Iraq Group Trip February 2023

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Overview

Dates: February 9 - 17, 2023

8-10 spots available on a first come, first served basis!

Apply to join now!

Our 9-day, 8-night tour of Iraq will be a comprehensive deep dive into the country. You'll experience Iraq's rich and storied history, culture, cuisine, and of course, Iraq's wonderful people.

You'll travel with Doug as well as highly experienced, professional Iraqi tour guides.

The tour will include:

Baghdad, Babylon, Karbala, Najaf, the Iraqi Marshes, Samarra, Mosul, and Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan.

Itinerary

February 9

Arrive to Baghdad International Airport, pre-arranged transfer to hotel, rest, and meet up with the team.

If time permits, afternoon tour of Baghdad. Stops may include the statues and monuments of the Arabian Nights, Firdos Square (where Saddam statue was torn down in 2003), and the Martyr's Monument.

Group dinner.

Overnight: Baghdad

1/19

February 10

Early start with a traditional Iraqi breakfast of kahi & geymar in Tahrir Square.

Explore Baghdad's Old Town, visiting several local markets including the Al Safafeer copper market, antique market, Souq al Sarai, and the famous book market, Al Mutanabbi Street.

Visit historical & cultural sites including Madrasa Mustansiriyah school and the Clock of Qishla. Stop for coffee or tea at one of Baghdad's famous cafes, Oum Kalthoum Cafe or Shabandar Cafe. Grab a grape juice at the historical Hajj Zballa juice shop.

Take in the sunset & view of Baghdad at Taq Kasra.

Overnight: Baghdad

1/19

February 11

Early departure from Baghdad. Stop off at the Ziggurat of Borsippa. Climb to the top of the Ziggurat for a great view of the surrounding area, and uncover pieces of ancient Sumerian relics inscribed with original cuneiform script.

Continue the journey onward to the legendary city of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the rebuilt Ishtar Gate, the original walls of Babylon, the famous Lion of Babylon statue, the place where Alexander the Great passed away, and more.

Explore one of Saddam Hussein's many lavish palaces, this one built in the 1980s and overlooking the ancient city of Babylon.

After dinner, drive onward to Karbala, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. Spend the evening there, taking in the grandeur of the golden shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas. Mingle with locals, try Karbala's famous sweets, and more.

Overnight: Karbala

1/13

February 12

After breakfast, drive from Karbala to Najaf. Stop off at the largest cemetery in the world, Wadi al Salam, where millions of Shia Muslims are buried near Imam Ali.

In Najaf, visit the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. Explore the breathtaking shrine and the markets surrounding it.

After lunch, drive onward to Nasiriyah. Stop on the way to visit the Great Ziggurat of Ur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Mesopotamia during Sumerian times.

Overnight: Nasiriyah

1/11

February 13

Early morning departure to Chibayish for an incredible Iraqi Marshlands experience. Start with breakfast with a local family at their home, then embark on a boat tour of the marshes, one of the largest marsh ecosystems in the world and possibly the inspiration for the biblical Garden of Eden.

See the water buffaloes and other wildlife, take a swim in the water, and spend time with the local Marsh Arab people who have adapted to life on the water over centuries.

Enjoy a meal of famous masgouf fish and sip tea in a typical Al-Mudheef reed house.

In the evening, head back to Baghdad.

Overnight: Baghdad

1/12

February 15

After breakfast, head to Samarra to visit the Great Mosque of Samarra and its iconic twisted minaret. If you're feeling brave, climb to the top of the minaret for a fantastic view of Samarra - not for the faint of heart.

In the afternoon, drive to Mosul, one of the largest and most diverse cities in Iraq. Have dinner at one of Mosul's many fantastic restaurants.

Overnight: Mosul

1/5

February 16

Tour Mosul, including the Old Town, which was ISIS's last stronghold, and was heavily damaged during the battle for Mosul. Visit the Christian Syriac church where Pope Francis held mass during his visit to Mosul in March 2021. Visit the Al-Nuri Mosque and its famous minaret, and explore how this vibrant city is rebuilding after ISIS occupation.

