Iraq: Babylon & Beyond
Iraq: Babylon & Beyond
Iraq: Babylon & Beyond
13 Days Starting in Basra, Iraq and ending in Erbil, Iraq
Visiting: Basra, Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, Baghdad, Mosul, Dohuk, Amedi, Erbil
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IBB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Iraq with the "Iraq: Babylon & Beyond" tour. Discover the historic and cultural wonders of Basra, Baghdad, and Babylon, and explore the ancient treasures of Ur and Uruk. Experience the unique hospitality of the Marsh Arabs and the mountain Kurds, and join Shia and Yazidi pilgrims at the sacred shrines of Karbala and Lalish. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Samarra and Erbil, and enjoy scenic boat trips along the Shatt al-Arab waterway and through the Iraqi Marshlands. This tour offers a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, all guided by expert local guides.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Basra
Location: Basra
Accommodation Name: Horizon Hotel or similar
The southern city of Basra is the starting point for this extraordinary adventure. The third largest city in the country, close to the border with neighbouring Iran, it lies at the north eastern fringes of the Arabian Peninsula. With the suggested group flight due to arrive this morning, the plan is to take a boat trip this afternoon along the Shatt al-Arab waterway, which lies at the confluence of the iconic biblical rivers of the Tigris and the Euphrates.
Day 2: Basra: Port City
Location: Basra
Accommodation Name: Horizon Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Home to a predominantly Shia Muslim population, Basra is Iraq’s main port and today we enjoy a guided tour of the old city. Tracing its origins back to the 7th century, the city played an important role during the Golden Age of Islam and our morning tour begins along the old canal system, adorned with its crumbling Ottoman ‘Shenashil’ houses. Basra’s historic pedigree is steeped in the myths and legends of the Silk Road and the adventures of Sinbad and a walk along its bustling promenade after lunch offers up a little reminder of its lively waterfront heritage.
Day 3: Basra - Mesopotamian Marshes – Ur - Nasiriyah: Marsh Arabs & Ziggurat
Location: Basra
Accommodation Name: Sumerion Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our morning begins with a visit to the ancient Mesopotamian town of Al-Qurnah, believed by many to be the fabled site of the Garden of Eden and a place that still holds a deep significance in the legends and history of Iraq. From here we then head by boat into the heart of the Iraqi Marshlands, one of the world’s largest ecosystems which have undergone a recovery after being drained to just 10% of their size, we will enjoy lunch of a local speciality of grilled fish with one of the local Marsh Arab families. This afternoon we then pay a visit to the famed Ziggurat of Ur and the archaeological remains of its ancient city, thought to be the birthplace of the prophet Abraham.
Day 4: Nasiriyah - Uruk – Najaf: Ancient Sumeria & Shia Pilgrims
Location: Najaf
Accommodation Name: Granada Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early morning departure sees us heading towards the ancient Sumerian city of Uruk, site of the earliest ever discovered written script and often referred to as ‘the first city’. From here we continue to the city of Najaf, one of the most important in the country and the revered site of the Imam Ali Shrine. A major Shia Muslim pilgrimage site, the tomb is not only a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, but also lies at the spiritual and political heart of the Shia faith. We will visit the site of the shrine today, as well as the bustling market that lies close by, both busy with locals and pilgrims.
Day 5: Najaf - Ezekiel’S Tomb – Karbala: Holy City
Location: Karbala
Accommodation Name: Baron Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heading north out of the city this morning we head first for the town of Al Kifl and the shrine of the 6th century BC prophet Ezekiel, before continuing our journey on to the city of Karbala, one of the Shia faith’s holiest sites. Home to the shrine of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammed, who was killed here in 680 AD, the city attracts over 20 million Shia pilgrims every year. Following lunch today we have the unique opportunity to join some of these pilgrims at this most revered of shrines. Ladies will need to wear an abaya while at the shrine which will be provided by the tour leader.
Day 6: Karbala - Babylon – Baghdad: Legendary Babylon
Location: Babylon
Accommodation Name: Bilitom Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continuing our journey through the cultural heartland of ancient Mesopotamia, our next stop will be the legendary city of Babylon, a pivotal centrepiece of this great kingdom from the 18th century BC. Once considered the greatest city in the world, today its ancient ruins are testament to centuries of decline and destruction, although the impressive reconstruction that Saddam Hussein has left in its place gives some idea as to the greatness that it may once have enjoyed. Before continuing on to the Iraqi capital later this afternoon we will enjoy lunch, followed by a visit to the ancient royal capital of Ctesiphon, home to the famed vault of Taq Karsa, one of the largest single-span vaults of unreinforced brickwork in the world. This historical site offers a glimpse into the grandeur and architectural prowess of ancient Persia. Baghdad has a surprisingly vibrant dining scene and we will head out to one of the restaurants this evening.
Day 7: Baghdad: City Tour
Location: Baghdad
Accommodation Name: Bilitom Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Founded as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in 762AD, Baghdad can boast one of the finest repositories of ancient artefacts anywhere on the planet. Today we pay a visit to this remarkable site, the Archaeological Museum of Iraq. This will be followed by a chance to sample some of Baghdad’s famed sandwiches, before an afternoon visit to Al-Mutanabi Street to visit a local teahouse and a copper market. Concluding our cultural tour with a visit to the historical Madrassah of the El-Mustansariya School, this evening we then head back out into the city to enjoy some delicious local cuisine and some vibrant Baghdad street-life.
