Iraq Treasures of the South Cultural Discovery Tour
Journey to the Cradle of Civilization from Ancient Babylon to Baghdad
Visiting Iraq is a journey into the cradle of human civilization. Roam Mesopotamia, the land between the rivers of Euphrates and Tigris, and tread in the footsteps of the world's earliest civilizations. Start in Baghdad, the present-day capital of Iraq, and explore ancient Babylon — home of Mesopotamian kings. Marvel at the Ziggurat of Ur, believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, and boat through the dreamy Tigris marshlands. Visit Uruk, the world's first city, and discover Najaf and Karbala, centers of the Shia faith. Powered by Arabic coffee or tea, travel back to the very beginnings of the world as we know it.
Visiting Iraq is a journey into the cradle of human civilization. Roam Mesopotamia, the land between the rivers of Euphrates and Tigris, and tread in the footsteps of the world's earliest civilizations. Start in Baghdad, the present-day capital of Iraq, and explore ancient Babylon — home of Mesopotamian kings. Marvel at the Ziggurat of Ur, believed to be the birthplace of Abraham, and boat through the dreamy Tigris marshlands. Visit Uruk, the world's first city, and discover Najaf and Karbala, centers of the Shia faith. Powered by Arabic coffee or tea, travel back to the very beginnings of the world as we know it.
Explore the ancient town of Samarra and marvel at the Arch of Ctesiphon
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Witness the 6,000-year-old Ziggurat of Ur at UNESCO-listed Ur
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Boat through the Mesopotamian Marshes, a dreamy landscape dotted with lakeside villages
An MT Sobek representative will welcome you at Baghdad International Airport. Settle into the hotel and relax over a welcome drink, then dine in the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Babylon Rotana
Meals: Dinner
Tour the Iraq Museum & Ancient Samarra
Day 2
After breakfast, delve into the ancient past at the Iraq Museum, often called the Middle East Smithsonian for its 28 halls and artefacts as old as 10,000 years B.C. In the afternoon, journey to the holy city of Samarra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that traces its roots back to 5500 B.C. Explore the ruins of its ancient royal palaces, and admire the majestic 9th-century Great Mosque (Al Malwiya Mosque) with its spiral minaret. Return to your hotel in Baghdad.
Accommodation: Babylon Rotana
Activity: Full day cultural touring
Transportation: 5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Baghdad & Marvel at the Arch of Ctesiphon
Day 3
Visit the 13th-century El-Mustansiriya madrassa (school), one of the oldest Islamic institutions of higher learning in the world, and marvel at its ancient water-powered alarm clock that once announced prayer times. Stroll down the bookstore-laden Al-Mutanabbi street, the heart of the city's cultural life, and delight in the symphony of clinking sounds at Souk al-Safareen, the coppersmiths' market. In the afternoon, head to Ctesiphon, the former winter capital of the Parthian and Sasanian empires, and today best known for the monumental remains of the 1,400-year-old palace Taq Kisra, complete with its 122-feet-high Arch of Ctesiphon. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: Babylon Rotana
Activity: Full day cultural touring
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Mythical Babylon & Travel to Karbala
Day 4
Travel to Babylon, the ancient capital of southern Mesopotamia, and trace the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Tour Saddam Hussein's rebuilt Babylon with its vibrant aqua-blue Ishtar Gate (a reproduction of the original) and compare it to one of his once-opulent palaces just behind the complex. Continue on to Karbala, a holy city for the Iraqi Shia, holding the shrine of the martyred Imam Husayn Ibn Ali (died 680). Return for dinner at your hotel.
Accommodation: Baron Hotel
Activity: Full day cultural touring
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Najaf & See the Holy Places of Shia Muslims
Day 5
Today travel to the holy city of Najaf, and along the way stop in the town of Al Kifl to marvel at its 7th-century Kufa Mosque, the holiest place for Shia Muslims. Then continue on to Najaf and after settling in the hotel, discover the shrine of Imam Ali. This masterpiece of Islamic architecture holds the tomb of Imam Ali, the fourth caliph who was the cousin and later son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. In the evening, soak up the buzz of the nearby souk and savor dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Granada Hotel
Activity: Full day cultural touring
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Roam Uruk, the First City on Earth
Day 6
Head to Samawa, a city on the banks of the Euphrates River that holds the archaeological site of Warka, also known as Uruk. Explore the magnificent remains of this ancient Sumerian city that thrived around 2900 B.C. and was supposedly the first city on earth. Continue to the busy hub of Nasiriya, one of Iraq's largest cities and the capital of the Dhi-Qar province with lunch at a local restaurant along the way. In the evening, feel the city's pulse on a stroll through its bustling souk.
Accommodation: Sumerian Hotel
Activity: Full day cultural touring
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Admire the Splendid Ziggurat of Ur
Day 7
Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ur, an ancient Sumer city believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. Marvel at to the Ziggurat of Ur, a splendid temple dedicated to the lunar god Nanna and built the same way as the biblical Tower of Babel. After lunch, head to Nasiriya's lively bazaar for a dash of local buzz and browse stalls selling everything from textiles and household wares to artisanal copperware and traditional sweets. Dinner tonight is at the hotel.
Accommodation: Sumerian Hotel
Activity: Full day cultural touring
Transportation: 40-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey by Boat to the Mesopotamian Marshes
Day 8
Spend the day on the Tigris River, venturing into its dreamy marshes by boat. Navigate between islands of reeds and lakeside villages inhabited by Marsh Arabs, and take in the resplendent beauty of this unique aquatic environment inside a desert. En route to the town of Basra, stop to soak up the beauty of the Paradise of Aden (Garden of Eden) where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Al Seef Basra
Activity: Full-day boat tour
Transportation: 3.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Basra & Watch the Sunset over Shatt Al-Arab
Day 9
Wander around the old city of Basra, once known as the Venice of the East for the Ottoman Shenashil Houses, traditional 19th-century residences that line its canal. Think back to the city's glory days as you explore one of the villas that was owned by a wealthy Greek merchant — a rare showcase of a bygone era. Wrap up the journey with a boat ride on Shatt Al-Arab, the river created by the Tigris and Euphrates merging, and soak up one last splendid Iraq sunset. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Al Seef Basra
Activity: Full day cultural touring with sunset cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Basra
Day 10
After breakfast, transfer to Basra International Airport for your homeward-bound flights and bid farewell to Iraq.
Before booking this trip, all guests are advised to speak with our travel experts about travel protection options.
Dates & Prices
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Shayan B.
Shayan was born in Iran in 1995. In 1998, he moved to Iraqi Kurdistan to live with relatives. He has a degree in computer science from Cihan University. He is currently writing a book about “Shanidar Cave”, the Neanderthals, and their brief history in Kurdistan. He is passionate about revealing the secrets of his nation to the people of the world, a gracious host and knowledgeable guide.
An MT Sobek representative will welcome you at Baghdad International Airport. Settle into the hotel and relax over a welcome drink, then dine in the hotel restaurant.
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Visit the 13th-century El-Mustansiriya madrassa (school), one of the oldest Islamic institutions of higher learning in the world, and marvel at its ancient water-powered alarm clock that once announced prayer times. Stroll down the bookstore-laden Al-Mutanabbi street, the heart of the city\'s cultural life, and delight in the symphony of clinking sounds at Souk al-Safareen, the coppersmiths\' market. In the afternoon, head to Ctesiphon, the former winter capital of the Parthian and Sasanian empires, and today best known for the monumental remains of the 1,400-year-old palace Taq Kisra, complete with its 122-feet-high Arch of Ctesiphon. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Travel to Babylon, the ancient capital of southern Mesopotamia, and trace the footsteps of Alexander the Great. Tour Saddam Hussein\'s rebuilt Babylon with its vibrant aqua-blue Ishtar Gate (a reproduction of the original) and compare it to one of his once-opulent palaces just behind the complex. Continue on to Karbala, a holy city for the Iraqi Shia, holding the shrine of the martyred Imam Husayn Ibn Ali (died 680). Return for dinner at your hotel.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. This cultural discovery adventure includes 4 to 6 hours of sightseeing each day. You need to be in good physical condition and able to walk comfortably for this length of time. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Full day cultural touring
Day 3
Full day cultural touring
Day 4
Full day cultural touring
Day 5
Full day cultural touring
Day 6
Full day cultural touring
Day 7
Full day cultural touring
Day 8
Full-day boat tour
Day 9
Full day cultural touring with sunset cruise
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Relax at the 5-star Babylon Rotana in Baghdad and the best available hotels in each city-all with Western-style rooms and most modern amenities.
This 5-star urban retreat is located in one of Baghdad's most desirable districts and a vast range of modern touches, designed with comfort in mind, awaits. Spacious accommodations feature contemporary furnishings and in room technology to keep you connected. Also includes air conditioning, flat screen TV, mini-fridge and tea and coffee making facilities, bathtub/shower, large work desk and in-room safe. This property is an alcohol free environment.
Located only a short drive from the impressive ancient monument, the Ziggurat of Ur, the Sumerian Hotel offers guests simple accommodations with traditional touches and modern amenities. Guests will enjoy the elegant gilded lobby and comfortable guest rooms that feature cool tiled floors, air conditioner and fan, and modern touches such as a mini fridge, coffee and tea maker and hairdryer.
Dedicated to providing you convenient services and amenities, this 5-star hotel offers guests spacious and comfortable beds, private bathroom with vanity and modern western touches. Each room is equipped with centralized air conditioning, flat screen 42' LED TV with satellite channels, coffee table and chairs, writing desk, mini fridge, electric coffee and tea maker and in-room safe.
The Millennium Hotel is one of the best and safest hotels in Basra. Rest up in one of their 311 comfortable rooms and enjoy free complementary Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, and a 24-hour room service. After a day of exploring, the Millennium Hotel offers relaxing amenities such as massage services, a pool, sauna and gym, and several on-site restaurants serving delectable local and international dishes.
The Granada Hotel is a comfortable hotel located in the Al-Amir neighborhood in Najaf. Relax in the hotel's spacious rooms and enjoy free complementary Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, coffee/tea service, fridge, and air-con. While you're there, enjoy the breakfast buffet service in their on-site restaurant and re-energize with their Turkish hammam and sauna. Then step outside to explore popular landmarks like the Ali Ibn Abi Talib Shrine!
Weather
Iraq is generally dry year-round with spring temperatures in the 60-80°Fs and fall temperatures in the 70-100°Fs.
Jan
Mar
Sep
Nov
Dec
Baghdad
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Baghdad
61
39
75
50
104
71
74
48
63
42
Basra
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Basra
65
44
81
56
108
74
79
54
68
46
Karbala
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Karbala
62
43
77
54
105
79
74
54
64
45
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Our MT Sobek representative at the Baghdad International Airport.
Do I need a visa for Iraq?
Yes, visas are required to enter Iraq, and must be arranged in advance.
What airlines fly into Baghdad and out of Basra?
Turkish, Qatar, Emirates and other European airlines fly this route.