Dates: April 20 - 27, 2026

It connects with the program to Syria from April 12 to 19, 2026 and to Lebanon from April 9 to 12, 2026

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Number of participants: 8 – 12

Cost of participation per person:
– 2 090 USD subject to 11 – 12 participants,
– 2 190 USD subject to 10 participants,
– 2 290 USD subject to 9 participants,
– 2 430 USD subject to 8 participants.

10% early booking discount for dates when booking before November 20, 2025

Everything is included except for:
- international flight to Baghdad roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- visa on arrival (at 80 USD) or at different visa cost for the citizens out of list the countries citizens of which are eligible for Visa on Arrival,
- lunches and dinners.

Estimated cost of flight Moscow – Baghdad roundtrip: USD 800 - 1000 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).
Estimated cost of flight Istanbul – Baghdad roundtrip: USD 240 – 350 (Usually bought on your own, we consult you).

Single supplement: USD 420 (single accommodation is provided for all nights)




TRAVEL PROGRAM: Tour to Iraq


Day 1. April 20, 2026 (Monday). ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD

Evening or night arrival in Baghdad airport. Pick-up from the airport and transfer to the hotel for resting. Overnight in the hotel 4* in Baghdad.

* Recommended flight from Moscow to Baghdad:
- by EgyptAir, flight from Moscow to Baghdad with stopover in Cairo for 2h55min, departs from Moscow at 16:55 on April 20, arrives in Baghdad at 03:20 on April 21,
- or any other flight from Moscow or from another city to Baghdad in the afternoon of April 20 or the night of April 20-21.

Accommodation included: Noor Land Hotel 4* or similar
Meals included: no


Day 2. April 21, 2026 (Tuesday). BAGHDAD – CTESIPHON – BAGHDAD (80 km)

After breakfast, we leave hotel to explore Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. Visit Firdous Square, famous for the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s statue on April 9, 2003, during the U.S.-led invasion.
Visit Liberation Square is a central landmark in Baghdad, Iraq, symbolizing freedom and national pride. Located in the heart of the city, the square is best known for the iconic Freedom Monument (Nasb al-Hurriyah), created by renowned Iraqi sculptor Jawad Saleem in 1958, The monument depicts the struggle of the Iraqi people for independence and social justice.
Visit the Abbasid Palace in Baghdad, built in the 12th century, is a rare example of Abbasid-era Islamic architecture. Located by the Tigris River, it features elegant arches and brickwork, reflecting Baghdad's historic role in the Islamic Golden Age.
A walk through Al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad is a journey into the heart of Iraqi culture. As you stroll along the historic street, you're surrounded by bookshops, street poets, and vibrant cafés echoing with conversation and music. The scent of old books mixes with fresh Arabic coffee, and every corner tells a story. From the famous Shabandar Café to the nearby Qushla clock tower, the street pulses with life, history, and the unbreakable spirit of Baghdad.
Cross the Tigris River by Boat Visit the martyrs monument (Closed for maintenance, we try to enter ) is a striking turquoise dome split in two, symbolizing sacrifice and loss. Built in 1983 to honor Iraqi soldiers who died in the war, it stands on the eastern bank of the Tigris River. Surrounded by a serene reflecting pool, the monument is both a powerful tribute and a masterpiece of modern Iraqi architecture.
Visit Ctesiphon (From outside the fence ). It was the capital of the Parthian and later the Sassanian Empires. Situated on the banks of the Tigris River, it was one of the largest and most influential cities of the ancient world. The city is best known for the Taq Kasra, a massive vaulted arch that remains one of the largest single-span brick arches ever built. Ctesiphon was a major cultural and economic hub, frequently contested between the Romans and Persians. Though it declined after the Islamic conquest in the 7th century, its ruins remain a testament to its former grandeur.
The Save the Iraqi Culture Monument is a sculpture in Baghdad, Iraq, created by Iraqi artist Mohammed Ghani Hikmat in 2010. It symbolizes the resilience of Iraqi heritage against destruction. The artwork features a giant hand lifting a fragmented cylinder seal, representing efforts to protect Iraq’s ancient culture and history from war, looting, and neglect.
Around 5 pm we visit Al-Kadhimiya is one of the important neighborhoods in Baghdad and enjoy the beautiful night market. It also includes the Al-Kadhimiya holy shrine (golden dome). The tomb of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim and his grandson, Imam Muhammad al-Jawad, one of the most prominent Muslims and the seventh imam of Twelve Shiites.
Dinner at your choice and overnight in the hotel 4* in Baghdad.

