9 day tour

Our 9-day journey from southern to northern Iraq (Erbil Region). Taking you into the heart of what is known as the cradle of civilization. You’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, Discover the rich diversity of Iraq’s history and culture, from ancient ruins to modern urban sites, as this resilient nation not only continues its journey of recovery but also toward prosperity.

Days	Start	Destination	End
Day 1	Baghdad	Arrival	Baghdad
Day 2	Baghdad	AL KIFL – Borsippa – Babil	Karbala
Day 3	Karbala	IMAM AL HUSSAIN – Ukhaidar- TAQ KSRA	Baghdad
Day 4	Baghdad	Baghdad City	Baghdad
Day 5	Baghdad	Baghdad City	Baghdad
Day 6	Baghdad	Samarra – Hatra	Mousl
Day 7	Mousl	Nimrud- Mousl city	Erbil
Day 8	Erbil	Erbil city	Erbil
Day 9	Erbil	Departure

Day 2   AL KIFL – Borsipa – Babil

AL-KIFL

Al-Kifl developed gradually around the revered tomb, growing in importance over time due to religious pilgrimages. As a city it likely experienced a significant rise in importance during the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th centuries). This period was characterized by intellectual, cultural, and religious flourishing, which could have contributed to the growth and prominence of the site. 

The town’s prominence is primarily linked to the old shrine that traditionally is believed to be the final resting place of the Prophet Ezekiel, as described in the Hebrew Bible. The tomb complex is a fascinating example of interfaith coexistence. It features both Islamic and Jewish elements, reflecting the shared reverence for the prophet. Hebrew inscriptions can still be seen on the walls, alongside Islamic calligraphy. Much of the visible architecture, particularly the dome and external features, likely dates back to the 12th to 14th centuries, reflecting Islamic architectural styles.

Borsippa

Borsippa was an ancient city in Mesopotamia, located about 17 kilometers southwest of Babylon.

While Borsippa was a significant city in its own right, it was often overshadowed by its powerful neighbor, Babylon. Nabu, the god of wisdom and writing, was the primary deity worshipped in Borsippa. For this reason the ancient city became prominent center for scholars and scribes. 

Oral traditions often blend historical events with mythical elements, creating rich and complex narratives. Like the ruins of Borsippa are identified with the epical conflict between King Nimrud and prophet Abraham. It’s a tale of conflict between idolatry and monotheism, power and faith.

Babylon: The Crown Jewel of Mesopotamia 

Babylon was an ancient city of immense historical and cultural significance, located in the fertile plains of Mesopotamia. It rose to prominence as the capital of Babylonia and It is one of the few cities whose name and memory survived over the millennia until its ruins were excavated. The most impressive highlight is the ancient procession street with the Ishtar Gate. While a large part of the magnificent entrance to the city, adorned with blue glazed tiles, is exhibited in Berlin, we will see the older version in its original location. Besides the further ruins of ancient Babylon, we will visit the abandoned palace of Saddam Hussein overlooking the Euphrates River.

Saddam’s palace

Saddam Hussein built an impressive palace next to the ancient ruins of Babylon in the 1980s, placing it on a man-made hill to connect his rule with the glory of ancient Mesopotamia. After the 2003 invasion, the palace was used by coalition forces as a military base, and soldiers left graffiti on the walls. This unique blend of ancient history and recent military presence offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of Iraq’s identity.

Day 3    IMAM AL HUSSAIN – Ukhaidar – TAQ KISRA

Karbala: A City of Mourning

Located in central Iraq, Karbala is revered as one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. Its significance stems from the tragic events of the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, a pivotal moment in Islamic history. Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions were martyred there by the Umayyad caliph’s forces. Today, millions of Shia Muslims worldwide make pilgrimages to Karbala to commemorate this tragedy at the shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.

Al-Ukhaidir Fortress

Al-Ukhaidir Fortress is indeed a remarkable testament to the architectural prowess of the 6^th century AD. Located in the beginning of the western desert, Al-Ukhaidir Fortress is renowned for its innovative defensive architecture, incorporating elements like bastions, towers, and a wide ditch surrounding the fort. Despite its functional purpose, the interior boasts beautiful and complex decorations, courtyards, and living quarters, reflecting the luxurious lifestyle of its inhabitants. 

TAQ KISRA

Taq Kira, also known as the Arch of Ctesiphon, is a majestic remnant of the Sassanian Empire and stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of its time. The heart of the structure is a colossal vaulted hall, creating one of the largest single-span brick arches ever constructed. The arch is believed to have been part of a grand palace complex, symbolizing the power and opulence of the Sasanian kings. After Ctesiphon fell and lost its significance, legend has it that its large architectural structures were repurposed as a valuable source of building materials. Bricks from the fallen city were used to construct the later Baghdad.

Baghdad

Founded as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, Baghdad blossomed into the intellectual heart of the world. The city excelled in translating and preserving ancient knowledge, which served as a catalyst for groundbreaking innovations. During this time period known as the Golden Age, the city was a crossroads of cultures, where scholars from across the world gathered to exchange knowledge. Two days in Baghdad, we will visit different parts of the city representing different eras of the important history of the city and also Iraq as a modern state. From the National Civilization Museum to the Abbasid Palace, and on to public monuments and their legends from 1000 and 1 night on the banks of the Tigris.

