tour of mesopotamia

Multi Day Tours

Explore all of mesopotamias tours with us​

Mesopotamia Tourism offers multi day tours through the country either with our own theme focused itinerary or a customized tour if needed. Our itineraries cover most important topics to understand a country that was covered dominantly by negative news outlets focussing on war, conflict and corruption. The past years the security of the country changed and the borders are open again for visitors.

Now is the best time to rediscover the land of 1000 and 1 nights and it’s beautiful people in a different way. Come and get to know Iraq in a way you will not see in the media. We help you to understand and connect with this country that will make you feel travel through time.

What does our Multi-Day Tour service include?

• Accommodation
• Transportation on the ground
• Local guide (speaking English, German, Arabic, Kurdish)
• Breakfast & Dinner (not incl. Alcoholic beverage)
• Entry fees (Archaeological sites & Museums)
• Tailored Guidebook from Mesopotamia Tourism*

*Traveling through Iraq and trying to understand its rich history of over thousands of years can be overwhelming. No other region housed so many different capitals for empires like the land between the Euphrates and Tigris. During our tour we will provide you with our custom-made Mesopotamia Tourism Guidebook which is specifically made for your itinerary.

Capitals Of Mesopotamia - 8 Days Central Iraq + Northwest Iraq + Kurdistan region

In this itinerary, we will take a route through the small and big capitals that existed through the past millennia. Some are to this day flourishing despite periods of ups and downs, while others remained abandoned in ruins.

Tour will start in Baghdad and will end in Erbil and will take 8 days.

Lalesh + Assyrian Monuments

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Explore Mesopotamia

Discover the ancient wonders of Mesopotamia with our expert guides.

Learn about the rich history and culture of Mesopotamia through our immersive tours.

Our services.

Experience Mesopotamia like never before with our tailored travel packages.

Ensure your safety during your visit with our reliable security services.

Stay informed about upcoming events and festivals in Iraq through our blog.

Mission Statement

Welcome to our journey through Mesopotamia, Iraq's cradle of civilization! At our core, we're driven by a passionate mission: to unveil the timeless allure of Mesopotamia and beckon travelers to discover its ancient wonders. Our goal is to open doors to the birthplace of human civilization, inviting adventurers, history enthusiasts, and culture seekers to immerse themselves in the richness of this historic land. We strive to offer immersive experiences that transcend mere sightseeing, aiming to forge connections between past and present, fostering understanding and appreciation for Mesopotamia's profound legacy. Through our tailored tours, we aspire to showcase the mesmerizing tapestry of archaeological marvels, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality that define this extraordinary region. Join us as we embark on an expedition to Mesopotamia, where the echoes of history resonate and where every step tells a story waiting to be heard.

Community Initiatives

Empowering Communities Through Tourism

How We Make a Difference:

Creating Opportunities: We're dedicated to generating jobs and income for locals, providing employment in hospitality, guiding, and various tourism-related sectors.

Preserving Heritage: By promoting tourism, we actively contribute to conserving Iraq's rich cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

Economic Boost: Through increased tourist spending, we drive economic growth within communities, benefiting local businesses and services.

Building Infrastructure: Our efforts improve local infrastructure, enhancing accessibility and convenience for both residents and visitors alike.

Cultural Exchange: We foster cultural exchange and understanding, encouraging interactions between visitors and locals for mutual appreciation and learning.

Sustainable Practices: We're committed to sustainable tourism, implementing eco-friendly initiatives that protect the environment and resources while benefitting local livelihoods.

Join us on a journey that not only explores the beauty of Iraq but also makes a meaningful impact on the lives of its communities. Together, let's create unforgettable experiences while supporting the heart and soul of this remarkable country.

The tour was amazing! I learned so much about the ancient history of Mesopotamia.

I highly recommend Mesopotamia Tours. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly.

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ten day Mesopotamia tour

Arrival in diyarbakir 10 arches bridge, tigris river ulu mosque, caravan saray, city walls and citadel, mount nemrut, commagene kingdom, colossal statue of gods, gaziantep castle, mosaic museum, museum of archeology, euphrates boat tour, jacob's well, sanliurfa archeology museum, pool of abraham, birth place of abraham, sanliurfa mosaic museum, job's cave, unesco world heritage site: gobekli tepe "potbelly hill", old city mardin, mosques and churches, kasimiye madrassa, midyat mansions, saffron monastery, dara cistern, dara necropolis, airport transfer , mesopotamia tour.

