Iraq
Let's travel back in time to ancient Mesopotamia for an adventure of a lifetime!
March 23rd, 2027 - March 31st, 2027
What to expect: Otherworldly landscapes, historical sites, delicious cuisine!
What's Included:
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Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Limited Availability: 13 Seats
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Experience: Rustic, cultural
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ALL meals included! Three meals per day, snacks, and water
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Airport pickup + drop off as well as ALL transfers to destinations and activities
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Shared double or Twin accommodations with a new bestie (Single Supplement Available)
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Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary including visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Mosque of Samarra!
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Photography tips from Bree of Eye of She. You'll leave with tons of beautiful content from your trip.
Day 1
Day 1 | 3.23.2027 | Baghdad
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Upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport, transfer to your hotel and take some time to rest before meeting the rest of the group.
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In the afternoon, head out for a tour of Baghdad, visiting some of the city's most notable landmarks, including the Arabian Nights statues and monuments, Firdos Square, where the statue of Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003, and Tahrir Square.
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Afterwards, visit the Al-Shaheed Monument, one of Baghdad's most recognizable landmarks, built in memory of Iraqi soldiers who lost their lives in the Iran-Iraq War.
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In the evening, enjoy a group dinner and your first taste of Iraqi cuisine.
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Overnight: Baghdad
Pro tip: I recommend flying in the night before so you can wake up fresh and ready to adventure the next day. I will be there the day before and can share hotel options for you to book!
Day 2
3.24.2027 | Baghdad old town - The of Arch of Ctesiphon
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After breakfast, visit the Iraqi Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Iraq's ancient civilizations and rich history.
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Afterwards, explore Baghdad's Old Town and walk along Al-Rashid Street, one of the city's historic thoroughfares. Visit the local markets, including the copper and antique markets, the animal market, and the famous book market along Al-Mutanabbi Street.
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Continue to Mustansiriya Madrasah, a historic Islamic school, and the Qishla Clock Tower, two notable landmarks in the heart of Baghdad.
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Take a break at one of Baghdad's well-known traditional cafes, such as Oum Kalthoum Cafe or Shabandar Cafe, and enjoy a glimpse of local life over a cup of tea or coffee.
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Later, head to Taq Kasra to enjoy the sunset and views of Baghdad.
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In the evening, return to the city center for dinner at one of Baghdad's finest local restaurants.
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Overnight: Baghdad
Day 3
3.25.2027 | Babylon & Karbala
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Early in the morning, travel to the legendary city of Babylon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the remains of this ancient city, including the Ishtar Gate, the Processional Street, and the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar II.
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Continue with a visit to one of Saddam Hussein's lavish palaces, which overlooks the ancient ruins of Babylon and offers a striking contrast between Iraq's ancient history and its more recent past.
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After lunch, drive to Karbala, one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam. Spend the evening exploring the area around the golden shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas, which draw pilgrims from around the world.
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Walk through the lively streets between the two shrines, mingle with locals, and sample traditional Iraqi sweets while experiencing the atmosphere of this important religious center.
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Overnight: Karbala
Day 4
3.26.2027 | Najaf
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After breakfast, drive approximately one hour to Najaf, one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam. Visit the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, known for its magnificent golden dome and deep religious significance to Shia Muslims around the world.
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Afterwards, explore Najaf's Grand Bazaar, where you can browse traditional shops and local goods.
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Continue to Wadi Al-Salam Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the world and an important burial site for Shia Muslims, many of whom wish to be laid to rest near the shrine of Imam Ali.
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Later, drive back to Baghdad and enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
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Overnight: Baghdad
Day 5
3.27.2027 | Samara - Hatra - Mosul
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Depart early in the morning for Samarra, where we will visit the Great Mosque of Samarra and its iconic spiral minaret. If you're feeling adventurous, climb to the top of the minaret for panoramic views of the surrounding city.
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Afterwards, continue the journey toward Mosul, stopping along the way at Hatra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Iraq's most impressive archaeological sites. Explore the ancient ruins and learn about the history of this once-thriving city.
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Continue the drive to Mosul, one of Iraq's largest and most culturally diverse cities, arriving in the evening.
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Enjoy dinner at one of Mosul's many local restaurants, sampling the flavors of northern Iraqi cuisine.
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Overnight: Mosul
Day 6
3.28.2027 | Mosul
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After breakfast, explore Mosul's Old Town, an area that suffered extensive damage during the battle to liberate the city from ISIS. Learn about its recent history and see how the community is working to rebuild and restore its historic neighborhoods.
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Visit the Syriac Christian church where Pope Francis held Mass during his visit to Mosul in March 2021, an important symbol of the city's religious heritage.
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Continue to the Al-Nuri Mosque and its famous leaning minaret, a landmark that has played a significant role in Mosul's history. Learn about the mosque's destruction and ongoing restoration following the ISIS occupation.
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Explore more of Mosul's heritage sites, take in views of the Tigris River and the city, and wander through the bustling local markets to experience everyday life.
