Itinerary

1. Day 1: Baghdad Exploration

   • 8:40 AM - Tour Start: Begin your day with a visit to Bab al-Wastani (Bab al-Khorasan), a historical gate built in 1221 under Caliph al-Nasir, the only surviving gate of Baghdad's ancient city wall.

   • Lecture: A 30-minute lecture on the significance of Bab al-Wastani.

   • Visit the Abbasid Palace: Explore this 12th-century Islamic architectural marvel, used as an administrative and residential complex during the Abbasid era.

   • Lecture: A 30-minute lecture on the history of the Abbasid Palace.

   • Walking Tour of Sarai Street: Walk through the historical buildings of Sarai street:

     • Qishla Building: Former Ottoman military barracks with a clock tower.
     • Mustansiriya Madrasa: A 13th-century educational institution showcasing Islamic architecture.
     • AL-Arashdiya Military School: A significant historical military school.
     • Baghdad Old Governorate: Built during the Ottoman era, housing key state departments.
     • King Gazi Mosque: Built in 1776, a key historical mosque reflecting Baghdad’s cultural heritage.
     • Cultural Houses: Learn about the various cultural houses and their historical importance.

   • Tea Break: Enjoy a tea stop at Shabandar Tea House, one of Baghdad’s oldest tea houses.

   • Visit Mutanabi Street: Walk through the lively street, visiting Suq Al Safafer, the oldest bazar in the world.

   • Cross the Martyrs’ Bridge: Enjoy a walking tour and view this historic bridge.

   • Visit Al Watar Cultural Heritage House: Tour led by the owner of this cultural landmark.

   • Lunch at Shawaka Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Iraqi meal.

   Afternoon Visits

   • Iraqi Culture Monument: Take photos and explore this iconic structure (optional).
   • Victory Arch in Green Zone: Pass by and appreciate the architecture.
   • Unknown Soldier Monument: A site dedicated to Iraq’s fallen soldiers.

   • Evening: Arrive at the hotel for rest, followed by dinner at Darbona Cultural Restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Iraqi dishes.

2. Day 2: Iraq Museum and Babylon

   • 8:40 AM - Departure: Head out to the Iraq Museum, established in 1923, to explore the rich cultural heritage of Iraq. View artifacts from Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian civilizations.
   • Lecture: 1.5-hour tour of the museum, focusing on Iraq’s archaeological legacy.

   Travel to Babylon (50-minute drive):

   • Ishtar Gate: Visit the 6th-century BCE gate known for its glazed brickwork and depictions of dragons and bulls.
   • Hanging Gardens (Site): Visit the site of the debated gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
   • Lion of Babylon: View the grand statue symbolizing the power of Babylon.
   • Processional Way: Walk along the ceremonial road leading to the Ishtar Gate.
   • Nebuchadnezzar's Palace: See the remains of the grand palace of the Babylonian king.
   • Temple of Marduk: Visit the ruins of the temple dedicated to the chief Babylonian god.
   • Etemenanki Ziggurat: Explore the base of the ziggurat believed to be the Tower of Babel.
   • Babylon Theater: Visit the ancient theater attributed to Alexander the Great.
   • Summer Palace: See the palace built by Nebuchadnezzar II for respite from the heat.
   • Saddam’s Babylon Palace: View the controversial palace built in the 1980s.

   • 3:30 PM Lecture: Learn about the historical and cultural significance of Babylon.

   Lunch: Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant near Babylon.

   • Return to Hotel: Finish the day with a visit to the cultural sites and rest.

3. Day 3: Samarra and Mosul

   • 8:30 AM - Departure: Drive to Samara (133 km, about 2 hours).
   • Grand Mosque of Samarra: Visit the mosque built in the 9th century, renowned for its iconic spiral-shaped Malwiya Minaret.

   • Lecture: 30-minute lecture on the history of Samarra and the Grand Mosque.

   • Climb the Abu Dalaf Mosque: Visit the mosque, famous for its spiral minaret and Abbasid architecture.

   • Travel to Mosul (5-hour drive): Drive to Mosul and check into the Modern Palace Hotel for the night.

   • Explore Mosul: Take a walking tour of the city, focusing on its historical sites and local culture.

4. Day 4: Full Day in Mosul

   • Walking Tour of Mosul: Explore the city's ancient streets and learn about its history.

   • Visit the Old Bazar: Wander through the oldest market, filled with traditional goods and local culture.

   • Old Town and Cultural Houses: Explore Mosul’s restored cultural houses, featuring artifacts, traditional architecture, and remnants of the war.

   • Lecture: 1-hour lecture about the battle against the Islamic State and the history of Nineveh.

   • Visit Al-Masfi Mosque: See the mosque founded in 743 AD and restored in 2012.

   • Visit Baytuna Cultural Museum: Explore the museum, restored by UNESCO, showcasing Mosul's cultural heritage.

   • Explore Noori Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret: Visit the iconic mosque and minaret, known for their historical significance and ongoing restoration efforts.

   • Departure to Erbil: After the tour, depart for Erbil (2-hour drive) and conclude the tour.