Duration

7 Days 6 Nights

Country

Iraq

Iraq Arbaeen Tour September 2023

TOUR DATES:

2nd of September until 8th of September 2023

Arbaeen is the world’s largest religious gathering, and by joining us on this tour, you can take part in it. This tour, however, is not for the faint hearted, seeing as we will be joining the pilgrims to take part in the walk from Najaf to Karbala. It is going to be tiring, but the unique atmosphere will truly make it worth it, in addition to being right in the nick of things. You’ll get to learn about Iraqi culture and traditions, as well as about Shia Islam, and Islamic history in a broad context.

Furthermore, this tour can be booked in combination with our “Syria Day of the Cross Tour“, which is running the week after. As such, you have the possibility to book a combo tour at a unique time of year in both countries. It’s truly a once in a lifetime adventure.

Click here for a pdf version of the itinerary!

Watch the video below to have an idea about what you can expect the Arbaeen pilgrimage to be like:

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD
ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD
Pickup from Baghdad airport and transfer to your hotel, where you'll meet the group members and have a pre-tour meeting, as well as conduct final payment. Explore Baghdad at night.
Day 2 - BABYLON, AL KIFL AND NAJAF
BABYLON, AL KIFL AND NAJAF
We'll first visit the ancient ruins of Babylon and Saddam Hussein's former palace that is there. Then, we'll move on to Al Kifl, where you can see ancient Hebrew writing. We'll end in the holy city of Najaf, where we'll visit the world's largest graveyard and the shrine of Imam Ali. At night, we will start walking towards Karbala with the pilgrims. Accommodation will be en route to Karbala.
Day 3 - WALKING TO KARBALA
WALKING TO KARBALA
Today, we'll really be taking in the vibes of the pilgrimage whilst walking towards Karbala, taking pictures with the pilgrims and trying a lot of delicious local food on the way. It will be a day filled with emotions and hospitality of the Iraqi people. There will be a lot of rest stops en route. We will spend the night at a local guest house.
Day 4 - KARBALA
KARBALA
At some point today, we will arrive in Karbala, where we will witness the world's largest religious gathering at the holy shrines in the city centre. We'll visit the shrines and relax a little after our walking accomplishment. Overnight in Karbala.
Day 5 - BAGHDAD
BAGHDAD
Today we'll return to Baghdad and visit the city's sites. such as the bustling Mutannabi Street and the Martyr's Monument. In the evening, we'll explore Karrada area. Today will be the ideal day for souvenir shopping through some of the city's most traditional and authentic marketplaces.
Day 6 - SAMARRA DAY TRIP
SAMARRA DAY TRIP
In the morning, we'll head north to Samarra, where we'll visit the famous whirling minaret, as well as other ruined sites around the city. If time permits, we will also visit Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's hometown. We'll then drive back to Baghdad.
Day 7 - BAGHDAD & DEPARTURE
BAGHDAD & DEPARTURE
Today we'll visit any remaining sites in Baghdad that we did not yet cover, such as the Zumarrad Tomb or Taq Kasra (Ctesiphon), the world's largest ancient arch. In the evening, you will be dropped to the airport for your departure flight.

Cost Info

Price includes

Accommodation in top hotels or homestays throughout Iraq
Local Iraqi English-speaking tour guide with in-depth knowledge of historical sites and hidden gems
All museum entry fees that are mentioned on the itinerary
Breakfast
Transportation in a private vehicle
Foreign Arabic-speaking tour leader if the group is large enough

Price excludes

Iraqi visa support documentation (if you're not eligible for a visa on arrival in Iraq, we can help you get the visa for an additional cost)
Flights
Lunch and dinner
Souvenirs
Optional tip for the guide

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Iraq?
Most Western nationalities, in addition to nationals of China and Russia, are able to get a visa on arrival in Iraq by paying 77 USD and filling out a simple form.

If you belong to another nationality, we are able to apply for you visa on your behalf from inside Iraq. Your visa approval will be sent to you as a PDF and then stamped into your passport on arrival at Baghdad airport. However, this bears an additional cost.
Can I extend the tour?
You most certainly can! We offer custom extensions all over Iraq. Here are some suggestions regarding interesting places that are not covered on this itinerary:
- Anbar and the ancient waterwheels of Hit and Haditha
- The Ziggurat of Ur and the marshes of Chibayish
- Basrah city

Price = $1,300.00

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Iraq Arbaeen Tour September 2023

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD

ARRIVAL IN BAGHDAD

Day 2 - BABYLON, AL KIFL AND NAJAF

BABYLON, AL KIFL AND NAJAF

Day 3 - WALKING TO KARBALA

WALKING TO KARBALA

Day 4 - KARBALA

KARBALA

Day 5 - BAGHDAD

BAGHDAD

Day 6 - SAMARRA DAY TRIP

SAMARRA DAY TRIP

Day 7 - BAGHDAD & DEPARTURE

BAGHDAD & DEPARTURE

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Iraq?

Can I extend the tour?