Iraq Heritage & Pilgrimage Tour

Arrive at Baghdad International Airport. Meet your experienced local guide and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your 4-star hotel. Check-in and refresh after your journey.

Begin your spiritual journey at the magnificent Al-Kadhimiya Shrine, the resting place of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad. Marvel at the golden domes and immerse yourself in the powerful spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site.

Enjoy a welcome dinner by the historic Tigris River, featuring traditional Masgouf (Iraqi grilled fish) and authentic local delicacies. Take in the riverside ambiance and meet your fellow travellers.

Visit Al-Mustansiriya Madrasah, one of the world’s oldest Islamic universities founded in 1227. Continue to the Abu Hanifa Mosque in Al-Adhamiyah, the final resting place of the great Islamic scholar and jurist Imam Abu Hanifa.

Explore the legendary Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad’s historic literary heart, lined with traditional bookshops, art stalls, and authentic cafés. Stroll along the scenic Tigris riverside embankment and enjoy Iraqi tea whilst observing local life and culture.

Optional visit to the Baghdad Museum to discover Iraq’s ancient Mesopotamian heritage, or enjoy free time exploring the city’s vibrant central souqs and markets.

Enjoy a scenic drive north through the Iraqi countryside to Samarra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkable Islamic architecture and historical significance.

Al-Askari Shrine: Visit the sacred golden-domed shrine housing the tombs of Imam Ali al-Hadi and Imam Hasan al-Askari, the 10th and 11th Shi’a Imams.

Malwiya Minaret: Marvel at the iconic 52-metre spiral minaret of the Great Mosque of Samarra, a masterpiece of 9th-century Islamic architecture and one of Iraq’s most recognisable landmarks.

Return to Baghdad for relaxation and dinner at your leisure.

Depart for Karbala, one of Islam’s holiest cities and the site of the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. The journey takes you through the historic Iraqi heartland.

Imam Hussein Shrine: Visit the magnificent golden-domed shrine of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the third Shi’a Imam.

Al-Abbas Shrine: Explore the stunning shrine dedicated to Al-Abbas ibn Ali, Imam Hussein’s half-brother and standard bearer at the Battle of Karbala.

Bain al-Haramain: Walk the sacred pathway connecting the two holy shrines, following in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims from around the world.

Join the evening congregation for prayers or participate in local religious gatherings. Experience the profound spiritual atmosphere of Karbala after sunset.

Perform Ziyarat rituals at the Imam Hussein Shrine. Experience the deeply spiritual atmosphere as pilgrims from around the world gather in devotion and remembrance.

Visit Beit al-Ahzan (House of Sorrows), a site of historical and emotional significance. Explore local religious seminaries (hawzas) to deepen your understanding of Karbala’s theological traditions and Islamic scholarship that has flourished here for centuries.

Sample traditional Iraqi sweets including the renowned Halwa Karbala’i. Witness Karbala’s breathtaking illuminated nightscape as the golden domes and minarets shine brilliantly against the evening sky.

Travel to Najaf, the city of knowledge and one of Shi’a Islam’s most important centres of learning and pilgrimage.

Imam Ali Shrine: Visit one of Islam’s holiest and most architecturally magnificent shrines, housing the tomb of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad and the first Shi’a Imam.

Wadi al-Salam Cemetery: Explore the world’s largest cemetery, a vast spiritual landscape where millions have chosen to rest in proximity to Imam Ali’s shrine.

Discover Najaf’s historic old souq and visit renowned religious seminaries that have produced Islamic scholars and leaders for over a millennium.

Optional participation in religious discussions, scholarly lectures, or evening prayers at the magnificent Imam Ali Shrine.

Visit the historic Great Mosque of Kufa, where Imam Ali delivered sermons and was later martyred. This ancient mosque, dating back to 639 CE, is one of the earliest mosques in Islamic history and holds immense spiritual significance.

Explore additional sacred sites including Imam Ali’s House, the Muslim ibn Aqeel Shrine, and the Hani ibn Urwah Shrine – all deeply connected to early Islamic history and the events of Karbala.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, or return to Baghdad for final shopping, relaxation, and time to reflect on your journey before your evening departure.

Farewell dinner with your guide and group. Share reflections on your spiritual journey, exchange contact details, and bid farewell to the land of rich heritage and warm hospitality.