11 days in Iraq Itinerary

It's quite possible that a Baghdad holiday isn't on your list of things to do, but despite the city's reputation for turmoil, it still has plenty to offer to a daring traveler.

Pack the 1st (Wed) with family-friendly diversions at Zawraa Park. And it doesn't end there: pause for some photo ops at Al-Shaheed Monument, make a trip to Baghdadi Museum, examine the collection at Iraqi Museum, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Al Yassin Mosque.

To see traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Baghdad trip maker website.

Manama, Bahrain to Baghdad is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also take a bus. Traveling from Manama in January, things will get slightly colder in Baghdad: highs are around 19°C and lows about 6°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can go by car to Al Hillah.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Fri): explore the ancient world of Babylon.

For maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Al Hillah itinerary site.

Drive from Baghdad to Al Hillah in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight. In February in Al Hillah, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 9°C at night. On the 3rd (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Najaf.

Najaf ranks among the most frequented places of Islamic pilgrimage in the world.

On the 4th (Sat), get engrossed in the history at House of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Taleb, make a trip to Great Mosque of Kufa, then don't miss a visit to Al Sahlah Great Mosque, and finally stroll the grounds of Wadi Al-Salaam Cemetery.

For where to stay and other tourist information, refer to the Najaf trip itinerary maker website.

You can drive from Al Hillah to Najaf in an hour. In February, daily temperatures in Najaf can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough to drive to Karbala.

Karbala is a city in central Iraq, located about 100km southwest of Baghdad, and a few miles east of Lake Milh. On the 5th (Sun), take in the spiritual surroundings of The Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain, take in the spiritual surroundings of Al Abbas Holy Shrine, and then contemplate the long history of Shrine of the two sons of Muslim Ibn Aqeel.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Karbala sightseeing planner.

Drive from Najaf to Karbala in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in February, and nighttime lows around 8°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Basrah.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Mon): don't miss a visit to Basra Times Square and then browse the different shops at Shanshal Mall.

For photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Basrah journey planner.

Getting from Karbala to Basrah by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of car and train. When traveling from Karbala in February, plan for a bit warmer days in Basrah, with highs around 27°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) so you can catch the flight to Sulaymaniyah.

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan and westernized cities in Iraq, vibrant Sulaymaniyah boasts a strong cultural scene with a good selection of museums and educational institutions.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Tue): get engrossed in the history at Slemani Museum, examine the collection at Amnasuraka Museum, and then get in on the family fun at Chavi Land.

To find other places to visit, reviews, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Sulaymaniyah route maker site.

Fly from Basrah to Sulaymaniyah in 3 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Erbil.

The capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil occupies perhaps the longest-inhabited land in the world, with the earliest human settlement here possibly dating back to 5000 BCE. Centered on its ancient and World Heritage-listed citadel, the city blends old and new, retaining some of its long-established architectural and cultural charm in its grand bazaars and minarets, while adding a number of modern malls and nightlife haunts.

Erbil is known for parks, historic sites, and shopping. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: walk around Sami Abdulrahman Park, steep yourself in history at Erbil Citadel, browse the different shops at Family Mall, and stop by Bazaar.

To see reviews, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Erbil trip itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by car from Sulaymaniyah to Erbil takes 3 hours. In February in Erbil, expect temperatures between 18°C during the day and 5°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Fri) so you can fly back home.