If you want to see all of Iraq in one trip, you should plan Iraq 15-day tour. This Iraq travel plan is based on a two-week stay in Iraq. If you have limited resources, consider staying in either Federal Iraq or Iraqi Kurdistan.
BASRA (DAY 1&2)
Basra features a plethora of fish shops, and a distinct marine vibe, and is home to Iraq’s sole operational train. It only operates on specific days of the week (weekends, I guess) and connects to Baghdad. If the dates work out, this is a good way to return to the city before entering Kurdistan. The main attractions of Basra include Sayyed Ali al-Musawi Mosque which is known as “Mosque of the children of Amer ” located in Al-Gazear Street which is the main area of Basra. Other famous attractions which can be visited include Akhora Park, Hanna -Sheikh Bazaar, Corniche al-Basra, Sayab’s house and the Latin Church.
NAJAF (DAY 3)
If you have time, take a bus to Iraq’s other holy city. You may see the amazing shrine, the world’s largest cemetery (the second largest is in Peru), and get a sense of the small town in a single day. Here you can spend your time while paying tribute to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Shrine, Grand mosque of Kufa and Palage Cala Bonita.
MESOPOTAMIAN MARSHES
This is without a doubt Iraq’s most distinctive and soon-to-be-famous attraction. A must-see on your Iraq 15 day tour. You must travel all the way south to the marshes if you visit Federal Iraq.
However, depending on how long you want to stay, visiting can be a little complicated.
DAY 4 : KARBALA + BABYLON
Karbala is the holy city in Iraq for Shia/Sunni Muslims. You absolutely must see Karbala’s two shrines. There are two holy cities in Iraq (Karbala and Najaf), and if you only have time for one Karbala is the best option. Babylon is only a 40-minute bus ride from Karbala, thus the two destinations are easily accessible.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN KARBALA:
IMAM HUSSEIN’S SHRINE + AL ABBAS’ HOLY SHRINE
These attractions are best visited late at night when they are fully illuminated. That’s what makes them so impressive. They are both open 24 hours a day and will be crowded at all times of the day. We arrived around 10 p.m. You might, however, stay till 3 a.m. if you so desire.
BAGHDAD (DAYS 5&6)
Baghdad is very similar to Cairo. Packed outdoor street markets and colorful domed mosques. Because it’s not a particularly walkable city, you’ll have to rely on taxis to get around. Some favorite activities many tourists prefer in 5 days tour to Baghdad are sipping sweet Iraqi tea in cafes with shisha-smoking men and wandering strange street markets. Also, try both the Raisin and Apricot juices.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN BAGHDAD
It’s a good idea to have a list of items you wish to see including Haydar khan mosque, Martyr Monument, Abbasid Palace and many more historical places. . However, Baghdad is best explored by visiting mosques and markets.
If you’re seeking high-quality traditional Iraqi cuisine during your Iraq 15-day tour, this is the place to go. It’s on the pricier end of the food scale, but don’t expect little amounts. Prepare to show your passport at multiple street checks if you walk here.
MOSUL (7TH DAY)
Your trip to possibly the most notorious city in the country. ISIS controlled the town from 2014 until 2017. The devastation on the city’s west side is obvious from the first glimpse. Mosul is rapidly regenerating, but this side of the river has been completely destroyed. Mosques including the Great Mosque of Samarra and Qasr Al Ashiq, residences, and roads were buried beneath mountains of rubble. Every visible structure is riddled with bullet holes and bomb craters. Many structures are simply hollowed-out shells. Mosul, on the other hand, is reviving.
ERBIL (8TH AND 9TH DAYS)
Welcome to Kurdistan. Although technically part of tip to Iraq, this region could not be more dissimilar. To begin with, it is mountainous. Erbil is a bustling little round city with a large center bazaar and park to meander through, wonderful restaurants, and my favorite mosque in Kurdistan.
DUHOK ( 10TH AND 12TH DAYS)
Our journey will begin to end from the drive towards Lalesh. It is one of the most religious towns of the Yazidi religion. Visiting (Algosh) one of the world’s oldest monasteries. Further we will check into local hotel’s of Duhok and will spend last night in Duhok.
ROAD TRIP TO IRAQI KURDISTAN (DAYS 12-15)
Now, for your final four days in Iraq, head over to Iraqi Kurdistan Road Trip.
