Adil Sumerian
Southern Iraq Discovery

6 days

Southern Iraq Discovery

A six-day journey from Baghdad to Basra, exploring ancient civilizations, sacred cities, the legendary marshes, and the authentic spirit of southern Iraq.

Destinations

  • Baghdad
  • Babylon
  • Karbala
  • Najaf
  • Mesopotamian Marshes
  • Ur
  • Basra

Day by day

  1. Day 1Discover Historic Baghdad Explore Baghdad’s historical landmarks, including Tahrir Square, the Freedom Monument, Al-Mutanabbi Street, Al-Qishla, Al-Mustansiriya School, the Abbasid Palace, and Al-Rashid Street. Enjoy the traditional markets and the famous Shabandar Café while discovering the city’s rich history and culture. Overnight in Baghdad.
  2. Day 2Day 2 – Babylon & Karbala Discover the ancient city of Babylon, including the Ishtar Gate, Processional Way, and Lion of Babylon. Visit Saddam Hussein’s Palace overlooking the archaeological site, subject to access conditions. Continue to Karbala to visit the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and Al-Abbas, and explore the historic old city. Overnight in Karbala.
  3. Day 3Day 3 – Al-Ukhaidir, Najaf & Kufa Visit the impressive Al-Ukhaidir Fortress and the ancient Al-Aqiser Church. Continue to Najaf to explore the holy shrine of Imam Ali and the historic Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery, one of the largest cemeteries in the world. Then visit the Great Mosque of Kufa and the historic remains of Dar Al-Imara. Overnight in Najaf.
  4. Day 4Day 4 – Uruk, Ur & the Mesopotamian Marshes Explore the ancient city of Uruk, one of the earliest urban centres in human history. Visit the famous Ziggurat of Ur and the Royal Cemetery of Ur. Continue to the Mesopotamian Marshes to enjoy a traditional local lunch, a boat ride through the waterways, and a beautiful sunset. Spend the night in a traditional reed house in the heart of the marshes. Overnight in the Marshes.
  5. Day 5Day 5 – The Marshes, Qurnah & Basra Start the day with a sunrise boat trip through the Mesopotamian Marshes. Visit Qurnah, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet, and see the famous Tree of Adam. Continue to Basra to explore the historic old city, Basra Museum, and traditional heritage houses. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride along the Shatt al-Arab and a walk along the Basra Corniche. Overnight in Basra.
  6. Day 6Basra & Return to Baghdad Visit Basra’s traditional fish market and the historic British Military Cemetery. After exploring these sites, drive back to Baghdad Arrive in Baghdad and transfer to Baghdad International Airport according to your flight schedule.
About this tour +

This sixth -day journey from Baghdad to Basra follows the story of southern Iraq through ancient cities, sacred sites, and landscapes shaped by the rivers of Mesopotamia. From the monumental ruins of Babylon and the spiritual atmosphere of Karbala and Najaf to the ancient cities of Ur and Uruk, the journey reveals layers of history that span thousands of years. In the southern marshes and along the waterways of Basra, life moves to a different rhythm — one shaped by nature, warm hospitality, traditional food, and customs passed down through generations.