Unveiling Ancient Treasures: Epic Iraq Tour - Oct 2024

Join Ancient Origins' exclusive tour of Iraq sacred past in Oct 2024, visiting some of the country’s most important ancient sites including:
Eridu, Tell Al-Ubaid, Larsa & Ur, Lagash,(Nippure & Borsippa) – Karbala, (Al-Ukhaider & Babylon) - Baghdad, Ctesiphon & Wasit,Iraq Museum & Selusia, Abassid Palace, Bab alwastani & Aqargouf, and many more sites besides.
Join us for an unforgettable experience, exploring the archaeology and history of Iraq.

THE SPLENDOURS
OF ANCIENT IRAQ

US$7,995

Explore the mysteries of Iraq on an exclusive 15-days, 14-nights tour in Oct 2024 hosted by Ancient Origins' Dr Micki Pistorius. Everyone booked on this tour will receive a booklet with articles by experts to the archaeological sites to be visited in Iraq.

Dr Micki Pistorius’ journalist career commenced in printed and television media. She obtained a DPhil in Psychology, profiled hardened criminals, and authored several books on the subject. She completed BA Hons in Biblical Archaeology and has an affinity for the Bronze Age. She trailed Odysseus from Mycenae on mainland Greece to Troy in Turkey, followed the footsteps of Alexander the Great to Taxila in Pakistan, and traced her Tancred crusader ancestral lineage to Hauteville in France. She lives and writes on a tropical island.

Places to be visited: Uruk • Lagash • Nippure & Borsippa • Al-Ukhaider & Babylon • Samarra, • Ctesiphon & Wasit • Iraq Museum & Selusia • Abassid Palace • Bab alwastani & Aqargouf, Ashur & Hatra • Nineveh • Nimrud- Khorsabad • Citadel & Bazaar

A local tour guide will provide background history and news on the latest archaeological developments on the sites to be visited, supplemented by your on-site Ancient Origins hostess Dr. Micki Pistorius.

Secure Your Place Now Ask Us A Question

Register your details to hold your place on this exclusive tour. To secure your place a deposit payment of US$750 per person is required within 48 hours of completing the form. Payment details are noted at the end of the form.

Travel with peace of mind, knowing that your payments are 100% financially protected in case any of our suppliers become insolvent, in which case you would receive a full refund..

ANCIENT ORIGINS TOUR OF IRAQ 20 Oct - 03 Nov 2024

15 DAYS/14 NIGHTS

MEETING PLACE BASARA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Clients will have a private transfer from basra airport to the hotel, irrespective of arrival date and time. At the end of the tour, clients will also be transferred privately to Basra Airport. Where clients arrival times are close to each other, then the transfer will be on a shared basis.

Print PDF

Sunday, October 20

Arrive in Basra (Iraq)

Upon arrival at Basra Airport, meet and transfer to Movenpick Hotel for check-in, rest, and then head to visit the Basrah Museum, housed in a former palace of Saddam Hussein. Its collection is related to Mesopotamian, Babylonian, and Persian civilizations, as well as the history of the city itself. It opened its doors to the public in March 2019. Transfer to Zenat Al-Hayat Movenpick Hotel for check-in and overnight.

Note: Standard check-in time is 14h00, but we will do our best to have an early check-in in case of early arrival

Meals: L, D

Overnight in Zenat Al-Hayat Movenpick Hotel

Monday, October 21

Basra - Nasiriya (Eridu, Tell Al-Ubaid, Larsa & Ur)