Discover the civilizations of Mesopotamia. This is where it all began, and the region has been inhabited ever since. Visit the ancient home of the patriarch Abraham, the cave of Job, and Jacob's well. See UNESCO World Heritage sights of Gobekli Tepe, the Diyarbakir Fortress, Hevsel Gardens, and Mount Nemrut. Explore Roman Cities, roads, and cisterns and see palaces and mosques from the Ottoman Empire.

Day 1 Arrival in Diyarbakir

Arrive in Diyarbakir and meet your driver who will take you to the hotel. After you settle in, you'll meet your tour guide and hear the details of the trip. Before calling it a night, have dinner near the 10 Arches Bridge on the Tigris River.  

Day 2 Diyarbakir

Hit the streets of Diyarbakir with your guide and see the Ulu Mosque, Caravan Saray, and the famous city walls. After a day of touring, you'll head for Mount Nemrut along the Euphrates River. 

Day 3  Mount Nemrut

Get up early (optional) to catch a captivating sunrise on top of Mount Nemrut. Here you'll see tombs of the Commagene Kingdom and the Colossal Statues of Gods. This iconic sight is unforgettable! After descending from the mountain you'll stop by other sights in the area before heading to Gaziantep!

Day 4  Gaziantep

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll walk the winding streets of the old city center of Gaziantep with your guide, soaking in the sights and history of this fascinating city. You will visit the castle, museums and have some time for shopping in the bazaar. The stunning mosaic museum houses a priceless collection of 2nd-century mosaics from the now sunken city of Zeugma. 

Day 5  Gaziantep

In the morning, visit the Gaziantep Museum of Archeology. Finish off your time in Gaziantep with a boat tour on the Euphrates and see the sunken city of Halfeti. From Halfeti, you're off to the next destination -- Sanliurfa!

Day 6  Sanliurfa Buckle up and drink your coffee (or Turkish tea!) this morning, because Sanliurfa is full of ancient historical sights you do not want to miss! Today you'll see the Biblical city of Haran (500-year-old mud houses) where you'll have a chance to ride camels and visit Jacob's well! After a delicious local lunch, visit the Sanliurfa Archeology Museum. This is a new museum full of ancient artifacts collected from around the province. The museum will take you on a walk from the beginning of civilization through different periods of time ending with the Ottoman Empire-- there are even tablets housed here with writing that is what experts believe was the world's earliest writing system! Experience a picturesque sunset at the famous Pool of Abraham (Fish Lake). This pool is believed by Muslims to be where Nimrod threw Abraham into the fire. Abraham is an important patriarch in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Sanliurfa is where Abraham lived before his migration to Canaan. 

Day 7  Sanliurfa After breakfast at your hotel, see the Sanliurfa Mosaic Museum. These mosaics, some dating back as old as the 1st-Century, were uncovered on accident while the local municipality was preparing to create a parking lot! The mosaics were restored and kept in their original locations and the museum was built around them. Walk the glass pathways and look down over beautiful 2000-year-old mosaic pictures laying just as they always have. After lunch, head to "Potbelly Hill" or in Turkish, Gobekli Tepe. This is believed to be the world's oldest temple. Experts date these incredible ruins to 10,000 BC, predating Stonehenge by a whopping 6,000 years! After you're done exploring, head east to the city of Mardin.

Day 8  Mardin In Mardin, spend the day exploring the streets of the old limestone city (no cars allowed!) and see mansions, stone houses, and museums. Every turn in this maze-like town brings a new sight to see or a shop to visit. Walk the courtyard of the 15th century Kasimiye Madrassa with your guide and hear about the intriguing story behind its fountain before heading back to your hotel for some well-earned rest! 

Day 9  Mardin Today, you will explore the sights around the city of Mardin. See important monasteries with incredible history. Deir-Al-Zafaran (Saffron Monastery) was once the center of the ancient Syriac Christian Patriarchy. The sight has been the center of religious worship for many centuries; the monstery itself is built over an ancient temple. This temple was built in 1000 BC and dedicated to the worship of the sun. When the people here converted to Christianity in the 1st-Century, they buried their temple and built a monastery on top of it! The temple has been recovered and you will visit both the monastery buildings and ancient temple. From there, visit Dara, a ruined Roman military city with an incredibly intact cistern as well as a necropolis.   Day 10  Head Home

Rest, reflect and get ready for your journey home. Say goodbye to your tour guide who is sure to have become a friend. Your driver will escort you to the airport. You have just experienced the trip of a lifetime! 

