Iraq Treasures of the South Cultural Discovery Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Shayan Barzani

Shayan Kamal Barzani was born in Iran in 1995. In 1998, he moved to Iraqi Kurdistan to live with relatives. He has a degree in computer science from Cihan University. He is currently writing a book about "Shanidar Cave", the Neanderthals, and their brief history in Kurdistan. He is passionate about revealing the secrets of his nation to the people of the world, a gracious host and knowledgeable guide.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Baghdad
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Your MT Sobek guide will welcome you at Baghdad International Airport. Settle into the hotel and relax over a welcome drink, then dine in the hotel restaurant. Guests arriving early will have a chance to get a first glimpse of Baghdad on an optional sightseeing tour. 
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                    [Headline] => Tour Ancient Samarra & Stand Beneath the Arch of Ctesiphon
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After breakfast, journey to the holy city of Samarra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that traces its roots back to 5500 B.C. Explore its historic streets, gardens and palaces, and admire the majestic 9th-century Great Mosque (Al Malwiya Mosque) with its spiral minaret. In the afternoon, head to Ctesiphon, the former winter capital of Parthian and Sasanian empires, and today best known for the monumental remains of the 1,400-year-old palace Taq Kisra, complete with its 122-feet-high Arch of Ctesiphon. Return to your hotel in Baghdad.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Baghdad & Tour The Iraq Museum
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Delve into the ancient past at the Iraq Museum often called the Middle East Smithsonian for its 28 halls and artefacts as old as 10,000 years B.C. Visit the 13th-century El-Mustansiriya madrassa (school), one of the oldest Islamic institutions of higher learning in the world, and marvel at its ancient water-powered alarm clock that once announced prayer times. Stroll down the bookstore-laden Al-Mutanabbi street, the heart of the city\'s cultural life, and delight in the symphony of clinking sounds at Souk al-Safareen, the coppersmiths\' market. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. 
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                    [Headline] => Discover the Mythical Babylon & Travel to Karbala 
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Travel to Babylon, the ancient capital of southern Mesopotamia, and trace the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Tour Saddam Hussein\'s rebuilt Babylon with its vibrant aqua-blue Ishtar Gate (a reproduction of the original) and compare it to one of his once-opulent palaces just behind the complex. Continue on to Karbala, a holy city for the Iraqi Shia, holding the shrine of the martyred Imam Husayn Ibn Ali (died 680). Return for dinner at your hotel.
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                    [Headline] => Journey to Najaf & See the Holy Places of Shia Muslims
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Today travel to the holy city of Najaf, and along the way stop in the town of Al Kifl to marvel at its 7th-century Kufa Mosque, the holiest place for Shia Muslims. Then continue on to Najaf and after settling in the hotel, discover the shrine of Imam Ali. This masterpiece of Islamic architecture holds the tomb of Imam Ali, the fourth caliph who was the cousin and later son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. In the evening, soak up the buzz of the nearby souk and savor dinner at the hotel.
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                    [Headline] => Roam Uruk, the First City on Earth
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Head to Samawa, a city on the banks of the Euphrates River that holds the archeological site of Warka, also known as Uruk. Explore the magnificent remains of this ancient Sumerian city that thrived around 2900 B.C. and was supposedly the first city on earth. Continue to the busy hub of Nasiriya, one of Iraq\'s largest cities and the capital of the Dhi-Qar province. In the evening, feel the city\'s pulse on a stroll through its bustling souk, then enjoy a local dinner. 
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                    [Headline] => Explore UNESCO-Listed Ur & Climb the Ziggurat of Ur Temple
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Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ur, an ancient Sumer city believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. Climb up the steep stairs to the Ziggurat of Ur, a splendid temple dedicated to the lunar god Nanna and built the same way as the biblical Tower of Babel. After lunch, head to Nasiriya\'s lively bazaar for a dash of local buzz and a quest for souvenirs, from mabhara incense lamps to artisanal copperware and traditional sweets. 
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                    [Headline] => Journey by Boat to the Mesopotamian Marshes 
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Spend the day on the Tigris River, venturing into its dreamy marshes by boat. Navigate between islands of reeds and lakeside villages inhabited by Marsh Arabs, and take in the resplendent beauty of this unique aquatic environment inside a desert. En route to the town of Basra, stop to soak up the beauty of the Paradise of Aden (Garden of Eden) where Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Basra & Watch the Sunset over Shatt Al-Arab
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Wander around the old city of Basra, once known as the Venice of the East for the Ottoman Shenashil Houses, traditional 19th-century residences that line its canal. Think back to the city\'s glory days as you explore one of the villas that was owned by a wealthy Greek merchant — a rare showcase of a bygone era. Wrap up the journey with a boat ride on Shatt Al-Arab, the river created by the Tigris and Euphrates merging, and soak up one last splendid Iraq sunset. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.
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After breakfast, transfer to Basra International Airport for your homeward-bound flights and bid farewell to Iraq. 
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Accommodations

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Relax at the 5-star Babylon Rotana in Baghdad and the best available hotels in each city-all with Western-style rooms and most modern amenities.

Babylon Rotana

Luxury Hotel

This 5-star urban retreat is located in one of Baghdad's most desirable districts and a vast range of modern touches, designed with comfort in mind, awaits. Spacious accommodations feature contemporary furnishings and in room technology to keep you connected. Also includes air conditioning, flat screen TV, mini-fridge and tea and coffee making facilities, bathtub/shower, large work desk and in-room safe. This property is an alcohol free environment.

Royal Eagle Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

A warm welcome awaits you at this modern hotel only five minutes from Shrine of Imam Ali. Spacious and clean rooms are elegant in style with modern furnishings. Each has a modern bathroom with toiletries and a hairdryer. All rooms are equipped with flat screen TV and multi satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, and facilities for making tea and coffee in room. Other benefits include concierge and 24-hour butler service.

Sumerian Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Located only a short drive from the impressive ancient monument, the Ziggurat of Ur, the Sumerian Hotel offers guests simple accommodations with traditional touches and modern amenities. Guests will enjoy the elegant gilded lobby and comfortable guest rooms that feature cool tiled floors, air conditioner and fan, and modern touches such as a mini fridge, coffee and tea maker and hairdryer.

Horizon Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Designed to maximize your comfort, this 4-star luxury property offers premium amenities such as 24-hour room service and soundproofed rooms that feature generously sized beds. Other amenities include private bathroom with bidet, bathrobes and slippers, air conditioning, work desk, a dining area and flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and free Wi-Fi. The Horizon also has a fully equipped health club with sauna.

Baron Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Dedicated to providing you convenient services and amenities, this 5-star hotel offers guests spacious and comfortable beds, private bathroom with vanity and modern western touches. Each room is equipped with centralized air conditioning, flat screen 42' LED TV with satellite channels, coffee table and chairs, writing desk, mini fridge, electric coffee and tea maker and in-room safe.

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