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Unveiling Ancient Treasures: Epic Iraq Tour with Yazidi Festival – Oct 2026

US$7995 US$7595 / Per Person

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Unveiling Ancient Treasures: Epic Iraq Tour with Yazidi Festival – Oct 2026

Join Ancient Origins’ exclusive tour of Iraq sacred past in Oct 2026, 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

Explore the mysteries of Iraq on an exclusive 15-days, 14-nights tour in Oct 2026 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 Willem McLoud is an independent scholar with a keen interest in ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean studies, whose research of and writing about the ancient world stretch over more than three decades.

Willem’s main areas of study pertaining to the ancient Middle East are the Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations, with special focus on the Uruk and Akkadian Periods in Mesopotamian history. The legends and myths associated with these great heroic ages of the ancient Middle East is a great passion of his. As part of his research and writing projects, he has led many a research tour to the Middle East as well as the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions, visiting countries such as Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Bahrain, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria to name but a few.

He is best known for The Nephilim trilogy (2021-2023). Visit his author’s blog on the Ancient Origins Website as well as his academic profile on the Academia.edu platform.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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 9 Oct – 25 Oct 2026

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.

Day 1 – Friday, October 09
Arrive in Erbil (KURDISTAN)
Upon arrival in Erbil, a special VIP taxi will transfer you to Ramada Hotel or similar, for check-in, dinner and overnight. (D)
Note: Standard check-in time is 3:00 pm. if you arrive on October 08 or early morning of October 09, an extra Hotel night needs to be booked.

Day 2 – Saturday, October 10
Erbil (Lalish)
After breakfast, depart for beautiful ancient hilltop town of Akre, known as the capital of Newroz. Walk around the town square and hike to Akre castle (About 300 steps and 15 min walk uphill) to enjoy the view. embark on an exciting journey to Lalish, nestled in a beautiful mountain valley in the north of Iraq near Mosul. Lalish holds immense significance as the most sacred town for the Yazidi religion, making it a remarkable destination for cultural and religious exploration. Our first stop is the breathtaking Temple of Lalish. Engaging with the pilgrims allows us to gain firsthand insights into their faith, customs, and rituals. We may join them in their prayers, soak in their spiritual traditions, and participate in the magnificent festivities that mark this special occasion.
Spend the afternoon mingling with the locals and immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere of the Autumn assembly celebrations. The colorful displays, traditional music, and lively dances will captivate your senses. As the day draws to a close and our hearts are filled with beautiful memories, we drive back to Erbil, and return to the Hotel, for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Note: When visiting Lalish, shoes are not allowed; you should wear socks.

Day 3 – Sunday, October 11
Erbil – Basra (Iraq)
Enjoy breakfast, then begin the day with a tour of the 7,000-year-old Citadel of Erbil, the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth (there are oth¬er just cities as old but not continuously inhabited.) Erbil Cita¬del was once a Sumerian City called Urbellum or Arbella (4 gods), and it is believed that Abraham passed through this city on one of his journeys. It once housed the Temple of the Goddess Ishtar and was the city Darius III fled to after facing defeat by Alexander the Great on the nearby plains of Gaugamela. UNESCO is currently undertaking a massive resto¬ration project. Tour the famous Textile Museum, housed in a 220-year-old resi¬dence featuring ancient Kurdish fighting tools, traditional dresses, handmade rugs from different regions and eras of Kurdish history, jewelry, and photos. In addition to Kurdish antiquities, there are several pieces from Iran and Turkey. If time permits, visit the local bazaar (Qaysari). Enjoy lunch and then take a brief visit to the Choli Minaret, perhaps Erbil’s most famous landmark (1190 – 1232 AD) and the site of a huge statue of Erbil’s most renowned poet-Mudhafaria (Mu-zaffar) Al-Din Abu Sa’eed Al-Kawkaboori, a contemporary of the famed warrior Saladin. Climb into the book he holds for a photo if you want to. Return to the Hotel to freshen up; then, we will be invited to a farewell dinner in a local home to dine and meet some of Kurdistan’s residents, including some well-known cinematography, photography, and music. Return to the Hotel to freshen up and have dinner then transfer to the airport for your evening flight (11:15pm) to Basra and upon arrival at Basra Airport, meet and transfer to Movenpick Hotel for check-in, and overnight.

Day 4 – Monday, October 12
Basra – Nasiriya (Eridu, Tell Al-Ubaid, Larsa & Ur)
Begin the day with a visit to Tell Al-Ubaid and Eridu. We will tour in 4×4 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Tuesday, October 13
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 É-Anna 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. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Wednesday, October 14
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”. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Thursday, October 15
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 check-in, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Friday, October 16
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. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Saturday, October 17
Baghdad (Eshnunna – Tell Asmar)
Today’s journey takes us northeast of Baghdad to the ancient site of Eshnunna (modern Tell Asmar), one of Mesopotamia’s most significant city-states during the early second millennium BCE. Nestled in the Diyala River valley, Eshnunna flourished as a powerful center of culture, trade, and governance, strategically positioned between Sumer to the south and the northern Mesopotamian kingdoms.
Visitors will explore the archaeological remains that once marked a thriving capital, famous for its temples, palaces, and artistic achievements. It is here that the renowned Tell Asmar Hoard of votive statues was discovered—masterpieces of Early Dynastic art now preserved in museums around the world. These striking alabaster figures, with their wide, attentive eyes, offer a glimpse into the spiritual devotion and artistic sophistication of Mesopotamian civilization.
The visit provides an opportunity to walk through a landscape where history, myth, and archaeology intertwine. Your guide will explain Eshnunna’s role in Mesopotamian politics, its contributions to law (including the Laws of Eshnunna, a precursor to Hammurabi’s Code), and its enduring legacy in the story of Iraq’s ancient heritage.
After exploring the site, the group will return to Baghdad, reflecting on the significance of this once-great city that shaped the cradle of civilization.

Day 10 – Sunday, Ocotber 18
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 single-span 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. (B,L,D)

Day 11 – Monday, October 19
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. (B,L,D)

Day 12 – Tuesday, October 20
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 al-Wastani, 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 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. (B,L,D)

Day 13 – Wednesday, Ocotber 21
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. (B,L,D)

Day 14 – Thursday, October 22
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.
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. (B,L,D)

Day 15 – Friday, October 23
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. (B,L,D)

Day 16 – Saturday, October 24
Erbil – USA
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the US. (B)
“We reserve the right to change the order of activities/visits or sites due to unexpected events such as flight cancellations or changes of schedule, or any other reasons beyond our control. We will do our best to ensure that any necessary changes when/if needed to meet the needs of our clients”.

ANCIENT ORIGINS TOUR OF IRAQ 9 OCT – 25 OCT 2026
15 DAYS/14 NIGHTS

Price per person based on double occupancy: US$7,995 US$7,595
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.

 

 

 

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
  • 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.
    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 US$500.00 per person
    – 89-60 days prior to departure US$750.00 per person
    – 59-31 days prior to departure 75% of total land cost
    – 30-0 days prior to departure No refund
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
PRICE PER
PERSON 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)