Group trips.

I have to admit that I was even somewhat nervous before I landed in Baghdad, but as soon as I arrived, all of those feelings disappeared. Doug and Hussein did an incredible job leading our tour through Iraq, and there was never a moment that I felt like I was in danger. The people of Iraq are some of the friendliest people I've ever met, and every preconceived notion I had of the country was completely turned on its head.I have to admit that I was even somewhat nervous before I landed in Baghdad, but as soon as I arrived, all of those feelings disappeared. Doug and Hussein did an incredible job leading our tour through Iraq, and there was never a moment that I felt like I was in danger.

As someone who typically dislikes organized tours, Doug Barnard's Iraq trip felt more like traveling with a great group of friends. I loved the flexibility and less-structured feel of the trip, which provided more opportunities to interact with locals and grab a bite to eat off the street. Doug and local Iraqi guide, Hussein Rasheed, make a fantastic guiding duo. Add in the excellent minibus driver, Habib, and they form a terrific trio for creating a fun and enriching travel experience.As someone who typically dislikes organized tours, Doug Barnard's Iraq trip felt more like traveling with a great group of friends. I loved the flexibility and less-structured feel of the trip, which provided more opportunities to interact with locals and grab a bite to eat off the street.

Exploring Iraq with Doug has been one of the most incredible travel experiences ever. Doug curated something so special with this trip by giving us an entirely culturally immersive experience, from visiting historical places such as Babylon, the ancient Sumerian city of Ur, and meeting some of the kindest, warm, and welcoming locals to enjoying the delicious local cuisine. This trip gives you absolutely everything.Doug curated something so special with this trip by giving us an entirely culturally immersive experience, from visiting historical places such as Babylon, the ancient Sumerian city of Ur, and meeting some of the kindest, warm, and welcoming locals to enjoying the delicious local cuisine.

The Iraq trip was fantastic from start to finish. Very nice hotels, fascinating destinations. Highpoints included a wonderful visit to the Iraqi marshes in southern Iraq. So beautiful and relaxing and informative. And also visiting the Saddam Hussein abandoned palace and having a group meal together on the second floor was great. And the Mosques we visited were historical and gorgeous.The Iraq trip was fantastic from start to finish. Very nice hotels, fascinating destinations. Highpoints included a wonderful visit to the Iraqi marshes in southern Iraq. So beautiful and relaxing and informative. And also visiting the Saddam Hussein abandoned palace and having a group meal together on the second floor was great.

This was my first group tour, as I usually travel solo. I'm thrilled I chose to tour with Doug. Each day felt like spending time with friends. Beyond the incredible sights, my favorite part was trying foods I've never tasted before, sharing Iraqi meals, wandering the country, and learning about its history and culture. Hussein and Doug were very knowledgeable and always ensured we had a great time.This was my first group tour, as I usually travel solo. I'm thrilled I chose to tour with Doug. Each day felt like spending time with friends. Beyond the incredible sights, my favorite part was trying foods I've never tasted before, sharing Iraqi meals, wandering the country, and learning about its history and culture.

I cannot recommend Doug's trip to Iraq more highly. The level of access that Doug and Hussein have is unparalleled, as are their genuine connections to the locals who served us juice and traditional dishes, and showed us around sites. Both of their knowledge of Iraq's ancient and modern history is fantastic; I learned more in one week than I have over years of studying and working on the Middle East. Above all, it was fun, with lots of laughs, great group meals and fascinating conversations in the bus.I cannot recommend Doug's trip to Iraq more highly. The level of access that Doug and Hussein have is unparalleled, as are their genuine connections to the locals who served us juice and traditional dishes, and showed us around sites.

My trip to Iraq with Doug was an epic trip of a lifetime! Doug teamed up with amazing local guide Hussein and driver Habib to offer an amazing tour in a safe and friendly environment. I can't thank them enough!My trip to Iraq with Doug was an epic trip of a lifetime! Doug teamed up with amazing local guide Hussein and driver Habib to offer an amazing tour in a safe and friendly environment. I can't thank them enough!

After 45 years, I finally made it back to the place where I was born—it was an incredibly emotional and meaningful journey. I was joined by my husband, which made the experience even more special. Our guides, Doug and Hussein, made the trip truly unforgettable. Hussein handled every potential roadblock with ease and provided very insightful explanations along the way, while Doug brought levity, charm, and a refreshing outsider's perspective that balanced the trip perfectly.After 45 years, I finally made it back to the place where I was born—it was an incredibly emotional and meaningful journey. I was joined by my husband, which made the experience even more special. Our guides, Doug and Hussein, made the trip truly unforgettable.

Doug's group trip to Iraq was fascinating. The experiences he showcases during the trip are based on his world view — an expansive and sensitive one. Culturally immersive, but also fun, playful, and exciting. This is one of those experiences that actually stay with you, become part of you, and grow with you. You'll never see the world with the same eyes again.Doug's group trip to Iraq was fascinating. The experiences he showcases during the trip are based on his world view — an expansive and sensitive one. Culturally immersive, but also fun, playful, and exciting. This is one of those experiences that actually stay with you, become part of you, and grow with you.

We traveled from the Old City of Damascus and made our way north as far as Aleppo. I have never felt safer and more welcomed by another country as we were treated by the people of Syria! They stole my heart. People back home that ask me how was it; I tell them I found my tribe! Strangers welcomed us daily with warm smiles and handshakes. "Welcome to Syria", became our group motto.We traveled from the Old City of Damascus and made our way north as far as Aleppo. I have never felt safer and more welcomed by another country as we were treated by the people of Syria! They stole my heart. People back home that ask me how was it; I tell them I found my tribe!