remains of several temples, including one dedicated to the moon god, and a great oval-shaped city wall. Ur is also the site of a royal cemetery dating back about 4500 years and once containing 2000 graves. Excavation at the site revealed thousands of rare objects that now enrich museums around the world. Objects found include musical instruments such as the lyre of Ur, precious jewellery, gold and silver ornaments, and gem-encrusted daggers.

Day 4 - Uruk – Najaf

Drive to the Sumerian site of Uruk, reportedly the first city in history, where the first written script was discovered. Continue to Najaf where we visit the souq and the holy shrine of Imam Ali, mingling with the locals as they come to shop, socialise and worship. We also visit the 7th century Kufa Mosque, one of the oldest in the world. Overnight Granada Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Uruk

Uruk is one of the most famous Sumerian cities of ancient Iraq and was continuously inhabited from around 4000 BC up to the 5th century. With excavations starting around the mid- 19th century and continuing until present day, some of the earliest Sumerian pottery was discovered here as well as tablets that date back to the invention of writing. The site is mentioned in the bible as ‘Erech’ and it was also the centre of worship for goddess Inanna, or Ishtar. Traces of Uruk’s famous walls, which ancient texts say were first built over 4700 years ago by Sumerian King Giglamesh, can still be seen today. Other sites of interest include the 16m tall ziggurat of Inanna which is around 4000 years old, ruins of a temple devoted to the sky god Anu, built around 5000 years ago, and a more recent decorative brick temple with ornamental arches and columns, dating back to around AD110, displaying pictures of animals and geometrical patterns.

Day 5 - Ukhaider Fortress – Karbala

Visit the impressive 8th century Abbasid fortress of Ukhaider, before arriving in the city of Karbala for lunch. This afternoon we visit the shrines connected with Imam Hussein and Abbas, mixing with local pilgrims and seeing the fervour and devotion inspired by the holy sites of the Shia faith. Overnight Baron Hotel or similar. (BLD)


Day 6 - Ctesiphon – Babylon – Baghdad

This morning we visit Ctesiphon, located on the northeast bank of the Tigris River and once the winter capital of the Parthian and Sassanian empires. We then continue to Babylon, one of the largest ancient cities in Mesopotamia. The crumbling city was completely rebuilt under Saddam and its central palace gleams with 20th century fired bricks and vast courts, the throne room of which is where Alexander the Great met his end. We also visit the impressive palace of Saddam Hussein situated behind Babylon with stunning views over the Euphrates, the city walls and Lion of Babylon. Finally we drive to Baghdad for the night. Overnight Billitom Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Ctesiphon
The ancient city of Ctesiphon is situated on the east bank of the Tigris River and was founded during the reign of Mithridates I (171-132 BCE). It was once an important Silk Road trade centre and served as the capital of both the Parthian and Sassanian Empires. After being conquered by the Romans several times, including during the Battle of Ctesiphon between Ardashir I and Alexander Severus of Rome, it was eventually looted under the invasion of the Muslim Arabs. Today it is best known for Taq-Kasra, a single- span arch which is the most impressive aspect of the city’s ruins. Bricks and other materials from Ctesiphon were used to build the city of Baghdad.

Babylon
Dating back to around 2350 BC, during the Akkadian times, Babylon was a small village. It grew in size and importance over the next six centuries then becoming the capital of famous king Hammarubi (1972-50BC). Thousands more years passed during which time other Mesopotamian cities took the spotlight in terms of power and influence, until Babylon flourished once again under King Nebuchadnezzar (605-603 BC). The Babylon that is remembered in the history of the world is that under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar and beyond, which saw two centuries of booming prosperity and decadence. Babylon has undergone extensive restoration, with only remnants from Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon remaining. Ishtar Gate still has some of its old decorations of bulls and dragons but the beautiful glazed-brick panels which used to decorate the gate were excavated by a German expedition and taken to the Berlin Museum before WW1. It is possible to see the magnificent basalt Lion of Babylon, and restored sites such as Ninmakh Temple, Alexander’s amphitheatre and storerooms. The ruins of Nebuchadnezzar’s summer palace are sadly no more than a huge mass of bricks, but one of Saddam’s palaces stands nearby and can be visited.