Tour Information

Inclusions: Hotel, Entrance Fees, Meals, Transfers,  English Speaking Tour Guide

Fitness Level: All Prices From: $1699 Tour Length: 10 Days, 9 Nights Start Location: Diyarbakir, Turkey End Location: Mardin, Turkey

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"It was a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I really felt as though I was given the best Kemaliye had to offer.

(Formerly Kurdistan Iraq Tours)

30 YEARS​ JOURNEYING THROUGH THE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION

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Explore mesopotamia

The cradle of civilization

WHY TRAVEL WITH EXPLORE MESOPOTAMIA?

Explore Mesopotamia is the only locally and internationally registered Tour Company in the region. We have been hosting world travelers for over 30 years. In the world of Adventure Travel—experience matters—especially in the Middle East! We custom design every tour to meet the needs and desires of our guests. We can provide the highest level of luxury or, if budget is an issue, we will make the magic of Mesopotamia come alive at a price you can afford. We attend to every detail from the moment you set foot at the airport until the moment you depart. If you want the best — travel with the best! Tell us what you want to see and where you want to go, and we will do our utmost to make it happen.

MESOPOTAMIA

Mesopotamia  ​(from the Greek, meaning 'between two rivers') was an ancient region located in the eastern Mediterranean bounded in the northeast by the Zagros Mountains and in the southeast by the Arabian Plateau, corresponding to today's Iraq, mostly, but also parts of modern-day Iran, Syria, and Turkey. Our service includes modern ‘airport to airport” transportation, the finest hotels and restaurants and the services of an experienced tour coordinator who will be with you throughout the journey. Lectures are provided on Kurdish history and Archeological and Historic Sites. You will also have the opportunity to interact with local residents and experience the culture firsthand including a taste of local entertainment. Our Company is well known for its attention to detail and special requests, ensuring that your visit will be AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY!

DESTINATIONS

A Short Tour of Kurdistan

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Mesopotamia 1500–539 BC

A visitor looking into the display cases in Room 55. © The Trustees of the British Museum

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Visiting the gallery

Opening times.

Daily: 10.00–17.00 ( Fridays: 20.30 ) See full opening hours

Advance booking advised

Gallery audio guides.

Listen on the Audio app, available on the  App Store  and  Google Play .

The civilisations of Babylonia and Assyria flourished during the first millennium BC.

Political developments resulted in the incorporation of the entire Near East into a single empire, while increased international contact and trade influenced the material culture of the region.

Room 55 traces the history of Babylonia under the Kassites and the growth of the Babylonian state and empire until it was taken over by the Persian King Cyrus in 539 BC.

'Boundary Stones' carved with images of kings and symbols of the gods record royal land grants. The development of the Assyrian state and empire, until its fall in 612 BC, is illustrated by objects excavated in its palaces. Mesopotamia's highly developed literature and learning are shown by clay tablets from the library of King Assurbanipal (668–631 BC) at Nineveh, written in cuneiform script.

Take a virtual tour

Use Google Street View to take a closer look at the roaring lion from King Nebuchadnezzar II's throne room in his palace in the ancient city of Babylon, Iraq. 

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Accessibility

• Some objects in this collection feature on the British Sign Language multimedia guide. This resource is temporarily unavailable. You can access a selection of  BSL films  on your own device.
• Some objects in this collection feature on the audio description guide, available on  Soundcloud .
• Seating is available.
• Step-free access. 
• View sensory map .

Visit  Accessibility at the Museum  for more information.

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Mesopotamia Tour Turkey The Cradle of Civilization

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Göbeklitepe - Urfa - Mardin Tour - 3 Days/2 Nights

Islamic (Muslim) Turkey Tour Packages by Silk Road 11 Days

Gobeklitepe, Mt. Nemrut , Perre, Zeugma Tour 3 Days /2 Nights

Cradle of Civilizations Mesopotamia Tour - 8 Days/7 Nights

Eastern Anatolian Grand Tour - 10 Days

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Eternity Treasures of Mesopotamia - 5 Days/4 Nights

Adana, Tarsus, Hatay Tour 3 Days - 2 nights

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Mesopotamia tour turkey    .

