If you want to see all of Iraq in one trip, you should plan Iraq 15-day tour. This Iraq travel plan is based on a two-week stay in Iraq. If you have limited resources, consider staying in either Federal Iraq or Iraqi Kurdistan.
BASRA (DAY 1&2)Basra features a plethora of fish shops, and a distinct marine vibe, and is home to Iraq’s sole operational train. It only operates on specific days of the week (weekends, I guess) and connects to Baghdad. If the dates work out, this is a good way to return to the city before entering Kurdistan. The main attractions of Basra include Sayyed Ali al-Musawi Mosque which is known as “Mosque of the children of Amer ” located in Al-Gazear Street which is the main area of Basra. Other famous attractions which can be visited include Akhora Park, Hanna -Sheikh Bazaar, Corniche al-Basra, Sayab’s house and the Latin Church.
NAJAF (DAY 3)If you have time, take a bus to Iraq’s other holy city. You may see the amazing shrine, the world’s largest cemetery (the second largest is in Peru), and get a sense of the small town in a single day. Here you can spend your time while paying tribute to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Shrine, Grand mosque of Kufa and Palage Cala Bonita.
MESOPOTAMIAN MARSHESThis is without a doubt Iraq’s most distinctive and soon-to-be-famous attraction. A must-see on your Iraq 15 day tour. You must travel all the way south to the marshes if you visit Federal Iraq.
However, depending on how long you want to stay, visiting can be a little complicated.
DAY 4 : KARBALA + BABYLONKarbala is the holy city in Iraq for Shia/Sunni Muslims. You absolutely must see Karbala’s two shrines. There are two holy cities in Iraq (Karbala and Najaf), and if you only have time for one Karbala is the best option. Babylon is only a 40-minute bus ride from Karbala, thus the two destinations are easily accessible.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN KARBALA:IMAM HUSSEIN’S SHRINE + AL ABBAS’ HOLY SHRINEThese attractions are best visited late at night when they are fully illuminated. That’s what makes them so impressive. They are both open 24 hours a day and will be crowded at all times of the day. We arrived around 10 p.m. You might, however, stay till 3 a.m. if you so desire.
BAGHDAD (DAYS 5&6)Baghdad is very similar to Cairo. Packed outdoor street markets and colorful domed mosques. Because it’s not a particularly walkable city, you’ll have to rely on taxis to get around. Some favorite activities many tourists prefer in5 days tour to Baghdadare sipping sweet Iraqi tea in cafes with shisha-smoking men and wandering strange street markets. Also, try both the Raisin and Apricot juices.