6 Days in Iraq from Baghdad Airport (5 Options)

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: Explore Babylon, Saddam Hussein’s Palace & Al-Ukhaidir Fortress

Begin your day by traveling south from Baghdad to the ancient city of Babylon, once a central hub of Mesopotamian civilization and home to the magnificent Ishtar Gate. Delve into the remnants of this legendary city, immersing yourself in the rich history that shaped early empires. After exploring the historical grandeur of Babylon, continue to Saddam Hussein’s Palace, a modern structure that overlooks the ancient ruins, offering a striking juxtaposition between Iraq’s ancient and modern history. From there, visit the imposing Al-Ukhaidir Fortress, an architectural marvel from the Abbasid era, renowned for its defensive ingenuity and grandeur. End your day in Karbala, a sacred city, and prepare to explore its significant religious landmarks the following day.

Day 4: Karbala, Ezekiel’s Tomb & Najaf City Tour

Start your day in Karbala, where you’ll visit two of the most revered sites in Shia Islam: the Imam Hussein Shrine and the Al-Abbas Shrine, which draw millions of pilgrims annually. These shrines are at the heart of Iraq’s spiritual and cultural identity. Afterward, travel to Al Kifl to visit the sacred Ezekiel’s Tomb, a site revered by followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Conclude your journey with a visit to Najaf, one of Iraq’s most important religious centers. Here, you’ll explore the Imam Ali Shrine, a site of immense religious significance, and walk through the vast Wadi al-Salam Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the world. Return to Baghdad after a deeply spiritual and historically enriching day.

Day 5: Ziggurat of Aqar Quf & Samarra Ancient City

Begin your final day with a visit to the Ziggurat of Aqar Quf, a striking remnant of ancient Mesopotamian architecture. Then, travel to Samarra, a city rich in Islamic history and home to the iconic Malwiya Minaret and Great Mosque of Samarra, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. These impressive landmarks showcase Iraq’s historical depth and cultural significance. After exploring Samarra, return to Baghdad for the conclusion of your journey.

Day 3: Baghdad to Ziggurat of Aqar Quf, Samarra & Mosul

Begin your journey with a visit to the Ziggurat of Aqar Quf, a towering remnant of ancient Mesopotamian architecture that offers a fascinating glimpse into Iraq’s ancient past. From there, travel to the historic city of Samarra, home to the iconic Malwiya Minaret and Great Mosque of Samarra, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. After exploring Samarra’s rich Islamic heritage, continue north to Mosul, an ancient city filled with layers of history from Assyrian to modern times. Settle in for the night, ready for an in-depth exploration of the city the following day.

Day 4: Mosul City Tour & Hatra Ancient City

Start your day with a guided tour of Mosul, one of Iraq’s most historically significant cities. Explore its ancient landmarks, including the Great Mosque of al-Nuri and the Mosul Museum. After discovering the cultural depth of Mosul, travel to the UNESCO-listed site of Hatra, an ancient Parthian city known for its impressive blend of Greco-Roman and Eastern architectural influences. Hatra’s well-preserved ruins stand as a testament to the city’s former glory. After exploring Hatra, return to Baghdad for the evening.

Day 5: Baghdad, Babylon, Saddam Hussein’s Palace & Ziggurat of Borsippa

On your final day, head south from Baghdad to the legendary city of Babylon, once a center of Mesopotamian power and home to the iconic Ishtar Gate. Continue your journey with a visit to Saddam Hussein’s Palace, which overlooks the ruins of Babylon, offering a modern historical perspective. End the day at the Ziggurat of Borsippa, an awe-inspiring step tower dedicated to the god Nabu. After this full day of historical exploration, return to Baghdad to conclude your adventure.