Accommodation included: Noor Land Hotel 4* or similar
Meals included: breakfast


Day 3. April 22, 2026 (Wednesday). BAGHDAD – BABYLON – KARBALA (175 km)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel. We start at the iconic Shahryar and Shahrazad statue, a tribute to the legendary characters from One Thousand and One Nights, symbolizing the richness of Iraqi folklore. Next, we visit the National Museum of Iraq, the country’s foremost archaeological institution. It showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts spanning Mesopotamian, Babylonian, Assyrian, and Islamic civilizations, offering deep insights into Iraq's ancient history.
We head to the ancient ruins of Babylon – cradle of Mesopotamian civilization dated 18th - 6th centuries BC, with the Hanging Gardens of Semiramida, that was supposed to be attached to the Palace of King Nebuchadnezzar. Appointed as Seven Wonders of Hellenic World, have a presence in various literature sources but its physical existence has never been proven.
Saddam Palace, nowadays Museum, perched on top of Babylon, as the palace was inspired by the Babylonian palace of King Nebuchadnezzar. The palace is currently closed for maintenance, but we will attempt to access the grounds.
Early afternoon visit Borsippa Ziggurat. According to the Talmud, this ziggurat is believed to be the Tower of Babel found in the Torah. It is believed that this ziggurat was for the worship of the goddess Nebu, the god of writing and wisdom at the Babylonians, who was the son of the god Marduk.
Go to Karbala.
Check-in into the hotel 4*. In the afternoon visit Imam Abbas shrine that contain the tomb of the Al-Abbas. Imam Ali was one of the greatest Islamic and historical characters. He reflected the real brotherhood trait during Al-Taff battle when he sacrificed himself to protect his family, in addition to granting his palms for the sake of defending the Islamic values and idealism of Ahlul-Bayt, which Yazid was seeking to alter. Imam Hussein shrine contain the tomb of the imam Hussein. He is the second son of Imam Ali and the second grandson of the Messenger of Allah Muhammad after his brother Imam Hassan.
Dinner at your choice and overnight in hotel 4* in Karbala.

Accommodation included: Awlad Al Hassan Hotel 4*
Meals included: breakfast


Day 4. April 23, 2026 (Thursday). KARBALA – NAJAF CEMETERY – URUK – NASSIRIYAH

After breakfast in Karbala, we begin our journey south toward Nasiriyah, passing through the heartland of ancient Mesopotamia.
Visit the Cemetery of Najaf, also known as Wadi Al-Salam (Valley of Peace), is one of the largest and oldest cemeteries in the world, located in Najaf, Iraq. It holds immense religious significance, especially for Shia Muslims, as it is near the Imam Ali Holy Shrine. Many prominent Islamic scholars, leaders, and believers have been buried here for centuries. The vast sea of tombs, stretching as far as the eye can see, creates a unique and awe-inspiring sight. Visiting Wadi Al-Salam offers a deep spiritual experience and a chance to witness a historic and sacred resting place that has been revered for generations.
Along the way, we stop at the legendary site of Uruk, one of the earliest and most influential cities of ancient Mesopotamia. Flourishing between 4000–3000 BCE, Uruk is often regarded as the world’s first major city and a cornerstone of Sumerian civilization. Here, we explore the remnants of remarkable architectural achievements such as the White Temple and the ziggurats, and reflect on the city’s role in the development of cuneiform writing, one of the earliest known writing systems. Uruk is also deeply connected to King Gilgamesh, the heroic figure of the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest literary works in human history.
We then continue to Nasiriyah, where we take a guided tour of the city. This includes visits to key cultural spots, local markets, and riverfront areas that reveal the everyday rhythm of life in this historic southern Iraqi city.

Accommodation included: Somerion Hotel 4 *
Meals included: breakfast, lunch


Day 5. April 24, 2026 (Friday). NASSIRIYAH – UR – AL-CHIBAYISH – BAGHDAD (360 km)

After breakfast very short drive to visit Ziggurat of Ur. The ziggurat is the most distinctive architectural invention of the Ancient Near East. Like an ancient Egyptian pyramid, an ancient Near Eastern ziggurat has four sides and rises up to the realm of the gods. However, unlike Egyptian pyramids, the exterior of Ziggurats were not smooth but tiered to accommodate the work which took place at the structure, as well as the administrative oversight and religious rituals essential to Ancient Near Eastern cities. Ziggurats are found scattered around what is today Iraq and Iran, and stand as an imposing testament to the power and skill of the ancient culture that produced them.
Head to Al-Chibayish. Arrival in Al-Chibayish before noon. Lunch time: we have the famous masgouf (fish grilled using reeds instead of woods) inside one of the houses built by reeds only called "almutheef".
Visit to marshes of Iraq, the largest wetlands in the Middle East. They not only provide habitat to hundreds of bird and fish species, but they are also home to thousands of Marsh Arabs, returning more and more to their historical heartland after draining of the Marshes during and after the 1991 uprisings in Iraq.
The Marsh Arabs, also referred to as the Maʻdan are inhabitants of the Tigris-Euphrates marshlands in the south of Iraq. Comprising members of many different tribes and tribal confederations, they developed a unique culture centered on the marshes' natural resources. The society of the Marsh Arabs was divided into two main groups by occupation. One group bred and raised water buffaloes while others cultivated crops.
We stop to have some rest and drink the traditional tea and meet the locals, have some chat with them talking old stories.
Then we will take a boat trip using the old traditions boat called "shakhtura" through the maze of marshes.
After the tour, we journey north to Baghdad. Upon arrival, our first stop is Bab Al-Agha, a beloved and historic bakery located at the city’s entrance. Known for its warm hospitality and traditional Iraqi sweets and breads, this is the perfect place for a quick taste of local flavor.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel 4* in Baghdad.

