10-Day Southern Iraq The Land Between Two Rivers Tour

Take some time to discover and reflect in some of the most significant religious sites in the world, dating back to the stargazing Chaldeans and are now home to many of Islam's most sacred towns and shrines. Start your journey in Baghdad, and over the course of 10 days, see things that most history buffs can only imagine. See the magnificent gates of Babylon, where King Hammurabi ruled the great Babylonian Empire and Alexander the Great spent his final years. You will also get an opportunity to stroll along the historic streets where the iconic Alexander the Great died as well as walk the same streets that the rulers of one of the most prominent ancient empires once did. 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Baghdad

Arrive at Baghdad International Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel for check in. Take a short break to freshen up before heading out for a welcome drink and dinner. 

Day 2 - Baghdad - Samarra - Ctesiphon

Journey to the ancient city of Samarra to explore the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, enjoy a delightful lunch in Baghdad before heading to Ctesiphon, a historic city situated on the left bank of the Tigris River. The site is well-known for the remnants of the Taq Kisra, a massive hall that was once thought to be the palace of the Sasanian ruler Khosra I. You will then return to Baghdad, where you will do a brief city tour if time permits.

Day 3 - Baghdad

Spend the day discovering Baghdad! Admire the magnificent relics of the Persian, Abbasid, and Mesopotamian civilizations in the magnificent Archaeological Museum of Iraq. Continue to the Al-Mustansariya School, which was once the main center for Islamic learning and is now recognized as one of Baghdad's most stunning examples of modern architecture. Then, explore the famous Copper Market, Souk al-Safareen, as well as stroll along Al-Mutanabi Street, Baghdad's historical center for bookselling, which is filled with bookstores and outdoor book kiosks.

Day 4 - Baghdad - Babylon - Karbala

Make your way to the ancient city of Babylon, which was once the biggest and most powerful city in the world. With the help of your knowledgeable guide, explore the historical ancient site of the Babylonian empire, including the ruins of the Tower of Babel and the Hanging Gardens. You also will get a chance to stroll along the streets where the iconic Alexander the Great died as well as walk the same streets that the rulers of one of the most prominent ancient empires once did. Pass through a replica of the magnificent Ishtar Gate, which is made of vivid blue tiles and embellished with images of amazing creatures, before heading to the impressive Saddam Hussein Palace, which is situated on a hilltop with a great view of Babylon. Continue on to the holy city of Karbala to witness its bustling markets, the majestic Al-Abbas Mosque, and the historic Imam Hussein Shrine.

Day 5 - Karbala - Kifl - Kufa - Najaf

Continue your adventure by going to Najaf, another holy city in Southern Iraq. Here, visit the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali, the fourth caliph and cousin of the prophet Muhammad. En route to Najaf, make a brief stop in Al Kilf and visit another significant pilgrimage site, the tomb of the Old Testament’s Prophet Ezekiel. Check out the Hebrew and Arabic inscriptions on the tomb’s wall, serving as a reminder of the shared Abrahamic roots of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions. You will then experience the vibrant Iraqi culture as you explore Najaf’s souks before heading back to the accommodation for the night.

Day 6 - Najah - Uruk - Nasiriya

Depart for Samawa, an ancient city built on both sides of the Euphrates River. You will then make your way to Uruk, one of the greatest settlements of the Mesopotamian Civilization, and get an insight into the notable and significant contributions of the Sumerians, particularly the Cuneiform Writing System. Continue on to Nasiriya for a stroll through the lively and vibrant markets before checking into the hotel for the night.

Day 7 - Nasiriya - Ur

Travel back in time as you explore the Sumerian City-State of Ur! Visit the famed Ziggurat of Ur, a stone temple complex constructed in honor of the moon God Nanna, the city's patron deity. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch before strolling through the bustling souk market in Nasiriya.

Day 8 - Nasiriyah - Marches - Basra

Discover what it's like to live in the Iraqi marshes as you paddle through one of the largest wetland ecosystems in the Middle East! Learn more about the Ma’dan people and their ancient customs as you get a chance to meet the local community in the area. Continue on to Qurna and get back on the river to witness where the Tigris and Euphrates meet to form the Shatt al Arab waterway. Then, make your way to Basra, where you will spend the night.

Day 9 - Basra

Spend the day in and around Basra, the second largest city in Iraq! Stroll through the historic district, taking in the beautiful ancient residences constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite the fact that the majority of the structures are currently abandoned and slowly disintegrating, they continue to tell the story of the town's illustrious past. You will then enjoy a sunset cruise on the gorgeous Shatt al-Arab River to splendidly cap off your Southern Iraq journey. 

Day 10 - Basra

Check out from the hotel after breakfast, then transfer to Basra International Airport for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• Airport Pick Up and Drop Off

• 9 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (9)

• Lunch (8)

• Dinner (8)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• A visa or stamp to Israel or the self-ruled territories, used or unused/valid or invalid, will lead to an immediate entry refusal at all Iraqi ports of entry, even if the traveler is carrying a valid entry visa, and even if traveling on a group visa.

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• When visiting the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, there are strict rules of faith. Men need a pair of trousers and t-shirt to wear and women will need long sleeves and a scarf. Please also be advised that alcohol is prohibited in these cities. 

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Depending on the political situation, the length of the tour and the order of visited places may change. In a situation of a serious threat to travelers’ safety, the tour may be canceled. 

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on the situation.

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.