Wander Across Iraq (Mar 2023)
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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!
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 tour of the religiously diverse city of Mosul
Finish the trip in vibrant Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
For the first time, Wandering Earl Tours is going to Iraq!
Join us on a 13 day experience to one of the most ancient regions of the world!
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 spend significant time 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 everywhere we go, explore local markets, experience Baghdad’s hip 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!
Reserve now!
Choose an option:
- 1Day 1Baghdad (arrival day)Baghdad (arrival day)Arrival dayIncluded: Dinner- You'll be met at the airport by a representative who will take you through the visa on arrival process - Transfer to our hotel in the city center - Group orientation - Welcome dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Baghdad
- 2Day 2BaghdadBaghdadFull Baghdad city tour, Old Baghdad, Tigris River, Green ZoneIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner- Full walking tour of Old Baghdad - Boat trip on the Tigris River - Baghdad cultural center - Van tour to other neighborhoods, including the Green Zone - Group dinner
- 3Day 3BaghdadBaghdadLocal breakfast, Modern Baghdad, evening out with friendsIncluded: Breakfast, Dinner- Traditional Iraqi breakfast - Free time to visit the Iraq Museum - Modern Baghdad tour - Evening out with local friends (dinner and local shisha cafe)
- 4Day 4Baghdad » Babylon » NajafBaghdad » Babylon » NajafAncient Babylon, abandoned Saddam Hussein palace, Imam Ali Shrine, NajafIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner- Morning departure from Baghdad - Full walking tour of the ancient city of Babylon - Special access to one of Saddam Hussein's abandoned palaces - Drive to Najaf - World's largest cemetery - Imam Ali Shrine experience in the evening - Group dinner
- 5Day 5Najaf » Nasiriyah and MarshesNajaf » Nasiriyah and MarshesNasiriyah, Al Hammar and Central Marshes, visit with marshland localsIncluded: Breakfast, Dinner- Morning drive to Nasiriyah - Visit to Al Hammar West and the Central Marshes - Meet our local friends in their reed home - Traditional coffee stop in a local cafe - Overnight in Nasiriyah
- 6Day 6Nasiriyah and MarshesNasiriyah and MarshesSunrise in nature, boat trip, local breakfast and lunch, local activitiesIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner- Sunrise over the marshes - Traditional regional breakfast with a local family - Boat tour through the marshes - Local fish lunch - Meet marshland locals to learn about their culture and way of life - Return to Nasiriyah - Group dinner
- 7Day 7Nasiriyah » Dur Kurigalzu » BaghdadNasiriyah » Dur Kurigalzu » BaghdadDur Kurigalzu city, ancient temple tower, free eveningIncluded: Breakfast- Morning departure from Nasiriyah - Visit to the abandoned city of Dur Kurigalzu and the 3400 year old temple tower - Overnight in Baghdad - Free evening
- 8Day 8Baghdad » Samarra » Hatra » MosulBaghdad » Samarra » Hatra » MosulSpiral minaret of Samarra, fortified city of Hatra, arrival in MosulIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner- Morning departure from Baghdad - Visit to Samarra and its ancient spiral minaret - Visit to the fortified caravan city of Hatra - Arrival in Mosul - Group dinner
- 9Day 9MosulMosulFull walking tour of Old Mosul, meeting local residentsIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner- Full walking tour of Old Mosul - Visits to Al-Nouri Mosque and Al Tahira Church - Old Bazaar and spice market - Ancient Assyrian gates - Interaction with locals to hear their stories from ISIS times
- 10Day 10MosulMosulSunrise at Pashtabia Castle, food tasting, free afternoonIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch- Sunrise from Pashtabia Castle - Local food tasting for lunch - Free afternoon and evening
- 11Day 11Mosul » ErbilMosul » ErbilChristian town of Qaraqosh, arrival in Erbil, evening wander through the cityIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner- Morning departure from Mosul - Walking tour and lunch in the Christian town of Qaraqosh - Arrival in Erbil - Evening celebration of Nowruz (celebration of springtime) - Group dinner
- 12Day 12ErbilErbilMorning walking tour of Erbil, ancient citadel, Grand Mosque, lunch with local friends, farewell dinnerIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner- Morning city tour of Erbil - Visit the impressive ancient citadel (one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world) - Old Erbil markets - Grand Mosque - Shar Park - Local lunch with friends - Free afternoon - Farewell group dinner
- 13Day 13Erbil (departure day)Erbil (departure day)Departure dayIncluded: Breakfast- Transfer to the airport depending on your flight time
Tour Essentials
Medium Physical Level
While the tour itself is not very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, a good amount of walking, being in the sun in potentially hot temperatures, long journeys, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.
Accommodation
We’ll stay in a combination of 3/4* hotels on this trip. Accommodation is mid-range although please keep in mind that given the lack of tourism infrastructure, rooms may be more basic than you are used to. All rooms have a private bathroom. There are 6 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 deluxe 35 passenger minibus throughout the tour. The use of such a minibus ensures flexibility, plenty of space for each guest and access to areas that larger vehicles simply can't go. The vehicle also has bathrooms, charging outlets and refrigerators.
Meals
Breakfast every day, 8 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.
What's included
Included
- 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, 8 lunches and 10 dinners
- Bottled water throughout the trip
- Gratuities at hotels/included meals
- All airport transfers
- Visa assistance at the airport
Not Included
- Flights to/from Iraq (Baghdad/Erbil)
- Passport/visa fees (visa on arrival for most nationalities is $77 USD)
- Meals and activities not mentioned
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Other gratuities
