The capital
Most journeys into federal Iraq begin in Baghdad, the great city on the Tigris with the Iraq Museum, Al-Mutanabbi Street, the old souqs and easy day trips to Babylon and the arch of Ctesiphon.
The Kurdistan Region
The north is where many first time visitors start. Erbil has one of the oldest continuously lived in places on earth in its citadel, plus the easiest flights. Sulaymaniyah is the region's cultural capital, with sobering museums, a lively bazaar and mountain views. Duhok is the gateway to the valleys, waterfalls and old mountain towns near the Turkish border, and to the Yazidi temple at Lalish.
The south
Basra sits on the Shatt al-Arab, the meeting of the Tigris and Euphrates, and is the base for the Mesopotamian Marshes and the Ziggurat of Ur. The shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala draw millions of pilgrims and are best visited with respect and good timing.
Before you choose
Travel advice in Iraq varies a great deal by province, and it changes. Read your government's current advice for each place on your route, check your insurance, and use the free trip planner to shape a realistic order. For sights, food and stays in each city, see places to visit.