Itinerary

1. Day 1: Karbala, Babylon & Najaf

   • Depart Baghdad early morning 7:30 proceed to Karbala one of the holiest sites in the world for Shi'a Muslims as it is home to the shrine of the Imam Hussein ibn Ali, who was defeated and killed here in 680. He was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and son of Fatima the Prophet's daughter. 
   • Although Muhammad made statements before his death that appeared to name Ali as his successor, three others were chosen in turn before Ali became caliph in 656. His rule was marked by rebellions, and he was assassinated four years after taking office. Today, millions of Shi'ites visit the shrine each year. 
   • Visit the sacred shrines of Imam Hussein and Al-Abbas.
   • Depart to the city of Babylon, which was a key kingdom in ancient Mesopotamia from the 18th century when the Amortie king Hammurabi built Babylon into a major city. It is estimated to have been the largest city in the world at various times and came under the rule of various civilizations. 
   • The Babylon of today was significantly rebuilt under Saddam. The entire central palace of Babylon is made of 20th century fired bricks, but it is fascinating to reflect that Alexander the Great died in the throne room, surrounded by his mourning generals. 
   • The colorful outer part of the famed Ishtar Gate is displayed at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, but here you can see inner molded brick walls as well as the processional way. 
   • One of the most impressive Palaces of Saddam is situated just above Babylon, with beautiful views over the ruins and the Euphrates and may be visited if the authorities allow it. It was looted to the last light bulb and is filled with graffiti. 
   • The sheer size and cost of this palace and the fact that he most likely never was there symbolizes the extent of his madness and waste

    then continue the drive to Birs Nimrud, an important ancient city of Sumer, built on both sides of a lake about 11 miles southwest of Babylon

2. Day 2 Najaf

   • One of Iraq's holy cities and home to Imam Ali shrine, Prophet Mohammad's cousin and son-in-law, and the 4th caliph. Imam Ali was the spiritual founder of the Shi'ite sect, and is revered as a martyr and saint, and the shrine has been an important Shi'a pilgrimage site since his death in 661. 
   • One legend claims Adam's body was buried on the site.  
   • Najaf is the hub of Shiite political power, not just for Iraq but also for the entire world.  Serenity & Light Spend the morning at the Shrine of Imam Ali, Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery, and Bahr Al-Najaf (Najaf Sea ) then Enjoy lunch at the Tirf Restaurant in Al-Shiraa Complex. Explore Kufa Mosque, Dar Imam Ali Mosque, and Al-Sahla Mosque. Stay the night in Najaf

3. Day 3 Southbound to Uruk & Basra

   • Begin the day driving towards Al-Muthana province to visit the ancient Sumerian site of Uruk , where the first written script was discovered. Tour the excavated site dating back to 4,000 BC, then reach Basra. 
   • Walk the Corniche and cruise the Shatt Al-Arab which is the river following the merge of the Euphrates and the Tigris.  In the late afternoon, ride in a boat on the Shatt Al-Arab Stay the night at Ward Hotel.

4. Day 4 Basra’s Soul

   • Visit the Al-Hassoun Museum, beautiful Armenian churches, and have lunch at Beit Al-Kul. Enjoy a shopping tour through Basra’s traditional markets.

5. Day 5: Marshes & Mesopotamia

   • Begin the morning with a visit to the ancient Mesopotamian town of Al-Qurnah to Visit Adam’s Tree which claims to be the site of the Garden of Eden and contains Adam's Tree  also known as the Tree of Knowledge. 
   • This is where the Tigris and Euphrates meet. Continue to the Marshes for a canoe ride,  Explore the Al-Chibayish Marshes and enjoy a traditional grilled masgouf lunch on the riverbank. 
   • Make a final stop at the majestic Ziggurat of Ur has architectural characteristics similar to the Tower of Babel mentioned in the Bible. This ziggurat was dedicated to the lunar god Nanna. 
   • Tour the archaeological site of Ur, also believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. 
   • Return to Baghdad.