Full-Day Tour to Samarra

Follow the spiral path of history through Iraq’s forgotten capital — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once stood at the heart of the Islamic world. From towering minarets to hidden palaces and sacred spaces, this immersive journey reveals the faded grandeur and enduring spirit of the Abbasid Caliphate.

We’ll begin the day by picking you up from your hotel in Baghdad and traveling north along the Tigris River to the legendary city of Samarra, founded in 836 AD as the second capital of the Abbasid Empire.

 1. The Great Mosque of Samarra & Al-Malwiya Minaret

Our first stop is one of Iraq’s most iconic landmarks: the Great Mosque of Samarra, built in 848 AD by Caliph Al-Mutawakkil. Once the largest mosque in the world, the site is renowned for its colossal spiral minaret, known as Al-Malwiya, which rises 52 meters (171 feet) into the sky.

The unique helical design of the minaret is unlike anything else in Islamic architecture and symbolizes both spiritual ascent and imperial ambition. It’s a breathtaking place to begin our journey.

 2. Abu Dulaf Mosque & Minaret

About 15 km north of the city lies the Abu Dulaf Mosque, built in 859 AD and often overlooked by tourists. Commissioned by the same Abbasid caliph, this quiet site holds powerful serenity.

Although partially in ruins, the mosque’s towering minaret still stands at 32 meters, and the layout reflects the same architectural style as its sister mosque. It's a more intimate and contemplative stop, perfect for taking in the magnitude of the Abbasid vision.

 3. The Abbasid Ruins Complex

We’ll then explore the Abbasid Palace Complex, a vast archaeological area that includes:

• The Caliph’s Palace (also known as the Pool Palace)
  This underground palace was built in the 9th century as a private retreat for the caliph and features a remarkable circular pool — 62 meters wide and 2 meters deep — at its center. Concealed below ground for protection, the palace showcases how architecture was used both for luxury and security.

The surrounding ruins echo with silence, but their layout and structure hint at a once-grand world of courtly life and imperial elegance.

 4. Imam Ali al-Hadi’s Detention Site

Our final stop is deeply spiritual: the detention site of Imam Ali al-Hadi, the 10th Imam in Shia Islam. Though the building is now abandoned, it holds deep emotional and religious weight. The faded chamber is where he was held under house arrest — a place of quiet resilience and faith.

This sacred site offers an opportunity for reflection, especially for visitors interested in Islamic heritage and spiritual history.

 Lunch Break

We’ll enjoy a traditional Iraqi lunch at a local eatery or in a peaceful riverside setting. It’s a chance to relax, reflect, and share stories before we head back to Baghdad.

 Why Visit Samarra?

Samarra offers a one-of-a-kind journey through layers of empire, devotion, and forgotten brilliance. From massive minarets to hidden palaces, it’s a place where architecture and belief shaped an age — and where the silence still speaks.

One City, a Thousand Stories

This full-day trip to Samarra is more than a tour — it’s a chance to reconnect with one of the world’s great historical capitals, to witness living history, and to walk paths once taken by caliphs, scholars, and saints.

Book your journey today and let Samarra’s spiraling legacy guide you through Iraq’s golden age.