Sacred Iraq: Shrines & Ancient
Najaf, Karbala, Baghdad, Samarra & Mosul: The Shrines and Ancient Cities
Eight days from the resting place of Imam Ali to the walls of Mosul and back. Stand before the golden dome of Najaf. Walk through Wadi al-Salam, the largest cemetery in the world. Enter the shrines of Imam Hussein and Al-Abbas in Karbala. Trace the route of the Ahl al-Bayt through Samarra and the spiral of the Malwiya, across the Parthian walls of Hatra, and into the old city of Mosul, where four churches gather around a cathedral and the Al-Nouri Mosque rises again. End where you began, in Najaf, with a farewell ziyara at sunset. Full board available. A private air-conditioned bus. A guide with deep religious and historical knowledge. A female logistics assistant for shrine visits. Every entry ticket included. One published price per person. Room assignments and any price difference that arises from them are settled privately with Ali, never through the website.
Najaf - Where the Journey Begins
Meet at Najaf International Airport and transfer to the hotel. After rest, begin the evening at the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, the resting place of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, one of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam. Walk through the shrine's corridors of gold and marble as the evening prayers fill the air. Then visit Wadi al-Salam, one of the world's largest and most historic cemeteries, where generations of Muslims have wished to be buried near Imam Ali. End the evening at the Najaf Grand Traditional Bazaar: narrow streets of religious books, traditional shops, perfumes, and everyday life. Overnight: Najaf.
Karbala - Walking Into the Story of Karbala
Depart for Karbala after breakfast. Stop at Khan al-Waqf, a historic caravanserai on the road between Najaf and Karbala, once connected to the movement of pilgrims across Iraq. Arrive at the Imam Hussein Holy Shrine, the resting place of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, whose sacrifice became one of the defining stories of Shia Islam. Visit the Shrine of Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas, Imam Hussein's brother, whose loyalty and courage have made his name inseparable from Karbala's history. In the afternoon, explore Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, one of Iraq's most impressive early Islamic fortresses. Overnight: Karbala.
Babylon to Baghdad - From the Holy Cities to Ancient Mesopotamia
After breakfast, visit Al-Qusayr Church, one of the remarkable Christian heritage sites near Karbala. Continue to Babylon. Step into one of the most famous cities of the ancient world. Walk through the Ishtar Gate, the Lion of Babylon, the Processional Street, and the site of the Hanging Gardens. Then visit Saddam's Palace, the imposing modern structure overlooking the ancient ruins. Arrive in Baghdad by evening. Overnight: Baghdad.
Baghdad - The City of the Imams and the Abbasids
A full day in Baghdad. Start at Al-Mustansiriya School, one of Baghdad's greatest surviving symbols of the Abbasid intellectual age. Then visit the Shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad in Kadhimiya. In the afternoon, travel to the Ziggurat of Aqar Quf. End the day on Al-Mutanabbi Street. Overnight: Baghdad.
Samarra - The Imams of the North
Depart after breakfast for Samarra. Visit the Shrine of Imam Ali al-Hadi and Imam Hasan al-Askari, the tenth and eleventh Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt. Explore Qasr al-Baraka and stand before the Malwiya Minaret, the iconic spiral minaret. Overnight: Samarra area.
Hatra to Mosul - Ancient Kingdoms and the Reborn City
Continue north toward Hatra, one of Iraq's most extraordinary ancient cities. Then continue to Mosul. Visit the Prophet Yunus Mosque and Shrine, the Al-Nouri Grand Mosque and the Al-Hadba Minaret. Walk through the surviving and restored neighborhoods of the Old City. Overnight: Mosul.
Mosul to Baghdad - The Road South
In the morning, visit the historic churches of Hosh al-Bie'a. Then visit the Mosul Heritage Museum. Depart south and stop at the natural sulfur springs of Hammam al-Alil. Continue to Baghdad for the overnight. Overnight: Baghdad.
Najaf - A Farewell to Iraq
Early departure to Najaf. Begin the final morning with a farewell visit to the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali. Explore the Najaf Grand Traditional Bazaar. Enjoy a relaxed traditional Iraqi lunch together. Then head to the Sea of Najaf and its vast desert surroundings. End the journey beneath the Najaf sky as the sun disappears over the desert. Overnight: Najaf / Departure.
- 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 (except where noted)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver