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Forgotten as a travel destination, the situation has now changed...and for those who prefer the road less taken, it's time to visit Iraq!
This trip will provide you with a deep dive straight into the culture, people, food and history of this absolutely intriguing and complex country. You’ll spend time in vibrant Baghdad, travel south to the gorgeous holy Imam Ali shrine in Najaf and connect with the 5000 year old civilization of the Marsh Arabs, living secluded among the Mesopotamia Marshes. You’ll visit Iraq’s most eye-opening historical sites – from Samarra to Hatra to Babylon and more – while also touring the culturally-proud cities of Mosul and Erbil.
You’ll also witness the amazing Newroz Festival in the town of Akre, where the mountains and valleys fill with fireworks, parades of fire and endless people celebrating the onset of spring!
So much time will be spent meeting such kind Iraqi people, learning directly from those we come into contact with. You’ll interact with new people every single day, including our own personal local friends, and you will be treated to a genuine warmth and kindness all over the country. Meeting the people of Iraq will surely be the major highlight of this trip, and something you will never forget.
Of course, we will make sure you try excellent local food in all destinations, explore local markets, experience Baghdad’s nightlife, wander through massive palaces, get out into beautiful nature and SO MUCH MORE. And you’ll do it all with a group of fellow travelers who are beyond excited to participate in such a unique trip!
While many of us think that Iraq could not possibly be a travel destination, this is no longer the case. With our local team, excellent guides and an experienced tour leader, this trip will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable and life-changing trips you will ever take!
*Our Wandering Earl Tour to Iraq is genuinely one-of-a-kind. Our itinerary is full of activities, destinations and local interactions that are only possible due to our local contacts. These contacts are able to gain special access for our groups to a wide variety of sites and people and this is what helps make our tour unlike any other!
Price - Shared room
$3975
Price - Single room
$4685
Book with Confidence
To reserve your spot on a tour, a $500 deposit will be required. However, you can book with complete peace of mind as this deposit will be refundable – minus a 3% transaction fee – for 30 days. For our complete payment/refund policy, please READ HERE.
If you make a deposit for a tour within 90 days of the tour start date, the deposit is non-refundable.
Get to know the wonderfully welcoming Iraqi people through endless local interactions
Fully experience Baghdad - old city, markets, museums, cultural hangouts, excellent food, nightlife and more!
Spend time learning about local life from the families who live in the unique Iraqi Marshes
Walk through ancient Babylon and explore one of Saddam Hussein's abandoned palaces
Visit the incredible Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, with all of its domes, gold, mosaics and colors
Spend time at the medieval Islamic capital of Samarra with its spectacular architectural design
Take a complete and powerful tour of the city of Mosul to learn about its difficul past and its inspiring hopes for the future
Finish the trip in vibrant Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Baghdad (arrival day)
March 9
Arrival day
Included: Dinner
Upon arrival in Iraq you'll be met at the airport by our local representative who will assist you with the visa on arrival process. Afterwards you'll be transferred to our centrally located hotel. Once you're settled and have had some time to rest, we’ll start off with an evening orientation and group dinner at a rooftop restaurant with some of the best views of Baghdad!
Baghdad
March 10
Highlights: Full Baghdad city tour, Old Baghdad, Tigris River, Green Zone
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Step into the heart of Old Baghdad on an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and local life. Our adventure begins in the city's vibrant markets, where a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and enticing aromas will awaken your senses. Get ready to weave through the bustling alleys, discovering hidden treasures, age-old traditions, and the true pulse of this city. Next, we’ll trade the lively streets for the gentle flow of the Tigris River, drifting along its waters on a short boat ride. The journey continues at the Baghdad Cultural Center, where the city's artistic soul comes to life. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the rich traditions, historical narratives, and creative expressions that have shaped Baghdad’s identity for centuries. Finally, we’ll step into the legendary Green Zone—one of the most politically and historically significant areas in Iraq. This secured district, home to government buildings and foreign embassies, offers a rare glimpse into the country’s evolving journey toward stability and diplomacy. In the evening, we'll sit down for another memorable meal at one of the city's best eateries!
Baghdad
March 11
Highlights: Local breakfast, Modern Baghdad, local shisha cafe
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kicking off the day with a traditional Iraqi breakfast, we'll indulge in a spread that typically includes fresh bread, cheese, eggs, and a variety of jams and honey, all accompanied by strong, aromatic Iraqi tea. This hearty start will be followed by a guided visit to the Iraqi Museum, where we'll marvel at the treasures of ancient Mesopotamia, gaining insight into the cradle of civilization with its extensive collection of artifacts. The tour will then continue through modern Baghdad, showcasing the city's contemporary side and its recent developments. Our day will conclude with an authentic evening out, where our local friends will introduce us to the warm hospitality of Iraq. We'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, tasting a variety of local dishes, followed by a relaxed visit to a local shisha café, where we can unwind and share stories, enveloped in the flavorsome smoke of shisha and the vibrant Iraqi night.