Accommodation included: Noor Land Hotel 4* or similar
Meals included: breakfast


Day 6. April 25, 2026 (Saturday). BAGHDAD – SAMARRA – MOSUL (415 km)

Early breakfast and visit very impressive monument of dedicated to the Iraqi soldiers who died during the Iran-Iraq war. A monument in the form of a drop of water split into two.
Drive to Samarra. In medieval times, Samarra was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate and is the only remaining Islamic capital that retains its original plan, architecture and artistic relics. In 2007, UNESCO named Samarra one of its World Heritage Sites.
Visit Samarra spiral minaret, one of the prominent distinctive landmarks of Iraq because of its unique shape, the ascending spiral conical design (closed for maintenance, we will see it from outside).
Nearby, we explore the Abu Dalaf Mosque, a lesser-known yet equally impressive Abbasid-era site, known for its expansive layout and historical significance.
Next, we will visit Hatra, an ancient city in Upper Mesopotamia located in present-day eastern Nineveh Governorate in northern Iraq. It is considered the richest archaeological site from the Parthian Empire known to date. Hatra was a strongly fortified caravan city and capital of the small Arab Kingdom of Hatra, located between the Roman and Parthian/Sasanian Empires. Hatra flourished in the 2nd century, and was destroyed and deserted in the 3rd century. Its impressive ruins were discovered in the 19th century.
Drive to the extreme north of the country, to the city of Mosul.
Dinner and overnight in Mosul.

Accommodation included: Almiski Gate 4*
Meals included: breakfast


Day 7. April 26, 2026 (Sunday). MOSUL – ERBIL

We begin the morning in Mosul, a city with a rich and ancient past that continues to rise from recent challenges with resilience and pride. Our first stop is the Assyrian Wall of Nineveh, the remains of what was once the capital of the mighty Assyrian Empire. These ancient fortifications stretch across the landscape as a powerful testament to the grandeur of one of history’s greatest civilizations.
Next, we explore the Old City of Mosul, a place where narrow alleys, traditional houses, and centuries-old mosques and churches reflect the deep cultural layers of this historic metropolis.
A visit to the Mosul Bazaar immerses us in local life—full of color, scents, and sounds, it’s a chance to experience the enduring spirit of the city and perhaps pick up some traditional crafts or sweets. Before leaving the region, we head south to Nimrud (ancient Kalhu), known today as Namrud.
This archaeological site was once a flourishing capital of the Assyrian Empire and is home to grand palace ruins, statues, and stone reliefs. Despite the damage suffered in recent years, the site still speaks of ancient magnificence and is undergoing restoration efforts.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel 4* in Erbil.

Accommodation included: Erbil View 4* or similar
Meals included: breakfast


Day 8. April 27, 2026 (Monday) . ERBIL – RETURN FLIGHT

Our final day begins in the heart of Erbil, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a vibrant cultural hub of the Kurdistan Region. We start with a visit to the lively Erbil Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where local artisans, spice vendors, and textile merchants showcase the rich traditions of Kurdish culture. It’s the perfect spot for last-minute souvenirs and an authentic taste of daily life in Erbil.
Next, we stop at the iconic Erbil Citadel, one of the oldest known settlements in human history. While the interior may be under restoration, we admire its commanding presence from the outside and learn about its historical importance spanning thousands of years. Before concluding our tour, we visit the nearby Choli Minaret, a slender 12th-century minaret that remains a symbol of Erbil’s Islamic heritage and architectural legacy.
Transfer to Erbil International Airport.

* Recommended flight from Irbil to Moscow:

• by Flydubai, flight from Irbil to Moscow with stopover in Dubai for 17h⁠ч 15min, departs from Irbil at 16:50 on April 27, arrives in Moscow at 15:30 on April 28,
• by EgyptAir, flight from Irbil to Moscow with stopover in Cairo for 3h55min, departs from Irbil at 04:00 am on April 28, arrives in Moscow at 15:55 on April 28 (additional night in hotel is needed),
• any flight from Irbil to Moscow or to any other city with departure from Irbil on April 27, but no earlier than at 16:00.

Accommodation included: no
Meals included: breakfast


* The program can be changed or delayed according to the conditions of the trip, depending on the arrival and departure time, traffic restrictions, authorities' decisions, or under any other circumstances.