Day 7 - Baghdad

Spend today exploring Baghdad and surrounds. We first visit the National Museum, home to a breathtaking collection of treasures from antiquity. Badly looted during the war, it reopened in 2015 and is home to artefacts from Sumer, Assyria and Persia, as well as much else. From here we take a walking tour of old Baghdad, including Al Mutanabbi Street, long considered the intellectual heart of the city. Overnight Billitom Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Baghdad
Dating back to the late 8th century, Baghdad was the capital of the Abbasid caliphate and grew to become one of the largest cities in the world, as well as becoming a renowned centre for learning while Europe was experiencing its ‘dark ages’. It was also an important nexus of trade routes, with traders from Africa, China and Central Asia contributing to its riches – as well as this, Baghdad was the setting for the famous ‘The Thousand and One Nights’.

These early years were Baghdad’s ‘golden age’. In the 13th century the city was sacked by the Mongol Hordes from the east, who then ruled the city until they were replaced by the Turcomans and then the Ottomans, and finally, after the First World War, the British, who stayed until the 1950s when Iraq became an independent state again for the first time in centuries.

With the onset of war in 2003, Baghdad suffered extensive damage and looting – few will forget images of the statue of Saddam Hussein being toppled, museums being plundered and the bombing of government, and other, buildings. More than twenty years later, the city has moved on, and although evidence of its past traumas are not hard to find, it’s a fascinating place to explore and integral to the understanding of Iraqi history and its people.

Day 8 - Samarra – Hatra - Mosul

Leave Baghdad and head to Samarra, once the capital of the Abbasid caliphate and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here continue to the ruins of Hatra, once an important trading centre for the Parthian empire, with well preserved ruins dating back to the 1st century BC. Finally we drive to Mosul and explore some of the city before arriving at our hotel. Overnight Modern Plaza Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Samarra
Samarra’s Great Mosque, also known as the Malwiya Mosque, was completed in 851 AD and, at the time, was one of the largest mosques ever built. The mosque was destroyed in 1278 AD by Hulagu Khan (the grandson of Genghis Khan), and now only its outer wall and unique minaret remain. The Malwiya minaret spirals more than 150 feet into the air and is considered an architectural masterpiece. A spiraling ramp encircles it, but climbing the tower is no longer permitted due to the unstable condition of the stairs and the absence of a railing.

Day 9 - Nineveh – Nimrud – Erbil

Today we head to Nineveh, thought to be the site of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Explore its ruins including the the old walls and fortress and if possible the Palace of Sennacherib, before continuing to Nimrud. Although damaged in recent conflicts, it was an important Assyrian city and we are able to learn some of its fascinating history before we head to Erbil for our final night. Overnight Classy Hotel or similar. (BLD)


Day 10 - Erbil

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)


What's included?

  • Airport transfers

    We include arrival and departure transfers regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you’re booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers.

    Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we’ll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.

  • Guides

    You will be accompanied by an expert English speaking guide.

  • Meals

    As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner).

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you’d like to see, these would be at your own expense.

What's not included?

  • Visas

    We don’t arrange visas for our travellers, but if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you. If you need any advice with visas then just give us a call, or alternatively a visa agency such as Travcour (www.travcour.com) can assist.

  • International flights

    Many of our travellers arrive from different destinations and so we don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours. If, however, you would like us to book flights for you, then just give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

  • Insurance

    If you need any assistance with this, then let us know – although we can’t arrange it ourselves, we can point you in the direction of a reputable provider that can assist.

Visas

British, European and US passport holders can obtain a visa upon arrival into Iraq for a cost of 77 USD. Other nationalities must check with their nearest embassy. Visa regulations can change and so we recommend that you contact your nearest embassy for the most up to date information.

Health and vaccinations

We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations you can also visit https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries.

Insurance

It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company

Money

The local currency in Iraq is the Iraqi dinar. It is best to bring US dollars for exchange purposes and these should have an issue date of 2006 or later, otherwise you may find it difficult to exchange them. Many places will also accept US dollars.

It’s not difficult to change money in Iraq, either at banks or the hotels and your guide can assist with this. Iraq is very much a cash society – credit cards are not widely accepted. There are a few ATMs in larger towns – these may or may not work though so it’s best not to rely on these as a source of funds.

Local conditions

When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience.


Travel advice

We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO advises against travel to Iraq.

We work very closely with our local team and are fully confident that we can operate tours safely in Iraq. Should you have any concerns over safety please do not hesitate to contact us and we can address your concerns.

This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.

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Date(s)
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Date -
30 March 2026
Price (PP) -
£3,999
Single Supplement -
£480
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Guaranteed
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Date -
12 October 2026
Price (PP) -
£3,999
Single Supplement -
£480
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Available
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Date -
29 March 2027
Price (PP) -
£4,199
Single Supplement -
£500
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Date -
11 October 2027
Price (PP) -
£4,199
Single Supplement -
£500
Trip Status -
Available
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