17-Day Iraq & Syria Christmas Combo: Babylon to Damascus via Baghdad

Tour Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 17-day Christmas journey through the cradle of civilization, exploring the ancient lands of Iraq and Syria. From the legendary city of Babylon and the holy sites of Najaf and Karbala to the magnificent ruins of Palmyra and the historic cities of Damascus and Aleppo, this tour offers a unique opportunity to experience two of the world’s oldest and most fascinating civilizations during the special Christmas season.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Baghdad, Iraq

Arrive at Baghdad International Airport. Transfer to your hotel. Explore Baghdad: visit the Iraq Museum (housing the world’s greatest collection of Mesopotamian artifacts), the Al-Shaheed Monument, the Unknown Soldier Monument, and the historic Al-Mutanabbi Street (book sellers street). Evening welcome dinner with Iraqi cuisine. Overnight in Baghdad.

Day 2: Babylon & Kish

Morning drive to Babylon (88km south of Baghdad), the legendary capital of ancient Mesopotamia and one of the most famous cities of the ancient world. Explore the ruins of Babylon including the Ishtar Gate (the original is in Berlin Pergamon Museum, but a reconstruction stands at the site), the Processional Way, the Palace of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Temple of Marduk, and the foundations of the legendary Hanging Gardens (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). Visit the modern town of Hillah. After lunch, visit the ancient Sumerian city of Kish, one of the oldest cities in the world, with its ziggurat and royal cemetery. Return to Baghdad in the evening. Overnight in Baghdad.

Day 3: Najaf & Karbala

Morning drive to Najaf (160km south of Baghdad), one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam and the site of the Imam Ali Mosque, the burial place of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph of Islam and the first Shia Imam. The mosque stunning golden dome and minarets are visible from miles away. Visit the mosque (non-Muslims may not enter the shrine itself but can view it from the courtyard) and the historic city. After lunch, drive to Karbala (80km from Najaf), the site of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the third Shia Imam, in 680 AD. Visit the Imam Hussein Shrine and the Al-Abbas Shrine, two of the most important religious sites in Shia Islam, with their stunning golden domes and minarets. The city is particularly atmospheric during the Christmas season with special religious observances. Return to Baghdad or overnight in Karbala. Overnight in Baghdad/Karbala.

Day 4: Samarra & Tikrit

Morning drive to Samarra (125km north of Baghdad), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate in the 9th century. Visit the Great Mosque of Samarra with its iconic Malwiya Minaret, a massive 52-meter-tall spiral minaret that is one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks in the Islamic world. Visit the Abbasid Palace, the Qasr al-Ashiq, and the remains of the vast Abbasid capital city. After lunch, continue to Tikrit, the birthplace of Saladin (Salah ad-Din) and the former stronghold of Saddam Hussein. Visit the Tikrit Museum and the historic city. Return to Baghdad in the evening. Overnight in Baghdad.

Day 5: Baghdad to Mosul & Nineveh

Morning fly to Mosul (approximately 1.5 hours) or drive (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival, visit the ancient city of Nineveh, the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and one of the greatest cities of the ancient world, located across the Tigris River from modern Mosul. Explore the ruins of Nineveh including the palace of King Sennacherib (705-681 BC) with its magnificent relief carvings, the Nergal Gate, the Mashki Gate, and the massive city walls that once enclosed an area of 750 hectares. Visit the Mosul Museum (if reopened) with its collection of Assyrian artifacts. Explore the old city of Mosul, which is undergoing reconstruction after the devastation of the ISIS occupation. Visit the historic Al-Nuri Mosque (with its famous leaning minaret, Al-Hadba, which was destroyed by ISIS in 2017 but is being reconstructed) and the historic markets. Overnight in Mosul.

Day 6: Nimrud & Khorsabad

Morning visit the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud (Kalhu), located 30km south of Mosul, one of the great capitals of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Explore the ruins including the palace of King Ashurnasirpal II (883-859 BC) with its magnificent relief carvings and the famous Lamassu (winged bull) statues that guarded the palace entrances. Visit the ziggurat and the temple of Ninurta. After lunch, visit the ancient Assyrian city of Khorsabad (Dur-Sharrukin), the capital of King Sargon II (722-705 BC), with its massive palace and the famous Lamassu statues (many of which were removed to museums around the world, including the Louvre and the Iraq Museum). Return to Mosul in the evening. Overnight in Mosul.

Day 7: Mosul to Damascus, Syria (Flight)

Morning free for last-minute exploration of Mosul. Fly to Damascus, Syria (approximately 1.5 hours, via Baghdad or Amman). Upon arrival in Damascus, transfer to your hotel in the historic old city. Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 5,000 years. Explore the old city: visit the Umayyad Mosque (Grand Mosque of Damascus), one of the oldest and holiest mosques in the Islamic world, built in 705 AD on the site of a Christian basilica and before that a Roman temple of Jupiter. The mosque houses the shrine of John the Baptist (Yahya ibn Zakariyya) and the tomb of Saladin. Visit the historic Al-Hamidiyah Souq, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the Middle East, and the Straight Street (Via Recta), the main street of Roman Damascus mentioned in the Bible. Evening enjoy a traditional Syrian dinner in the old city. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 8: Damascus Exploration

Full day exploring Damascus, the City of Jasmine. Visit the National Museum of Damascus with its world-class collection of artifacts from Syrian history including the famous Ebla tablets, the Mari statues, and the reconstructed Dura-Europos synagogue. Visit the Azem Palace, a beautiful 18th-century Ottoman palace now housing the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions. Visit the Saladin Mausoleum, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Damascus Citadel. Explore the old city many historic mosques, madrasas, hammams (traditional bathhouses), and khans (caravanserais). Visit the Christian quarter of Bab Touma with its historic churches including the Chapel of Saint Paul (where Paul the Apostle was lowered in a basket through the city walls) and the House of Ananias. After lunch, visit the Mount Qasioun for panoramic views of the city and the Cave of Blood (Magharet al-Dam). Evening special Christmas Eve dinner (if traveling during Christmas) with traditional Syrian cuisine and music. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 9: Christmas Day in Damascus

Christmas Day in Damascus. Visit the Christian quarter and attend Christmas services at one of the historic churches (if desired). Visit the Chapel of Saint Paul and the House of Ananias. Explore the old city markets and enjoy the festive atmosphere. After lunch, visit the Damascus Garden and the Tishreen Park. Evening enjoy a special Christmas dinner. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 10: Krak des Chevaliers & Homs

Morning drive to Krak des Chevaliers (Qal al-Hosn), one of the most important and best-preserved Crusader castles in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture with its massive walls, towers, moat, and inner keep. Explore the castle many chambers, halls, chapels, and ramparts, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After lunch, continue to Homs, the third-largest city in Syria, and visit the historic city center, the Al-Nouri Mosque, and the Homs Museum. Visit the nearby ancient city of Emesa (Homs) with its Roman ruins. Return to Damascus or overnight in Homs. Overnight in Damascus/Homs.

Day 11: Palmyra

Full day excursion to Palmyra (Tadmor), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent ancient cities in the world. Located in the Syrian Desert, Palmyra was a wealthy caravan city and a major trading hub on the Silk Road, reaching its peak in the 1st to 3rd centuries AD under the legendary Queen Zenobia. Explore the stunning ruins including the Great Colonnade (a 1.1-kilometer-long street lined with Corinthian columns), the Temple of Bel (one of the largest and best-preserved temples of the ancient world, partially destroyed by ISIS in 2015 but being restored), the Theater, the Agora, the Senate, the Baths of Diocletian, the Valley of the Tombs (with its impressive tower tombs), and the Palmyrene Museum. Visit the nearby Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi, an Umayyad desert palace. Palmyra dramatic setting in the desert with its towering columns and ancient ruins is unforgettable. Return to Damascus in the evening. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 12: Damascus to Aleppo

Morning drive or fly to Aleppo (approximately 45 minutes flight or 4 hours drive), the largest city in Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Upon arrival, visit the Aleppo Citadel, a massive medieval fortress perched on a hill in the center of the old city, with its massive gateway, moat, and many historic buildings. Visit the Great Mosque of Aleppo (Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo), one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world, founded in 715 AD (partially destroyed during the Syrian civil war but being restored). Explore the old city of Aleppo, which is undergoing reconstruction after the devastation of the war, including the historic Al-Madina Souq (one of the largest covered markets in the world), the Khan al-Shouneh, the Khan al-Wazir, and the many historic madrasas and hammams. Visit the Aleppo National Museum (if reopened). Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 13: Aleppo – Dead Cities & St. Simeon

Morning visit the Church of St. Simeon Stylites (Qal Seman), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest surviving church complexes in the world, built in the 5th century AD on the site where St. Simeon Stylites lived on top of a pillar for 37 years. The massive octagonal church complex, with its four basilicas radiating from a central octagon, is one of the most important architectural landmarks of early Christianity. Visit the nearby monastery and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After lunch, visit the Dead Cities (a series of abandoned Byzantine-era villages in the limestone hills of northwest Syria), including the well-preserved villages of Serjilla, al-Bara, and Kafr Nabl, with their ancient churches, villas, olive presses, and cisterns. These villages were abandoned between the 8th and 10th centuries and offer a unique glimpse into life in late antiquity. Return to Aleppo in the evening. Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 14: Aleppo Exploration

Full day exploring Aleppo and its surroundings. Visit the Aleppo Citadel in more detail, including the entrance gateway, the mosque, the throne hall, the underground passages, and the views from the ramparts. Visit the Great Mosque of Aleppo and the old city souqs, madrasas, and hammams. Visit the Bimaristan Arghun al-Kamili, a beautifully restored 14th-century hospital (madrasa) with its stunning courtyard and iwans. Visit the Beit Ajikbash, a beautifully restored 18th-century Ottoman mansion now housing the Museum of Popular Traditions. After lunch, visit the nearby town of Afrin and the ancient site of Cyrrhus (Nabi Huri) with its Roman bridge and amphitheater. Visit the Saint Elias Cathedral and the Christian quarter of Aleppo. Evening enjoy a traditional Aleppine dinner featuring the famous Aleppo cuisine (known as the best in Syria), including kibbeh, kebab, muhammara, and baklava. Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 15: Aleppo to Damascus (Flight)

Morning free for last-minute exploration of Aleppo or shopping for Syrian handicrafts including Aleppo soap (famous worldwide), textiles, carpets, and traditional crafts. Fly to Damascus (approximately 45 minutes). Upon arrival, visit the old city for final sightseeing and shopping. Evening farewell dinner. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 16: Damascus Final Day

Final day in Damascus. Visit any sites you may have missed, do some last-minute shopping in the souqs, or relax in a traditional cafe or hammam. Visit the Umayyad Mosque for a final visit and the Al-Hamidiyah Souq for last-minute souvenirs. Evening special farewell dinner. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 17: Departure from Damascus

Morning transfer to Damascus International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your extraordinary 17-day Iraq and Syria Christmas journey through the cradle of civilization.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses