• Overall

  Iraq is one of thise rare places where history feels alive - from the Abbasid legacy of Baghdad to the pilgrimage cities of Najaf and Karbala. This is a short tour packed with depth, taking you to the highlights of federal Iraq whilst also offering the unique opportunity to spend a night in the Iraqi Marshes. 

  This itinerary focuses on central and southern Iraq, combining culture, religion and history - both ancient and modern. 

  We begin and end in Baghdad, with time to explore the city's museums, markets, and historic quarters.

  Between Baghdad stays, we visit Karbala and Najaf - two of the most significant cities in the Shia Muslim world - before travelling south to spend a night in a traditional reed house in the Iraqi Marshes. 

  Between the modern cities, we will visit remote ancient cities - such as the Ziggurat of Ur dating back to 5000 BC, Uruk - the birthplace of the first written language, and Ctsesiphon - the world's oldest free-standing arch.

  Expect full days and some long drives. Although the payoff is seeing a huge cross-section of Iraq in a short time!

  Optional extension: if you'd like to add Iraqi Kurdistan to the end of this itinerary, let us know - we can assist with an add-on private tour. 

  Highlights

  • Baghdad's Old City | Explore Mutanabi Street, historic schools, and the Iraqi National Museum. 
  • Holy Cities of Najaf & Karbala | Visit two of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Shia world.
  • Marshes Overnight | Sunset and sunrise boat rides and a night in a traditional reed house. 

  click image to expand

• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 7

  1. March 21 | Sunday 

     Arrival Day in Baghdad 

     Arrival in Iraq's capital 

     • Arrive at Baghdad International Airport from major hubs in the Middle East or Istanbul.
     • Your driver will wait for you at the airport to transfer you to the hotel.
     • Check in at the hotel.

     Welcome Dinner

     • Enjoy an evening walk and dinner in front of the Tigris River.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baghdad
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  2. March 22 | Monday 

     Baghdad 

     Baghdad City Tour 

     • Iraqi National Museum | Visit the Iraqi National Museum to get introduced to Iraqi culture and history throughout the years. This museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from Mesopotamian civilisations, including Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian relics. It is considered one of the most important museums in the Middle East.
     • Mutanabi Street and Old Baghdad | Explore the old part of Baghdad. Visit Mutanabi Street, known as the Book Street, along with the antique market and the old copper market. It is named after the 10th-century poet Al-Mutanabi.
     • Tea and Coffee Stop in Old Baghdad | Stop at one of Baghdad’s most famous tea and coffee shops for lemon tea or shisha! 
     • Mustansiriya School | Visit Mustansiriya School, one of the oldest remaining schools in the world. The Mustansiriya Madrasa was established in the 13th century and served as an important educational institution during the Abbasid era.
     • Baghdad Green Zone | Drive through Baghdad’s Green Zone.
     • Save the Iraqi Culture Monument | Visit a monument dedicated to Iraqi culture and history.
     • Martyrs Monument | Go for sunset to the Martyrs Monument, a large blue-domed structure built in the 1980s to commemorate Iraqis who died in past wars. It is a symbol of national remembrance.
     • Dinner in the new part of Baghdad.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baghdad
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. March 23 | Tuesday 

     Babylon and Karbala 

     Karbala Day Visit 

     • Drive to Karbala.
     • Lunch at a local farm.

     Babylon

     • Ancient City of Babylon | Babylon was one of the most important cities of ancient Mesopotamia, known for its role as the capital of Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar II. It is associated with significant cultural achievements, including the Code of Hammurabi and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
     • Saddam’s Palace | Visit Saddam Hussein's palace and see a remnant from his regime. From here, enjoy amazing views over the ancient city.

