IRAQ

EXPEDITIONS
2024
AKNAF AL SAWARY: YOUR RELIABLE TRAVEL PARTNER IN IRAQ 2024
Are you looking to book your adventurous vacations in iraq? Then your tour
guide is here! Aknaf Al Sawary is here to make your vocational trip joyful and
full of exciting experiences. .

Our experts tour guides and service providers make sure to provide
tremendous services to all groups and individuals. Ensuring to let everyone
renounce Iraq’s treasure and ancient history. We are delighted to offer our
services to everyone whether you are traveling in a group or individual. .
Our experts and professionals make sure to take care of every individual
person and provide them supreme services. Ensuring a safe journey which is
filled with worthwhile experiences.
Let’s dive into an exciting exposure waiting ahead of you.

Month after month, our expedition will cover highlights such as the
mesmerizing archaeological site of Hatra, the legendary ruins of Babylon with
its Hanging Gardens, the spiritual city of Ur, and the remains of the
once-majestic city of Nineveh near Mosul.
So, dust off your travel gear and mark your calendar for an experience of a
lifetime. Embrace the allure of adventure and join us on our monthly
expeditions to Iraq. Unravel the mysteries of Mesopotamia and create
memories that will forever resonate in your heart.

For more information and to reserve your spot on our upcoming expeditions,
visit our website or contact our dedicated team. We look forward to welcoming
you aboard on this incredible journey!

Here are astounding schedules to let us drive you through Iraq’s ancient
history offered for various groups or individuals looking for a solo ride.
 Month Starting Date Ending Date Availability

JAN GROUP January 8, 2024 January 15, 2024 Available

FEB GROUP February 12, 2024 February 19, 2024 Available

MAR GROUP March 4, 2024 March 11, 2024 Available

APR GROUP April 22, 2024 April 29, 2024 Available

MAY GROUP May 13, 2024 May 20, 2024 Available

SEP GROUP September 16, 2024 September 23, 2024 Available

OCT GROUP October 7, 2024 October 14, 2024 Available

NOV GROUP November 4, 2024 November 11, 2024 Available

DEC GROUP December 2, 2024 December 9, 2024 Available

Detailed itinerary :

DAY 1 | BAGHDAD:

When you arrive at the airport, we will greet you and transport you to your
Baghdad hotel. Take some time to unwind before embarking on an
adventurous excursion. Stay in Baghdad for the night.
DAY 2 | BAGHDAD:

We will begin our exploration of Baghdad after breakfast. Our first stop is
Liberation Square, a famous landmark that has played an important role in the
city’s countless uprisings and revolts. From there, we’ll take a short boat ride
across the Tigris River to Al-Mutanabbi Street, a well-known cultural bazaar
where books of all types thrive.

Following that, we’ll go to the Abbasid Palace, followed by a trip through the
Old Bazar, where you can soak up the vivid atmosphere and see the bustling
copper market. We’ll stop for traditional Iraqi tea and dried lime tea at
Al-Shabander, one of Baghdad’s most famous ancient cafes.
In the evening, we’ll go to Al-Kadhimiya, an important Baghdad neighborhood
noted for its stunning night market. Explore and wonder at the Al Kadhimiya
sacred Shrine (golden Dome), which holds the tombs of Twelver Shiites Imam
Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad. Enjoy a delicious dinner
before returning to your hotel for the night.
DAY 3 | KARBALA – BABYLON:

Check out of the hotel and proceed to the Martyr Monument, a mournful
homage to Iraqi troops who valiantly gave their lives during the 1980s
Iraq-Iran war. This monument is very important to Iraqis since it
commemorates all of Iraq’s martyrs.
Following that, we’ll have a fascinating tour of Babylon’s ancient remains,
which are generally regarded as the cradle of Mesopotamian culture. These
historical ruins, which date from the 18th to the 6th centuries BC, contain the
renowned Hanging Gardens, which were thought to be associated with King
Nebuchadnezzar’s Palace. Despite the fact that the Hanging Gardens are
commonly regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Hellenic World in
numerous literary sources, their physical presence has yet to be established.
Our tour continues to Saddam Palace, which is now a museum. This palace,
perched atop Babylon, was inspired by the magnificence of King
Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonian palace. Explore its halls and galleries, being
immersed in its history and architectural marvels.
We will next travel to Karbala, where we will choose a fantastic dinner and a
pleasant hotel for a well-deserved rest. The next day, we’ll go to two important
shrines in Karbala.
First, we’ll go to the Imam Abbas Shrine, which holds Al-Abbas ibn Ali’s grave.
Al-Abbas is regarded as one of the most important personalities in Islamic and
historical history. During the Battle of Taff, he demonstrated real brotherhood
by sacrificing himself to safeguard his family and preserve the Islamic beliefs
and ideals of Ahlul-Bayt, which were under assault from Yazid’s repressive
regime.
Following that, we will visit the Imam Hussein Shrine, which houses Imam
Hussein’s tomb. Imam Hussein, the second son of Imam Ali and the Prophet
Muhammad’s second grandson, is an important figure in Islamic history. His
unrelenting dedication to justice and resistance to oppression have made him
an icon of bravery and righteousness.
We will spend the night in Karbala, allowing you to immerse yourself in the
spiritual atmosphere and ponder on this precious city’s rich history and
tradition.

ABOUT AKNAF AL SAWARY

World Best Travel Agency

Company Since 2017.

Aknaf Al Sawary travel agency allows you to explore the adventure in IRAQ. IRAN and
SYRIA. Leading as one of the most reliable and growing Travel Agencies. We offer
complete arrangements from staying in a hotel to visa issuance. Composing an
experience to explore the hidden treasures around the ancient cities

Day 4 | Najaf Ur

On the fourth day of our vacation, we will check out of the hotel and go to the
fascinating city of Najaf. Witnessing the spectacular sunset from a high
building overlooking the Najaf cemetery, known as Wadi-us Salaam, will be
one of the highlights of our tour. This cemetery is extremely noteworthy since
it is the most important tomb site in Najaf and the world’s largest cemetery. It
has even been recognized and added to the World Heritage List, with
approximately six million burials.
After taking in the breathtaking scenery, we’ll continue on to Nasiriyah City.
We will have the opportunity to explore the amazing Ziggurat of Ur while we
are here. Ziggurats are classic architectural structures that originated in the
Ancient Near East and are distinct from Egypt’s smooth-sided pyramids.
These tiered structures served as religious and administrative centers for the
region’s ancient cities. The Ziggurat of Ur is a magnificent example of this
architectural innovation, and it stands as a witness to the ancient civilization
that built it. We will learn about this ancient civilization’s rich history and
achievements while we marvel at its magnificence.
We will check into our hotel in Nasiriyah, where we will spend the night, in the
evening, around 6:00 p.m. This will give us a nice and restful stay, allowing us
to recharge for our next travels.
DAY 5 | MARSHES OF IRAQ- BAGHDAD

On Day 5, we’ll start by leaving our current position. Our next stop will be the
famed Marshes of Iraq, which are the largest wetlands in the Middle East.
These marshes are noteworthy not just for their ecological importance, as
they provide habitat for many bird and fish species, but also for their cultural
significance as the historical heartland of the Marsh Arabs. Many Marsh Arabs
have returned to this region in recent years.
During our excursion, we will take a break and drink some traditional tea while
conversing with the people. This will be an excellent opportunity to hear
captivating stories from the past. Following that, we will have a boat ride
through the complicated maze of the marshes. Our boat, known as a
“shakhtura,” will adhere to ancient customs, allowing us to fully immerse
ourselves in the experience. We will have the pleasure of partaking in a
classic lunchtime treat: masgouf, as we travel through the marshes. This
grilled fish dish is famous for its distinct and delectable flavor because it is
made with reeds rather than wood. This exquisite lunch will be served to us in
one of the houses made completely of reeds, known as “almutheef.”
Following our exploration of the Iraqi Marshes, we will return to Baghdad. We
will check into our Baghdad hotel, where we will spend the night. This will
serve as a pleasant and accessible home base as we continue our adventure
through this fascinating country.

DAY 6 | SAMARRA – MOSUL

We will leave the hotel at 8:00 a.m. to begin our day. The spectacular Samarra
spiral tower, one of Iraq’s most recognizable and distinctive features, will be
our first stop. Its remarkable design is distinguished by an ascending spiral
conical structure.
Following that, we will go to Al Burqa Palace, a renowned historical palace
built by Caliph Abu al-Fadl Jaafar al-Mutawakkil. Originally intended as a
haven for recuperation, relaxation, and recreation, the palace has historical
value dating back to the time it was built.
Following that, we will travel to Mosul City, our next stop. Mosul has a rich
historical and cultural legacy, as well as captivating attractions to visit.
We will spend the night in Mosul, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the
city’s ambiance and prepare for the experiences that await us the next day.

DAY 7 | MOSUL BAGHDAD

We will start our day by leaving the hotel and driving towards Mosul City. Bash
Tapia Castle, a remarkable 12th-century ruin and one of seven castles within
Mosul’s city wall, will be our first trip. Despite being damaged by Timur in
1393, the castle was later rebuilt during the Ottoman Empire’s control.
Following that, we will visit Mosul’s Old City, one of the Middle East’s oldest
neighborhoods. Unfortunately, this neighborhood served as ISIS’s last
stronghold and was heavily destroyed, with centuries-old buildings utterly
destroyed in a matter of weeks.
We will continue our adventure by visiting the ruins of the 3000-year-old
Assyrian wall that once existed in Nineveh. Though in ruins, this wall provides
insight into the region’s past history.
Hatra, an old and walled caravan city that served as the capital of the little
Arab Kingdom of Hatra, will be our final destination for the day. Hatra
flourished in the second century before dying and being abandoned in the
third. Its spectacular ruins, however, were unearthed in the nineteenth century,
demonstrating the former grandeur of this key historical monument.
As the day draws to a close, we’ll make our journey back to Baghdad for the
night. This will give us time to reflect on the day’s discoveries and prepare for
the adventures that lie ahead.

