An unforgettable journey to historic Mesopotamia: experience the wonders of Iraq
March 20-30, 2025 (10 days)
FACTS ABOUT THE TOUR
  • 1
    €1635 + flights
    Estimated travel expenses (excluding flights and food). Details below.
  • 2
    10 days
    9 days in Iraq + flights
  • 3
    Simple and safe trip
    An easy trip. Anyone can join.
  • 4
    Up to 12 travellers in a group.
    Only 4 spots left.
  • 5
    Adventure, cultural, experiential.
    Type of the tour.
  • 6
    Basra / Erbil
    Start and end points of the tour.
About the Iraq Tour

In March 2025, I invite you to explore the legendary Mesopotamia together! This is modern-day Iraq, still healing from the scars of war. In the fall of 2024, we visited Iraq with a small reconnaissance group and were pleasantly surprised by the hotels, the abundance of ancient heritage, local cuisine, and exotic experiences.


Highlights of the trip:

  • Sailing through the Mesopotamian Marshes, which span 15,000 square kilometers. This is home to the Marsh Arabs (Madans), who lead a unique lifestyle. We will also taste the ancient Sumerian fish dish, masgouf.
  • Visiting the world's largest cemetery, Wadi al-Salam, in the holy city of Najaf. The cemetery covers 600 hectares and has been in use for over 1,400 years, with approximately 6 million burials. It continues to serve as a burial site, with around 100 people interred daily from across the globe.
  • Exploring the sacred Muslim cities of Najaf and Karbala, visiting shrines that attract millions of pilgrims.
  • Discovering Babylon, including the ruins of King Nebuchadnezzar's palace and the Ishtar Gate, whose original you may have seen at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.
  • Stopping by Saddam Hussein's palaces.
  • Seeing the remnants of 5,000-6,000-year-old Sumerian city-states, including ziggurats (temples).
  • Visiting Hatra, the first city of Arab civilization in Mesopotamia.
  • Exploring the Lalish Temple, the largest holy site of the Yazidi religion in the world.
  • Dining with an Iraqi family in Baghdad, sharing a cultural and culinary experience.
  • Hiking and picnicking in a canyon by the river in Kurdistan.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
March 20 (Thursday) - Flight to Basra
Flight from your airport to Basra, Iraq. You will get your visa on arrival at the airport. Check if you are eglible for it.
Airport taxi will bring you to the parking lot at the airport gate, where our guide will wait for you. A guide is not allowed to come to the airport without a flight ticket.
Depending on your flight time, you are going to meet other tour members at the airport or at the hotel.
The tour leader Vladas Sapranavičius will be coming with majority of the group from Amman at 4:40 AM on 21 March.
March 21 (Friday) – Basra
On the first day, we will explore Basra, visiting the 7th-century Imam Ali Mosque, the first mosque built in Islamic history outside of Mecca. This mosque is not only a religious site but also a significant historical monument symbolizing the spread of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula. Its architectural beauty and grandeur make it a must-see landmark.
Next, we will visit the Basra Museum, housed in one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces. This unique museum is notable not only for its priceless art and cultural exhibits but also for the historical building itself, reflecting Iraq's recent history and Saddam Hussein's era of rule.
In the evening, we will embark on a stunning boat ride on the Shatt al-Arab river, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet. This river is one of the oldest and most historically significant waterways in the world. As we cruise, we will pass the ruins of Saddam Hussein's presidential yachts, destroyed during the war, reminding us of the region's recent history and its impact on the modern world. The Shatt al-Arab river is also a crucial economic route linking the Persian Gulf to Iraq's interior, providing a unique opportunity to see local life up close.
We will overnight in Basra, enjoying the city's vibrant nightlife and admiring the reflections of its lights in the river.
March 22 (Saturday) – The Marshes of Southern Iraq
We will journey to the largest marshes in Iraq and the Middle East, also known as the Mesopotamian Marshes (marshes, wetlands). These marshes are a unique natural and cultural heritage site, renowned for their exceptional biodiversity and ancient history. Once the cradle of ancient Mesopotamian civilization, they represent one of the largest wetland complexes in the world.
We will meet the marsh Arabs, descendants of ancient Iraqis who have lived in these marshes for centuries. Their way of life has remained largely unchanged for millennia, and their culture is an integral part of the region. We will visit their traditional reed houses, known as mudhifs, which have been built in the same way for over 4,000 years. These homes are stunning examples of architecture and ecology, harmonizing perfectly with the marshland environment.
We will also taste masguf, one of the oldest dishes in the region, prepared by grilling fish according to ancient Sumerian recipes. This traditional dish is made using only local ingredients and methods passed down through generations. Grilled over an open flame, often with reeds, masguf gains a unique flavor. This meal is not only a culinary delight but also a living part of history.
Next, we will head to Nasiriyah to visit the ancient Ziggurat of Ur. The Ziggurat of Ur is one of the oldest and best-preserved temple complexes in Mesopotamia, built around the 21st century BC. This impressive architectural monument stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Sumerian civilization and their religious practices. The ziggurat was dedicated to the moon god Nanna, and its magnificence and architectural ingenuity continue to awe visitors to this day.
We will spend the night in Nasiriyah, where we can relax after a rich and fascinating day, preparing ourselves for the next adventure.
March 23 (Sunday) – Najaf and Karbala – the Holy Cities
On the third day, we will travel to the holy city of Najaf, home to the tomb of Imam Ali, the fourth caliph of Islam and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. This mausoleum is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims, attracting millions of devotees each year. The Imam Ali Mausoleum is not only a religious site but also an architectural masterpiece, famous for its golden domes and intricate mosaic work.
Later, we will visit the Wadi al-Salam, the largest cemetery in the world. Covering an area of 600 hectares, it is considered the holiest cemetery in the Muslim world. Over the course of 1400 years, approximately 6 million bodies have been buried here, and burials continue to this day. The cemetery is not only a resting place but also a guardian of history and culture. Around 100 people from all over the world are laid to rest here every day.
Next, we will travel to Karbala, where we will visit the ancient Al-Ukhaydir Fortress. Built in the 8th century, this fortress is one of the best-preserved examples of Islamic architecture in the desert. Al-Ukhaydir Fortress impresses with its scale, engineering solutions, and exceptional architecture, offering a great view of the development of Islamic art.

