The flight from Vienna to Istanbul marks the beginning of our adventurous journey. Via Istanbul, a crossroads of cultures and history, we will continue on to mysterious Iraq. This day is dedicated to travel and preparation for discovering the ancient secrets that await us.
Our early-morning arrival in Basra greets us with warm air and the promise of unusual experiences. We set off for Al Qurna to visit the legendary Tree of Knowledge. Imagine a place where, according to the story of Adam and Eve, all human problems began – a scene that directly invites reflection.
Next, we move on to the Iraqi marshes, which dictator Saddam Hussein attempted to drain during his rule because Shia rebels fighting against his brutal regime were hiding there. We will travel by motorboat and enjoy the best fish you have ever tasted. We will overnight in Basra, where in the late afternoon we will still have time to explore the old town.
On the third day, we will travel to Ur, one of the oldest cities of civilization, where Abraham, the forefather of all prophets, once lived. We will explore the ruins of this pagan site dedicated to the moon god Nanna and find ourselves at a place where spiritual traditions intersect. In the evening, we will continue to the city of Diwaniyah, where we will rest properly and check into our accommodation.
Our journey continues with a visit to Nippur, a city dedicated to the god Enlil, ruler of winds and storms. This place is like a window into the past, where we can feel the spirit of ancient Sumer. We will end the day in Najaf, at the shrine of Imam Ali, one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims. We will spend the night in Najaf.
On the fifth day, we will walk through Wadi As-Salam, the world’s largest cemetery, where more than 6 million souls are buried. Taxis and buses even drive among the graves. Afterwards, we will head to the legendary Babylonian tower in Borsippa to touch the past that shaped today’s world. We will rest in Baghdad.
We will visit Babylon, once the largest ancient city-state, and Saddam’s looted palace, from which there is a breathtaking view over the entire area. In the afternoon, we will move on to Baghdad, where we will visit one of the most beautiful mosques – Al-Kazimiya. The Martyrs’ Monument from the Iran–Iraq War will also capture our attention. We will rest in Baghdad.
Our journey will take us to Samarra, a city with a captivating spiral minaret and an extensive palace. Here we will visit Al-Askari, one of the most important Shia mosques, where the remains of Imam Mahdi are buried – whose return is awaited by Shia Muslims around the world. This place is not only a religious center but also a symbol of hope and expectation. The Abu Dulaf minaret will be a highlight on our route – a “miniature” version of the Samarra minaret, surprisingly with very few visitors. We will spend the night in Baghdad, preparing for another day full of discovery.
After breakfast, we will travel to Hatra, a fascinating ancient city located 290 km northwest of Baghdad. Hatra was a heavily fortified caravan city and the capital of the small Arab kingdom of Hatra, situated between the Roman and Parthian/Sasanian empires. It flourished in the 2nd century, was destroyed and abandoned in the 3rd century, and its ruins were rediscovered in the 19th century. We will overnight in Mosul.
On the ninth day, we will travel to Mosul, a city that has become a symbol of resilience and renewal. Although it was recently the capital of the Islamic State, today it is the setting for a story of rebirth and hope. A walk through its broken yet “reviving” streets will show us the strength of the human spirit and the desire for peace. We will also visit Mar Mattai, the oldest monastery in the world, located just outside Mosul itself – one of the five most beautiful places in all of Iraq. We will spend the night in Mosul, reflecting on the transformations the city has undergone.
On the last day of our journey, we will visit the Christian town of Alqosh and the Rabban Hormizd Monastery, dating from the 7th century AD. Hormizd was an ascetic who lived in the rocks above the town and is deeply venerated by locals. After visiting the monastery, we will go to Lalish – a mysterious place sacred to the Yazidi religious community, where we must remain barefoot throughout our visit. Here lies the tomb of the founder of their faith, Sheikh Adi, making it the holiest site in the world for Yazidis.
Evening in Erbil, with its rich history and cultural wealth, will provide the perfect conclusion to our trip. Here we will enjoy our final moments in Iraq, enriched by unforgettable experiences, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of this fascinating country and its people. Overnight in Erbil.
Return home knowing that we will one day set out again for this complicated yet fascinating country.
Citizens of Slovakia and the Czech Republic need visas, which we will obtain upon arrival in Iraq.
Your passport must not contain an Israeli stamp.
It should be emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not recommend traveling to Iraq. We do not want to discourage you, but to stress that we are going to a country where situations can change. We want to approach this journey, and you, openly and clearly name things as they are. If you are someone who insists that everything must go 100% to plan, has difficulty with itinerary changes, requires high-standard accommodation, or is bothered by longer transfers, we recommend choosing a different trip from our offer.
Women can also join this trip; they do not need to be fully covered, but wearing a headscarf and long clothing is recommended.
The supplement for a single room is €390 for the entire tour.
We have visited Iraq more than anyone else from Czechia and Slovakia – we know what we are doing. But please consider whether this trip is right for you. It is not about how many countries you have traveled to, but whether you can be part of a team, follow the rules, and be prepared for changes that you may or may not like.
Our mission is to organize unconventional expeditions to less-visited countries around the world, off the main tourist trails.
Mission
Sign up for the tour!
Sign up for the tour!
We offer you a distinctive kind of travel experience, tailored precisely to each client’s individual requirements. Your trips will be prepared by Martin Navrátil, a traveller and tour guide with over 20 years of experience from almost every country in the world. Over the course of his travels he has created hundreds of tours, not only to well-known places but also to destinations people don’t normally visit — from the South Pole and Baikonur to countries that require a great many permits and specialist experience.
It is precisely this experience that forms the foundation of our tailor-made trips. This is a distinctive kind of travel experience, adapted down to the very last detail to your wishes. Whether you’re a small group of friends or a company team, we’ll put together an itinerary based on whatever appeals to you most — culture, nature, history, food, adventure, or a combination of everything.
Our job is to turn your travel dreams into reality. We don’t offer “packages,” but experiences tailored precisely to you. Traveling with us isn’t just about the place you visit — it’s about the stories we’ll create together and the memories you’ll always love coming back to.