Explore the historical, cultural, and natural wonders of the Mesopotamia region of Turkey with the Mesopotamia Tour Turkey . Known as the "Cradle of Civilization," this ancient land has significantly contributed to human history and boasts rich archaeological sites. It's essential to respect local customs and traditions, given the diverse mix of cultures and religions in the area. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the unique local cuisine, which is influenced by various cultures. Mesopotamia tour package prices include guide, airplane and vehicle transfers, hotel accommodation, and museum entrances.

Highlights of Mesopotamia in Turkey

Mesopotamia Turkey tour itinerary includes the following main destinations according to the number of days of the tour.

Mount Nemrut

Mount Nemrut is one of Turkey's most iconic and historically significant landmarks. Located in the Adıyaman Province of southeastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut is renowned for its ancient monumental statues and tomb sanctuary built by King Antiochus I of Commagene around 62 BC. The site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical importance.

Diyarbakır is a city with a rich history and impressive city walls. Explore Diyarbakır's historic sites, including the Ulu Mosque, Hevsel Gardens, and the Great Mosque.

Visit Hasankeyf, a town famous for its ancient history and the missing due to the Ilısu Dam. Visit Hasankeyf's archaeological sites, including the historic bridge, Zeynel Bey Tomb, and the caves.

Travel to Mardin, a city known for its unique architecture and stunning views. Explore Mardin's old town, visit the Grand Mosque, and enjoy panoramic views from the Zinciriye Medrese. It is one of the most beautiful regions of Mesopotamia tour .

Midyat and Dara

Midyat is famous for its intricate stonework and Syriac Christian heritage. The Monastery of Mor Gabriel and explore the historic town of Midyat. 7 The ancient city of Dara and see its well-preserved ruins.

Gobekli Tepe - Sanliurfa

In Şanlıurfa, known as the city of prophets, visit the Holy area in the city center, the cave where the Prophet Abraham was born, and the lake where she was thrown into the Fire. And visit Gobeklitepe , the world's oldest known temple complex. 12.000 years.  Explore the city of Urfa, including the Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish) and the birthplace of Abraham.

Harran is known for its beehive-shaped houses and historical significance. In the Middle Ages, Harran was known for its scholarship. It was home to the famous University of Harran, which was a center of learning in fields like astronomy, philosophy, medicine, and mathematics. Today, Harran is a small town located near the ancient ruins.

Zeugma Mosaic Museum Gaziantep

Zeugma Museum is one of the world's largest Mosaic Museums in Gaziantep, Turkey. It is famous for its extraordinary collection of ancient mosaics unearthed during archaeological excavations in Zeugma. The famous Gypsy Girl Mosaic is exhibited here.

Hatay ( Antioch )

Hatay, historically known as Antioch, is located in the southeastern part of Turkey, near the Mediterranean coast and bordering Syria. The region has a rich history, with influences from various civilizations, including the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans.  Hatay's cultural diversity is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Saint Pierre Church

Saint Pierre Church, also known as the Church of St. Peter, is an ancient Christian church located in Antioch (modern-day Antakya), which was one of the earliest centers of Christianity.  Christian name was first mentioned, Saint Pierre Church Hatay.

Important İnformation about Hatay !!

Unfortunately, in the strong earthquake in the Mesopotamia region of TURKEY  on February 8, 2023, 90% of the buildings in the city and villages of Hatay were destroyed, and more than one hundred thousand people died. For this reason, all tours to this beautiful city of Hatay have been canceled for now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesopotamia Tours

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• Virtual Field Trips

Mesopotamian Monuments Virtual Field Trip Grades 6-8, 50 minutes

“I absolutely love this virtual field trip…My students had great connections and the parents were extremely impressed. We will be back for another round next year for sure!” — 6 th  Grade Teacher, Turlock, CA   “My students had an opportunity to interrogate sources and build on what they have learned while also introducing the next exploration.” —7 th  Grade Teacher, Jamestown, RI