Baghdad » Babylon » Najaf
March 12
Highlights: Ancient Babylon, Saddam Hussein palace, Imam Ali Shrine
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our day begins with an early departure from Baghdad, setting the stage for an immersive tour of the ancient city of Babylon. Here, we'll explore the ruins of one of the world's oldest civilizations, walking through history where the Hanging Gardens once stood and marveling at the remnants of its great walls and gates. The journey through time continues with special access to one of Saddam Hussein's abandoned palaces, offering a rare glimpse into the opulence and isolation of Iraq's past. From here, we'll drive to the city of Najaf, check in to our hotel and proceed to the Valley of Peace, the world's largest cemetery, an expansive and historic site. As dusk falls, we'll prepare for a surreal experience at the Imam Ali Shrine, one of Iraq's most revered spiritual sites, where the evening's atmosphere and crowds of pilgrims from around the world adds a profound sense of reverence to our visit.
Najaf » Nasiriyah and the Ancient City of Ur
March 13
Highlights: Nasiriyah, Sumerian City of Ur, Abraham's house
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll start the day with a 4.5 hour drive south to the small city of Nasiriyah, having lunch along the way. After arrival at our hotel, well then head out to explore the ancient Sumerian city of Ur, one of the world's earliest cities. Here, we'll delve into history with a visit to the archaeological site that includes the Ziggurat of Ur and the area believed to be the house where Abraham possibly lived. After soaking in the historical and cultural significance of Ur, you'll have the evening to relax and enjoy some free time in Nasiriyah. This is a great chance to wander along the river, absorb the local atmosphere from a rooftop cafe, or simply rest before we gather in the evening for a group dinner featuring some local cuisine.
Mesopotamia Marshes » Baghdad
March 14
Highlights: Al Hammar and Central Marshes by boat, local meals
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we'll start with a breathtaking sunrise over the marshes, located 1.5 hours away from Nasiriyah, setting a serene tone for the day. Another highlight of our morning will be sharing a traditional regional breakfast with some of our local friends in their reed home, offering an intimate glimpse into the local way of life. We will then take a boat to visit Al Hammar West and the Central Marshes, immersing ourselves in the dynamic ecosystem and lifestyles of this unique area. After our time in the marshes, we'll return to shore for a traditional fish lunch, showcasing the fresh, distinct flavors of the region. In the afternoon, we'll board our vehicle for the 5 hour drive back to Baghdad, ending a remarkable day in a truly unique region of the country.
Baghdad » Fallujah » Dur Kurigalzu » Baghdad
March 15
Highlights: Fallujah day trip
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day's adventure begins with a trip to Fallujah, a city known for its abundant history, where we'll dive into the local culture right away with a traditional Fallujah lunch, featuring dishes rich in flavors and history. After lunch, we'll take a leisurely walking tour along the corniche and through the bustling markets, absorbing the atmosphere while learning about the city's complicated past. In the afternoon, we'll return to Baghdad where we'll have some free time to rest up before another spectacular day ahead!
Baghdad » Samarra » Hatra » Mosul
March 16
Highlights: Ancient Samarra, fortified city of Hatra, arrival in Mosul
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing from Baghdad in the morning, our journey takes us to the historic city of Samarra, where we'll marvel at its ancient spiral minaret, an architectural wonder and a symbol of the city's Islamic heritage. We'll also visit the Abassid Palace of the Caliph, one of the largest palace complexes ever discovered. These UNESCO World Heritage sites offer a unique glimpse into the Abbasid era, showcasing the innovative art and architecture of the period. Our exploration continues as we head to the magnificent fortified caravan city of Hatra, known for its high walls and towers that have withstood the sands of time, and its blend of Greco-Roman and Eastern architectural influences. After our full tour of Hatra's many structures and vast grounds, we'll drive 2 hours until we reach the fascinating city of Mosul just in time for dinner.
Mosul
March 17
Highlights: Full walking tour of Old Mosul, meeting local residents
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we'll embark on a full walking tour of Old Mosul. Our journey will take us to significant UNESCO sites, including the famous Al-Nouri Mosque and the venerable Al Tahira Church. As we meander through the bustling Old Bazaar and aromatic spice market, we'll immerse ourselves in the vibrant local culture. We'll stop at a local teahouse, fish market and at several homes that were destroyed during the years of fighting. The day will then conclude with an unforgettable evening at a local cultural cafe where residents will share with us their stories from the ISIS era, offering a deeper understanding of the city's past struggles and current progress as a genuinely up and coming metropolis.
