On the Road to Baghdad: Exploring Southern Iraq
Luxury Group Travel | 12 Days | Limited to 12 Guests
- Cruise among the reeds of the UNESCO-listed Mesopotamian Marshes, and understand their ancient and modern significance to Iraq
- Access to the eerie former palace of Saddam Hussein in Babylon
- Discover ancient Babylon, Ur, Uruk, and Ctesiphon
- Soak in the street-level atmospheres of Baghdad and Basra, two cities reclaiming their destinies after decades of conflict
- Masterpieces of Islamic architecture at the Shrines of Ali, Hussein, and Abbas, and the spiraling Malwiyya Tower in Samarra
- View a premier collection of ancient art at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad
Iraq contains multitudes. On this meticulously-scouted GeoEx Baghdad trip, you cross between them as you ponder the land that invented writing systems and the city-state, bore witness to some of the most climactic events in Islam, and has persisted throughout some of the twenty-first century’s most protracted political and economic struggles. You’ll gaze upon the towering ziggurat of Ur, experience the full-bodied devotion of Shi’ite worshippers in Karbala and Najaf, wander the silent hallways of one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces, and share tea with locals in Baghdadi cafes. With each passing day, the many multitudes of Iraq converge into a single mosaic, honoring the enduring resilience and pride of the Iraqi people.
Trip Overview
I had an absolutely life-changing experience while in Iraq. From its amazing historical places like Basra, Najaf, Karbala, the marshland, Babylon, Uruk, Samarra, and Baghdad, to its friendly and welcoming people, the trip was beyond my expectations.
Ali K.
1 – 2
Arrive into Basra and get oriented on a tour of this city of “Sinbad the Sailor” Enjoy insider access to the interiors of gracious Ottoman-era homes and cruise the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers
3 – 4
Take tea with a local family in the Mesopotamian Marshes, then drive through the oil fields en route to Nasiriyah Stand in awe of the ziggurat of Ur and the archaeological site of Uruk, said to be the world’s first city
5 – 6
Feel the hum of devotion in Najaf, one of Iraq’s holy cities Walk among the city’s magnificent cemetery, lively bazaar, and the splendid Shrine of Imam Ali
7
Visit the site of the climactic Battle of Karbala, an event central to Shi’ite identity Tour the shrines of Hussein and Abbas
8
At the archaeological site of Babylon, look for bricks stamped with the names of rulers separated by centuries: Nebuchadnezzar II and Saddam Hussein Tour the empty halls of the dictator’s former palace
9 – 10
Admire ancient treasures at Baghdad’s Iraq Museum Walk the streets of Old Baghdad with stops for tea, coffee, or shisha Witness the quiet majesty of the ruins of Ctesiphon
11 – 12
On an excursion to Samarra, see the architectural masterpiece of the Malwiyya Tower Observe the solemnity of the Martyr’s Monument in Baghdad Depart Baghdad
MEET OUR LEADERS
Sylvie Franquet
Longtime GeoEx trip leader, Sylvie lived in Cairo for six years, studying Arabic and working as a translator and guide. She has traveled widely throughout the Middle East and North Africa and has written and contributed to guide books on Syria, Lebanon, Tunis, and Egypt.
MEET OUR LEADERS
Bill Jones
A British-born, Paris-based explorer, raconteur, and widely respected guide, Bill Jones has led countless tours across the globe over the past four decades. He is deeply knowledgeable, experienced, caring, informative, and fun.
Dates & Prices
Dates
02/12/25 – 02/23/25 Led by Bill Jones (Limited space; please call)
11/05/25 – 11/16/25 Led by Bill Jones (Limited space; please call)
12/03/25 – 12/14/25 Led by Sylvie Franquet
Pricing
Group Trip: From $11,350
based on double occupancy
Inclusions
- Expertise of GeoEx's travel specialists
- Services of GeoEx's in-house air reservation team
- All accommodations
- All meals
- All ground transportations and airport transfers
- Sightseeing, events, visits, and entrance fees
- Bottled water at included meals and while sightseeing
- Services of a GeoEx trip leader, national guide, drivers, and other staff
- All gratuities, except for GeoEx trip leader
- Emergency evacuation services up to $300,000, secondary medical expense insurance up to $50,000 (restrictions apply; a description of coverage is available upon request), and security evacuation insurance up to $100,000 on select trips determined by GeoEx
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