Iraq Group Trip Oct 2025

Join us for the trip of a lifetime to Iraq in October 2025!

Limited spots available. Apply now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Dates: October 16 - 24, 2025

Limited 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

Day 1

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's statue was torn down in 2003), and the Martyr's Monument.

Overnight: Baghdad

1/19

Day 2

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 tea at one of Baghdad's most famous cafes, Shabandar Cafe. Grab a grape juice at the historical Hajj Zballa juice shop.

Take in the sunset & view of Baghdad at Taq Kasra and explore the abandoned Saddam era "Panorama" monument.

Overnight: Baghdad

1/19

Day 3

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 the original walls of Babylon, the rebuilt Ishtar Gate, 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 lunch, drive onward to Karbala, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. Spend the evening there, taking in the grandeur of the golden shrine of Imam Hussein.

Overnight: Karbala

1/13

Day 4

After breakfast, drive from Karbala to Najaf. Stop off at a viewpoint over 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 shop for souvenirs in the souq surrounding it.

After lunch, drive onward to Nasiriyah, and enjoy a free evening there.

Overnight: Nasiriyah

1/11

Day 5

Early morning departure to Chibayish for an incredible Iraqi Marshlands experience. 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. Stop off for breakfast with a local family at their home in the marshes.

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

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

In the afternoon, head back to Baghdad. 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: Baghdad

1/12

Day 7

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

Day 8

Tour Mosul, including the Old Town, which was ISIS's last stronghold in Iraq, 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. See the Al-Nuri Mosque and its famous minaret, and learn how this vibrant city is rebuilding after ISIS. Check out Mosul's bustling markets.

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

Enjoy one last dinner as a group and check out Erbil's nightlife if you're up for it!

Overnight: Erbil

1/17

The Guides

Doug is an American traveler and YouTuber. He has spent years traveling throughout Iraq and the Middle East, and has led many group trips to Iraq and other countries in the region. See his experience in Iraq on his YouTube channel.

Hussein 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.

Habib is our bus driver extraordinaire, and he hails from Karbala, Iraq. He navigates Iraq's crazy streets like a pro, and while his English may be sparse, he'll be your best friend by the end of the trip.

Inclusions & Price

Included:

8 nights lodging
All meals (Breakfast only on last day)
Private airport transfers
All tours, tour guides, & entry fees
Ground transportation throughout the tour

Excluded:

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

Price:

Shared Twin Room: $2,700

Single Room: $3,300

5% of proceeds donated to Iraqi Children Foundation

Guest Testimonials

"Doug is not just an amazing tour guide; he is, more importantly, an incredible human being. Being half Iraqi, I had a deep-rooted desire to explore the land where my father came from. Doug not only fulfilled that longing, but went above and beyond. His ability to simplify and make everything comfortable made the entire journey memorable. Touring Iraq with him was an unparalleled experience, and I can't imagine doing it with anyone else. If you're contemplating traveling with Doug, rest assured, you won't regret it. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore other places with him in the future."

~ Maryam E.

All testimonials

How to Join

There are limited spots available on the trip!

To apply to join, please send an email to trips@dougbarnardtravel.com.

A $750 deposit will be required to reserve your spot. This deposit is non-refundable except at the sole discretion of the tour organizers. A second payment of $1,000 is due 90 days before the start of the trip, and final payment is due 45 days before the start of the trip.

Visa Information

As of March 1, 2025, citizens of most western countries (and others) must apply for an Iraqi e-visa before traveling to Iraq for the purpose of tourism. A Visa On Arrival is no longer available for most travelers, and travelers who attempt to board a flight to Iraq without a valid e-visa will be denied boarding.

To apply for the e-visa, you should visit this page. On the landing page, do not log in or create an account. Instead, click on "Visa on Arrival" (it's confusing, we know). Then, enter your email nationality and email address, and proceed with the e-visa application from there.

The visa fee as of March 1, 2025 is 206,000 IQD ($157.25 USD at the time of writing). The visa fee includes health insurance and the e-visa will be valid for 60 days.

If you are not eligible for an e-visa or if you have any questions about the visa process, please contact us for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should come on this trip?

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. Iraq is usually warm in October, with temperatures typically ranging from 63-91° F (17-33° C). We will send a detailed recommended packing list to confirmed participants.

Is it safe to visit Iraq?

Yes. Iraq today is a very different place than it was just a few years ago. The country 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.

Are Iraqis friendly to foreigners? What about Americans?

Iraqis are some of the friendliest and most hospitable people on earth. You'll likely be amazed 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 (single supplement also available).

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 (unless otherwise indicated) 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.

Many flights to Iraq arrive in the middle of the night or early morning. If you arrive very early on the first day of the trip, we can help you arrange an extra night in the hotel so you can check in and get some rest after arriving to Baghdad.

The trip will begin in Baghdad and end in Erbil. Arrival flights should be booked to Baghdad International Airport and departure flights from Erbil International Airport.

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

Iraq Group Trip Oct 2025

Contents

Overview

Itinerary

The Guides

Inclusions & Price

Guest Testimonials

How to Join

Visa Information

Frequently Asked Questions