A six-day journey through Iraq's history, spiritual treasures and archaeological sites, with Nasiriyah and the southern marshes as the highlight.
Baghdad city tour
Babylon
Karbala, Al-Kifl and Najaf
Ziggurat of Ur
Nasiriyah
Mesopotamian Marshes
Itinerary at a glance
Day
Route
Day 1
Baghdad Airport → Hotel
Day 2
Baghdad morning city tour → Ancient City of Babylon → Karbala
Day 3
Karbala → Al-Kifl → Najaf
Day 4
Najaf → Great Ziggurat of Ur → Nasiriyah
Day 5
Nasiriyah → Mesopotamian Marshes → Baghdad
Day 6
Hotel → Baghdad Airport
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Baghdad
Route: Baghdad Airport → Hotel
Arrive in Baghdad in the afternoon. Our team will meet you at the airport, assist you with the arrival formalities and escort you by private transfer to your hotel. Check in, freshen up and settle in before the journey begins.
Our staff will help with the entry formalities, and during the drive you can take in glimpses of Baghdad's lively atmosphere and landmarks.
Day 2 Baghdad – Babylon – Karbala
Route: Baghdad morning city tour → Ancient City of Babylon → Karbala
Begin the day with a morning tour of Baghdad, visiting landmarks such as Al-Mustansiriya University (Madrasah) and the Baghdad Clock Tower to get a feel for the capital's history and daily life.
Next, travel to ancient Babylon, an archaeological treasure steeped in myth and legend. Admire the Ishtar Gate, walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations and see the remains of the Hanging Gardens.
Continue to Karbala, a city of immense significance for Shia Muslims. Visit the revered shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas ibn Ali.
Day 3 Karbala – Al-Kifl – Najaf
Route: Karbala → Al-Kifl → Najaf
Begin in Karbala and visit the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas ibn Ali.
Travel to Al-Kifl to visit the Tomb of the Prophet Ezekiel, an important site for Jews and Muslims, and learn about its biblical and cultural significance.
Conclude the day in Najaf, where you will visit the grand Imam Ali Shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, and admire its architecture and serene atmosphere.
Day 4 Najaf – Ur – Nasiriyah
Route: Najaf → Great Ziggurat of Ur → Nasiriyah
Start in Najaf with a visit to the Imam Ali Shrine.
Then journey to the Great Ziggurat of Ur, an architectural marvel of ancient Mesopotamia, and explore the massive stepped pyramid and its historical importance.
Arrive in Nasiriyah in the afternoon and explore the local markets, meet its friendly people and taste the flavors of the city.
Day 5 Nasiriyah – Mesopotamian Marshes – Baghdad
Route: Nasiriyah → Mesopotamian Marshes → Baghdad
Begin in Nasiriyah and enjoy its markets and local traditions.
Then visit the Mesopotamian Marshes, unique wetlands often called the cradle of civilization. Explore them by traditional boat and observe the abundant wildlife and the way people and nature coexist.
Return to Baghdad, where you can revisit favorite sites, enjoy local cuisine or relax at your hotel.
Day 6 Departure from Baghdad
Route: Hotel → Baghdad Airport
After breakfast, check out of the hotel. A private transfer will take you to Baghdad International Airport in time for your flight, bringing our services to a close. We wish you a safe journey and look forward to welcoming you again.
What's included
Airport meet and greet
Private transfers
Boat ride in the marshes
Guided visits at the sites listed
Hotels, dates and group size are confirmed with you in a written quote. We confirm the final plan with you before you book.
Photos
The Ishtar Gate reconstruction at Babylon. Photo: Osama Sarm, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source); cropped and resized.The Imam Abbas Shrine, Karbala. Photo: Amir Hesaminejad, CC BY 4.0 (source); cropped and resized.The Imam Ali Shrine, Najaf. Photo: Goudarz.memar, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source); cropped and resized.The Ziggurat of Ur near Nasiriyah. Photo: Alli Khalil, CC BY-SA 4.0 (source); cropped and resized.
Ask for a quote
Send us your preferred dates and the number of travellers, and we will reply with the details of this program.