Join us for an unforgettable four-day journey from Istanbul through the sacred and historic heart of Iraq, exploring the timeless cities of Babylon, Najaf, Karbala, Baghdad, and Samarra. When you visit these lands that embrace the Sahabi, Awliyah and Salih persons at its chest, you will return to your country with abundant spiritual blessings and gifts!
Discover the UNESCO-listed Hanging Gardens of Babylon, visit the revered shrines of Ali bin Abi Talib and Imam Husayn, and wander the vast Wadi-us-Salaam, the world’s largest cemetery. From the stunning Great Mosque of Samarra to the vibrant al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad, this trip offers a profound connection to the cradle of civilization, enriched by expert guidance and seamless travel arrangements. If you’ve traveled from afar and wish to perform Umrah while deepening your experience with Islamic heritage tours, our Umrah + Baghdad tour might be perfect for you. This tour can be added to our 7, 10, or 15-day Umrah packages, or combined with our Turkey tours, with a minimum booking requirement of 4 people.
Day 1: Istanbul – Baghdad – Babylon – Najaf
Meet at the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport International Terminal. After ticketing and passport procedures, flight at 01:15 and arrival at Baghdad Airport at 04:15. Following passport and luggage procedures, board the waiting bus and depart for Najaf. On our route, we will visit Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, known as the Hanging Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 7th century BC by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, this multi-tiered garden in the barren Mesopotamian desert featured trees, flowing waters, and diverse plants. After seeing the Ishtar Gate, proceed to Najaf. Transfer to the hotel for some rest. Gather in the hotel lobby at the announced time and first visit the shrine of Ali bin Abi Talib (ra). We will then explore the Wadi-us-Salaam (Valley of Peace) Cemetery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s largest cemetery, spanning 917 hectares with a length of 25 km and width of 6 km. Hosting 6 million graves, it has been in use for 1400 years and includes the tombs of Prophet Hud (a.s) and Prophet Saleh (a.s), their descendants, righteous individuals, religious scholars, and state dignitaries, all choosing to rest near Ali bin Abi Talib. The graves, designed like houses, domes, or miniature mosques, are adorned with Quranic calligraphy and photos of the deceased. Afterward, visit Masjid Hananah, where moans are heard from the place where Imam Husayn’s (ra) blessed head was placed at Masjid ar-Raʾs. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Najaf.
Day 2: Najaf – Kufa – Karbala – Madain
After breakfast at our hotel, we load our belongings onto the bus and depart for Kufa. In Kufa, we visit the house of Ali bin Abi Talib (ra), the mihrab where he was martyred, Kufa Mosque, the shrine of Hani ibn Urwa—a companion of Imam Husayn (ra) who participated in the battles of Jamal and Siffin—the tomb of Muslim ibn Aqil, and Sahla Mosque. Afterward, we proceed to Karbala. Following the visit to Imam Husayn (ra) and the 72 martyrs within his shrine, we head to Baghdad-Madain. We visit the tomb of Salman al-Farisi (ra), a distinguished companion. By the order of Umar (ra), Salman played a significant role in the establishment of Kufa and was later appointed governor of Madain by the caliph. He continued his governorship until the end of Uthman’s (ra) caliphate, passing away in Madain in 35 AH (656 CE). We also visit the tombs of Huzaifa ibn Yaman, Abdullah ibn Jabir al-Ansari, and Tahir ibn Imam Muhammad Baqir (ra). Then, we return to Baghdad. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Baghdad.
After breakfast at our hotel, we load our belongings onto the bus and depart for Kufa. In Kufa, we visit the house of Ali bin Abi Talib (ra), the mihrab where he was martyred, Kufa Mosque, the shrine of Hani ibn Urwa—a companion of Imam Husayn (ra) who participated in the battles of Jamal and Siffin—the tomb of Muslim ibn Aqil, and Sahla Mosque. Afterward, we proceed to Karbala. Following the visit to Imam Husayn (ra) and the 72 martyrs within his shrine, we head to Baghdad-Madain. We visit the tomb of Salman al-Farisi (ra), a distinguished companion. By the order of Umar (ra), Salman played a significant role in the establishment of Kufa and was later appointed governor of Madain by the caliph. He continued his governorship until the end of Uthman’s (ra) caliphate, passing away in Madain in 35 AH (656 CE). We also visit the tombs of Huzaifa ibn Yaman, Abdullah ibn Jabir al-Ansari, and Tahir ibn Imam Muhammad Baqir (ra). Then, we return to Baghdad. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Baghdad.