Karbala is the fourth holiest city for Shia Muslims (after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem). It is home to about 100 mosques, with the most important being the shrines of Imam Hussein (built in the 8th century, restored in the 10th century, and rebuilt in the 11th and 16th centuries) and Imam Abbas. The architecture and spiritual significance of the Imam Hussein Shrine attract millions of pilgrims from around the world. The nearby Imam Abbas Shrine is also an important religious site, known for its beauty and tranquility.
On October 3, 680, the Battle of Karbala took place on the site of the current city between the army of Caliph Yazid ibn Muawiya and Imam Hussein ibn Ali. Imam Hussein and 72 of his companions were martyred in the battle. Since 963, the day of his death has been commemorated as Ashura, the main holiday for Shia Muslims. A mausoleum was built in Karbala at the end of the 8th century, where Imam Hussein is buried (he was later declared a Shia saint and martyr). Since then, Karbala has become a religious and pilgrimage center for Shia Muslims. The city is also home to many Muslim cemeteries, and according to Shia belief, being buried in Karbala grants entry to paradise. In 1801, the Wahhabis from Saudi Arabia invaded the city, destroying the town and shrine and killing the inhabitants.
We will spend the night in Karbala.
March 24 (Monday) – Babylon and Baghdad
On the fourth day, we will travel to the ancient city of Babylon, one of the most famous and historically significant sites in the world. Babylon, often referred to as the "cradle of civilization," was renowned for its impressive architectural heritage and cultural life. Here, we will visit the Ishtar Gate. This gate was the main entrance to ancient Babylon, adorned with magnificent glazed bricks depicting mythical animals and gods.
We will also visit the Palace of Saddam Hussein, which stands above the ruins of Babylon. These palaces are a testament to Iraq's recent history and Saddam Hussein's attempt to link himself to the grandeur of Babylon's past. From here, we will have an unparalleled view of the ancient ruins, allowing us to imagine the city's former glory and significance.
We will continue our journey to Baghdad, making a stop along the way at Ctesiphon – the last remnants of the Persian Empire in Iraq. Ctesiphon was the capital of the Persian Empire during the Parthian and Sassanid dynasties. It was one of the largest and most influential cities of its time. For more than 800 years, Mesopotamia was a province of ancient Persia, with Ctesiphon at the heart of this region.
The ruins of Ctesiphon are located about 35 km south of Baghdad. Here stood the largest city of the 6th century and was known for its impressive architectural structures, such as the Arch of Ctesiphon (Taq Kasra), which is one of the largest brick vaults in the world. Ctesiphon is first mentioned in the Book of Ezra (Old Testament) as Kasphia (the name derived from the Caspian people, just like the Caspian Sea).
We will spend the night in Baghdad.
March 25 (Tuesday) – Baghdad
On the fifth day, we will begin our journey by exploring Baghdad, the cultural and historical center of Iraq, known for both its ancient and modern landmarks.
We will visit the Abbasid Palaces, one of the most famous and impressive architectural monuments in Baghdad. These palaces were an important center during the Abbasid Caliphate and symbolized their power and opulence.
Next, we will visit the Mustansiriya School, the oldest educational institution in history. Founded by the Abbasid Caliph Mustansir, the school was one of the oldest and most prestigious centers of learning of its time. Various sciences were taught here, and intellectual ideas were formed.
We will stroll along Al-Mutanabbi Street, also known as the Booksellers’ Street, where we can immerse ourselves in Iraq’s literary and intellectual culture. This street is famous for its bookshops and gatherings of book enthusiasts.