Visit Mosul Castle and take in the view of the Tigris River and the city, and then visit Mosul's bustling markets.

Enjoy a Mosuli lunch, then head onward to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. Explore the enormous Citadel of Erbil and downtown Erbil.

Overnight: Erbil

1/17

Inclusions & Price

Included:

8 nights lodging (shared twin rooms)
3 meals per day
Airport transfers
All tours, tour guides, & entry fees
Ground transportation throughout the tour

Excluded:

International flights
Visa (see more info)
Travel insurance
Tips
Souvenirs, snacks, etc.

Price: $2,300

Sign up as a group of 2 or more people and get 10% off!

10% of proceeds will be donated to charity supporting iraqi children

How to Join

There are limited spots available on this trip!

To apply for the trip, please send an email to dougbarnardtrips@gmail.com.

A $700 deposit will be required to reserve your spot. This deposit is non-refundable in lieu of extraordinary circumstances.

Visa information

Iraq offers an easy Visa On Arrival for citizens of the US, UK, EU, Switzerland, Canada, Russia, China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

The visa process will be completed upon your arrival to Baghdad International Airport. The Visa On Arrival costs ~$77 USD (subject to change), and must be paid in cash (USD only).

If you are not eligible for a Visa On Arrival, please contact us to discuss the steps for obtaining a visa.

FAQ

Who should come on this trip?

Anyone and everyone is welcome on this trip. Iraq is a beautiful country with so much to offer visitors. Those interested in joining us on this trip should come with an open mind and be ready to immerse themselves in a culture that may be very different from their own. There will be light physical activity involved throughout the trip (climbing stairs, monuments, etc.), but nothing overly strenuous. In February, Temperatures in Iraq typically range from 12° - 22° C (54° - 72° F). We will send a detailed recommended packing list to confirmed participants.

Is Iraq safe?

Iraq today is a very different place than it was just a few years ago. The country is now relatively stable, and it has been visited by thousands of tourists in recent years. Throughout the duration of the trip, you will be accompanied by experienced American and Iraqi guides. If you have more specific questions about safety & security in Iraq, get in touch with us.

Who are the guides?

The tour will be led by American and local Iraqi tour guides.

Doug Barnard is an American traveler and YouTuber. He has significant experience traveling throughout Iraq and the Arab world, and recently led his first group trip to Iraq in October 2022. See his experience in Iraq on his YouTube channel.

Hussein Rasheed is a professional tour guide from Babylon, Iraq. He has led countless guests from all over the world on tours throughout Iraq, sharing with them his immense knowledge of Iraq's history, culture, and customs.

Are Iraqis friendly to foreigners? What about Americans?

Iraqis are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people on earth. You'll likely be blown away by the kindness and generosity that normal Iraqis will offer to complete strangers. Meeting the Iraqi people is one of the best parts of visiting Iraq.

While Iraqis' views on the American government and recent history between the two countries may vary, the vast majority of Iraqis will treat American visitors with the same kindness and hospitality that they would offer any guest. Any negative opinions of the American government are not directed towards individual US citizens.

What are the hotels like?

We will be staying in upscale local hotels. All hotels offer wifi, air conditioning, and breakfast. The rooms are shared twin rooms, meaning that if you're traveling solo, you'll be paired up with a roommate. If you'd like your own room, this can be arranged for an additional cost.

What is the food like?

Iraqi food is delicious and we'll be eating a lot of it! You can expect a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes. All meals are included in the price of the trip, and most will be served family style. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies so we can accommodate you!

What's the best way to get to Iraq?

Depending on your point of origin, you'll likely transit through Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai. We can help you find good flights and even link up with other trip participants before your flight to Baghdad, if possible.

The trip will begin in Baghdad and end in Erbil. Participants should book arrival flights to Baghdad International Airport and departure flights from Erbil International Airport.

Have more questions? Email dougbarnardtrips@gmail.com and we'll get back to you ASAP!

Iraq Group Trip February 2023

Contents

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusions & Price

How to Join

Visa information

FAQ