“..the experience was visually stunning and highly engaging—the next best thing to being there in person!...The story of the Mesopotamians—however distant from our present here in western MA in time and place—is indeed  "the story of us."  Students felt that powerfully today as we examined artifacts carefully using visual thinking strategies and background knowledge we've been building in class. Thank you for your enthusiasm for teaching and inspiring young learners to think like historians and to be curious about the past and its connections to the present!" —6th Grade Teacher, North Adams, Massachusetts

Mesopotamian Monuments is a live virtual field trip for middle school students to investigate monuments from Sumer, Babylonia and Assyria exhibited at Harvard University. Guided by a museum educator using 3D technology, students observe and analyze sculptures from a classroom or their homes to understand the characteristics of these ancient river civilizations. The program introduces the Sumerian ruler Gudea, Hammurabi of Babylon and the Assyrian Kings Esharhaddon, Ashurnasirpal II and Shalmaneser III. Discussion includes stops at the monument of Hammurabis' code and a demonstration of cuneiform on clay. Free “Field Notebooks” available for download so that students may record details during the program and use for later reference. Free teacher resource with related links available for download. See the Virtual Field Trip Guide  for simple technology requirements. Educator Admission Educators are invited to visit the museum to develop an assignment for their students’ visits. Fee Reduction

School groups may be eligible for a fee reduction based upon the percent of students receiving free and reduced lunch. Call (617) 495-3216 for an exact price quote.

Please complete the online  Reservation Request Form  to begin the reservations process. When the request has been reviewed, you will be contacted by the Education Department to complete the reservation.

For more information download the  Virtual Field Trip Guide (DOCX),  view the  Teacher Resources , and the online Field Notes (PDF) or download the printable  Field Notes (PDF) .

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Newly updated 2024-2025 160+ page digital Catalog now available!

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Modern Mesopotamia

Photo credit: Explore Mesopotamia

From Baghdad to Babylon

Starting in the capital Baghdad and ending in the southeastern port city of Basra, this 10-day exploration of southern Iraq focuses on the majority Shia areas of the country. This region is also deeply rich in history. It is home to the ruins of some of the planet’s most ancient civilizations (the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians, for example), alongside sites that were pivotal in the early development of Islam. The region is also fascinating as the cultural homeland to both urban Shia Arabs in cities like Karbala and Najaf and rural Marsh Arabs. The former are custodians of some of the most beautiful and holy mosques in the Muslim world, and the latter (who are also Shia) have a unique lifestyle based on the reed-lined waterways of Iraq’s marshes. Both suffered greatly under Saddam Hussein’s regime, and the revitalization of the area has been important to the rebirth of Iraq as a new state free of the former dictator.

The adventures starts in Baghdad, Iraq’s capital and largest city. Over the course of three nights and two days explore the local culture in the souqs and streets and get acquainted with the country’s ancient history while browsing the exhibits at the national museum. Head out of town on a day trip to view the Great Mosque of Samarra and its impressive Malwiya Minaret.

• Explore the 28 galleries and hundreds of thousands of artifacts housed at the Museum of Iraq, one of the world’s best museums, especially for ancient Mesopotamian civilizations and Islamic history
• Acquaint yourself with life in contemporary Baghdad as you browse the booksellers and markets on Mutanabbi Street and in the Souq al Safafeer
• Climb the 9th-century Malwiya Tower in Samarra, one of the world’s oldest and largest minarets, unique for its spiral shape, akin to the inside of a seashell
• Visit the ruins of the Parthian and Sassanian capital, Ctesiphon, which lies not far from Baghdad

From Baghdad head into the ancient heartland of Mesopotamia to view Babylon, both the ancient ruins and one of Saddam Hussein’s palaces. Then continue to Karbala, an important pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims and the location of the historically important Battle of Karbala. The next stop is Najaf, one of Iraq’s major cities and another important center for Shia pilgrims. The UNESCO-listed ruins of ancient Sumerian city-states are located nearby.

• Wander the ruins at Babylon, one of the most famous of Iraq’s many ancient cities, and afterwards climb up to the palace overlooking the site, a testament to Saddam Hussein’s megalomania
• Explore Ukhaidir Palace, an Abbasid archaeological site extensively documented by Gertrude Bell in the early 20th century
• Contemplate the history of Shia Islam at the spectacular pilgrimage sites of southern Iraq, especially the Imam Husayn Mosque in Karbala, the Great Mosque of Kufa, and the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf
• Step back into time as you explore the millennia-old Sumerian city-states of Ur and Uruk, both included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List

Continue through Mesopotamia towards the Persian Gulf, stopping in Nasiriyah to view its bustling markets and then the marshes  near where the Euphrates River meets the Tigris River. The finals nights are spent in Basra, home to Ottoman heritage. Head out for a sunset cruise on the final night to take in the city from a new perspective.