Day 3: Baghdad to Ziggurat of Ur & Nasiriyah

Start your journey by traveling south from Baghdad to the Ziggurat of Ur, one of the most important Sumerian monuments in ancient Mesopotamia. Explore the well-preserved structure, which served as a religious center dedicated to the moon god Nanna. After immersing yourself in the ancient history of Ur, continue to Nasiriyah, a city that reflects both Iraq’s past and present. Spend the evening reflecting on the rich history you’ve uncovered.

Day 4: Nasiriyah to the Mesopotamian Marshes & Return to Baghdad

Begin your day by exploring the Mesopotamian Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for their natural beauty and cultural significance, the marshes offer a serene landscape that has been home to the Marsh Arabs for centuries. Experience their unique way of life and the peaceful environment of this rare ecosystem. After the marsh excursion, head back to Baghdad.

Day 5: Baghdad, Babylon, Saddam Hussein’s Palace & Ziggurat of Borsippa

On your final day, visit the ancient city of Babylon, where you’ll explore the famed Ishtar Gate and uncover the ruins of this legendary Mesopotamian civilization. Continue with a visit to Saddam Hussein’s Palace, perched above the Babylonian ruins, blending modern history with the ancient past. Finish your journey with a visit to the Ziggurat of Borsippa, an awe-inspiring step tower dedicated to the god Nabu. After this day of historical exploration, return to Baghdad for the conclusion of your tour.

Day 3: Baghdad to Ziggurat of Ur & Nasiriyah

Begin your journey by heading south from Baghdad to the ancient Ziggurat of Ur, a well-preserved Sumerian monument dating back to 2100 BCE. Explore this magnificent structure that once served as a religious center for the moon god Nanna and marvel at its historical significance in Mesopotamian civilization. After exploring Ur, continue to Nasiriyah, where the blend of ancient history and modern culture offers a unique glimpse into Iraq’s rich heritage.

Day 4: Nasiriyah to Mesopotamian Marshes & Return to Baghdad

Start your day with a visit to the Mesopotamian Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for their biodiversity and cultural importance, the marshes provide a peaceful retreat and a rare opportunity to experience the unique lifestyle of the Marsh Arabs, who have lived in this region for centuries. After exploring this natural wonder, return to Baghdad for the evening.

Day 5: Ziggurat of Aqar Quf & Samarra Ancient City

Begin your final day with a visit to the Ziggurat of Aqar Quf, an ancient Kassite-era ziggurat located just outside Baghdad. Afterward, travel to Samarra, home to the iconic Malwiya Minaret and the Great Mosque of Samarra, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites offer a glimpse into the Islamic golden age and showcase the architectural marvels of the Abbasid Empire. After exploring Samarra, return to Baghdad for the conclusion of your tour.

Day 3: Baghdad to Ziggurat of Ur & Nasiriyah

Start your day by traveling south from Baghdad to the ancient Ziggurat of Ur, one of the best-preserved Sumerian monuments in Mesopotamia. Explore this significant archaeological site, which dates back to the 21st century BCE, and immerse yourself in the history of the early civilizations of Iraq. After exploring Ur, continue to Nasiriyah, a city that blends ancient history with a modern-day lifestyle, where you’ll settle for the evening.

Day 4: Nasiriyah to Mesopotamian Marshes, Al-Qurna, Al-Multaqa & Basra

Begin your day with an excursion to the Mesopotamian Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its serene beauty and cultural significance. Explore the rich biodiversity of the marshes and the traditional lifestyle of the Marsh Arabs. From there, continue to Al-Qurna, the reputed site where the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers meet, often referred to as the Garden of Eden in local lore. After visiting Al-Multaqa, head south to Basra, Iraq’s port city and a historical trade hub, where you will end your day.

Day 5: Basra to Baghdad

Spend your final morning exploring Basra, a vibrant city with a rich cultural and economic history. Known as Iraq’s gateway to the Persian Gulf, Basra’s unique blend of ancient and modern culture offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s maritime history. After your visit, travel back to Baghdad, concluding your tour with memories of Iraq’s diverse landscapes and deep historical roots.

On Day 6, 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.