IRAQ GROUP TOURS 2023

After such a high demand, here are my first groups trip to Iraq!

Dates:

NEW DATES:

MARCH 10 - 18th 2023 (limited spots!)

Itinerary

Baghdad, Babylon, Karbala, Najaf, Chibayesh, Mosul, Erbil

Day 1

Arrival into Baghdad with airport pickup (I will collect you all at the airport)

Transfer to hotel

Team welcome

Group dinner

Tour of Baghdad can happen if arrival is before sunset

Overnight: Baghdad / 1

Day 2

Start the day with the traditional Geymer and Kahi for breakfast near the iconic Tahrir Square, followed by exploring Old Baghdad - Al Safafeer, Souk Al Sarai, Khan Al Mudalal and of course Al Mutanabbi Street.

We will visit old heritage sites including Abbasid Palace, Clock of Qishla and Madrasa Mustansiriya School, followed by a stop at Haj Zbala.

The afternoon will be spent at the Ziggurat of Dur-Kurigalzu, before transferring to Taq Kasra in time for sunset

Overnight: Baghdad / 2

Day 3

After breakfast, we will drive to Babylon - a world heritage site since 2019.

We will visit this historical city, the rebuilt Ishtar Gate, Babylon Temples and the Lion of Babylon before heading to Saddam's former palace with an epic view of Babylon!

Group Lunch

In the afternoon, we will drive to Karbala.

check into hotel, before spending the evening in the Shrines of Karbala to visit the Shrine of Imams Hussain and Abbas.

Overnight: Karbala / 3

Day 4

After breakfast, we will leave Karbala and drive to Najaf.

We will spend the morning exploring the local markets, eating traditional sweets and visiting the Shrine of Imam Ali Bin Abi Talib.

Group Lunch.

After lunch, we will drive 2/3 hours south to Nasiriya to visit the The Great Ziggurat of Ur - a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2016) and the former capital of Mesopotamia during the Sumerian period.

Overnight: Nasiriyah / 4

Day 5

3:30am - drive to Chibayesh for an incredible marshland experience.

We will start the day watching the sunrise across the Euphrates, before taking a boat ride to the traditional mud huts to have breakfast with locals on the small islands.

Tour of the floating villages to see Buffalos and other animals. This is one of the largest ecosystems in the world, and it was given UNESCO World Heritage status back in 2016 - its phenomenal. We will hear stories from the people who call this place home - the Ma'dan Tribe.

Group Lunch - Masgouf (a famous traditional fish dish from this region)

Drive back to Baghdad

Overnight: Baghdad / 5

Day 6

Drive to Mosul and begin the day with a traditional breakfast

After breakfast, we will explore the reconstruction of the Old City, witnessing the Al-Nuri Mosque and Al Tahira Church and Bash Tapia Castle.

After that, we will head to Church Square where the Pope prayed for Iraq during his world famous visit to Iraq in March 2021.

Group Lunch

Drive to Erbil and a tour of the Citadel

Overnight: Erbil / 6

Day 7

Tour Ends - flights home from Erbil Airport.

I will be in Erbil for an additional day if anyone wanted to stay behind and explore the city more with me!

Includes:

• Tour guides including both male and female guides for the Holy Shrines.

• Entry tickets.

• Transportation.

• Accommodation.

• All meals.

• Logistic support and permission access to all mentioned places.

Not Included:

• Flights

• Visas

• Insurance

Iraq has a new amazing visa on arrival scheme for citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Russia, China, Japan & South Korea. If you are not from one of these countries then we will apply for a visa on your behalf. An invitation letter is issued and you can bring this to your local embassy to apply for the visa.

All further details regarding the trip - clothing, currency, covid updates will be sent to those secured on the trip.

Want to join me? Send me an email to:

beyondborderstrips@gmail.com