Iraq · Archaeology

8-Day Southern Iraq Heritage Tour from Baghdad to Basra

8 Days Round trip from Baghdad Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit Bab Al Wastani, the only remaining gate of Baghdad
02 Explore Al-Safafir Market, the world's first market
03 Tour the Abbasid Palace, Tahrir Square, and Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu
04 Discover Ctesiphon and visit the shrines of Imam Abbas and Imam Hussein in Karbala
05 Tour the ancient city of Babylon
06 Explore Al-Ukhaidir Fortress and visit the Prophet Dhu al-Kifl's site
07 Visit Imam Ali Shrine, ancient Uruk, and the Iraqi Marshes

Explore the rich heritage of Iraq on an 8-day journey from Baghdad through Karbala, Najaf, Samawah, Nassiriya, and Basra. Discover historic streets and landmarks in Baghdad, visit major Shia shrines in Karbala and Najaf, and explore ancient sites including Babylon, Uruk, and the Ziggurat of Ur. The tour also takes you into the Iraqi Marshes UNESCO World Heritage Site for a boat trip and local cultural experience, before ending with Basra's old quarters, museum, and the meeting point of the Mesopotamian rivers.

Enjoy a 1-hour boat trip in the Iraqi Marshes UNESCO World Heritage Site and have Mazgof fish during the tour.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Basra, as Samawah, Najaf, Baghdad, An Nasiriyah, Karbala, Babylon

Languages Arabic, English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Baghdad and Old City Discovery

Arrive in Baghdad and meet your tour representative.
Transfer to Bab Al Wastani, where your tour begins.
Tour the old town and Saray Street.
Wander around Al-Safafir Market and Mutanabi Street.
Visit the Abbasid Palace, stop at Shabandar Cafe for a tea break, and see the Mustansiriya School.
Pass through the Green Zone.
Visit the historical Martyr's Monument, which Saddam built during the Iraq-Iran wars, as well as the historic Liberation Square, where many protests against foreign and domestic powers took place.

Dinner at a local restaurant or at the accommodation.

Day 02

Baghdad Museum, Dur-Kurigalzu and Ctesiphon

On this day, visit the following places:
- Iraq Museum
- Ziggurat Dur-Kurigalzu
- Ctesiphon / Parthian Empire
- Sassanian Empire
Enjoy a drive about 40 km outside Baghdad, which takes around 30-40 minutes.

Day 03

Babylon and the Shrines of Karbala

Transfer from Baghdad to Karbala.
Enjoy a 1.5-hour tour of the ancient city of Babylon, located about a 40-50-minute drive from Baghdad.
Visit Saddam's Palace and see its rooms and rooftop view.
Savour a delicious lunch in the afternoon.
Continue to Karbala and visit Imam Abbas and Imam Hussein, the most significant shrines in the Shia world.

Dinner at a restaurant or accommodation.

Day 04

Al-Ukhaidir Fortress and Sacred Najaf

Explore Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, located 50 km south of Karbala, approximately a 1.5-hour drive away.
Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in Karbala that offers Kurdish and Arabic cuisine.
Visit the Prophet Dhu al-Kifl's Shrine. Please note that the shrine may be closed, but the mosque next to it is open for visits. It is approximately a 1-hour drive from Karbala.
Explore Wadi Al-Salam, the biggest cemetery in the world.
Check in at your hotel.
Visit Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery and Imam Ali Shrine.

Day 05

Uruk and the Ziggurat of Ur

Drive to Uruk, approximately 2.5 hours away. Uruk is famous for being one of the earliest cities in the world.
Spend about 1.5 hours exploring the ancient temples.
Proceed to Nassiriya to visit the Ziggurat of Ur, the birthplace of the prophet Abraham, and walk around the ancient city for an hour.

Dinner and overnight in Samawa city.

Day 06

Iraqi Marshes Experience and Basra Old Town

Enjoy a 1-hour boat trip in the Iraqi Marshes UNESCO World Heritage Site and have Mazgof fish during the tour.
Stay in a reed house with local people.
Transfer to Basra on a 2-hour drive and check in at the hotel.
Visit Shanasheel and wander through Old Basra.
Enjoy an optional walk at night by the Shat al-Arab River.

Dinner and overnight in Basra.

Day 07

Basra Cultural Museum and Return to Baghdad

Start your day with a visit to the Basra Cultural Museum.
Explore Shatt al-Arab, the point where the two Mesopotamian rivers meet.
Enjoy the drive back to Baghdad, with lunch en route.

Dinner and overnight in Baghdad.

Day 08

Departure from Baghdad

Depart at your preferred time for the airport, where your tour concludes.

Where this trip takes you

Babylon, Ziggurat of Ur, Iraqi Marshes UNESCO World Heritage Site

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Baghdad 7 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Accommodations
Professional multi-language speaking private guide with 5+ years of experience during the entire tour
Lecture at every historical and cultural site
Transportation in an air-conditioned private car
Breakfast
Pickup and drop-off at the airport

What's Not Included

Lunch and dinner
Travel insurance
Entry fees to all historical sites and museums
Alcoholic drinks
Souvenirs
Internet inside the vehicle

Know before you go

Travel advisory and safety: While travelling within the country and entering other cities, you will pass through security checkpoints, so it is crucial not to take videos or photos or talk on the phone while passing through them. Otherwise, authorities may take your phone and examine it. In some cases, this may lead to jail time, so it is best not to photograph police unless you have their permission, and this should be done through the guide.
Visa and documentation: Individuals holding a valid US passport, or a passport from the United Kingdom, People's Republic of China, Russian Federation, French Republic, European Union countries, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or South Korea, are granted a visa to Iraq upon arrival through border crossings by land, air, or sea. The visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival, subject to the applicable health and safety conditions upon arrival. The fee is 80 USD, cash only, at the airport.
Health and vaccinations: Vaccinations are not required for travel to Iraq. It is also advisable to have travel health insurance before coming to Iraq; however, we will do our best to meet your medical needs in case of sickness or illness.
Cultural sensitivities: Familiarize yourself with local customs and cultural norms to ensure respectful behaviour throughout your visit. Do not take photos of others unless you have their permission.
When entering any mosque or shrine, women must wear a Hejab or an Abaya, or they will not be allowed to enter.
Weather and packing: Understand the climate of the region you will be visiting and pack accordingly. Summers can be sweltering, while winters may be cooler.
Arabic is the official language of Iraq. While English may be spoken in tourist areas, knowing a few basic Arabic phrases can be helpful; however, the guide is fluent in three languages: Arabic, English, and Kurdish.
The Iraqi Dinar (IQD) is the official currency. Credit cards may not be widely accepted, so carrying cash in local currency is advisable. You may also exchange money in the local market with the guide. It is preferred that US dollars be brought for exchange.
Respect for local laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations to avoid any misunderstandings or legal issues during your stay.