A seven-day journey from Baghdad through Babylon and the holy cities to the Sumerian south, ending with the marshlands, the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates, and the port city of Basra.
| 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 → Al-Multaqa → Basra |
| Day 6 | Basra → Baghdad |
| Day 7 | Hotel → Baghdad Airport |
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport, where our representative will welcome you and assist you. A private vehicle will then take you from the airport to your hotel, so you can recover from your flight and prepare for your stay in the capital.
Your exploration of Baghdad begins with a guided morning tour, giving a broad view of the city's cultural and historical landmarks and a taste of its lively local life.
Next, visit the ancient city of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Babylon was a key kingdom of ancient Mesopotamia from the 18th to the 6th century BC; explore its impressive ruins and learn about the famous Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Then travel to Karbala, a city of great religious significance in Islam, especially for Shia Muslims. It is the site of the Imam Hussein Shrine, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
Start the day in Karbala, with time to explore its significant religious sites and local culture.
Travel to Al-Kifl to visit the Tomb of the Prophet Ezekiel, a figure in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran, whose tomb is a pilgrimage site for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike.
The day ends in Najaf, one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, about 160 km south of Baghdad. It is home to the Imam Ali Shrine, dedicated to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam of Shia Islam, and to Wadi al-Salam, an ancient cemetery said to be the largest in the world.
Begin the day in Najaf, with time to experience the early-morning atmosphere of this holy city.
Travel to the Great Ziggurat of Ur, a massive stepped pyramid and one of the well-preserved monuments of Sumerian civilization. Built in the Early Bronze Age, it was restored by the Neo-Sumerian king Ur-Nammu in the 21st century BC.
Continue to Nasiriyah, on the banks of the Euphrates and close to the ruins of ancient Ur.
Begin in Nasiriyah, with the option of visiting local markets or nearby historical sites.
Head to the Mesopotamian Marshes, a unique wetland ecosystem often called the “cradle of civilization” and home to the Marsh Arabs, who have lived in harmony with the marshes for thousands of years. The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
Continue to Al-Multaqa, at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates, known for its natural beauty and as a traditional meeting point.
The day ends in Basra, the port city on the Shatt al-Arab, Iraq's economic hub and a city known for its role in the oil industry and its lively culture.
Travel back from Basra to Baghdad for your final night in the capital.
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.
Send us your preferred dates and the number of travellers, and we will reply with the details of this program.
Arriving in Baghdad? See airport pickup. Need a letter for your application? See the invitation letter service.