We will enjoy traditional Iraqi tea in one of the traditional cafes, allowing us to relax and soak in the daily life of the city.
We will visit the Martyrs’ Monument, built in remembrance of the victims of the Iran-Iraq war. This monument symbolizes the immense loss and serves as a reminder of this difficult period in the region’s history.
To end the day, we will visit the ancient Aqraqufo Ziggurat (Dur-Kurigalzu), one of the Babylonian-era monuments in Baghdad. This ziggurat was used for religious purposes. The city was founded by the Kassite king Kurigalzu I in the 14th century BC and was abandoned after the fall of the Kassite dynasty in the 12th century BC. The Kassites ruled over Babylon for several centuries after the fall of the Old Babylonian Empire.
In the evening, we will visit a local family and experience Iraqi hospitality. This will give us a chance to see how the people of Baghdad live.
March 26 (Wednesday) – Samarra and Hatra
On the sixth day, we will travel to Mosul, one of the most significant and historically rich cities in Iraq.
Along the way, we will visit the Great Mosque of Samarra, known for its spiral-shaped minaret. Built during the Abbasid period when Samarra was the capital of the Islamic Caliphate, the Malwiya Minaret rises to 52 meters and is a unique architectural monument, famous for its spiral shape and impressive design, which continues to astound visitors today. The mosque itself, built in the 9th century, was once the largest in the world.
We will also visit the Imam Askari Shrine, one of the most important Shiite Islamic shrines. It is the burial place of Imam Ali al-Hadi and Imam Hasan al-Askari, two key Shiite imams. For Shiites, this site holds immense religious and cultural significance.
Next, we will continue our journey to Hatra, a city known as the first Arab civilization in Mesopotamia. Hatra was an important center of trade and culture, with its architecture heavily influenced by Roman civilization. It is the wealthiest surviving archaeological site of the Parthian Empire (Hatra flourished as a Parthian city in the 1st-2nd centuries AD).
The small Hatra Arab Kingdom thrived in the 2nd century between the Parthian and Roman empires, but it was destroyed in the 3rd century.
We will overnight in Mosul.
March 27 (Thursday) – Mosul and Lalish
On the seventh day, we will explore Mosul, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the region, where ancient and modern cultures converge. Mosul, once known as Nineveh (also called Nineve), was the center of the powerful Assyrian Empire. The Bible states that Nineveh was founded by Nimrod, the son of Cush.
In 850 BC, Assyrian King Ashurnasirpal II chose Nimrud, a city 30 km from Nineveh, as the new capital. Around 700 BC, King Sennacherib made Nineveh the capital. The Kuyunjik Hill in Mosul was the location of his palace, and it was here that Sennacherib's grandson Ashurbanipal founded the Library of Ashurbanipal.
In Mosul, we will visit the old market, one of the central elements of the city's life. This is a place where various cultures and traditions merge, revealing the daily pulse of Mosul.
We will also visit the Old Town, which suffered significant damage during the war with the Islamic State. Despite the scars, the Old Town retains its ancient beauty and stands as a testament to Mosul's glorious past and cultural contributions.
Next, we will visit the Lalish Temple, the largest Yazidi religious temple in the world. This temple is a sacred and important religious center for the Yazidi community, attracting hundreds of believers from all over the world due to its historical and religious significance.
