Day 1 – Karbala
Arrive in Baghdad and transfer to Karbala. Visit the Shrine of Imam Husayn, the heart of Shiʿi pilgrimage, commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson in the Battle of Karbala (680 CE), a defining moral stand against injustice. Within the complex are graves of Husayn’s companions, including Habib ibn Muzahir, a veteran supporter and battlefield leader. Visit the Shrine of al‑Abbas, symbol of loyalty and sacrifice, and the Hussaini Camp, marking the site of the family tents burned after the battle. Overnight Karbala
Day 2 – Karbala Environs
Visit the Shrine of Hurr ibn Yazid, the Umayyad commander who repented and died defending Husayn. Continue to the Shrine of Awn ibn Abdullah, son of Zaynab bint Ali, who fell at Karbala, reflecting the family’s direct sacrifice. Overnight Karbala
Day 3 – Najaf & Kufa
In Najaf, visit the Shrine of Imam Ali, fourth caliph and first Shiʿi Imam, renowned for justice and learning, and the vast Wadi al-Salam Cemetery, among the world’s largest. In Kufa, stop at the Shrine of Maytham al-Tammar, a close companion of Ali executed for refusing to denounce him. Visit the Great Mosque of Kufa, housing the tombs of Muslim ibn Aqil, Hani ibn Urwa, and Mukhtar al-Thaqafi, key figures linked to Karbala. See the House of Imam Ali, reflecting his austere governance, and Al-Sahla Mosque, an early Islamic mosque revered in Shiʿi tradition. Overnight Najaf
Day 4 – Prophets & Ancient Babylon
Visit the Shrine of Dhu al-Kifl, mentioned in the Qur’an among the patient and righteous, often identified with Ezekiel. Continue to the Shrine of Prophet Ayyub (Job), emblem of steadfast patience. Explore Ancient Babylon (UNESCO), capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, then Borsippa, known for its ziggurat (Birs Nimrud). Nearby stands a shrine traditionally believed—without archaeological proof—to mark the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. And continue to Baghdad. Overnight in Baghdad
Day 5 – Baghdad & Ctesiphon
Visit Taq Kasra (Ctesiphon), the monumental Sasanian arch, the largest brick vault of antiquity. At Salman Pak, see the shrines of Salman al-Farsi, Hudhayfa ibn al-Yaman, and Abdullah ibn Jabir al-Ansari, companions of the Prophet. In Kadhimiya, visit the shrine of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad, noted for early scholarly authority. Overnight Baghdad
Day 6 – Samarra
Visit the Shrine of Imams Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari, pivotal figures of the ninth century. See the former prison site, then the Great Mosque of Samarra with its iconic spiral minaret (Malwiya), and the nearby Abu Dulaf Mosque, both masterpieces of Abbasid architecture. Overnight Baghdad
Day 7 – Baghdad
Walk through Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad’s historic book market. Visit the Baghdadi Museum, portraying traditional life. Continue to the shrine of Abu Hanifa al-Nu‘man, founder of the Hanafi school; the shrine of Junayd al-Baghdadi, a pioneer of sober Sufism; and the shrine of Bahlool al-Kufi, symbol of wisdom.