Begin the day with a visit to Tell Al-Ubaid and Eridu. We will tour in 4x4 cars. These ancient sites in southern Iraq were home to some of the world's earliest civilizations. Tell Al-Ubaid was a Sumerian city that flourished around 4000 BCE, while Eridu was a city in ancient Mesopotamia and one of the earliest cities in the world, dating back to 5400 BCE. Also, visit Larsa, “Tell es-Senkereh” an ancient city-state in southern Iraq that was a significant power during the second millennium BCE. It is known for its impressive architecture, its political and economic influence in the region. Continue to Ziggurat of Ur. Its architectural characteristics are similar to the Tower of Babel mentioned in the Bible, and there are towers of a temple complex dedicated to the lunar god Nanna. Tour the archeological city of Ur, believed to be the birthplace of prophet, Abraham. Continue to Nasiriya and transfer to Sumerian Hotel or similar for check-in, dinner and overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Tuesday, October 22

Nasiriya (Uruk)

After breakfast, drive to Uruk, an ancient Sumerian city in southern Iraq dating back to the 4th millennium BCE. It was one of the most important cities of ancient Mesopotamia and is known for its massive ziggurat, temple complexes, and the world's oldest known writing system, cuneiform. Uruk was the capital city of Gilgamesh. There are three major tells within the site: The Eanna district, Bit Resh (Kullaba), and Irigal. Archaeologically, the site is divided into six parts, the ÉAnna ziggurat ' Egipar-imin, the É-Anna enclosure (Zingel), the Anu-Antum temple complex, BitRes and Anu-ziggurat, Irigal, the South Building, Parthian structures including the Gareus-temple, and the Multiple Apse building, and the "Gilgameš" city-wall with associated Sinkâsid Palace and the Seleucid Bit Akîtu. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Wednesday, October 23

Nasiriya (Lagash)

Begin the day with a visit to Lagash, a city-state in ancient Sumeria. It was known for its advanced irrigation systems, impressive architecture, and for producing some of the earliest known legal codes, such as the Code of Urukagina. It is also called Tell Al Hiba, one of the oldest cities of the Ancient Near East. Visit Girsu now called “Tell Telloh” and the ancient site of Nina (Tell Zurghul) which is approx. 6.2 miles away and marks the southern limit of the state. Nearby Girsu (modern Telloh), about 16 miles northwest of Lagash, was the religious centre of the Lagash state. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Thursday, October 24

Nasiriya (Nippure & Borsippa) – Karbala

Enjoy breakfast and then head to visit Nippur, an ancient city in Mesopotamia. It was a religious and cultural center, with important temples dedicated to Enlil and the goddess Inanna were home to some of the world's oldest known libraries. Enjoy lunch and then continue the drive to Birs Nimrud, an important ancient city of Sumer, built on both sides of a lake about 11 miles southwest of Babylon on the east bank of the Euphrates. The Ziggurat is today one of the most vividly identifiable surviving ones, identified in the later Arabic culture with the Tower of Babel. However, modern scholarship concludes that the Babylonian builders of the Ziggurat in reality erected it as a religious edifice in honour of the local god Nabu, called the "son" of Babylon's Marduk. Transfer to Baron Hotel for checkin, dinner and overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Friday, October 25

Karbala (Al-Ukhaider & Babylon) - Baghdad

Early morning visit to Al-Ukaider Fortress, a historic fort west of Karbala Governorate built during the Abbasid era. It is known for its impressive structure, which includes towering walls and watchtowers. Visitors can explore the different sections of the fortress, which has played an important role in Iraq's history. After a break to take your picnic lunch, continue to visit Babylon, an ancient city in central Iraq known for its rich history and archaeological remains. The Great Gate and the Tower of Babel ruins are some of the most notable structures in the city. Explore the city's ruins, including the Ishtar Gate, one of the best-preserved structures from ancient Babylon. Continue to visit Kish in Tell al-Uhaymir (1hr. 14 min.), an archeological site in central Iraq dating back to the Sumerian civilization. Explore the remains of the ancient city, including the Ziggurat, the largest structure on the site. Kish was an important center of trade and religion during the Sumerian period, and its remains provide valuable insights into civilization. Upon arrival in Baghdad, transfer to Noorland Hotel for check-in. Dinner at a nearby restaurant then return to the Hotel for overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Saturday, October 26