Iraq Museum

Located in Baghdad, is renowned for its collection of Mesopotamian artifacts, including items from the Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian periods. Established in 1926. The museum remains a key institution for understanding ancient Mesopotamian history.

Mohamed Ghani Hikmat

Mohamed Ghani Hikmat was a prominent Iraqi sculptor known for his impactful and expressive works. His art often reflects themes from Iraqi history, mythology, and culture. Hikmat’s notable contributions include statues such as the Shahrazad and Shahryar sculpture and various works displayed in public spaces across Baghdad. His distinctive style and dedication to capturing cultural heritage have earned him a respected place in modern Middle Eastern art.

Day  6     Samarra – Hatra 

Samara 

Samara was founded in 836 AD by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mu’tasim. The city quickly rose to prominence as the new capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, surpassing Baghdad in terms of political and administrative importance. The decision to establish a new capital was primarily driven by security concerns. The old capital, Baghdad, had become increasingly vulnerable to attacks from various groups. Maintaining two capital cities was a significant financial burden. The Abbasid Caliphate faced internal power struggles and external pressures. Samara’s peak as a capital city lasted until 892 AD, when the Caliphate returned its seat of power to Baghdad. Because the city had a short lifespan and was never reoccupied on a large scale, its ruins serve as a time capsule, providing a unique glimpse into early Islamic architecture.

Hatra

It’s renowned for its impressive ruins, which are a testament to the city’s rich history and unique blend of Greco-Roman and Mesopotamian architectural styles. the city was founded sometime between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Situated at a crossroads of trade routes, the city became a vital commercial hub. 

Hatra was conquered by the Roman Emperor Trajan in 117 AD, but the city managed to regain independence after the Roman withdrawal. Over a century later around 240-241 AD after a prolonged siege by the Sassanian King Shapur the first.  

Hatra can be described as rich caravan city like Petra, Palmyra, and Baalbek. Their strategic locations at the crossroads of trade routes made them crucial hubs for caravans transporting goods across vast distances. Each city boasts impressive architectural feats, including intricate stone carvings, monumental structures, and innovative engineering. While all cities show a blend of local and foreign influences, the specific cultural impacts vary. Hatra reflects a mix of Parthian and Arab elements, Petra is renowned for its Nabatean architecture, Palmyra combines Roman and Eastern styles, and Baalbek showcases Hellenistic and Roman influences.

Day 7   Nimrud – Mousl city 

Nimrud 

Nimrud is the modern name given to the ancient Assyrian city. The Assyrians themselves referred to the city as Kalhu.The city flourished between approximately 1350 BC and 610 BC, and had its prime as the second capital of the Assyrian Empire during the 9th and 8th centuries BC. The Bible mentions the King Nimrod in Genesis 10:8-12. He is described as a “mighty hunter before the Lord,” a phrase often interpreted as a powerful warrior or ruler. The text also mentions that he founded the cities of Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calah. Nimrud was renowned for its structures like the Northwest Palace, adorned with intricate reliefs and sculptures, showcasing the wealth and power of Assyrian kings. Unfortunately, much of Nimrud’s excavated and preserved structures were destroyed by ISIS terrorist in 2015. In recent years, great efforts have been taken to recover the ancient site.

Mosul

Mosul is Iraq’s second-largest city after Baghdad. Situated on the Tigris River, Mosul has a rich history that stretches back millennia. While the city has a long history dating back to ancient times, it was under the Zangid dynasty in the 12th century that Mosul reached its peak of influence. The city became a major trade center and a cultural hub. Medieval Mosul sits opposite the ruins of ancient Nineveh. During the final stages of the liberation from ISIS, the old city of Mosul became the militants’ last stronghold, resulting in unprecedented urban destruction within Iraq. UNESCO, with substantial funding from the United Arab Emirates, is spearheading a long-term project to revitalize the spirit of Mosul.

Day 8   Erbil city

Erbil

Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is a city steeped in history and experiencing rapid growth. The heart of the city is the Erbil Citadel, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Citadel are several restorated houses and museums to explore.

Erbil offers several intriguing museums for tourists interested in history and culture. The Erbil Civilization Museum showcases ancient artifacts and the city’s rich historical background. The Kurdish Textile Museum highlights traditional Kurdish textiles and clothing, reflecting the region’s vibrant craft traditions. Additionally. Together, these museums offer a comprehensive view of the region’s heritage and are must-visits for anyone exploring Erbil.

Ainkawa

Ainkawa was a predominantly Christian small village, and has transformed into a thriving 

 suburb of Erbil. While Ainkawa is traditionally a Chaldean Catholic stronghold, its open and welcoming nature has made it a home for various Christian denominations.

The Syriac Heritage Museum is a significant cultural institution located in the Christian neighborhood of Ainkawa,Erbil, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It serves as a vital repository for preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the Syriac people.

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