Exploring Southern Iraq
Uncover Iraq's Fascinating History and Culture
On this expert-led small group tour to Iraq, 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 multitudes of Iraq converge into a single mosaic, honoring the enduring resilience and pride of the Iraqi people.
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What to Expect
Uncover the land that invented writing systems and the city-state, bore witness to some of the most climactic events in Islam, and has persisted amid profound political and economic struggles. In the company of your small group, and led by a top guide, experience a country few others have toured, gaining uncommon insight into its ancient and modern life.
Trip Highlights
- Cruise among the reeds of the UNESCO-listed Mesopotamian Marshes
- Access the eerie former palace of Saddam Hussein in Babylon
- Discover ancient Babylon, Ur, Uruk, and Ctesiphon and of Islamic architecture
- Soak in the street-level atmospheres of Baghdad and Basra
Upcoming Departures
- January 26 – February 6, 2026Led by Issam Gharib(Limited space; please call)
- November 9 – November 20, 2026Led by Issam Gharib
- November 30 – December 11, 2026Led by Sylvie Franquet
- March 17 – March 28, 2027Led by Issam Gharib
- November 3 – November 14, 2027Led by Issam Gharib
- December 1 – December 12, 2027Led by Sylvie Franquet
Trip Pricing
- Group Trip: From $12,350
Based on double occupancy
Inclusions
- All handpicked accommodations, ground transportation, and airport transfers
- All guided sightseeing, events, and experiences
- Premier GeoEx Trip Leader and top-tier local guides
- All meals
- Most gratuities, excluding GeoEx Trip Leader
- Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance
- Dedicated support from GeoEx’s travel experts and in-house air reservations team
Your Route Through Iraq
Journey at a Glance
Day 1 – 2Exploring Basra
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
Day 3 – 4Marshes, Ur & Uruk
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
Meet Your Guide
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.
Issam Gharib
Issam is a celebrated Jordanian program director known for his expertise in English-Arabic translation. Driven by a love for history and a passion for travel, he has been leading trips in the Middle East and North Africa for over 15 years.
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.