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Afterwards, visit the ruins of Nineveh, the ancient capital of the Assyrian Empire. Explore this vast archaeological site and learn about the civilization that once made this one of the most important cities in the ancient world.
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Overnight: Mosul
Day 7
3.29.2027 | Mar Matti & Erbil
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Depart early in the morning for Mar Mattai Monastery, perched on Mount Alfaf. One of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world, it offers a fascinating look into the region's religious history, along with spectacular views of the surrounding villages and landscape.
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Afterwards, drive approximately 70 kilometers to Erbil, crossing into the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
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Upon arrival, explore Erbil's historic Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits above the modern city. Continue into downtown Erbil to wander through the busy markets and experience the local atmosphere.
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Visit Jalil Khayat Mosque, known for its impressive architecture and grand domes, before spending the evening enjoying Erbil's lively nightlife and dining scene.
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Overnight: Erbil
Day 8
3.30.2027 | Rawanduz & Akre
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In the morning, travel to the Rawanduz district, known for its breathtaking canyons, dramatic mountain scenery, and winding roads through the Kurdistan countryside.
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Continue to Gali Ali Beg and Bekhal waterfalls, two of the region's most beautiful natural attractions. Take some time to enjoy the scenery and explore the surrounding area.
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Afterwards, visit the town of Akre, known for its hillside setting and traditional architecture. Walk to the upper part of town for views of the rooftops and mosque, then explore the small bazaar and its local shops.
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In the afternoon, drive back to Erbil.
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Overnight: Erbil
Day 9
3.31.2027 | Erbil
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Transfer to Erbil International Airport for your departure flight.
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Unfortunately, this is where your amazing trip comes to and end. Don’t worry though, these memories will last a lifetime. 🫶
Important Details:
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Hi! Bree here. Our wonderful guide Hussein and myself are so excited to meet you and join you on this incredibly exciting adventure as we travel back in time to an ancient world! Here are some details that we believe you may find helpful before our journey together:
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Our trip itinerary is subject to change without notice but we do our very best to create the most memorable and packed itineraries possible. There are times where things can change out of our control and we just ask that you bring your open minds and flexibility
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Images used above are all of Iraq, however, they are not meant to match exact locations detailed on the itinerary. Trust us when we say, it's one of the most stunning countries in the world!
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Accommodations will be simple hotels and we will have a list you can share with your families which include phone numbers
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If you have sensitivity to smoke, the hotels often smell heavily of cigarettes, I would recommend face masks if so
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Women must be covered head to toe when visiting mosques, please look up appropriate attire (abayas + hijabs and ensure you have hair clips to keep hijabs in place). You can also talk to me in our WhatsApp group and we can go over outfits and where I recommend ordering your abayas!
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Women can wear regular clothes in the cities but I recommend t-shirts or tanks with loose linen on top, loose pants, scarves, comfy shoes--preferably closed toe especially when visiting certain destroyed sites
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The country could be extremely hot during our trip, so bringing fans if needed. If you're sensitive to heat, especially when we're covered in abayas, be mindful of how you handle these situations. We will have water on hand, we cannot promise it will be ice cold, though.
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Although we try our best to accommodate food allergies and requests, we are not always able to do so, especially in certain countries. The cuisine is meat-heavy. There are possibilities of removing meat but the alternatives are usually just vegetables and rice
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You'll be visiting a developing country, roads can be long and bumpy, definitely bring your patience and positive mind!
Not included services:
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Single room accommodation (additional fee)
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International and domestic air tickets
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Travel Insurance
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Alcoholic and soft drinks
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Items of personal nature, including extra luggage charges, room service, medical expenses, etc.
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Medical and accident insurance
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Porter services in airports and hotels
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Tips for guide and drivers
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Charges for photo & video camera entries
PRICE PER PERSON
$3,650 USD
(Payment Plan Available)
What's included:
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Visas + support in processing
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Experienced tour guide
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Modern van with a private driver for transportation
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Airport pickup and drop-off
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Professional photo sessions with Bree from Eye of She!
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Accommodations
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Entry fees
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All meals!
Frequently asked questions:
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Why Iraq?
Iraq is a country with thousands of years of history, incredible archaeological sites, rich cultural traditions, and a level of hospitality that often surprises first-time visitors. From the ancient ruins of Babylon and the historic streets of Baghdad to the golden shrines of Karbala and the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan, this trip offers a chance to experience many different sides of the country.
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Is Iraq safe to visit?
Yes — Iraq is generally considered safe for travelers. Traveling with an experienced local team allows you to explore the country with guidance and support throughout your journey. Our team takes care of the logistics and knows what to expect along the way. As a group, you'll have the opportunity to experience Iraq beyond the headlines, meet local people, and learn more about the country's rich history and culture.
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How do you get to Iraq?
