6-Day Iraq Archaeology Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Baghdad

Your Iraqi journey begins upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport. Our team will meet you at the airport and arrange your private transfer to the hotel.

The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from your journey, with no scheduled sightseeing.

Overnight in Baghdad

Day 2 | Baghdad, Ctesiphon & Al-Kadhimiya

Begin your first full day by getting to know Baghdad through its streets, landmarks, markets, and everyday life.

Start at Liberation Square, where the iconic Freedom Monument has become one of the defining landmarks of modern Baghdad. From here, cross the Tigris River by boat and make your way towards Al-Mutanabi Street, the capital’s celebrated literary district.

Take time to explore the nearby Old Bazaar before continuing to the Copper Market. Here, you can watch local craftsmen working with copper and see traditional skills that have remained part of Baghdad’s commercial life.

A stop at Al-Shabander Café offers a chance to slow down with traditional Iraqi tea while taking in the atmosphere of the old quarter.

The journey then moves beyond central Baghdad to Ctesiphon. Here, the enormous Taq Kasra provides a remarkable reminder of the Sasanian Empire and its architectural achievements.

End the day in Al-Kadhimiya, where the streets become particularly lively in the evening. Explore the local market and see the magnificent shrine containing the tombs of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad.

Overnight in Baghdad

Day 3 | Babylon & Karbala

Leave Baghdad behind and begin the journey towards Babylon, with a short stop first at the Martyr Monument. The monument can be viewed from outside and is notable for its striking modern design.

Continue to Babylon, the legendary Mesopotamian city whose name has endured for thousands of years. Walk among its archaeological remains while learning about the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II, the Processional Way, and the stories associated with the Hanging Gardens.

Overlooking the archaeological area is the former Saddam Hussein Palace, now functioning as a museum. From the palace, enjoy broad views across the surrounding ruins.

Later, travel onward to Karbala. Visit the Imam Abbas Shrine followed by the neighboring Imam Hussein Shrine. In the evening, the illuminated courtyards and surrounding atmosphere offer a particularly striking introduction to the city.

Overnight in Karbala

Day 4 | Najaf & Uruk

Continue from Karbala towards Najaf, where the day begins at Wadi Al-Salam (Valley of Peace). This vast cemetery, situated close to the Imam Ali Shrine, has served as a burial place for centuries and contains the graves of scholars, religious figures, and believers from across the region.

From Najaf, head south towards Uruk, an important center of early Mesopotamian civilization. Dating back to the 4th and 3rd millennia BCE, Uruk grew into one of the earliest major urban centers and played a significant role in the development of Sumerian society.

Explore the archaeological remains and discover the history of a city closely associated with the early development of urban life.

After visiting Uruk, we will visit the Ziggurat of Ur, a monumental stepped temple structure and one of the most recognizable surviving landmarks of Mesopotamian civilization. Its scale and design offer a glimpse into the religious and architectural traditions that shaped the cities of ancient Sumer.

Overnight in Nasiriyah

Day 5 | Iraqi Marshes & Basra

Today brings a completely different side of southern Iraq as you enter the Iraqi Marshes. This extensive wetland landscape is formed by waterways, reed beds, and open channels that have supported local communities for generations.

Spend time with Marsh Arab communities, sharing traditional Iraqi tea and gaining an insight into their customs and daily life. Travel through the waterways aboard a traditional shakhtura, navigating between the reeds and marsh landscapes.

Lunch provides another opportunity to experience local traditions. Taste Masgouf, Iraq’s famous grilled fish, prepared over reeds and served inside a traditional reed-built al-mutheef.

Continue to Al-Qurnah, where local tradition connects the area with the Tree of Adam. You will also visit the Meeting Point, where the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers come together before forming the Shatt Al-Arab.

From Al-Qurnah, continue south to Basra, the country’s principal southern port city, shaped by its waterways, trading history, and diverse cultural influences.

Overnight in Basra

Day 6 | Basra & the Shanasheel Quarter

Use your final day of sightseeing to experience Basra through its waterways and historic architecture.

Take a leisurely boat journey along the Shatt al-Arab, enjoying the scenery along the river and views of the former Saddam Palace from the water.

Return to the city and explore the historic areas of Basra, where the distinctive Shanasheel houses remain an important part of the city’s architectural character. Their projecting wooden balconies, decorative details, and colored glass reflect the influence of Basra’s long history as a center of trade and cultural exchange.

Continue on foot through the surrounding streets, taking in the local atmosphere and seeing a more everyday side of Basra before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Basra

Departure

After breakfast, your private transfer will take you to the airport for your departing flight, bringing your journey through Iraq’s archaeological sites, historic cities, cultural traditions, and southern landscapes to an end.