Baghdad (Samarra)

Begin the full-day tour with a drive to Samarra, an ancient city in central Iraq known for its impressive ruins and Islamic heritage sites. The city was the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in the 9th century and boasts numerous historical monuments. Visits include the Abu Dulaf Mosque, considered one of the largest mosques in the world. It was built during the Abbasid period in the 9th century AD and is named after a Sufi saint, Abu Dulaf al-Qadri. The mosque has a unique design with a square plan, four minarets, and a central dome. The exterior is decorated with intricate geometric designs, while the interior has elaborate calligraphy and tile work. The mosque is an important historical and religious site for Muslims and attracts many visitors from around the world. Dar al-Khalifa, also known as "Jawsaq Palace," is historic and was built during the Abbasid Caliphate in the 9th century AD and served as a summer residence for the caliphs. The palace was initially decorated with lavish mosaics, frescoes, and other artistic features and is considered an outstanding example of Islamic art and architecture. Today, the palace is open to visitors as a museum, displaying artifacts and exhibits related to the history of the Abbasid period. Also, visit Al-Mutasim Rest House, a historic site built during the Abbasid period as a royal palace by Caliph alMutasim in the 9th century AD. The palace was later converted into a rest house and used to accommodate visitors to the city. The site features a courtyard, a mosque, and several rooms used to house travelers. The palace has been well preserved and restored over the centuries, and visitors can still see the beautiful tile work and intricate carvings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the building. The site is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts interested in learning about the rich cultural heritage of Iraq. Continue the drive and visit Tell al-Alijviewing mound, a historic site that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, and the Malwiya Spiral Minaret, a unique architectural structure located in the ancient city of Samarra in central Iraq. Built in the 9th century CE during the Abbasid Caliphate, the minaret is notable for its distinctive spiral ramp, which winds around the outside of the tower and leads to the top. The tower itself is over 50 meters tall. The Malwiya Minaret was originally part of a complex of buildings that included a mosque and a palace, and it is thought to have been used as a symbol of power and prestige for the Abbasid rulers. Today, the minaret remains an important cultural and architectural landmark, attracting visitors from around the world. Despite being damaged over the centuries, including by military conflicts, the Malwiya Spiral Minaret has been extensively restored and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Sunday, October 27

Baghdad (Ctesiphon & Wasit)

Begin the day with a drive to Ctesiphon, an ancient city located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River in modern-day Iraq. The city was founded in the 3rd century BCE and served as the capital of the Parthian Empire and later as the capital of the Sassanian Empire. Ctesiphon was known for its impressive architecture, including the Taq Kasra arch, one of the largest singlespan arches in the world, which served as the main entrance to the royal palace. The city was also an important center of trade and commerce, with a strategic location on the Silk Road connecting the East and West. Today, the ruins of Ctesiphon are a popular tourist destination, and the site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the ongoing conflict in Iraq has posed a threat to the preservation of the site, and efforts are being made to protect and conserve the cultural heritage of this important historical city. Continue the drive to Wasit - early mosque (3 hrs.), an ancient city in central Iraq known for its rich history and archaeological remains. It is one of the most notable structures in the city, dating back to the Umayyad period. Visitors can explore the city's ruins, including the remains of the city walls, houses, and the mosque. Wasit was an important center of trade and culture during the medieval period, and its remains provide valuable insights into the region's history. Return to Noorland Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Monday, October 28

Baghdad (Iraq Museum & Selusia)

Begin the day with a visit to the Iraqi National Museum one of the Middle East's largest and most important museums. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history and culture of Iraq, including artifacts from Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization, and other periods of Iraqi history. The collection includes ancient artifacts such as pottery, statues, cuneiform tablets, jewelry, Islamic art, and other cultural objects from different periods of Iraqi history. Continue the drive and visit to Selucia, an archeological site in central Iraq dating back to the Hellenistic period. It was an important center of trade and culture during that time and played a vital role in the region's history. Visitors can explore the city's remains, including the remains of the city walls, houses, and the temple of Zeus. Return to Noorland Hotel for dinner and overnight

