Sacred Iraq: Shrines and Ancient
Najaf, Karbala, Baghdad, Samarra, Hatra & Mosul
Eight days across Iraq. From the golden dome of Najaf to the walls of Mosul and back, through the shrines of the Imams, the ancient cities of Mesopotamia, and the living neighborhoods of cities rebuilding themselves. Start and end in Najaf, with a farewell ziyara at sunset over the Valley of Peace. A pilgrimage and a history journey in one. The guide carries deep religious and historical knowledge. Every entry ticket is covered. Private VIP bus, four-star hotels, breakfast included. Available for private groups of up to 10 travelers.
Najaf: The Golden Dome and the Valley of the Dead
Begin at the Imam Ali Holy Shrine as the evening light turns the gold dome into a second sun. Walk through Wadi al-Salam, the largest cemetery on earth, where six million graves stretch to the horizon. Enter the Najaf Grand Bazaar, then continue to the Great Mosque of Kufa, the Shrine of Muslim ibn Aqeel, and the House of Imam Ali. As the sun goes down, visit Al-Sahla Mosque and end the day beside the Euphrates at the Kufa River Corniche.
Karbala: The Story of Husayn
Stop at Khan al-Waqf, a historic caravanserai on the road between the two holy cities. Enter the Imam Hussein Holy Shrine, where the story of Ashura becomes something you can stand inside. Visit the Shrine of Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas. In the afternoon, explore Al-Ukhaidir Fortress in the desert silence, then Al-Qusayr Church, where Karbala's story meets Iraq's ancient Christian heritage.
Babylon to Baghdad: From Ancient Mesopotamia to the Tigris
Walk through the Ishtar Gate, the Lion of Babylon, and the Processional Street. Stand on Saddam's Palace hill overlooking ruins that are two and a half thousand years older than the man who built it. Arrive in Baghdad by evening. Spend the night on Al-Mutanabbi Street, then cruise the Tigris as the city lights reflect off the water.
Baghdad: The Imams and the Abbasids
Start at Al-Mustansiriya School, one of the great centers of Abbasid learning. Visit the Shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad in Kadhimiya. In the afternoon, climb the Ziggurat of Aqar Quf, then spend the evening on the streets of Baghdad as the city comes alive after dark.
Samarra to Mosul: The Spiral and the Northern Road
The longest day of the journey, and the most layered. Visit the Shrine of Imam Ali al-Hadi and Imam Hasan al-Askari in Samarra, the prison where the Imam was held, Qasr al-Baraka, and the Malwiya Minaret. Continue north to Hatra, the ancient Parthian city that held off Rome. Arrive in Mosul by evening for a first look at the city.
Mosul: Where Civilizations Meet
Visit the Prophet Yunus Mosque, the Al-Nouri Grand Mosque and its leaning minaret, and the Mosul Heritage Museum. Walk through the Old City, where traditional Mosuli houses line narrow streets that have been inhabited for centuries. End at Hosh al-Bie'a, where four Christian denominations gathered around a single square.
Mosul to Najaf: The Road Home
Stop at the sulfur springs of Hammam al-Alil, a slow and quiet pause after six intense days. Continue south through the Iraqi plain toward Najaf, arriving by evening. The road gives you time to think about everything you have seen.
Najaf: A Farewell to Iraq
Return to the Imam Ali Shrine for a farewell visit. Explore the bazaar, share a final Iraqi lunch, then drive to the Sea of Najaf and its vast desert. End the journey as the sun disappears over the sand, the same sky that has watched over this land for thousands of years.
- Airport welcome and departure transfers
- 7 nights in 4-star hotels (or best available)
- 7 breakfasts
- Private air-conditioned VIP bus with dedicated driver
- Specialist guide with deep religious and historical knowledge (Arabic and English)
- Female logistics assistant for shrine visits
- All entry tickets to archaeological and cultural sites
- All entry tickets to activities listed in the program
- Provision of Islamic headscarves for women who need them
- 24/7 support during the trip
- International flights
- Iraqi visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses