7 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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): pause for some photo ops at Al-Shaheed Monument and then don't miss a visit to Baghdadi Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 24th (Tue): find something for the whole family at Zawraa Park.

To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read Baghdad travel planner.

Manama, Bahrain to Baghdad is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also take a bus. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Manama in January, with highs in Baghdad at 19°C and lows at 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) 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. Start off your visit on the 25th (Wed): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tal Al Zainabeiah site, take in the spiritual surroundings of The Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Al Abbas Holy Shrine.

To see maps, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Karbala holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Baghdad to Karbala takes 2 hours. January in Karbala sees daily highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) early enough to drive to Najaf.

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

Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): stroll the grounds of Wadi Al-Salaam Cemetery, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Al Sahlah Great Mosque, then make a trip to Great Mosque of Kufa, and finally take an in-depth tour of House of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Taleb.

To find ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Najaf attractions planner.

Drive from Karbala to Najaf in an hour. In January in Najaf, expect temperatures between 20°C during the day and 7°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to fly 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 27th (Fri): examine the collection at Amnasuraka Museum, find something for the whole family at Chavi Land, and then take an in-depth tour of Slemani Museum.

To see reviews, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Sulaymaniyah online vacation planner.

You can fly from Najaf to Sulaymaniyah in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to go by car 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.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): see the interesting displays at Kurdish Textile Museum, contemplate the long history of Erbil Citadel, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mudhafaria Minarett, then buy something for everyone on your list at Family Mall, and finally look for gifts at Yummy ice cream. Keep things going the next day: stroll around Shanadar Park and then walk around Sami Abdulrahman Park.

To see where to stay, maps, ratings, and tourist information, use the Erbil online trip builder.

Traveling by car from Sulaymaniyah to Erbil takes 3 hours. In January, daily temperatures in Erbil can reach 16°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to fly back home.