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Syria – From Damascus to Palmyra: 8-18th April 2026
Location
Duration
Next trip: 08-18.04.2026
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In a nutshell
- Duration:9 days 8 nights
- Travelers:6 - 12 guests
- Tour Type:Group tour
- Language:English, Polish
Next trip: 10-19.10.2026
Iraq is a land where the foundations of human civilization were laid — a country of extraordinary history, cultural depth, and striking contrasts. Still largely undiscovered on the global travel map, it offers travelers seeking authentic experiences a rare opportunity to explore the cradle of civilization in its purest form: ancient cities, sacred landscapes, and warm, deeply rooted traditions of hospitality.
During this journey, you will walk through places where the earliest chapters of human history were written — from vibrant Baghdad and the legendary ruins of Babylon, to the Sumerian cities of Uruk and Ur, the serene Mesopotamian Marshes, and the monumental heritage of Samarra and Hatra. You will witness the rebirth of Mosul, encounter Iraq’s remarkable religious mosaic in Lalish and the Christian towns of the Nineveh Plains, and travel the spectacular mountain roads of Kurdistan before arriving in the timeless city of Erbil.
This is a journey for those who want to go beyond headlines, feel the true rhythm of the Middle East, and immerse themselves in a land of origins, resilience, and enduring beauty.
Iraq is a land where the foundations of human civilization were laid — a country of extraordinary history, cultural depth, and striking contrasts. Still largely undiscovered on the global travel map, it offers travelers seeking authentic experiences a rare opportunity to explore the cradle of civilization in its purest form: ancient cities, sacred landscapes, and warm, deeply rooted traditions of hospitality.
During this journey, you will walk through places where the earliest chapters of human history were written — from vibrant Baghdad and the legendary ruins of Babylon, to the Sumerian cities of Uruk and Ur, the serene Mesopotamian Marshes, and the monumental heritage of Samarra and Hatra. You will witness the rebirth of Mosul, encounter Iraq’s remarkable religious mosaic in Lalish and the Christian towns of the Nineveh Plains, and travel the spectacular mountain roads of Kurdistan before arriving in the timeless city of Erbil.
This is a journey for those who want to go beyond headlines, feel the true rhythm of the Middle East, and immerse themselves in a land of origins, resilience, and enduring beauty.
Highlights
- Discover Baghdad — the vibrant heart of Mesopotamia, where ancient heritage meets modern life.
- Walk through legendary Babylon and stand where the world’s first great empires once rose.
- Explore the cradle of civilization — Uruk and Ur, cities of writing, myths, and biblical history.
- Experience the quiet magic of the Mesopotamian Marshes, sunrise over reed houses, and the hospitality of the Marsh Arabs.
- Follow the traces of empires and faiths — from the spiral minaret of Samarra, through monumental Hatra, to the reborn city of Mosul.
- Encounter Iraq’s spiritual mosaic — Lalish, the sacred site of the Yazidis, and the ancient Christian towns of the Nineveh Plains.
- Travel one of the Middle East’s most scenic routes — the legendary Hamilton Road, winding through canyons, waterfalls, and the mountains of Kurdistan.
- Feel the energy of Erbil — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Price includes / Price excludes
- Transportation and all transfers during the tour
- Accommodation in 4★ hotels and local guesthouses – double rooms
- Daily breakfasts
- Assistance of a Polish-speaking Tamam Journeys tour leader
- Services of a local Iraqi guide throughout the journey
- Additional local guides at selected sites
- Entrance fees to attractions included in the program
- Travel insurance (medical expenses and personal accident coverage)
- Mandatory contributions to the Tourist Guarantee Fund and the Tourist Assistance Fund
- International flight tickets – we will suggest the best connections
- (please book flights only after the minimum group size has been confirmed)
- Iraqi visa (around 160 USD)
- Personal expenses
- Costs of additional meals beyond breakfasts
- Tips
- Possible single-room supplement (subject to availability; upon request, we can pair participants to share rooms)
Itinerary
Start
Day of departure towards Iraq
Day 1 – Baghdad
Arrival in Baghdad (the day before the tour starts) and transfer to the hotel by licensed airport taxi.
City tour of the Iraqi capital: Tahrir Square, the National Museum of Iraq with outstanding Mesopotamian artifacts, Al-Mustansiriya School, Al-Mutanabbi Street (the famous “Book Street”), the copper market, and the Martyrs’ Monument – one of Baghdad’s iconic landmarks.
Lunch break to try traditional Iraqi dishes. In the evening, a visit to the modern part of the city with an option to purchase a local SIM card.
Day 2 – Babylon – Karbala
Travel from Baghdad to Karbala with a stop in ancient Babylon. Walk through the ruins of the legendary city, see the reconstructed Ishtar Gate and the remains of Saddam Hussein’s palace.
Continue to Karbala, one of the holiest cities for Shia Muslims and a major pilgrimage site connected to Imam Hussein. Overnight in Karbala.
Day 3 – Uruk – Mesopotamian Marshes
Visit to Uruk, one of the oldest cities in the world and the birthplace of cuneiform writing, closely linked to the Epic of Gilgamesh and early Sumerian civilization.
In the afternoon, travel to the Mesopotamian Marshes. Overnight in a traditional local guesthouse with a host family.
Day 4 – Mesopotamian Marshes – Ur – Baghdad
Early morning wake-up to experience sunrise over the marshes and learn about the culture of the Ma’dan people (Marsh Arabs), known for their reed houses and centuries-old way of life.
Continue to the ancient city of Ur, traditionally identified as the biblical “Ur of the Chaldeans.” Visit the impressive Ziggurat of Ur, dedicated to the moon god Nanna.
Return to Baghdad for overnight stay.
Day 5 – Samarra – Hatra – Mosul
Day trip to Samarra to visit the Great Mosque with its famous spiral minaret (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
On the way, stop at Hatra – a remarkable ancient city and former trading center, known for its monumental architecture (UNESCO).
Arrival in Mosul and visit to the city’s heritage center.
Day 6 – Mosul – Lalish – Alqosh – Erbil
Explore the old city of Mosul, heavily damaged during the conflict and now undergoing reconstruction, including the ancient Assyrian city gates and the local souk.
Travel to Lalish, the holiest site of the Yazidi faith. En route, visit Christian towns on the Nineveh Plains, including Alqosh and the Monastery of Saint Hormizd.
Evening arrival in Erbil. Overnight.
Day 7 – Hamilton Road – Rawanduz
Full-day journey along the legendary Hamilton Road, one of the most scenic routes in the Middle East.
Stops include Gali Ali Beg Waterfall, Bekhal Waterfall, Rawanduz Canyon, the “Old” Hamilton Road, a cable car ride to Mount Korek, and Shanidar Cave.
Return for overnight in Erbil or Rawanduz.
Day 8 – Erbil
City tour of Erbil: the lively main square, the Erbil Citadel (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Qaysari Bazaar, and the Jalil Khayat Mosque.
Free time in the modern part of the city and an evening walk along Askan Street. Overnight in Erbil.
Day 9 – Departure
Transfer to the airport and departure from Iraq.
Departure from Erbil International Airport is recommended.
from2,600.00 $ /person
Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.
FAQ
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from2,600.00 $ /person
Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.
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Why travel with us?
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