The Yazidis are an ethnoreligious group of Kurds traditionally living in northern Iraq. Large diasporas are found in Syria, Turkey, Armenia, Germany, and Russia. They speak Kurmanji Kurdish, but distinguish themselves from other Kurds with their unique religion, Yazidism. The Yazidis do not consider themselves Kurds. At the beginning of the 21st century, due to intensified persecution of the Yazidis in Iraq and Syria, many left their traditional homeland and migrated to Western countries. Today, the largest diaspora is in Germany, France, and Sweden.
Next, we will travel to Alqosh, a town known for its Chaldean Christian community and monastery, which we will visit. This monastery is an important religious and cultural site, bearing witness to the ancient history and culture of the region. The Chaldean Christians emerged in 1552-1553, when Eastern Christians entered into a union with the Roman Catholic Church. The majority of Chaldean Christians live in Iraq, with their administrative center located in Baghdad.
Next, we will travel to Erbil (also known as Arbila or Irbil), the capital of the Kurdistan Autonomous Region. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, renowned for its ancient fortress and old town.
March 28 (Friday) – Erbil
On the eighth day, we will explore the city of Erbil, visiting the ancient Erbil Citadel, which dates back to Assyrian times, the old Erbil market, and the Muzaffariya Minaret. Our exploration of the city will begin at the ancient Mar Matti (St. Matthew) Monastery, located on the highest mountain between Mosul and Erbil. This is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, famous for its collection of ancient Syrian Christian manuscripts. Although many of the old manuscripts were lost through numerous calamities, several hundred still remain, with the oldest manuscript dating back to the 13th century.
Urban life in Erbil dates back at least to the 23rd century BC. The city's name is believed to originate from the Sumerian language, meaning "upper city." Erbil is mentioned in Sumerian sources when it was devastated by the ruler of Ur, Amarsin. For many centuries (from 2000 to 608 BC), the city was part of Assyria. It is believed that Media king Kyaxares settled the Iranian tribe of Sagartians here. In 547 BC, the Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered Assyria and made Erbil the capital of the Assyrian satrapy. The Sagartians living here frequently revolted against the Persians. In 521 BC, Darius I sent an army to suppress the rebellion. According to the Behistun Inscription, this was the last uprising of Media.
In 331 BC, the Battle of Gaugamela took place near Erbil, where Alexander the Great defeated the army of Darius III. In the 1st and 2nd centuries, Erbil became the capital of the Assyrian state of Adiabene. The city also became an early center of Syrian Christianity. In 1397, the city was devastated by a raid from Timur. Later, various Arab and Turkic states ruled over the city. Erbil became an important trade hub between Baghdad and Mosul. During the Ottoman era, a fort was built on the ancient mound (tell).
We will spend the night in Erbil.
March 29 (Saturday) – Ravandoz Valley
On the ninth day, we will travel to the Ravanduz Valley, visiting the Ali Beko Waterfall and the Hamilton Road, which connects Erbil to the Iranian border. We will spend the night in Erbil.
In the valley, we will hike along the mountain river and have a picnic by the river.
March 30 (Sunday) – Return journey home
Flying home from Erbil.
Budget of the Tour
  • Visa - about €75 (77 USD, paid in dollars only at Basra airport)
  • Accommodation (3-5 star hotels), local transport, entrance fees for sites, guides, trip to the Iraqi marshes (swamp), visit to locals in Baghdad, trip to the mountains near Erbil, water during the trip - $1200 (about €1160 paid in Iraq – no need to pay in advance)
  • Organizational fee – €400 (paid upon registration for the trip)
TOTAL: €1635 + international flights