     Karbala

     • Karbala is a holy city for Shia Muslims and the site of the shrine of Imam Hussein. It is the focal point of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
     • Imam Hussein’s Shrine | Visit Imam Hussein’s Shrine. Here you will learn why it is once of the most important cities in Iraq religiously, with the largest annual gathering in the world. The shrine also marks the burial place of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, martyred at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. 
     • Dinner and overnight in Karbala.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Karbala
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. March 24 | Wednesday 

     Karbala to Najaf 

     Drive to Najaf

     • Ezekiel Tomb | Visit the Ezekiel Tomb, where it is believed to be the burial place of the biblical prophet Ezekiel. The site contains old Hebrew inscriptions and was historically shared by Jewish and Muslim communities.
     • Daniel’s Market | Explore the old market next to the tomb, called Daniel's Market.
     • Ziggurat of Borsippa | Visit the Ziggurat of Borsippa, which is believed by many to be the Tower of Babel.

     Najaf City Tour

     • Old City | Explore Najaf and its Old City, one of the most important cities in the Shia Muslim world.
     • Wadi al Salam | Visit Wadi al Salam - the largest cemetery in the world. Meaning "Valley of Peace", it is located in Najaf and it has been a burial site for over 1,400 years.
     • Market Visit | We will then visit the market to buy local clothes, abayas, and souvenirs. You'll need this local attire to enter the Imam Ali Shrine.
     • Imam Ali Shrine | Visit the Imam Ali Shrine, the burial site of Imam Ali, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam in Shia Islam. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims. We will take a look inside the seperated female/male sections and you'll truly be astounded by the colours, lights, and decirations from this fantastic piece of architecture.
     • Kufa Mosque | Visit Kufa Mosque, the fourth holiest site for Shia Muslims, associated with Imam Ali and early Islamic history.
     • Dinner and overnight in Najaf.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Najaf
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. March 25 | Thursday 

     Najaf to the Iraqi Marshes

     Iraqi Marshes & Overnight Stay 

     • City of Ur | Visit the ancient city of Ur, including the Ziggurat of Ur and the House of the Prophet Abraham. This 4,000-year-old city was one of the most important Sumerian settlements. The Ziggurat of Ur itself is an impressive stepped structure which dominates the otherwise flat landscape. According to tradition, this is the birthplace of Abraham.
     • Travel to the Iraqi Marshes for a late lunch of masquf, which is Sumerian traditional grilled fish (vegetarian option available).
     • Iraqi Marshes | Visit the UNESCO-listed wetlands where the Marsh Arabs still live in traditional reed houses and travel by narrow boats along the waterways.
     • Boat Trip in the Marshes | Take a sunset boat trip and visit a local Samarian-designed reed house in the middle of the marshes where we will spend the night.
     • Night in the Marshes | Enjoy an evening amongst the marshes where we will have snacks, a light dinner around the fire, and local music all while being surrounded by nature.

     Accommodation | Samarian-style local accommodation in the marshes. Note: This is not a hotel and features local-style sleeping arrangements. Amenities such as toiletries are not provided, but the experience makes up for it!
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. March 26 | Friday 

     Drive to Baghdad 

     • Ancient City of Uruk | Visit Uruk, considered the birthplace of civilisation and the site of the earliest evidence of written language. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
     • Free time in Baghdad for souvenir shopping (time permitting!).
     • Walk alongside the Tigris River.
     • Farewell dinner in Baghdad.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baghdad
     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. March 27 | Saturday

     Departure from Iraq

     Flight Departures from Baghdad

     • Transfer to Baghdad International Airport (BGW).

     • Departure from Baghdad International Airport throughout the day.

     Accommodation | N/A
     Included Meals | Breakfast

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room in Iraq

• What is / is not included?

  • All accommodation in Iraq.
  • Iraq visa support.
  • Local Iraqi guide.
  • Expert Koryo Tours tour leader.
  • All transportation within Iraq.
  • All entrance tickets and activities listed. 
  • All meals.
  • Water throughout the day. 

  • Travel to Iraq.
  • Iraq visa.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Tips for local guides.
  • Souvenirs.
  • Extra drinks/snacks.
  • Single supplement rooming ($50 USD per night).

• Notes

  All visas are arranged through an e-visa scheme. We will provide support documents and help you make the visa application. The visa (including for VOA) ranges from $160-190 USD.

  On this trip, we aim to see as much as possible in a very short amount of time. Iraq has a lot of history on offer, so of course we want to make the most out of this trip. Because of that, the days may be long and it involves a lot of driving as we make our way from south to north. 

Please apply by 7th March, 2027.