Iraq Winter Tour

Name: Iraq Winter Tour
Start: 2025-11-10
End: 2025-11-17
Location: Baghdad

Start

Nov 10, 2025
Baghdad

End

Nov 17, 2025
Baghdad

Duration

8 days

Price

US$2595.00

TOUR OVERVIEW

Iraq is no stranger to conflict and is often synonymous with being extremely dangerous to travel to. Recently though, the situation in the Republic of Iraq (also known as Southern Iraq, or Iraq Proper) has improved dramatically. This country is filled with history, both ancient and modern, and now is the best time to see Iraq leave behind its dark past.

We will begin the tour in the centre of Mesopotamia, in one of the world’s oldest and (previously feared) cities, Baghdad. We will then explore the scared cities of Najaf and Karbala, before heading back in time to ancient Babylon and the massive Ziggurat of Ur.

Venturing further south we continue to the famous UNESCO site of the Mesopotamian marshes to experience an Iraq like you never knew existed. We then return back to Baghdad, depending on your travel plans, with the option of extending your trip to also visit Mosul.

View the full itinerary

If you like the look of this tour but the dates don't work for you, or you'd like to do part of the tour, please get in touch and let us know. All our tours are able to be split into smaller sections, we're always scheduling new tours and your dates might work for one of them, or we can always organise an independent tour.

INCLUSIONS:

✓	Accommodation in twin share at roughly 3 star hotels (breakfast included)
✓	Transport as per itinerary, beginning in Baghdad and ending in Basra
✓	Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
✓	SAIGA guide and local guides
✓	Lunch in the marshes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $400

EXCLUSIONS:

⨯	Visa fee if required (many nationalities visa free)
⨯	Meals other than those stipulated
⨯	Transport to Baghdad at the beginning and Basra at the end of the tour
⨯	Accommodation and any other services before or after the tour
⨯	Personal expenses such as souvenirs or any optional activities
⨯	Any COVID related expenses

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the streets of Iraq’s ancient and vibrant capital, Baghdad

See the wonders of Babylon and the Ziggurat of Ur

Cruise the southern marshes and visit Najaf and Karbala

Itinerary

Day 1Mon Nov 10

Baghdad

Today we’ll be exploring Baghdad and getting familiar with Iraq. We’ll begin the morning by visiting the National Museum.
We’ll then pay a visit to Al-Mustansariya School, which used to be the most important university in the Islamic world.
No trip to Baghdad is complete without a visit to the famous Almutanabi Street, also known as Book Street. This is where we will also pop in for a tea at the iconic Shabandar Café.
After a refreshment we will then check out the super cool copper market.
In the afternoon, we will see some of Baghdad’s most impressive monuments such as the Al Shaheed monument (the big blue half domes that you’ve no doubt seen plenty of photos of), Liberation Square and the Save the Iraqi Culture monument.
In the evening we’ll have dinner at one of Baghdad’s charming and delicious restaurants.
Overnight in Baghdad.

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Day 2Tue Nov 11

Baghdad, Babylon, Karbala

We hit the road again this morning, this time headed for Karbala!
On the route we will visit the remains of the ancient city of Babylon, which has now been heavily reconstructed.
We will also visit one of the infamous palaces of Saddam Hussein. There are several of these palaces across the country, all of which are in varying degrees of disrepair, and this is likely to be a highlight for most of you.
We will then visit the legendary city of Babylon. It is certainly impressive to walk the same streets that the rulers of one of the most prominent ancient empires once did, and where Alexander the Great died.
We will get the chance to walk through a reconstruction of the glorious Ishtar Gate – constructed of vibrant blue tiles and adorned with depictions of fantastic animals.
We will then proceed to Karbala, one of the most important holy cities for Shia Muslims. This is also the site of one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, where every year hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims come to mark the holy day of Ashura.
Overnight in Karbala.

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Day 3Wed Nov 12

Karbala, Najaf

In the morning we will drive over to Najaf, another one of the most holy cities for Shia Muslims.
Here we will visit the Shrine of Imam Ali, another one of the most holy sites in the Shia Islamic world which is sure to amaze you.
We will then have a look at the Wadi As-Salam (Valley of Peace) the largest cemetery in the entire world with an estimate 8 million people buried here.
We will then check out the Kufa Mosque, one of the most important sites in Iraq with deep historical roots.
Overnight in Najaf.

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Day 4Thu Nov 13

Najaf, Uruk, Ur, Nasiriyah

In the morning, we will head off to explore the site of Uruk, which is considered one of the first cities ever as well as the birthplace of written script dating back to over 10,000 years and possibly longer!
We will then hit up one of Mesopotamia’s most impressive sites, the Great Ziggurat of Ur and explore the surrounding site.
We then continue our drive to Nasiriyah where we will spend the night.
In the evening, we will take a walk through the town and maybe stop for a shisha on the streets with the locals.
Overnight in Nasiriyah.

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Day 5Fri Nov 14

Nasiriyah, Marshes, Baghdad

In the morning, we will head to the famous marshlands of southern Iraq where we will get to experience the culture of the marsh Arabs. This area is considered one of the most bio diverse regions in all of the Middle East and has an interesting and sometimes sad history.
Here we will take a boat ride and be able to see all kinds of birds and buffalo along the way.
In the afternoon we will start our drive back to Baghdad.
Overnight in Baghdad.

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Day 6Sat Nov 15

Baghdad, Samarra, Baghdad

Today we will head north to the ancient city of Samarra where we will visit yet another UNESCO world heritage site at the Minaret of Samarra. This minaret dates back to the 8 ^th century and is one of the most iconic sites to see in Iraq.
Afterwards we will also visit the large Virgin Palace with its huge pool (sadly not in use though).
We will also check out the amazing Al Anskari Shrine, famous for its huge gold dome. This Shrine has a very interesting modern history and is another one of the most holy sites in the country.
We then return to Baghdad for a free evening.
Overnight in Baghdad.

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Day 7Sun Nov 16

Baghdad

On our last day here in Iraq we will visit the remaining sites in the Baghdad area beginning with the amazing Baghdad Museum.
We will then drive to Agar Gouf also known as Dur Kurigalzu a massive Babylonian-era style Ziggurat that is truly worth visiting!
In the afternoon we return to the city to do some last-minute shopping and sightseeing before having a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Baghdad.

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Day 8Mon Nov 17

Baghdad, End of tour

Today is the end of the tour.
Optional extension: 2-day Mosul extension $395.
- If you choose to join us on the Mosul extension, the extension will begin on this day.

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