8 Days ( Middle and South Iraq )

Our Guide will meet you morning at your hotel then we will visit the Iraq National Museum, where you can witness a vast collection that tells the epic story of human civilization, from the earliest settlements to the rise and fall of vast empires.
Next, we will head to Abu Nawas Gardens, a spacious natural garden with a unique composition of green areas and water ponds. It overlooks the Tigris River, offering a charming panoramic view and a statue of Scheherazade and Sharriyar. From there, we will walk to Kaharmana Square, where you can check out the Kahramana Fountain monument that depicts a scene from the legend of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.
After that, we will proceed to Nasb Enqath Al Thaqafa, also known as the Save Iraqi Culture Monument, located in the heart of Baghdad.
Finally, we can end the trip by having coffee at Ridha Alwan Café, which is one of the top-rated coffee shops in Baghdad.

Our trip will begin at Mustanasiryah Madrasa/School, which dates back to the 13th century and is among the oldest Islamic universities in the world. Afterward, we can head over to the Safafeer Copper Market, which offers an excellent selection of Iraqi souvenirs. Once we are done exploring the market, we can take a short walk to Al Mutanabi Street, one of Baghdad’s historical centers. There, we can visit numerous shops selling books and stationery, enjoy the lively cafe scene, and see the statue of the famous Abbasid-era poet for whom the street is named. We can also take in the impressive 19th-century Ottoman Qishleh Clock and enjoy a tea break at the Shabander Café, which has been around for over a century. Then, it’s time to visit Al-Rasheed St. and try a refreshing drink from the famous 100-year-old Haj Zebala Juice Shop. Our next stop is Tahrir Square, which is a public space with the Ummah Garden behind it. The square is home to an important monument that commemorates the establishment of the Republic of Iraq in 1958 and depicts key events leading up to its creation.
Finally, we will visit the Al Kadhimiyah Mosque, which is an essential site for Twelver Shias, as it contains the tombs of the 7th (Musa al Kadhim) and 9th (Mohammed al Jawwad) imams. After our visit, we will head back to the hotel in Baghdad,

After breakfast, you will visit the Al-Shaheed Monument, also known as the Martyr’s Monument. The monument was built to commemorate the Iraqis who lost their lives during the long Iran-Iraq War. You can also explore the museum and library located beneath the Martyr’s Monument to learn more about the Iran-Iraq War.
Afterward, you will be transferred to Samarra, which is about a 2.5-hour ride. During the 9th century under the Abbasid era, the Grand Mosque of Samarra was the largest mosque in the world. It is worth visiting. You can also take a stroll up the spiraling 52-meter-tall Malwiya Minaret, which is a must-do when in Samarra. After lunch, we will head back to Baghdad.

After having breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and be transferred to Babylon, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour ride. Our trip will begin with a visit to the Ishtar Gate, which was the entryway to ancient Babylon. Once inside the gates of Babylon, some of the highlights include the Babylon Museum, walls adorned with Babylonian gods, and the massive Labyrinth of Babylon, where Alexander the Great was finally slain. Another important landmark to see in Babylon is the Lion Statue, which was built under the orders of the Chaldean Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. After that, you will take a walk over to Saddam’s Babylon Palace.

Finally, our last stop for day three is the holy city of Karbala. Karbala is one of the most important cities in both Iraq and for Shia Muslims, as it is home to the most prominent Islamic ziarat (pilgrimage) called Arbaeen which falls 40 days after Ashura.

The first stop here will be the Shrine of Imam Hussein. The shrine features dazzling mirrored glass ceilings beautiful, glazed tile walls, and a tomb. Then we will walk next door to Imam Abbas Shrine. Imam Abbas is the brother of Imam Hussein, who was also martyred in the Battle of Karbala on the Day of Ashura and buried inside this mausoleum, overnight at Karbala.

After having breakfast, we will travel to the city of Najaf, which is considered one of the holiest cities for Shia Muslims. The city is home to the tomb of Ali, Prophet Mohammad’s cousin and brother-in-law, and is an important pilgrimage site like Karbala.
Our first stop will be the Imam Ali Shrine, which features a mosque adorned with gold and is also the resting place of several other vital prophets. After visiting the shrine, we will proceed to the Wadi as-Salaam, the largest cemetery in the world, which is home to over 5 million graves. Many Shias Muslims consider it a great honor to be buried here among the holy.
After a lunch break, we will head to the Grand Mosque of Kufa, which is one of the oldest surviving mosques in the world, dating back to the 7th century. The mosque was the home of Imam Ali and also houses the shrines of Muslim Ibn Akeel, al-Mukhtar, and Hani Ibn Urwa. There are several fascinating legends associated with the mosque as well.
Finally, we will return to our hotel in Najaf.

After breakfast, we will transfer to UR, which is approximately a 3-hour ride. Our first stop will be the Nasiriyah Museum, followed by a visit to the Ziggurat of Ur. Ur was a city-state in Mesopotamia dating back to 2200 BC, built by the Sumerians. The Ziggurat of Ur is an impressive structure that is worth climbing all the stairs to get 360º views from the top. It is among the best-preserved ziggurats still standing today. We will then return to the hotel in Nasiriyah.

Our journey will begin after breakfast with a mashoof ride, which is a traditional canoe-like boat, in the Mesopotamian Marshes. It is an incredible highlight of visiting Southern Iraq as the area is incredibly beautiful and is home to the fascinating culture of the Ma’dan (Marsh Arabs). The Hammar Marshes, also called al Chibayesh, is the most accessible area of the marshes, but there are also al Qurnah for those looking to get a bit further out. After the ride, we will be transferred to Basra where we will spend the night at a hotel.

After having breakfast, your day will begin with a morning boat ride on the Shatt al-Arab to view some of the city’s main highlights from the water. Following the brief river cruise, you will transfer to Basra’s Old City – Shanasheel. There, you can stroll through the canals and streets, and see traditional buildings and homes. Finally, visit the fish markets in Basra, which can be quite picturesque and atmospheric.

At the end of the trip, you will be transferred to Basra International Airport for your connecting flight back Home. Depending on your flight situation, you can either take a flight from Basra Airport – BSR, or take a domestic flight, taxi, or train to Baghdad and catch your flight from there.