Prepare for a unique 13-day journey across Iraq, a country known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Despite past conflicts, Iraq is now much safer and more welcoming than many people realize. Our adventure begins in Baghdad, where you’ll experience the city’s dynamic mix of ancient heritage and modern energy, from exploring the historic streets of Old Baghdad to taking a boat ride along the Tigris River. We’ll visit key landmarks like the Martyr’s Monument and the ancient city of Babylon, and even gain rare access to Saddam Hussein’s abandoned palace.

In Najaf, we’ll explore the magnificent Imam Ali Shrine, one of the holiest sites in Islam. Continuing to Nasiriyah, we’ll visit the ancient city of Ur and interact with local craftspeople who are reviving traditional skills. Our journey then takes us to the historic city of Mosul, where you’ll witness the inspiring resilience of its people as they rebuild their city, and visit the ancient ruins of Hatra and the spiritual Nineveh Plains.

Finally, we’ll travel to the Kurdish region, exploring the vibrant city of Erbil and the stunning natural landscapes along the Hamilton Road. This itinerary offers an in-depth look at Iraq’s diverse cultures and history, providing rare opportunities to engage with local communities and explore sites that few travelers get to see. Rest assured, your safety is our top priority, and we take every precaution to ensure a secure and unforgettable experience in this fascinating country.

You may bring up to 2 camera bodies and 3 lenses into Iraq as a tourist. Please note that drones of any brand and size are illegal in Iraq and will be confiscated upon entry.

Outlet Adapters

Although the most common plug in the country is the Euro plug (Type C), you will find Type C, D and G plug outlets throughout the country. It is highly recommended to purchase at least a Type C adapter in advance.

As for electricity, check your chargers to see if they say 110 – 230 V. If they do, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.

Iraq is much safer and more open than most people think, and the culture is warm and welcoming. We take safety very seriously and would not operate this trip if we believed there were potential issues. We’ll begin with a safety orientation on the first day to address any concerns and ensure everyone is comfortable. While it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions—such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding walking alone at night—there’s no need to worry. Our accommodations are reliable and secure, so you can confidently leave your belongings when exploring. By following these simple guidelines, you can fully enjoy this incredible adventure in Iraq with peace of mind.

Scams

Scams in Iraq are rare, and the chances of encountering one are low. However, you might occasionally experience overcharging in markets or shops, where vendors may increase prices for tourists. It’s best to negotiate politely or ask your tour leader to assist with transactions. Be cautious of taxi drivers who might not use meters or may set high fares for tourists, always agree on a price beforehand. To avoid issues with counterfeit currency, exchange money only at reputable locations recommended by your tour leader. It’s also a good idea to double-check your change after making purchases, as short-changing can sometimes occur. While these situations are uncommon, most Iraqis are friendly and welcoming. With basic precautions, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Weather

During this trip, we can expect cool but pleasant weather. February is an ideal time to visit Iraq, with no intense heat, although nights can be chilly. Here are the average temperatures of each destination we will visit:

Baghdad: 68°F/20°C high – 43°F/6°C low
Najaf: 68°F/20°C high – 46°F/8°C low
Nasiriyah: 70°F/21°C high – 48°F/9°C low
Mosul: 61°F/16°C high – 41°F/5°C low
Nineveh Plains: 41°F/5°C high – 21°F/-6°C low
Erbil: 61°F/16°C high – 39°F/4°C low

Clothing Requirements

Iraq is more open than most people think and you will often see Iraqis wearing Western clothes. As with most of the Middle East, wearing shorts is not common for men or women and it is more normal to wear pants/long skirts that go below the knees and shirts that have at least short sleeves. While going out for a nice dinner in the cities, Iraqis tend to get a little more dressed up as such meals are treated as big events. We will dine at a couple of nicer spots during the trip.

The only time you will need to cover your hair is when we enter a mosque and during our stay in the holy city of Najaf. When outside of the hotel room in Najaf, you will need to wear a black robe that goes over your clothes and hair (we will provide one for you). For all other destinations in the country, there are no such rules.

Packing

We recommend packing the following items:

Pants (3-4 pairs – comfortable, lightweight)
Shirts (4-5 short-sleeve shirts, 4-5 long-sleeve shirts)
Shorts (1 pair to use in the hotel)
Swimsuit
Underwear and socks
Shoes (comfortable walking shoes or sneakers)
Warm clothing (3 sweaters and a warm jacket for cooler nights)
Winter hat and clothes
Toiletries
Medications (bring enough of any prescription medicines you take)
Small daypack (for daily excursions)
Gadgets and chargers (don’t forget a travel adapter)
Earplugs (helpful if you’re a light sleeper)
Sunglasses
Hat
Shawl or scarf (useful for women to cover head or shoulders when needed)

If you have any questions about specific items you’re considering bringing, please send us an email, and we’ll be happy to advise you on whether they’re necessary for this trip.

WhatsApp Group

We will set up a WhatsApp chat 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour that will include all of the participants as well as your tour leader. This will allow everyone to get to know each other in advance, ask questions and communicate with your tour leader both before and during the tour. It will be very useful for you to have WhatsApp available to you during the tour as this will be the main method of communication.