7-Day Iraq Tour: Baghdad to Basra
Discover Iraq from Baghdad to Basra
Travel the length of Iraq on a 7-day journey that connects the country’s historic capital with its vibrant southern port city, revealing the civilizations, sacred landmarks, and landscapes that define Mesopotamia.
Beginning in Baghdad, you’ll explore the city’s cultural treasures before visiting the ancient ruins of Babylon and the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf. Continue into the birthplace of Sumerian civilization at Uruk and the Ziggurat of Ur, then experience the unique traditions of the Mesopotamian Marshes before concluding your adventure in Basra, where historic waterfronts and elegant Shanasheel houses reflect centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Combining archaeology, religious heritage, local traditions, and southern Iraq’s distinctive landscapes, this private tour offers a diverse and unforgettable journey from Baghdad to Basra.
Trip Highlights
- Baghdad – Historic landmarks & Al-Mutanabi Street
- Ctesiphon – The iconic Taq Kasra arch
- Babylon – Ancient ruins & Saddam Hussein Palace
- Karbala – Imam Hussein & Imam Abbas Shrines
- Najaf – Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery, Imam Ali Shrine
- Uruk & Ur – Birthplace of civilization & Sumerian heritage
- Mesopotamian Marshes – Traditional boat ride & Marsh Arab culture
- Basra – Shatt al-Arab cruise & historic Shanasheel
Quick Facts
- Duration: 7 Days / 7 Nights
- Tour style: Private guided tour
- Departure city: Basra
- Guide: English-speaking local guide
- Hotels: 4-star accommodation with breakfast
- Focus: Mesopotamian archaeology, religious heritage, cultural experiences, and southern Iraq
Why Choose a Private Tour by Aknaf Alsawary
Our 7-Day Iraq Tour: Baghdad to Basra is designed for travelers who want to experience Iraq from north to south in one carefully planned journey. Traveling from the historic streets of Baghdad to the waterways of Basra, you’ll explore ancient Mesopotamian cities, sacred religious landmarks, and the unique landscapes of southern Iraq, all with the comfort of a private guide and vehicle.
Rather than concentrating on a single region or historical period, this itinerary combines archaeology, religious heritage, vibrant city life, and authentic cultural experiences, offering a well-rounded introduction to Iraq’s remarkable diversity.
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
- Fully private experience with a dedicated guide and vehicle throughout the journey.
- Visit Iraq’s most iconic archaeological, religious, and cultural landmarks in one itinerary
- Experience the Mesopotamian Marshes and the traditions of the Marsh Arab community
- Explore ancient Sumerian sites including Uruk and the Ziggurat of Ur.
- Comfortable hotels, airport transfers, and private transportation included.
- A balanced journey from Baghdad to Basra with expert local insight at every destination.
- Dedicated on-the-ground support from arrival in Baghdad to departure from Basra
Itinerary
Day 1 | Baghdad Arrival
Arrive at Baghdad International Airport, where our team will greet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to unwind after your flight before your journey across Iraq begins.
Overnight in Baghdad
Day 2 | Baghdad Through the Ages
Today is dedicated to discovering the many layers of Baghdad, a city that has served as the political and cultural heart of Iraq for centuries.
Your first destination is Liberation Square, home to the famous Freedom Monument and one of the capital’s most recognizable public spaces. Continue with a short crossing of the Tigris River by boat before stepping into the lively atmosphere of Al-Mutanabi Street, renowned throughout the Arab world for its historic bookshops and literary heritage.
Explore the neighboring Old Bazaar and the traditional Copper Market, where local artisans continue to produce handcrafted copperware using techniques preserved over generations.
Pause at the historic Al-Shabander Café, an institution in Baghdad’s old quarter, and enjoy a cup of traditional Iraqi tea while watching everyday life unfold.
Later, travel to Ctesiphon, where the monumental Taq Kasra stands as one of the greatest surviving architectural achievements of the Sasanian Empire.
Conclude the day in Al-Kadhimiya, a vibrant district known for its bustling evening market and the magnificent shrine housing the tombs of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad.
Overnight in Baghdad
Day 3 | Babylon & Karbala
After leaving Baghdad, stop briefly at the striking Martyr Monument, admired from outside as one of Iraq’s most distinctive examples of modern architecture.
Continue to the legendary city of Babylon, once the center of one of history’s most powerful empires. Walk through its archaeological remains while discovering the legacy of King Nebuchadnezzar II, the ceremonial Processional Way, and the traditions surrounding the famous Hanging Gardens.
Visit the former Saddam Hussein Palace, now operating as a museum overlooking the ancient ruins and offering sweeping views across the archaeological site.
In the afternoon, continue to Karbala, where you’ll visit the magnificent Imam Abbas Shrine and the neighboring Imam Hussein Shrine. As evening falls, the illuminated courtyards create one of the most memorable experiences of the journey.
Overnight in Karbala
Day 4 | Kufa & Najaf
Travel to Kufa, one of the most historically significant cities in Iraq, and visit the Great Mosque of Kufa, one of the oldest mosques in Islam. The mosque played an important role during the rule of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, when Kufa served as his capital. It is also associated with several important events in Islamic history and contains the shrines of figures including Muslim ibn Aqil and Hani ibn Urwa.
Continue to Najaf and visit the Imam Ali Holy Shrine, one of the most sacred sites in Shia Islam. The shrine marks the burial place of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib and has been a major center of pilgrimage and religious scholarship for centuries.
End the day at Wadi Al-Salam (Valley of Peace), one of the world’s largest and oldest cemeteries. Located near the Imam Ali Shrine, the cemetery has been an important burial ground for centuries and contains the graves of numerous scholars, religious figures, and believers.
Overnight in Najaf.
Day 5 | Ur & Uruk
Leave Najaf and continue south to Uruk, one of the earliest and most influential cities of Mesopotamia. Flourishing between 4000 and 3000 BCE, Uruk is widely regarded as one of the world’s first major cities and played a central role in the development of Sumerian civilization. (Uruk is not accessible on rainy days.)
After exploring Uruk, continue to Nasiriyah and check in at your hotel.
The following day, visit the Ziggurat of Ur, one of the most impressive surviving monuments of ancient Mesopotamia. This massive stepped structure reflects the architectural and religious traditions of the Sumerian world and offers a striking insight into the importance of temples in ancient Mesopotamian cities.
Overnight in Nasiriyah.
Day 6 | Marshes -Basra
Begin the day in the Iraqi Marshes, the largest wetland ecosystem in the Middle East and a unique landscape of waterways, reeds, and wildlife, where Marsh Arab communities continue to live in harmony with nature.
Meet the locals and enjoy traditional Iraqi tea while learning about their way of life, deeply rooted in centuries-old customs. Take a boat ride on a traditional shakhtura, gliding through narrow waterways surrounded by reeds and natural marsh landscapes.
Enjoy lunch featuring Masgouf, Iraq’s famous grilled fish cooked over reeds, served in a traditional reed-built house known as an al-mutheef, offering an authentic cultural experience.
Continue to Al-Qurnah, a small town known for its spiritual and historical associations, where you will visit the Tree of Adam, a site linked in local tradition to ancient religious narratives.
Also visit the Meeting Point of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, where the two great rivers of Mesopotamia merge to form the Shatt Al-Arab waterway.
Continue to Basra, Iraq’s main southern port city, known for its rivers, trade history, and cultural diversity.
Overnight in Basra
Day 7 | Exploring Basra
Spend the day discovering the maritime heritage of Basra, Iraq’s historic port city.
Begin with a relaxing cruise along the Shatt al-Arab, passing riverside scenery and enjoying views of the former Saddam Palace overlooking the water.
Continue into Basra’s historic quarter to admire the city’s famous Shanasheel houses. Their ornate wooden balconies, colorful stained-glass windows, and elegant merchant architecture reflect the city’s centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Enjoy time to stroll through the surrounding streets and appreciate the unique atmosphere that makes Basra unlike any other city in Iraq before returning to your hotel
Overnight in Basra
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight, concluding your journey through Iraq’s ancient civilizations, sacred cities, and southern landscapes
The Tour Map
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
Included
- All Hotels
- breakfast
- Private Car
- Guide
- Airport Transfers
Not Included
- Flights
- Iraq Evisa
- Dining
- Entry Fees
- Insurance
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Thanks to your amazing reviews, we’ve been recognized as one of the top travel experiences in the world. We’re proud to represent Iraq on the global stage!
Why Travel with Local Guides in Iraq
- Benefit from the knowledge and experience of professional local guides throughout your journey.
- Gain deeper historical and cultural insight at every destination you visit
- Navigate Iraq’s archaeological sites, religious landmarks, and historic cities with confidence
- Travel comfortably with seamless logistics, private transportation, and local coordination
- Receive dedicated assistance from arrival to departure, ensuring a smooth, safe, and well-supported travel experience
A knowledgeable local guide does more than show you the sights they provide the stories, historical context, and cultural perspective that bring each destination to life. From the ancient ruins of Babylon, Uruk, and Ur to the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, and from the bustling streets of Baghdad to the waterways of the Mesopotamian Marshes and Basra, your guide helps you understand the significance of every place you visit.
With local expertise, language support, and on-the-ground assistance throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy a smoother, safer, and more meaningful travel experience while discovering Iraq through the eyes of the people who know it best.
Iraq Visa Information
online e-Visa Eligible Countries
Travelers from the following countries can apply for an Iraq e-Visa online without the need for a local sponsor:
USA
EU
Canada
China
Russia
Australia
Japan
Norway
Switzerland
How to apply:
Visit the official portal: https://eservice.evisa.iq
Details:
- Visa Fee: $160
- Processing Time: 24 hours
Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- Personal photo with a white background
Important:
- Travelers without an approved e-Visa will be denied entry and returned.
- Upon arrival, your e-Visa will be replaced with a sticker visa.
Countries Needing a Sponsored Visa
All other nationalities not listed above require a local sponsor (like our agency) to enter Iraq.
Details:
- Our agency will submit your visa application on your behalf.
- Processing time: 10 working days
- Visa and Sponsorship fees: $250
Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- Personal photo with a white background
Terms and Conditions for Sponsored Tourist Visas:
- Employment or business activities are strictly prohibited.
- Our team will accompany you from arrival to departure.
- Passports will be held by our team for the duration of the tour.
- You must follow the agreed itinerary provided by our agency.
- Private or personal visits (including visiting friends) are not allowed unless escorted by our staff.
- A clear photo of your departure stamp and the passport page with your serial number is required before leaving Iraq.
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7-Day Baghdad to Basra tour FAQs