Meals: B,L,D

Tuesday, October 29

Baghdad (Abassid Palace, Bab alwastani & Aqargouf)

Begin the day with a visit to the Abbasid Palace, built in the 12th century AD by the Abbasid Caliph Al-Nasir li-Din Allah. The palace was distinguished by a distinctive architectural design, as it contains a central courtyard and two floors of rooms, with beautiful arches and muqarnas in brick and an impressive Iwan with brick ceilings and facades. Head to visit the Mustansiriya Madrasa, an Islamic educational institution located in the heart of the old city of Baghdad, Iraq. It was founded in 1227 CE by the Abbasid caliph al-Mustansir and is considered one of the oldest universities in the world. The madrasa was known for its impressive architecture, with intricate decorations and a large courtyard surrounded by lecture halls, dormitories, and other facilities for students and teachers. The curriculum includes various subjects, including Islamic law, theology, philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and literature. Many famous scholars and intellectuals studied and taught at the madrasa over the centuries, making it an important center of learning and culture in the Islamic world. Continue to visit the Copper market, one of the country's oldest and most famous markets, dating back to the Abbasid era. The market is known for its copper goods, including pots, plates, trays, lamps, other decorative items, and other handicrafts and souvenirs. Explore the narrow alleys and stalls of the market, haggling with vendors and admiring the beautiful and intricate copper wares on display. Also, visit Mutanabbi Street, known as the intellectual and cultural center of the city. Named after the famous 10th-century Iraqi poet Abu al-Tayyib al-Mutanabbi, the street has been home to many booksellers, publishers, and intellectuals for decades. The street features many bookshops, cafes, and galleries, where visitors can browse various books on various subjects, including literature, poetry, history, politics, and religion. The street is also home to many street performers, including musicians, artists, and storytellers, who entertain visitors with their talents. Visit Aqarqouf Ziggurat, known as Dur-Kurigalzu Ziggurat, an ancient, stepped pyramid near the city. Built during the Kassite period of Mesopotamian history (14th -12th centuries BCE), it is one of the best-preserved Ziggurats in Iraq. The Ziggurat was constructed as a religious center and served as a temple dedicated to the god Ninurta. It is built from mud bricks and rises to approximately 52 meters. Drive back to Baghdad stopping en route at Bab alWastani, also known as “Bab Khorasan”, one of ancient Baghdad gates and is the only remaining gate today. The site was restored and can be overlooked from the b>Muhammad al-Qassim Highway. At the same time, the surrounding graves, and mosques which date back to Abbasid era, known as Al-Wardiyya Cemetery, were uprooted in order to build the infrastructure for tourism surrounding the gate. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Wednesday, October 30

Baghdad (Ashur & Hatra) - Mosul

After breakfast, begin the drive to Ashur, the first capital of the Assyrian Empire, which remained a major religious, political, and cultural center for over 2,000 years. The city was known for its impressive architecture, including its massive city walls, impressive palaces, and the Temple of Ashur, which was dedicated to the city's patron god. The temple was a major pilgrimage site renowned for its wealth and splendor. The city also played an important role in developing writing, art, and other ancient Near Eastern cultural aspects. Continue the drive to Hatra, founded in the 3rd century BC, became a major trading center and a powerful regional political and military force. Hatra is known for its unique architectural style blend, combining Hellenistic, Parthian, and Persian elements. The city was surrounded by a large wall and featured many impressive buildings, including temples, palaces, and a grand theater. The temples were dedicated to various gods and goddesses, reflecting the diverse religious beliefs of the city's inhabitants. The city was also known for its highly skilled artisans, who produced intricate works of art, including jewelry, pottery, and textiles. Hatra's importance declined after the Roman Empire sacked it in the 3rd century AD and was eventually abandoned. Transfer to Modern Plaza Hotel for check-in, dinner, & overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Thursday, October 31