• Learn about the culture and tumultuous recent history of the Marsh Arabs as you explore the waterways of their reed-filled homeland aboard a boat
• See where the Euphrates and Tigris meet to form the Shatt al Arab, a purported site of the Biblical Garden of Eden, and then later head out on the Shatt al Arab to see Basra from a new perspective
• View Ottoman-era Shanasheel houses along the canals of Basra, largely dilapidated now but still evocative of a bygone era, and the subject of UNESCO-supported efforts to revive the traditional carpentry technique

Dates & Prices

Small group tour – max 16 travelers

Land tour price, per person. Based on double occupancy and minimum group size of 6 travelers.

This trip connects to our preceding Kurdistan tour , October 7-15, 2024.

• 2024 Dates Oct 15 - 24 Limited space Tour, double occupancy $7,295 Single supplement $995
• 2025 Dates Feb 4 - 13 Nov 11 - 20 Tour, double occupancy $7,695 Single supplement $1,095

What's Included

• Accommodations, as noted in the itinerary.
• Most meals, as noted in the itinerary: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners.
• Restaurant tips for included meals.
• Services of experienced, English-speaking local guides, drivers and other staff, including a MIR Tour Manager.
• Arrival/departure airport transfers. MIR will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure whether we make your airfare arrangements or not, provided you arrive and depart on the tour start/end dates in the tour start/end cities.
• Ground transportation throughout itinerary by private mini-coach, jeep or van (size of vehicle depends on group size and terrain and may vary from region to region).
• Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as outlined in itinerary.
• Gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters and other service personnel.
• Complete pre-departure electronic document that includes detailed packing suggestions, reading list links, country-specific information, maps, travel tips and more.
• Customized visa instruction kit (please note, visa fees are not included in the tour price).
• Electronic final update bulletin, with any late news, updates and important information.
• International airfare or taxes/fuel surcharges.
• Internal airfare from Erbil to Baghdad (required if participating on the preceding Kurdistan Explorer tour).
• Meals not specified as included in the itinerary.
• Single supplement charge, if requested or required.
• Items of a personal nature (phone calls, email, laundry, alcohol, excess baggage, etc).
• Visa/passport fees, airport departure fees.
• Expenses incurred as a result of delay, modification or extension of a tour due to causes beyond MIR’s control.
• Baggage handling.
• Gratuities to Tour Manager.
• Travel and trip cancellation insurance.

Activity Level

Level 3: Medium

The accommodations vary from three- to five-star properties. It is important to keep in mind that parts of Iraq are not up to the standards North American travelers expect. Services are improving; however, you may encounter problems with bureaucratic service, road conditions, plumbing, unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and steps, variety of locally available foods, and availability and quality of public restrooms. You are traveling in some areas that see relatively few travelers, and the infrastructure is not yet fully developed.

While this program is designed to be the most comfortable possible for travel in this region, it is rated as rigorous touring due to the daily walking involved, the length of some bus rides and the overall shortcomings of the tourism infrastructure. This itinerary features a significant amount of touring on foot. Many streets are made of packed dirt, and some attractions are only accessible via steep staircases with tall uneven steps. Often the museums have no elevators. During touring excursions, availability of western toilets is unreliable in in the region. Many public toilets encountered during touring, at museums, at restaurants and so forth are squat toilets, and handrails may be inadequate.

Every effort has been made to make the information in this schedule accurate. However, trip itineraries are always subject to change. We do our best to inform you in advance of any changes, but due to the nature of travel in the region, this may not always be possible. Only those willing to accept these conditions should consider joining this program.

To reap the full rewards of this adventure, travelers must be able to walk at least a mile a day, keeping up with fellow travelers. Flexibility, a sense of humor and a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services are essential components to the enjoyment of this trip.

