Baghdad to the Marshlands – Private Itinerary
From $0
5 Days / 4 Nights
A condensed private itinerary covering the essential destinations of central and southern Iraq. From the ancient markets of Baghdad to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Babylon and Ur, the holy city of Karbala, and the extraordinary marshlands of Chibayesh — all in five well-paced days.
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Group Size
Private – tailored group size
Pace
Moderate – early start on marshlands day
Lodging
REVIEW NEEDED: accommodation detail
Language
English / Arabic
Meeting Point
Baghdad International Airport
Meet and greet, and fast-track visa from the airport to the hotel. Old Baghdad tour via Al Rasheed Street, visiting local markets including the copper market "Al Safafeer", Souq Al Sarai, the books market "Al Mutanabbi Street", and the antiques market "Khan Al Mudalal". Visit Madrasa Mustansiriya School and the Abbasid Palace. Boat ride on the Tigris River. Lunch along Hayder Khana Street with local favourites. Overnight: Baghdad.
After breakfast, head to Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the historical city, the rebuilt Ishtar Gate, the procession street, the foundations of the real Ishtar Gate, the old temples, the Lion of Babylon, the southern and northern palaces, and the place where Alexander the Great passed away. Traditional lunch of your choice. Drive to Karbala. Evening walk between the shrines of Imam Hussain and Abbas with an explanation of the Battle of Karbala. Local food, sweets, and the famous Skanjabeel drink. Overnight: Karbala.
Head south to Nasiriyah, then drive to the historical city of Ur to visit the Great Ziggurat of Ur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Mesopotamia during the Sumerian era. The site includes Abraham's house, Shulgi's palace, and the oldest arch of its kind in the world at the entrance of Dub-Lal-Makh temple. Witness one of the most beautiful sunsets. Overnight: Nasiriyah.
4 AM – Drive to Chibayesh for a marshland experience. Local breakfast in a mud house with a local family. Sightseeing tour through floating villages — the Gardens of Eden (birds, fish, buffalos, reed, plants, and the people of Ahwar). UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch of marshland fish in the reed house (Al Mudhif). Stories from local people "Al Madan" who have adapted to life on the water. Drive back to Baghdad. Overnight: Baghdad.
Visit the Iraq Museum and wander through galleries covering the civilizations of Iraq through time. Transfer to Baghdad International Airport for departure. End of tour.
Starting from
REVIEW NEEDED: pricing. Contact us for a tailored quote based on group size and accommodation preference.