Mosul (Nineveh)

After breakfast, head to visit Nineveh, an ancient Assyrian city founded in the 3rd millennium BCE and grew to become one of the largest and most important cities in the ancient world, with a population of over 100,000 people. Nineveh served as the capital of the Assyrian Empire, a powerful empire that dominated the region for several centuries. The city was known for its impressive walls, palaces, and temples, including the Temple of Ishtar. However, the Babylonians sacked and destroyed the city in 612 BCE, marking the end of the Assyrian Empire. Begin the day with a visit to Tell Nabi Younnas, believed to be the site of the ancient city of Dur-Sharrukin, built by the Assyrian king Sargon II in the 8th century BCE. The place was abandoned soon after its construction and was later used as a burial ground by the local population. The name "Tell Nabi Younnas" means "the hill of the prophet Jonah" in Arabic refers to the tradition that the prophet Jonah was buried at the site. The site contains the remains of several large buildings, including a palace, a ziggurat, and a temple, as well as numerous smaller structures and tombs. Visit Mosul Museum (under renovation), established in 1952 and containing a vast collection of artifacts and antiquities from the ancient Assyrian and Babylonian civilizations and Islamic and Ottoman eras. The exhibition included sculptures, pottery, coins, manuscripts, and other objects of historical and cultural significance. However, during the ISIS occupation of Mosul in 2014, the museum was looted, and many of its priceless artifacts were destroyed or sold on the black market. Return to the Modern Plaza Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Friday, November 01

Mosul (Nimrud- Khorsabad) - Erbil

Begin the day with a visit to Nimrud, an ancient Assyrian city founded in the 13th century BC and became an important center of the Assyrian empire. The city was known for its impressive architecture and monumental art and was home to several important buildings, including the Palace of Ashurnasirpal II and the Temple of Ishtar. Head to visit Khorsabad, founded by the Assyrian king Sargon II in the 8th century BC and served as the capital of the Assyrian empire for a short time. The city was known for its impressive architecture and monumental art and was home to several important buildings, including the Palace of Sargon II. The palace was decorated with elaborate reliefs, sculptures depicting the king, and various mythological and religious scenes. Transfer to Erbil International Hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight.

Meals: B,L,D

Saturday, November 02

Erbil (Citadel & Bazaar)

Enjoy breakfast and then begin the drive to visit Erbil Citadel, a historic fortress located in the heart of Erbil, the capital city of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. With a history dating back over 6,000 years, the citadel has been continuously inhabited and is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Today, the citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been restored to its former glory, with traditional architecture, museums, shops, and restaurants. Continue the drive to the Erbil Bazaar, a bustling and vibrant market in the city's heart. The bazaar is the perfect place to explore traditional Kurdish culture and purchase local goods, including spices, textiles, jewelry, and traditional clothing. Enjoy bargaining with local vendors and trying traditional Kurdish food in one of the many restaurants and cafes in the bazaar. (Free time on own). Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight

Meals: B,L,D

Optional: Visit to the Museum of Civilization, one of Iraq's largest and most comprehensive museums, showcasing the region's history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia, Assyrian and Babylonian empires, and Islamic civilization.

Sunday, November 03

Erbil - Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight back

Meals: B

“We reserve the right to change the order of activities or places visited due to unforeseen schedule conflicts or in order to make the itinerary run smoothly”

ANCIENT ORIGINS TOUR OF IRAQ 20 OCT - 03 NOV 2024
15 DAYS/14 NIGHTS
Price per person based on double occupancy: US$7,995
Please note prices are based on a single person sharing a room with another tour guest
Single occupancy supplement: US$845
BASIC TOUR DEPOSIT US$750
Price is based on a minimum of 8 participants and a maximum of 12 participants
* Travel with peace of mind, knowing that your payments are 100% financially protected in case any of our suppliers become insolvent, in which case you would receive a full refund.