Meals and other personal expenses are not included.

Approximate food prices:
  • Shawarma sandwich – €3
  • Kebab – €5-7
  • Meat dish with rice – €10-15
  • Falafel – €1
  • Bean stew with rice – €5
  • Fish with a variety of side dishes – €10-11
Generally, we snack on falafel for lunch for €1, and have a more substantial dinner in a restaurant for €10. So, for 9 days, we will spend about €100 on food + coffee, ice cream, tea, etc., according to everyone's preferences.
We will stay in 3-5 star double rooms with air conditioning and private WC and shower. Breakfast is always included in the price.
Iraq does not require insurance. Those who wish can arrange it independently.

For those wanting to join the group, please fill out the registration form.

To confirm your registration, please transfer the €400 advance payment – organizational fee. If you change your mind about going, the advance will not be refunded.

FURTHER STEPS
  1. Registration by filling out the form
  2. You will receive registration confirmation and details for transferring the advance – organizational fee (€400) within 1 day
  3. Transfer €400
  4. I confirm receipt of the funds and send you the dates and times for purchasing the tickets
  5. Purchase flight tickets
Vladas Sapranavičius
The Organizer and Tour Leader of the Tour
Iraq has just begun to open up to the first travelers. For about 50 years, the country was shaken by larger and smaller unrest, conflicts, and struggles with both internal and external enemies. Several generations have grown up amidst battles for power, resources, and religion. Therefore, the opportunity window that has now opened for us may not stay open for long. I invite you to take advantage of this chance and visit this land of contrasts and mysteries while the window is still open. I will help you prepare and safely visit all the most interesting sights of the country, get in touch with the local culture, and witness Ramadan customs up close.
The lightning-fast decision to travel to Iraq with Vladas was one of the best things I did this year. Trying to compare it to my recent visit to Iran, I discovered probably more differences than I expected. Babylon, the Mesopotamian marshes with their cultic figures, holy cities where women can only appear in public wearing abayas, millennia-old artifacts that are not behind glass in a museum but can be touched, climbed on, and sat on, traces of ISIS brutality, the natural beauty of Kurdistan, awe-inspiring temples, and then there’s the local food and great company. Visiting the places where the first civilizations – Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, and Babylonians – were born is a must, before Iraq becomes overrun like Turkey or Italy. There’s an unforgettable feeling of being the only visitor in sites that are thousands of years old.
Livija
Vladas Sapranavičius is not a travel organizer who sells travel packages and takes any responsibility for flights, accommodations, or anything like that. He is a trip leader who gathers a group of like-minded individuals for the journey. Tickets are purchased independently, and payment for hotels and transportation is made on-site during the trip. Vladas does not insure travelers during the trip. All travelers assume all possible risks themselves and can purchase the desired insurance for the duration of the trip.
Nevertheless, Vladas will assist you with all these matters.
REGISTER TO THE TOUR
Fill separate form for every person registering
Contact me
Vladas Sapranavičius
Tour Organizer and Leader
Phone: +370 650 77378
Email: vladas@spacetravel.lt