Most travelers fly into Baghdad. International flights are available from several major hubs, including Istanbul, Doha, and Dubai. Travel throughout the country is typically done by private vehicle or organized transport due to the remote terrain.
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Do I need a visa?
Yes, most travelers will need a visa to visit Iraq. Requirements depend on your nationality, and travelers joining this tour will need a visa that covers all the destinations on the itinerary, including federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. We will help you with your visa, however, if you would like to look into it on your own, we recommend applying in advance through the official Iraqi e-Visa portal and making sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
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What are accommodations like?
Accommodations will be basic and comfortable throughout the tour. More details about the accommodations will be provided before departure.
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Should I bring cash?
You can exchange cash in the city with our expert guide. At the end of the trip I always recommend tipping anywhere between $10-$20 a day for our guide and the same for our driver but of course this is totally your choice!
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Is there cell service or Wi-Fi?
Yes, you'll find Wi-Fi at many hotels and some cafes throughout the trip, although connection speeds and reliability can vary. Cell service is available in most cities and populated areas, but coverage may be limited in more remote parts of the country. If you'd like to stay connected while exploring Iraq, we recommend arranging an international roaming plan or purchasing a local SIM or eSIM before or upon arrival.
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What should I pack?
We recommend packing comfortable, lightweight clothing, walking shoes, and layers for cooler evenings, especially when visiting the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraq is a culturally conservative country, so it's best to bring modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, along with a scarf for visiting religious sites. Other essentials include sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, any personal medications, and a portable power bank.
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What kind of food can I expect?
Iraqi cuisine is full of flavor, with dishes featuring grilled meats, rice, fresh herbs, flatbreads, and aromatic spices. During the tour, you'll have opportunities to try traditional Iraqi dishes, sample local sweets, and enjoy meals at local restaurants along the way. Vegetarian options may be available, but please let us know about any dietary requirements in advance.
Very Real Testimonials!
Karan
@Karan_ghorpade10
"This trip was truly a life-changing experience. I had no idea what to expect walking in and I was nervous I wouldn't connect with anyone. Instead, I made amazing connections and life-long friendships because of this trip for which I am truly grateful for. Thank you Bree!”
Danielle
@dannycecconi
"Bree’s group trip was so AMAZINGGGG! The entire group and everything was so well put together and planned out. Going to Italy and exploring the Dolomites was always a dream of mine. I am so grateful that I got to share my experience there with amazing humans. Absolutely one of my favorite trips to date"
Peter
@peterbotticelli
"Amazing. The hardest part about a group of people doing something together will always be anticipating the group dynamics.
You and team absolutely nailed this Bree! If you told me that the 14 of us would go seamlessly from strangers to family inside of a week, I would have never believed it.
There will always be little bumps or carsickness curves on the road, not enough magic blue gas water in the tank, missed flights, and all the rest, but it only adds to the magic of the adventure when you get to share it with a truly special group of humans!"
JAckie
@jackiejpark
20/10 so glad I went. I had never done a group trip before so I was really nervous and out of my comfort zone.
Pushing yourself out of your norm is where the magic happens. I never knew you could fall in love with a group strangers so quickly.
By the end of the trip, we felt like family. A lot of us still keep in contact over a year later. If you’ve ever been curious about a group trip or want to dip your toes into solo travel, this is the one you should do! Bree’s vibes attracts an incredible tribe and you will make lifelong friends, laugh until you cry and explore the most beautiful places without the stress of having to plan and navigate.
Take the leap, you’ll be so glad you did!
Tiffany
@Yueqingy
I loved every moment of our trip. This whole trip made me step out of my comfort zone and I will never forget the amazing views. My favorite part of the trip was all of you 🩵 Every single person was such a fun, kind, adventurous personality. This made the trip for me.
Wendy
@_whendz_
This trip was purely magical. We still don’t know if it was the Icelandic Gods or the group energy, but everyday was filled with wonder and absolute awe. Best of all, you build lifelong soul friendships as you explore the enchanting landscapes of the country. Impatiently waiting for more group trip announcements!
Olivia
@themotherofdragon
flies
Bree is a such a great host that this group trip definitely has become my best one ever! She cares deeply about her guests and I truly felt taken care of the entire time. I brought so many unforgettable memories home with me ☺️ Thank you so much Bree!!! <3
Courteney
@courteneymichelle
I’ve already taken two trips with Bree, and both were honestly amazing. Bree is such a sweetheart so caring, easy to be around, and so much fun to travel with. She makes everything feel comfortable and effortless. Everywhere we went, people were friendly, the vibes were good, and the trips were just super enjoyable. I genuinely can’t wait to travel with Bree again. She just brings this good, fun energy that makes every trip better :)
Julian
@julian_arreguin_
The eye of she trip is a memory that will last a lifetime. Being able to experience the beauty of the Dolomites, learning to shoot it from an amazing photographer, all while making new friendships! 🤌🏼 It was definitely an investment in making one of my dreams come true. All I had to do is sit back and enjoy the views. Thank you Bree!