South Iraq Program
Please note this is a sample tour itinerary that is popular with our guests. We are a custom tour company and will design each tour to fit your individual needs and desire.
You could combine it with Kurdistan program.
Southern Iraq Historical Tour
“The Land between the Rivers”
8 Days
Day 1: Arrival Baghdad – Hotel Check in and Orientation
Arrive in Baghdad and transfer to your Hotel.
Overnight in Baghdad.
Day 2: Baghdad – Samarra – Agargouf – Baghdad
Day trip to Samarra to visit the archeological site, a UNESCO world heritage site and former Abbasid capital. This includes the 8th century great mosque and the iconic spiral minaret.
Return to Baghdad via the Babylonian era Ziggurat at AgarGouf. Overnight in Baghdad.
Day 3: Baghdad Iraqi Museum and City Sites
Visit the Iraq Museum and the Al-Shaheed monument. You will also have time to visit the Madrasa & copper shops in Al-Mutanabi Street Overnight in Baghdad.
Day 4: Baghdad – Ctesiphon – Babylon – Karbala
Travel from Baghdad to Karbala.
En route visit the arch of Ctesiphon and remains of the city of Babylon, now heavily reconstructed. At Babylon we will also visit an old palace of Saddam’s.
Once in Karbala we can visit the shrine of Imam Hussein. Overnight in Karbala.
Day 5: Karbala – Ukhaider – Kifl – Kufa -Najaf
An early start to visit At Tar Caves and Al Ukhaidir Fort. Then travel on to visit Al Khifal and its ancient souk then finishing in Kufa and Najaf. You will be able to witness some of the holiest places in Shia Islam including the house of Imam Ali in Kufa and his Shrine in Najaf.
Overnight in Najaf.
Day 6: Najaf to URUK – Ur – Nasiriyah
Drive from Najaf to Nasiriyah
Visit the remains of the ancient cities of Uruk and Ur. Overnight in Nasiriyah.
Day 7: Nasiriyah – Marshes – Basra
A day experiencing life in the marshes of Iraq. We will take small boats through the marshes seeing water buffalo and lunching on Masgouf (Iraqi carp – the national dish). We will also visit Qurna and again take to water to see the point where the Tigris and Euphrates meet to form the Shatt al Arab waterway. Finally travel to Basra. Overnight in Basra.
Day 8: Basra
A day in and around Basra including seeing the traditional merchant houses of the city, another boat ride to visit one of Saddam’s old palaces. Overnight in Basra, or Transfer to Basra international airport.