Day 3: Baghdad and Kazimayn
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our visits to the spiritual sultans of Baghdad. We visit the luminaries, heads of Golden Chains of the Qadiri and Naqshibandi orders: Maruf al-Karkhi, Sirri Saqati, Junayd al-Baghdadi, and Abdul Qadir Gilani. The complex of Abdul Qadir Gilani, whose restoration was completed in 2020 by Turkey’s TİKA, includes the first building constructed in 1145, a Hanbali madrasa. In 1534, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent developed the area by building a mosque, tomb, and soup kitchen around the madrasa. It is said of Gilani, “He was born with love, lived with perfection, and died with perfect love,” with the Ebced calculation equating “love” to 470, “perfection” to 91, and “perfect love” to 561. Accordingly, Gilani was born in 470 AH, lived for 91 years, and passed away in 561 AH.
Next, we visit the Imam-i Azam Abu Hanifa Complex. Abu Hanifa, the beacon of Ahl al-Sunnah, the leader of all mujtahids, the commander of the army of sacred law, the compendium of knowledge, the source of jurisprudential principles, the great diver of the sea of applied law, the fountain of wisdom and asceticism, the mine of sacred and spiritual mysteries, and the rising sun of the celestial realm, is commemorated at his magnificent mosque and tomb in Baghdad’s Azamiyya district, east of the Tigris River. We then visit the tombs of Bishr al-Hafi, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Prophet Yusha (a.s), and Behlul Dana. At Kazimayn Mosque in Baghdad, we visit the graves of the 7th Imam, Musa al-Kazim, and the 9th Imam, Muhammad al-Taqi, from the Twelve Imams. Afterward, we return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Baghdad.
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin our visits to the spiritual sultans of Baghdad. We visit the luminaries, heads of Golden Chains of the Qadiri and Naqshibandi orders: Maruf al-Karkhi, Sirri Saqati, Junayd al-Baghdadi, and Abdul Qadir Gilani. The complex of Abdul Qadir Gilani, whose restoration was completed in 2020 by Turkey’s TİKA, includes the first building constructed in 1145, a Hanbali madrasa. In 1534, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent developed the area by building a mosque, tomb, and soup kitchen around the madrasa. It is said of Gilani, “He was born with love, lived with perfection, and died with perfect love,” with the Ebced calculation equating “love” to 470, “perfection” to 91, and “perfect love” to 561. Accordingly, Gilani was born in 470 AH, lived for 91 years, and passed away in 561 AH.
Next, we visit the Imam-i Azam Abu Hanifa Complex. Abu Hanifa, the beacon of Ahl al-Sunnah, the leader of all mujtahids, the commander of the army of sacred law, the compendium of knowledge, the source of jurisprudential principles, the great diver of the sea of applied law, the fountain of wisdom and asceticism, the mine of sacred and spiritual mysteries, and the rising sun of the celestial realm, is commemorated at his magnificent mosque and tomb in Baghdad’s Azamiyya district, east of the Tigris River. We then visit the tombs of Bishr al-Hafi, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Prophet Yusha (a.s), and Behlul Dana. At Kazimayn Mosque in Baghdad, we visit the graves of the 7th Imam, Musa al-Kazim, and the 9th Imam, Muhammad al-Taqi, from the Twelve Imams. Afterward, we return to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Baghdad.