Mosul » Nineveh Plains » Mosul
March 18
Highlights: Nineveh Plains, local village, Christian and Yazidi communities
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Embarking on a day trip from Mosul, we'll venture into the heart of the Nineveh Plains where we'll visit a local village that is home to both Christian and Yazidi communities. Our day begins with the warmth of local hospitality, as we're invited to share breakfast with a family, offering us a taste of their time-honored cuisine and a personal insight into their daily lives. As we tour the village, we'll be guided through a series of interesting locations, each with its own story and significance. These stops may include ancient churches and Yazidi temples, a local tahini factory and more! We'll then return to Mosul in the late afternoon for some free time.
Mosul » Erbil
March 19
Highlights: Erbil, ancient citadel, historic markets
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing from Mosul in the morning we'll drive to Erbil, the capital city of the Iraqi Kurdistan region of the country. Upon arrival, we'll check into our 5* hotel and have lunch, before setting out to dive straight into the ancient city. We'll wander around the old town, visiting the massive 6000 year old citadel, historic markets, beautiful plazas, a famous teahouse and more. After our walk, we'll take a short drive to visit the beautiful Jalil Khayat Mosque before sitting down for our first taste of Kurdish cuisine at a very popular local restaurant.
Erbil
March 20
Highlights: Shaqlawa, Newroz Festival!
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get ready for another special day! After a leisurely morning, we'll drive to the picturesque town of Shaqlawa, known for its sweet making industry. Of course, we'll stop at a couple of shops to sample and learn about their wonderfully delicious and diverse treats. Our next destinations is a small home-based winery located in the hills, where we'll sit down for a home-cooked lunch with our host family. We'll also have a chance to sample several of their wine varieties. Now it's time to drive to the town of Akre, passing stunning mountains, canyons and valleys all around. Once in Akre, it's time for an incredible festival - Newroz! This celebration of spring needs to be seen to be believed. We'll observe festivities and interact with locals from a rooftop overlooking the town. Then, we'll join the crowds and walk into the hills. As the sun sets, we'll find a perfect spot to witness the lighting of fires, parades of torches, impressive fireworks out over the valley and plenty of song and dance. This will be an atmosphere you will never forget! Eventually, once the celebration ends, we'll make the 1.5 hour drive back to Erbil for a well-deserved night of sleep.
Erbil (departure day)
March 21
Departure day
Included: Breakfast
You will be picked up at the hotel by a private driver who will take you to the airport for your departing flight. *We recommend booking a flight after 3pm for this day. If you wish to spend an additional night in Erbil, we can arrange a hotel room for you and assist with any plans.
Wandering Earl Tours Expert Tour Leader
Small group (maximum 12 participants)
Accommodation (12 nights – 3/4* hotels)
Transportation within Iraq (private minibus)
Local English-speaking guides in each destination
All included activities and entrance fees
Breakfast every day, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
Bottled water throughout the trip
Gratuities at hotels/included meals
VIP arrival and visa assistance at the airport
All airport transfers 
Flights to/from Iraq (Baghdad/Erbil)
Passport/visa fees (visa on arrival for most nationalities is $80 USD)
Meals and activities not mentioned
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Other gratuities 
Medium Physical Level
While the tour itself is not very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: long days, a good amount of walking through ancient ruins, being out in the sun in potentially hot temperatures, long bus rides, boat tours, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.
Accommodation
We’ll stay in a combination of 3/4/5* hotels on this trip. Accommodation is mid-range, with good, comfortable rooms. Please keep in mind that given the lack of tourism infrastructure, rooms might have some quirks or may be more basic than you are used to. All rooms have a private bathroom with hot water. There are 8 single rooms available. Other rooms will be shared. Solo travelers will be paired together, two travelers per room in two single beds. (*Please note: If you book a shared room and we cannot find another traveler to share that room, there will be an extra surcharge for having a single room.)
Transport
Ride in comfort in our 20 seat minibuses while in the cities and in our passenger bus while we drive between destinations. The use of such a bus ensures a comfortable ride as there is plenty of space for each guest.
Meals
Breakfast every day, 10 lunches and 10 dinners are included. With included meals, some will be served family style and other times you will be able to order anything you wish from the menu. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated although it might result in a limited menu.
Sustainability
As with all of our trips, we aim to offer as sustainable an experience as we can. Trash is recycled where possible and we avoid mass tourism activities that cause harm to the environment and/or do not benefit local communities.
Small Groups
This tour requires a minimum of 8 participants and has a maximum of 12 participants in order to ensure the best small group tour experience. With such a small group, you'll be able to enjoy unique, rewarding activities that would not be accessible with more people. That's the kind of trip we love to offer!
Safety
While many governments have travel warnings in place for Iraq, the reality is quite different. There is certainly always a risk when embarking on travel to certain destinations, but travelers are now visiting Iraq in increasing numbers. This is due to the improved stability and safety situation. We take safety extremely seriously and do not operate trips if there is any reason to believe our guests could be in danger.
Itinerary Changes
While we do our best to follow the itinerary, changes may be made to any aspect of the tour due to a variety of potential situations or unforeseen circumstances.