Secure Your Place Now Ask Us A Question

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLING TO IRAQ
Throughout this journey, we anticipate encountering a few checkpoints between provinces and cities. We kindly request your understanding and patience in case any delays occur due to document verification procedures.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Over recent years, hotel accommodations have undergone significant upgrades to ensure comfort and western-standard amenities. Final choice of accommodation is subject to change. We will choose hotels of a similar standard where hotel shown is not used. While our guides may not align with the traditional definitions found in popular tourist destinations like Europe, Turkey, Egypt, or Morocco, they excel as tour coordinators and managers. This is due to the country’s lack of licensed, traditional guides.

PREPARATION & EXPECTATIONS
Participants should be healthy, adaptable, and embrace the spirit of adventure. Although our journeys aren’t typically physically intense, the remote locations, occasional use of back roads, and potential delays can offer a unique travel experience. It’s essential to be aware of changes in security protocols and understand that itineraries or accommodations may shift unexpectedly. As Iraq can be particularly warm even between November and March, guarding against dehydration is crucial. We ensure bottled water is always available during your travels.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS & FLEXIBILITY
Our expedition includes the area north of Baghdad, taking you to the ancient ruins of Assyria, including Nineveh, Khorasabad, Hatra, and Nimrud. These sites, once under ISIS control, are now accessible again. However, our partner Spiekermann Travel closely tracks security conditions. We reserve the right to adjust the itinerary as required. It’s essential that travelers are understanding and accommodating of such changes.

TRIP GRADE
Active: Includes moderate hikes, visits to sites that may involve a bit more walking, occasional elevation changes, a full itinerary with extended drives, and longer journeys.

TOUR DEPOSIT US$750 PER PERSON

A deposit of US$750 per person is required to secure immediate booking. The remainder of
the payment will be required ten weeks before the start date of the tour.

Any problems or queries contact us here

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS:

1. Cancellations must be received in writing and will be processed according to the date the written notice is received. Although a verbal cancellation is appreciated, it will not be accepted as final notice. Departure is defined as the date of the first flight from travellers country, or the trip departure date as indicated on our Trip Schedule, whichever comes first. 1. Money will be refunded minus the following cancellation fees/penalties per person (unless different for a particular trip, then the special cancellation schedule of that trip will apply):
- From time of booking up to 90 days prior to departure $500.00 per person
- 89-60 days prior to departure $750.00 per person
- 59-31 days prior to departure 75% of total land cost
- 30-0 days prior to departure No refund

2. Aside from the above penalties, any additional penalties on airline tickets imposed by the airlines- in cases of cancellation or date changes after issuance of tickets - will be totally charged to the traveler. In addition, any costs involved in obtaining visas will also be collected from the traveler and cannot be reimbursed by Ancient Origins or its suppliers.

3. Hotel rooms booked on our tours are run of The House (ROH), any special rooms with views or upper floors will entail a supplement that clients will be responsible to cover.

PRICE PER PERSON INCLUDES

Airport/Hotel/Airport transfers.
Accommodation at mentioned hotels or similar in centrally located area.
Meals as per the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner).
Travel by private modern & air-conditioned car.
4-wheel drive for the Eridu, Tell Al Ubaid & Larsa visits.
Mineral water in the vehicle during tours.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites and museums mentioned.
All activities as described in the tour.
English Speaking guide.
Gratuities to guide, drivers, and porters.

EXCLUDES

International airfare USA - Basra / Erbil - USA.
Iraq Visa (obtainable upon arrival for approx. US$77.00- to be paid in cash - subject to change).
Items of personal nature (camera fees at sites, laundry, excess luggage, etc).
Beverages or any alcoholic drinks with or without meals and any meals not mentioned.
Transfers if not arriving/departing on tour dates.
Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or misconnections.
Travel protection insurance. (Highly recommended)

Secure Your Place Now Ask Us A Question