Our 5-day Iraq tours are perfect for travelers arriving in Baghdad in the afternoon. These itineraries offer a relaxed start with a hotel transfer on the first day, followed by full days of exploration across Iraq’s rich cultural and historical landscapes. Each tour offers a deep dive into the country’s ancient cities, spiritual sites, and natural wonders, with a focus on providing a comprehensive and memorable experience.
Here’s a quick overview of the 3 options available:
Option 1 » Babylon + Al-Ukhaidir + Karbala
- Day 1 » Baghdad afternoon arrival » Airport Meet & Greet » Hotel transfer
- Day 2 » Baghdad city tour » Ctesiphon Ancient City » Baghdad
- Day 3 » Baghdad » Babylon Ancient City » Saddam Hussein Palace » Al-Ukhaidir Fortress » Karbala
- Day 4 » Karbala city tour » Ezekial Tomb in Al Kifl » Najaf city tour » Baghdad
- Day 5 » Baghdad morning departure » Airport transfer // End of our services.
Option 2 » Ziggurat of Ur + Marshes
- Day 1 » Baghdad afternoon arrival » Airport Meet & Greet » Hotel transfer
- Day 2 » Baghdad city tour » Ctesiphon Ancient City » Baghdad
- Day 3 » Baghdad » Ziggurat of Ur » Nasiriyah
- Day 4 » Nasiriyah » Mesopotamian Marshes » Baghdad
- Day 5 » Baghdad morning departure » Airport transfer // End of our services.
Option 3 » Samarra + Mosul + Hatra
- Day 1 » Baghdad afternoon arrival » Airport Meet & Greet » Hotel transfer
- Day 2 » Baghdad city tour » Ctesiphon Ancient City » Baghdad
- Day 3 » Baghdad » Ziggurat of Aqar Quf » Samarra Ancient City » Mosul
- Day 4 » Mosul city tour » Hatra Ancient City » Baghdad
- Day 5 » Baghdad morning departure » Airport transfer // End of our services.
Destinations Overview
Quick Overview of the 3 Options
| Tour Option | Key Destinations | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Babylon, Al-Ukhaidir Fortress & Karbala | Baghdad, Babylon, Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, Karbala, Najaf, Ezekiel’s Tomb | Ancient Babylon, Saddam Hussein’s Palace, Karbala, and Najaf | History & religious heritage enthusiasts |
| Option 2: Ziggurat of Ur & Mesopotamian Marshes | Baghdad, Ziggurat of Ur, Nasiriyah, Mesopotamian Marshes | Sumerian history at Ur and natural beauty of the Marshes | Ancient history lovers & nature seekers |
| Option 3: Samarra, Mosul & Hatra | Baghdad, Samarra, Mosul, Hatra | UNESCO sites of Hatra and Samarra, plus the ancient city of Mosul | Archaeology enthusiasts & explorers |
How does it work?
When you click “Book Now, Pay Later” and select your dates, you’ll be able to choose between Babylon + Al-Ukhaidir + Karbala, Ziggurat of Ur + Marshes, or Samarra + Mosul + Hatra before proceeding to checkout. After selecting your preferred tour option, you can review the price and finalize your booking.
-
Baghdad
-
Baghdad
-
4-star hotels
-
Included
-
Sedan or SUV
5-DAY IRAQ ITINERARY
Upon your afternoon arrival in Baghdad, you’ll be warmly greeted at the airport by our team for a Meet & Greet service. Afterward, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your journey. This relaxed start allows you to settle in and prepare for the full days of exploration ahead.
Start your day by delving into the heart of Baghdad with visits to its most iconic sites. Stroll down Al-Mutanabbi Street, known for its bookshops and rich intellectual heritage, and discover the historic Mustansiriya School, one of the oldest universities in the world. Explore the Abbasid Palace, a stunning remnant of the Islamic Golden Age, and wander through the Copper Market, filled with traditional crafts. In the city’s center, visit Firdos Square and Liberation Square, both pivotal in modern Iraqi history. In the afternoon, travel to Ctesiphon, where you’ll marvel at the monumental Arch of Ctesiphon, a relic of the ancient Parthian Empire. End your day with a visit to the Imam Khadhim Holy Shrine, one of the most revered sites in Shia Islam, before returning to Baghdad.
Add an Extra Day in Baghdad: During the booking process, after selecting your dates, you’ll have the option to add an extra full-day Baghdad city tour. This includes a visit to the Baghdad Museum (only open on Fridays), Ziggurat of Aqar Quf, Mausoleum of Abdul-Qadir Gilani, the Green Zone, and Karada Market Bazaar, with a private vehicle, driver, guide, and one night in a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
Day 3: Begin your day traveling south from Baghdad to the ancient city of Babylon, once the heart of Mesopotamian civilization and home to the renowned Ishtar Gate. Discover the remnants of this legendary city and immerse yourself in the rich history that shaped early empires. After exploring Babylon, continue to Saddam Hussein’s Palace, a modern historical structure overlooking the ancient ruins, providing a unique blend of past and recent history. From there, visit the Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, an imposing Abbasid architectural wonder, known for its defensive brilliance and design. End the day in Karbala, the sacred city, ready to explore its significant religious sites the next day.
Day 4: Begin your journey with a visit to Karbala, where you will explore two of the holiest sites in Shia Islam: the Imam Hussein Shrine and the Al-Abbas Shrine. These sites are central to Iraq’s spiritual landscape and attract millions of pilgrims annually. Afterward, travel to Al Kifl to visit the revered Ezekiel’s Tomb, a site cherished by followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Conclude your journey with a visit to Najaf, one of Iraq’s most important religious hubs. Here, explore the magnificent Imam Ali Shrine, a site of immense religious significance, and walk through the Wadi al-Salam Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the world. Return to Baghdad after this deeply spiritual and historical exploration.
Day 2: Travel south to visit the ancient city of Uruk (not possible to visit at the moment), one of the most important cities of Sumerian civilization. Next, marvel at the Ziggurat of Ur, a well-preserved monument from ancient Mesopotamia, before reaching Nasiriyah, a city brimming with history.
Day 3: Dive into the unique natural beauty of the Mesopotamian Marshes, an extraordinary wetland ecosystem that has sustained human civilization for thousands of years. Explore the culture and traditions of the Marsh Arabs before returning to Baghdad.
Day 2: Begin your journey into Iraq’s ancient history with a visit to the Ziggurat of Aqarquf, a towering structure from the Kassite period. Continue to the ancient city of Samarra, home to the iconic spiral Malwiya Minaret, and learn about its Islamic heritage. In the afternoon, travel to Mosul, a city filled with layers of history and cultural diversity.
Day 3: In the morning, explore the city of Mosul, including the remnants of ancient Nineveh. Afterward, head to the fascinating ruins of Hatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Parthian architecture. Return to Baghdad in the evening.
On Day 5, the itinerary marks the end of the tour. In the morning, travelers will check out from their hotel in Baghdad and prepare for departure. A convenient airport transfer will be arranged to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey to the airport.