Day 8: Baghdad - Samarra – Mosul: Unique Minaret
Location: Mosul
Accommodation Name: Modern Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Some 400 kilometres to the north of Baghdad lies the city of Mosul, nestling at the heart of a region rich in ethnic and religious diversity. Our journey takes us by way of Samarra, where we stop to visit the distinctive 9th century Malwiya Mosque, with its spiral minaret. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the mosque, built by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mutawakkil, stands not only as an architectural marvel, but was once a place of great religious and cultural significance during the Abbasid Caliphate. After a brief visit to Samarra’s Qasr Al Ashiq (Love Palace), we then continue on to Mosul, where we spend this evening.
Day 9: Mosul - Lalish – Dohuk: Holy Yazidi Site
Location: Dohuk
Accommodation Name: Rixos Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Iraq’s Kurdish region is renowned for its distinct cultural identity and enjoys a reputation as more liberal minded than some of the more conservative parts of the country. Departing Mosul this morning we drive up into the sacred Lalish Valley, located amongst the Nineveh Plains of northern Iraq. Here we will find a temple setting that is the holiest site in the Yazidi faith; a site where we will have an opportunity to meet and mix with the local Yazidi people and learn more of their culture and faith firsthand. Stopping for lunch near Lalish, this afternoon we then continue on into the Dohuk Governorate, situated close to the Turkish border.
Day 10: Amedi - Rezan - Shanidar Cave: Cliffside Settlement & Neanderthal Cave
Location: Amedi
Accommodation Name: Rubar Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following a traditional Kurdish breakfast at a local cafe we set off this morning for the stunningly located setting of Amedi, often referred to as ‘the city in the sky’. An old Jewish settlement, renowned for its beautifully preserved architecture and distinctive cliffside houses, Amedi provides us with a captivating blend of Kurdish history and majestic views. After enjoying a cuppa at the only remaining teahouse left in the city, we then continue on to the village of Rezan, famed for its delectable fish cuisine. Our final visit of the day is to the Shanidar Cave, site of several significant Neanderthal discoveries over the years, the cave is located on a hill with 300 steps to the top, the walk takes around 30 minutes.
Day 11: Rezan - Rawanduz - Hamilton Road - Bekhal Waterfall – Erbil: Kurdish Landscapes
Location: Erbil
Accommodation Name: Van Royal Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A scenic drive this morning takes us past one of the largest canyons in the Middle East and on to the city of Rawanduz, close to both the Turkish and Iranian borders. From here it is just a short drive on to the serene beauty of the Bekhal Waterfall, after which we take a trip back in time to walk along parts of the old Hamilton Road. Built during the British occupation of the region in the 1930s, this once important transportation link facilitated trade and travel across the rugged northern Iraqi landscapes. Our day ends in Erbil, where we spend the next two nights.
Day 12: Erbil: Unesco Citadel & Colourful Bazaar
Location: Erbil
Accommodation Name: Van Royal Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A city that can realistically trace its human settlement back to the 5th millennium BC, Erbil’s historic heart houses the spectacular setting of Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose ancient walls have witnessed the rise and fall of Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians and Ottomans. A visit to the fortress this morning will be followed after lunch by a leisurely stroll through the bustling Qaysari Bazaar, the perfect place to pick up some local colour and some traditional mementos. Dinner this evening will be hosted by a local Kurdish family, presenting us with some unforgettable memories of a quite extraordinary adventure.
Day 13: Tour Ends In Erbil
Location: Erbil
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends this morning after breakfast.
What's Included
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MEALS
12 x Breakfasts, 11 x Lunches, 11 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibus
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory -
Tips
Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
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International Flights
Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
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Airport Transfers
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Beverages & any costs of a personal nature
This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently by minibus throughout the tour, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey between destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations such as the Horizon Hotel in Basra, Sumerion Hotel in Nasiriyah, Granada Hotel in Najaf, Baron Hotel in Karbala, Bilitom Hotel in Baghdad, Modern Plaza Hotel in Mosul, Rixos Hotel in Dohuk, Rubar Resort in Rezan, and Van Royal Hotel in Erbil.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however, please note there are a couple of short walks, one of which does involve steps, there are also some longer driving days but these are broken up with stops and visits. Iraq sees few tourists and as such the infrastructure is not well set up however the hotels are generally of a good standard. Vegetarian food will be repetitive and lack variety.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 11 dinners.
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What type of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour will use a minibus for transportation.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.
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What kind of fitness level is required for this tour?
The tour has a low to moderate fitness rating.
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Will there be a tour leader and local guides during the trip?
Yes, the tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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Are entrance fees to the sights included in the tour price?
Yes, all entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary is included. Specific hotels mentioned include Horizon Hotel, Sumerion Hotel, Granada Hotel, Baron Hotel, Bilitom Hotel, Modern Plaza Hotel, Rixos Hotel, Rubar Resort, and Van Royal Hotel or similar.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as boat trips along the Shatt al-Arab waterway, guided tours of historic cities, visits to ancient archaeological sites, and opportunities to join Shia and Yazidi pilgrims at sacred shrines.
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Is there any special clothing required for visiting religious sites?
Yes, ladies will need to wear an abaya while visiting the shrine in Karbala, which will be provided by the tour leader.
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will have the opportunity to savor the flavors and hospitality of the Marsh Arabs and the mountain Kurds, visit sacred shrines, explore ancient cities, and enjoy local cuisine and vibrant street life in Baghdad.
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Are there any long driving days on this tour?
Yes, there are some longer driving days, but these are broken up with stops and visits.
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Is the infrastructure in Iraq well set up for tourists?
Iraq sees few tourists, and as such, the infrastructure is not well set up. However, the hotels are generally of a good standard.
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Is vegetarian food available on this tour?
Vegetarian food will be repetitive and lack variety.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?
Yes, insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
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Are international flights included in the tour price?
No, international flights are not included in the tour price. However, you can ask for an obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour price?
Complimentary airport transfers are included if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
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We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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At 50 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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