Iraq Iraqi Spring Expedition with Optional Kurdistan Nowruz Extension
Experience Iraq in full bloom on this 7‑day spring tour, beginning and ending in Baghdad. Wander ancient capitals, pilgrimage shrines, fertile marshlands and the iconic spiral minaret of Samarra. Mild weather and colorful festivals make spring the perfect season to discover Mesopotamia’s timeless treasures.
Tour Overview
Dates & Prices
Tour Overview
Dates & Prices
Route Overview
7 Days
15 Person
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 · Old Baghdad Discovery
Highlights: Abbasid Palace · Mustansiriya Madrasa · Coppersmith Markets · Al-Mutanabbi Street · Firdos & Tahrir Squares Description: Begin your adventure in the heart of Baghdad. Tour the grand Abbasid Palace, then admire the intricate brickwork of the 13th-century Mustansiriya Madrasa. Wander through the bustling coppersmith souks and the historic book stalls of Al-Mutanabbi Street. After a traditional Iraqi lunch, reflect at Firdos Square (site of the 2003 statue toppling) and stroll through the vibrant Tahrir Square.
Day 2 · Babylon & Karbala
Highlights: Ruins of Babylon · Shrine of Imam Hussein · Karbala Market Description: Depart Baghdad for the legendary ruins of Babylon. Explore the reconstructed Ishtar Gate and Saddam’s Babylonian palace, Continue to Karbala for a lunch of local specialties before experiencing the deeply spiritual Shrine of Imam Hussein. End the day browsing Karbala’s lively markets and settle in for an overnight stay.
Day 3 · Najaf & Ukhaider Fortress
Depart early for Ukhaider Fortress ( If open) for a guided tour of its grand mud‑brick halls and vaulted chambers. Drive toward Najaf, driving through Wadi al‑Salam, the world’s largest cemetery, and pause at a high vantage point for a panoramic overview. Continue into Najaf to visit the awe‑inspiring Imam Ali Shrine, then head to nearby Kufa to explore the historic Great Mosque of Kufa and the old town’s streets. Return to Najaf for your overnight stay.
Day 4 · Uruk & Ur
After breakfast, depart Najaf and drive southeast to Uruk, one of the world’s first major cities. Explore the Temple of Inanna and the ancient canal systems that powered early Sumerian civilization. Next, travel on to Nasiriyah for a local lunch. In the afternoon, head to nearby Ur to visit the iconic Ziggurat of Ur, a soaring mud‑brick stairway built by King Ur‑Nammu. Return to Nasiriyah for your overnight stay.
Day 5 · Marsh Arabs & Return to Baghdad
Start with a traditional breakfast in the tranquil reed-lined waterways of the Mesopotamian Marshes. Glide by water buffalo and spot endemic birdlife as marsh Arabs demonstrate centuries-old lifestyles, then return to Baghdad for the night.
Day 6 · Baghdad
Explore Iraq’s 7,000‑year legacy at the Iraq Museum; if it’s closed for renovation, we’ll visit the Bab al‑Wastani gate of the Abbasid Round City instead. Next, pay respects at the striking Al‑Shaheed Monument, a modern memorial to fallen heroes. In the afternoon, journey to the outskirts of Baghdad to admire the soaring Arch of Ctesiphon, the last remnant of the Sassanian Empire’s grand capital. If time allows, sample contemporary Baghdad’s café culture and art scene before returning to your hotel for the night
Day 7 · Samarra Day Trip & Dur‑Kurigalzu
Begin early with a scenic drive north to Samarra, where you’ll explore the vast Great Mosque and climb its iconic spiral Malwiya Minaret. Next, visit the elegant Abu Dulaf Mosque and the nearby mud‑brick Birka Palace ruins. After head back toward Baghdad, stopping at Dur‑Kurigalzu to ascend its ancient ziggurat and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Return to Baghdad in the evening for your final overnight.
Tour starts & ends: Baghdad
Optional Kurdistan Nowruz Extension:
If you wish to add the 5‑day Nowruz celebration in Kurdistan, please book it directly and we’ll assist with your flight from Baghdad to Erbil to start the extension.
Group size: 7–15 people
Price: Per person (twin room); single supplement extra $275
Accommodation: Primarily 4★ hotels, with select 3★ properties depending on location for 7 nights.
Included meals:
Breakfast daily
Group lunches ordered locally and shared (additional cost)
Visa: Online visa required (no visa on arrival). Contact us for visa support.
Dress code:
Modest attire required in Najaf and Karbala
Comfortable, modest clothing elsewhere
Payments:
30% deposit via bank transfer
Remaining balance payable in cash on arrival (USD)
Inclusions
Expert guide for the entire 5‑day Newroz journey
Private modern air‑conditioned car & professional driver
7 nights’ accommodation in twin rooms with breakfast
Entry fees to all listed sites (waterfalls, caves, festivals, temples, etc.)
Not Included
Iraq entry visa and related fees
International airfare
Lunches and dinners (only breakfast is included)
Airport transfers (pickup & drop‑off) – available for an extra charge
Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, laundry, phone calls)
Tips