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Ghosts of Babylon, resurrected Nebuchadnezzars, kings declaring themselves gods atop ziggurats, it’s the Cradle of Civilization in the City of a Thousand and One Tales on the Tigris and Euphrates, with ruined empires from the ancient to the modern. It’s Baghdad to Babylon to Basra with a little Ur on top!The seat of the ancient Babylonian Empire of Mesopotamia, with foundations thousands of years old, estimated to have been the largest city in the world and the first city to ever reach a population of 200,000, the ancient remains of Babylon have many tales to tell, some of which can be found in the Bible itself!
Known for constructing dozens of palaces across Iraq and hiding his whereabouts among them, Saddam had a taste for the gilded and extravagant, carrying on the legacy of the ancient kings and crowning himself the next Nebuchadnezzar.
One of the most distinctive architectural inventions, the ziggurat is like a pyramid of four sides and rises up to the realm of the gods, most often used as a site of religious rituals, with a high-priest residing at the apex. This temple complex was begun as a shrine to the moon god Nanna, the patron deity of Ur, and completed by King Shulgi who promptly declared himself a god.
Comprised of many different ancient tribes and a culture which evolved and centred around the natural resources of the marshes, the Marsh Arabs have struggled and survived on the raising of water buffalo and cultivated crops, living in arched reed houses, and being as comfortable on the water as the Bedouins are in the dunes of Arabia.
From One Thousand and One Nights to pyramidal ziggurats to modern-day Nebuchadnezzars, the wonders of Babylon, Baghdad, and Basra await!
Let’s go!!
Day 1 : Baghdad
After arrival and immigration adventure. We will start with Fardos Square, where the iconic scene of the Saddam Hussain statue has fallen by the hands of Iraqi people. Next we’ll head to Liberation Square and Al-Mutanabi Street, take a few selfies at Al-Muwaffaqia.
In the evening, we will visit the modern parts of Baghdad to observe the daily life of the people. On our way back, we will stop at the Abu Nowas river walk, before we check-in at the hotel for well-deserved rest.
Day 2 : Samara
Today we set compass to north of Baghdad and start with Great Mosque of Samarra, known for its iconic spiral minaret. This mosque is considered an archaeological site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was the largest mosque in the world during its time. Next, visit the Virgin Palace with its large pool in the center, then explore the Medieval Times prison. Afterwards, head to the Abo Dalaf spiral mosque to climb to the top before returning to Baghdad to visit one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture.
Day 3 : Babylon + Karbala
After breakfast and check-out, we’ll start our journey to Babylon! Along the way, stop at the Martyr Monument for some selfies on the half-shell before we reach the ancient ruins in the cradle of Mesopotamian civilization. Reputed to be the site of the Hanging Gardens it was truly one of the Seven Wonders of the Hellenic World, although its exact location remains a mystery! After wandering the mazes and mudbricks, we’ll head up to Saddam’s palace overlooking Babylon, subject of governmental approval. After a picnic lunch on the floor we’ll hop back in the bus and continue journey to Nasiriyah with a stop at the tomb of Al-Abbas Imam Ali.
Day 4 : Ziggurat of Ur & Marshes
One of the most distinctive architectural inventions, the ziggurat is like a pyramid of four sides and rises up to the realm of the gods, and rather than used as a tomb, it was the site of many religious rituals. With few remaining today, the Ziggurat of Ur is considered the best preserved in the world! After our elevated explorations, we’ll go deep into the marshes, the largest wetlands in the Middle East, a habitat for fish and birds, and home to thousands of Marsh Arabs, a people with mysterious ancient origins, some theories consider them descendants of the Nabateans!
Day 5 : Basra
We will start our day by exploring the old city of Basra, nicknamed "Venice of the Middle East." Along the way, we will visit a couple of Christian churches, we will take a walk on the Cornish, a river walk along the Shat Al-Arab River, created by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Lunch next to the river before heading to the airport for our flight back.
Grade: Easy, available to everyone.
Activity: Sightseeing, cultural immersion.
COST: 7000 AED all incl. flights until MAR 15th.
Room & Meals: Hotel, guesthouse – double sharing, meals excluded.
Specifically excluded: Meals, visa, insurance.
Visa: Western and Gulf passports get visa on arrival. Other passports - visa support available.
It is participant sole responsibility to assure admission to country of destination.
See yah at Saddams x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 0504848238
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, ستاربكس, مطار دبي الدولي دبي, الإمارات العربية المتحدة,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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