Day 4: Samarra, Baghdad, Return to Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, we complete check-out procedures and load our belongings onto the bus. We first head to Samarra, established in 836 by Abbasid Caliph al-Mu’tasim as a new administrative capital and military base. We visit the Great Mosque of Samarra, the largest mosque of its time in the Islamic world, capable of accommodating over 10,000 worshippers. Covering an area of 38,000 m²—5.5 times the size of Hagia Sophia—and expanding to 150,000 m² with its courtyard, the mosque features the iconic Malwiya Minaret on its northern side. Resembling ancient Babylonian ziggurats, this conical minaret with a spiraling ramp stands 52 meters tall, built on a square base 33 meters wide and 3 meters high. Samarra is also renowned for the presence of the shrines of Imams Ali al-Naqi (a.s) and Hasan al-Askari (a.s), known as the “Askariyyayn.” After our Samarra visits, we return to Baghdad to explore the cultural heritage of the ancient city and its surroundings. We visit al-Mustansiriyya Madrasa, founded by Abbasid Caliph Mustansir-Billah (d. 640/1242), recognized as the first university-like institution teaching the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence, Qur’an, hadith, and medicine. After seeing al-Mutanabbi Street, we proceed to Baghdad Airport. Following ticketing and passport procedures at the Turkish Airlines counter, we fly to Istanbul at 02:00 and arrive at Istanbul Airport at 05:10.
After breakfast at the hotel, we complete check-out procedures and load our belongings onto the bus. We first head to Samarra, established in 836 by Abbasid Caliph al-Mu’tasim as a new administrative capital and military base. We visit the Great Mosque of Samarra, the largest mosque of its time in the Islamic world, capable of accommodating over 10,000 worshippers. Covering an area of 38,000 m²—5.5 times the size of Hagia Sophia—and expanding to 150,000 m² with its courtyard, the mosque features the iconic Malwiya Minaret on its northern side. Resembling ancient Babylonian ziggurats, this conical minaret with a spiraling ramp stands 52 meters tall, built on a square base 33 meters wide and 3 meters high. Samarra is also renowned for the presence of the shrines of Imams Ali al-Naqi (a.s) and Hasan al-Askari (a.s), known as the “Askariyyayn.” After our Samarra visits, we return to Baghdad to explore the cultural heritage of the ancient city and its surroundings. We visit al-Mustansiriyya Madrasa, founded by Abbasid Caliph Mustansir-Billah (d. 640/1242), recognized as the first university-like institution teaching the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence, Qur’an, hadith, and medicine. After seeing al-Mutanabbi Street, we proceed to Baghdad Airport. Following ticketing and passport procedures at the Turkish Airlines counter, we fly to Istanbul at 02:00 and arrive at Istanbul Airport at 05:10.
Included/Exclude
Cost Includes
- Pick and Drop Services
- 1 Meal Per Day
- Cruise Dinner & Music Event
- Visit 7 Best Places in the City With Group
Cost Excludes
- Additional Services
- Insurance
- Food & Drinks
- Tickets
Tour Plan
Day 01 :
Overnight Flight
There are many variations of passages of available but majority have alteration in some by inject humour or random words. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, error insolens ea pri verterem phaedr vel ea iisque aliquam.
Board your overnight flight, bound for Italy! Fresh gelato and homemade pasta will soon be yours. Venture into Venice proper or see the area surrounding your accommodation. So, so soon.
WELCOME
Day 02 :
Arrive in Venice + Welcome Dinner
There are many variations of passages of available but majority have alteration in some by inject humour or random words. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, error insolens ea pri verterem phaedr vel ea iisque aliquam.
- Free Drinks
- Awesome Breakfast
- 5 Star Accommodation
Day 03 :
Tour Venice
There are many variations of passages of available but majority have alteration in some by inject humour or random words. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, error insolens ea pri verterem phaedr vel ea iisque aliquam.
Travel from mainland Venice to the island, catching sight of St. Mark's Basilica, plenty of gondolas, and the spectacular Venetian skyline. See several historic churches and lose yourself in the narrow streets of Venice.
Today’s highlights
Day 04 :
Travel to Milan via Verona
There are many variations of passages of available but majority have alteration in some by inject humour or random words. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, error insolens ea pri verterem phaedr vel ea iisque aliquam.
- ravel by bus to Milan with a pit stop in Verona.
- Pay a visit to Juliet’s famous balcony and get in touch with your inner romantic.
- Arrive in Milan and take an introductory walk of the area with your Tour Director.
Day 05 :
Fly Home
There are many variations of passages of available but majority have alteration in some by inject humour or random words. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, error insolens ea pri verterem phaedr vel ea iisque aliquam.
Before you head to the airport, enjoy your last few moments together. Take one more group photo. Grab that final drink. (Fine, maybe a couple of drinks.) But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.”
HIGHLIGHTS