• 1/20 Bustling Mutannabi Street in Baghdad. Photo credit: Jake Smith
• 2/20 The UNESCO-listed citadel at Ur. Explore Mesopotamia
• 3/20 A friendly baker in Baghdad. Jake Smith
• 4/20 A mural within Saddam's Palace at the site of Ancient Babylon. Jake Smith
• 5/20 A typical street scene in Baghdad. Jake Smith
• 6/20 A model of the Ishtar Gate at the entrance to ancient Babylon. Photo credit: Jake Smith
• 7/20 Serving tea in a traditional cafe on Baghdad's Mutannabi Street. Photo credit: Jake Smith Jake Smith
• 8/20 The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf. Explore Mesopotamia
• 9/20 Iraqi baklava, a delicious (and perspective changing) treat. Photo credit: Jake Smith
• 10/20 Riding through the reedy marshes of southern Iraq. Explore Mesopotamia
• 11/20 A cuneiform tablet on display at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad. Jake Smith
• 12/20 The Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala. Explore Mesopotamia
• 13/20 Mustansiriyah Madrassah in Baghdad. Explore Mesopotamia
• 14/20 An Assyrian statue from the 9th century BCE on display in the Iraq Museum. Jake Smith
• 15/20 Dates on Inner Karada Street in Baghdad. Jake Smith
• 16/20 A modern street secene in Karbala. Explore Mesopotamia
• 17/20 The Sumerian ruins of Uruk, once ruled by Gilgamesh. Explore Mesopotamia
• 18/20 Old town Basra and a canal. Explore Mesopotamia
• 19/20 The ruins of ancient Babylon. Explore Mesopotamia
• 20/20 The Ottoman-era Haydar Khana Mosque in Baghdad. Photo credit: Jake Smith

Stay A Little Longer...

While add-ons in Iraq are not possible, MIR can arrange for an extension at the beginning or end of your trip to any of our other destinations, including other Middle Eastern countries or perhaps the not so far away ‘Stans of Central Asia .  Contact MIR  for details about extended-travel options.

Or, choose from one of these suggested itineraries:

• Small Group 19 Days From $7,595 Ancient Persia – Modern Iran Departures: 2024 (1), 2025 (2)
• Small Group 9 Days From $5,795 Kurdistan Explorer Departures: 2024 (1), 2025 (2)
• Small Group 14 Days From $9,695 Saudi Arabia: Trade Routes, Tradition & Transformation Departures: 2024 (3), 2025 (4)
• Small Group   From $8,095 UAE & Oman: Culture & Contrast in the Middle East Departures May Vary
• Private 10 Days From $4,895 Essential Iran Departures May Vary
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View the Majesty of a Sumerian Ziggurat in 3D Virtual Tour (Video)

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A Sumerian ziggurat was a towering, stepped structures built in ancient Mesopotamia over 4,000 years ago. They were constructed by the Sumerians , who were one of the earliest civilizations in human history. These impressive structures were made of mud bricks and featured a temple at the top, which was believed to be a place where the gods could dwell and communicate with humans. Ziggurats were considered sacred and were built as a symbol of the civilization's devotion to their gods. They were also believed to have played a role in the flood myth of the region, where they were thought to provide a safe haven for humans and animals during the great deluge. While most ziggurats have since crumbled, a few ruins still remain, serving as a reminder of the ancient world and its grand architectural achievements.

This 3D virtual tour allows you to experience the majesty of a Sumerian ziggurat in exceptional detail. As you explore the intricate details of the ancient structure, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the Sumerians' impressive engineering and architectural skills. This immersive experience is a great way to learn more about the fascinating history and culture of the ancient Near East.

Top image: Sumerian Ziggurat. Source: Michael Rosskothen / Adobe Stock

By  Joanna Gillan

Rock quarries can be made anywhere. But it takes knowledge, skills, abilities and desire to do the heavy work.

Nobody gets paid to tell the truth.

Or maybe it was because good building stone is scarce in the Euphrates river valley.

Unlike the Atlantean-era megalith stone ruins, which include Egypt and still stand strong, drawing tourists, ziggurats were built with mud bricks, which gradually eroded over the centuries, becoming dangerous and inhabitable, and eventually ugly relics of that lesser, but more modern culture.

Joanna Gillan is a Co-Owner, Editor and Writer of Ancient Origins. 

Joanna completed a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree in Australia and published research in the field of Educational Psychology. She has a rich and varied career, ranging from teaching... Read More

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