5-Day Southern Iraq Tour from Baghdad, Exploring Historical, Cultural & Religious Sites and Experiencing Everyday Life
Day 1: Baghdad
Our tour commences at the Iraqi Museum, immersing ourselves in ancient Mesopotamian antiquities and Arab-Islamic relics.
The tour continues with a captivating walking tour through the old quarters of Baghdad, visiting al-Mutanabbi Book Market street—an intellectual haven.
Walk to Mustansiriyah Madrasah, one of the earliest universities in the world, built by the Abbasid caliph al-Mustansir in 1233 AD.
A stop at the century-old Shabandar Cafe for a glass of lime tea, a speciality in Baghdad.
Next, we visit the Abbasid Palace on the Tigris riverbank, built in 1181. Adorned with beautiful ornamental designs and carvings, it is traditionally known as a palace, though Arab scholars believe it was actually a school.
Another century-old juice shop that serves refreshing raisin juice which was visited by Iraqi kings and presidents.
A walk in Khan Al Mudallal Antique Market shops.
A boat tour on the Tigris river follows.
Lunch at an old Baghdadi restaurant offering Kubba, a dumpling-like Iraqi dish.
Strolling through bustling bazaars of Coppersmiths, Stationery, and Clothing Markets.
A walk through the historical Rashid Street, the center of Baghdad in the past century, seeing several important old mosques and buildings.
Visiting Firdos Square where Saddam bronze statue was pulled down.
Marvel at the Martyr Monument, a blue split dome built as a memorial for the fallen Iraqi soldiers and officers.
We end the tour at the iconic Freedom Monument.
Day 2: Babylon - Karbala
We head to Babylon, exploring the original lower part of the Ishtar Gate and The Lion of Babylon, a 2600-year-old black basalt statue of a lion trampling a man.
Strolling through the reconstructed palace of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II, seeing some ancient bricks stamped with cuneiform writing.
Following the ruins, we walk to Saddam's abandoned palace, exploring its grandeur and encountering the last standing portrait statue of Saddam.
Walk to see the remains of the Tower of Babel (the Etemenanki Ziggurat).
Our path then leads us to Karbala, where we embark on a walking night tour, marveling at the magnificent shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas.
Immersing ourselves in the vibrant nearby bazaar.
Tea or coffee time at a rooftop cafe with a view of the gold-gilded domes.
The night concludes with a stay in Karbala.
Day 3: Najaf - Nasiriyah
The following morning, we head to Najaf to explore the holy shrine of Imam Ali, the son-in-law and the cousin of the prophet Muhammed.
A visit to the immense Valley of Peace graveyard, with over 6 million graves. Gaining a panoramic view from the top of a multistory garage, we gaze at the vastness of the cemetery.
Head to ancient Uruk to explore its ruins. Uruk is an ancient Sumerian city-state known as the birthplace of the first writing system, cuneiform, and home of the legendary king, Gilgamesh. We will explore ziggurats, temples, and clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing.
Continuing our travels, we drive to Nasiriyah province to marvel at the well-preserved Ziggurat of Ur, a pyramid-like stepped temple tower dating back to 2100 BC, during the time when this ancient city served as the capital of the Neo-Sumerian Empire.
Explore the Great Pit of Ur, the royal tombs cemetery, including that of Queen Puabi, where golden jewelry was found.
Discovered by Sir Leonard Woolley in the 1920s.
The day concludes with an overnight stay in Nasiyriah.
Day 4: Chibayish Marshes - Basra
The next morning, we venture to the Chibayish Marshes, home to a community living in reed houses, embracing a way of life dating back to the ancient Sumerians. After interacting with the local Marsh Arabs, we hop on an exhilarating boat tour through the marshes, witnessing tall reeds, swimming buffaloes and various bird species.
Following the tour, a delightful lunch of masgouf fish awaits us in a reed house and a glass of hot tea comes afterward.
Visit a tribal reed guesthouse, a larger reed structure where local tribesmen gather.
Continuing southward to Basra, we pause at al-Qurna town to witness the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and take a look at the ancient Adam tree.
When in Basra, we will visit Shat al-Arab Corniche.
Our day concludes with an overnight stay in Basra.
Day 5: A Full Day Tour in Basra
During the day, our itinerary starts with visits to several places in Basra. Starting at the Basra Museum, once one of Saddam’s palaces. Seeing Mesopotamian and Islamic artifacts.
Wander through the historic old town to marvel at the Shanasheel houses, former residences of affluent aristocrats.
Our tour continues with a stop at al-Hasoun Antique Museum and Cafe.
Stroll around the fish market in the old town, witnessing the different varieties of local fish.
Visit the 19th-century Church of St. Thomas.
Walk in al-Ashar Market.
See Saddam’s luxurious yacht, which he didn’t have the chance to sail.
Sunset boat tour in Shat al-Arab River.
Dinner at Shatt al-Arab restaurant with a view of Shatt al-Arab river and the Italian Bridge.
Get to the top of a 16-story hotel for tea and hookah, and enjoy the spectacular view of the city.
End the tour at the statue honoring the renowned poet in Basra, al-Sayyab, one of the pioneers of free verse poetry in the Arab world.
The Tour includes:
An experienced guide with a deep knowledge and passion for Iraq’s history.
A modern, private vehicle with a dedicated driver for comfortable transportation.
Airport pickup and drop-off.
4/3-star accommodation including buffet breakfast. (optional)
Entry fees and special access to all of the mentioned sites in the itinerary. (optional)
Marshes boat tour and a local Masgouf lunch, roasted carp. (optional)
Starting at $1500 for two guests (excluding optional items)