DAY 8 | BAGHDAD

Departure.
PRICE LIST

Service Person(s) Total Trip for one person

Package 1750$

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

ACCOMMODATION:

7 nights of accommodation in 3/4-star hotels, with double room sharing

Breakfast included

HOTEL DETAILS:

Baghdad: Shanashel Palace

 Karbala: AwladAl Hasan Hotel

Nasiriyah: Somerion Hotel

Mosul: Modern Plaza or Royal City

See Details

1 Review
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Iraq Group Tours 2023-2024

5 Days
Cities of Baghdad, Najaf, and Karbala

Do you want to have an outstanding vacation experience in Iraq then Join Our Group …

See Details
TRANSPORTATION:

Greetings and pick-up from inside the airport, as well as return

transportation to the airport
Car transportation included
Airport taxes included
TRANSLATION:

Full-time translator and guide team

TEAM FEES:

Accommodations for the team outside Baghdad

VISA REQUIREMENTS:

1. For countries not included in Visa on arrival, the following applies:

 An invitation letter approved by the MOI is needed, which takes 15
working days to process and costs 400$ per person.
Invitation letters will be sent to the nearest Iraqi embassy for visa
issuance.
Visa fees range between 50$-70$ per person for the invitation letter and
77$ per person for a visa on arrival or in the embassy.
Required documents include passport copies and proof of two doses of
vaccination as QR codes.

2. For countries included in Visa on arrival, the following applies:

Visa fees of 77$ per person are paid upon arrival.

Required documents include proof of two doses of vaccination as QR
codes and hotel reservations.
NOT INCLUDED:

All fees and entry requirements for monuments (25$ each)

Dining expenses
Flights
Visa entrance fee
Dining and boat trip in the marshes (25$ per person)
Insurances
Spiritual drinks or smoking shisha
Dining inside hotels
PCR test
COMPANY POLICIES:

Any addition of a new place not included in the itinerary will incur an
extra fee.
Customers must adhere to the specified time schedule of the itinerary.
The travel agency holds no responsibility for the following:
Closure of sites or monuments due to governmental policies related to
security, COVID-19, maintenance, violence, or any other reason, as Iraq
is a politically unstable country.
Delays at checkpoints.
Road closures or protests.
 The program may be adjusted or delayed based on trip conditions,
including arrival and departure times, traffic congestion, or other
unforeseen circumstances.
The company is not liable if certain places are closed during the trip for
maintenance or COVID-19 reasons.
Things to Know About Iraq:

SAFETY:

Tourism in Iraq has increased, notably with the announcement of Visa

on Arrival for 36 countries. It’s emerging as a desirable location just
waiting to be discovered.
The destinations indicated in the itinerary are regarded safe to visit, and
our trips are held in secure towns.
However, it is vital to understand that Iraq is experiencing political
instability, which has resulted in nonviolent protests and periodic road or
site closures. As a result, minor adjustments to the schedule may be
made if we become aware of restricted roads or locations.
MONEY:

The official currency in Iraq is the Iraqi dinar. Currency exchange

services are available at Baghdad airport, while ATMs can be found in
Baghdad, although they may be scarce in other areas.
Credit cards may not always work efficiently due to security procedures
between banks.
US dollars generally offer a better foreign exchange rate than euros.
PHOTOS:

Taking photos and making video recordings at military and police

installations, as well as airports is strictly prohibited.
Photography of individuals in military/police uniforms is not allowed
unless expressly permitted by the subjects. Unauthorized photography
may lead to aggressive responses.
WEATHER:

Expeditions to Iraq are best conducted between November and the end
of March. Temperatures rarely reach +30°C during the day and can dip
to roughly +12°C at night during this time period. Rain may fall on
 occasion, but it is usually light. Dust particles are abundant, and
sandstorms are possible. The air in southern places, like Basra, can be
quite humid, exacerbating the impression of heat.
COMMUNICATION, WI-FI, AND ELECTRICITY:

Most towns and villages have mobile network coverage. A local SIM
card can be purchased, however, your presence and passport will be
required for the transaction. Before departing, check with your cell
network provider to see if they have collaborated with Iraqi carriers and
to inquire about roaming call and SMS rates. Hotel and restaurant Wi-Fi
is often accessible. We also recommend bringing a high-capacity power
bank with you. Iraq’s power sockets are type G, with a voltage of 220 V
and a frequency of 50 Hz.
CUSTOMS, CULTURE, RELIGION:

Iraq is a diverse country with several ethnic and religious groups. Shia
Muslims predominate in Iraq’s southern region. It is feasible to visit sites
of devotion, particularly the sanctuaries in Najaf and Karbala. Women,
on the other hand, should cover their feet with a large scarf and
stockings in these areas. In other regions, walking without a scarf is
often okay, however, we urge women to wear long skirts and shirts with
elbow-length sleeves. It is best to avoid wearing clothing that draws too
much attention, as this may result in requests for photos from locals.