It has been a couple years since the last Traveltomtom Group Trip in Uganda. A shame honestly, because I have always enjoyed traveling with you guys so much. Time just didn't permit the last years, but...
WE ARE BACK!!!!
After incredible Traveltomtom group trips in Namibia and Uganda I am now organizing a group trip in Iraq!
As you probably have seen on my socials I lately traveled to Iraq and got inspired a lot by this massively misunderstood country. Although I only spent time in Baghdad and Erbil I am super excited to explore more of Iraq and I know there are so many epic places to visit and things to do and I would love to share these moments with you!
Dates: 14 - 22 April 2025
There is limited availability as I will take a maximum of only 11 cool travelers with me on this Iraq group trip in April 2025.
Let me keep it short and simple. If you are interested click on the link below and fill out the Google Form to show your interest.
CLICK BELOW ON APPLY NOW
Table of Contents
What is included and what not
Included:
- Accommodation based on Twin rooms (mix of 3* and 4* hotels)
- All transportation
- Airport transfers
- Professional English speaking guides
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in itinerary
- All meals
Not included:
- International flights to and from Iraq
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Visa fee
Accommodation
Accommodation on the Traveltomtom Iraq Group Trip will be a mix of 3 star and 4 star hotels.
Price for the trip is based on twin sharing rooms. That means you will be sharing with another amazing traveler. A great way to get to know each other. Your room buddy is not fixed, we can always pair you up with another friend during the trip and feel free to switch around. We sleep in a different hotel almost every night anyway.
There is the possibility for a private room but at an extra charge of around $50 USD per night.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Baghdad
Airport transfer to hotel, rest, and meet up with everyone. Depending on arrival time an afternoon tour of Baghdad, including the statues and monuments of the Arabian Nights, Firdos Square (where Saddam statue was torn down in 2003), Tahrir Square, and the Martyr's Monument.
Overnight: Baghdad
Day 2 - Baghdad
Explore Baghdad's Old Town, visiting local markets including the Al Safafeer copper market, antique market, Souq al Sarai, and the famous book market, Al Mutanabbi Street.
Visit historical & cultural sites including Madrasa Mustansiriyah school and the Clock of Qishla.
Overnight: Baghdad
Day 3 - Babylon & Karbala
Babylon is one of the most famous places to visit in Iraq and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the rebuilt Ishtar Gate, the original walls of Babylon, procession street, the foundations of the real Ishtar Gate, Babylonian temples, the famous Lion of Babylon statue, the maze, the northern & southern palaces, and the place where Alexander the Great passed away.
Explore one of Saddam Hussein's many lavish palaces, this one built in the 1980s and overlooking the ancient city of Babylon.
After lunch, drive onward to Karbala, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam. Spend the evening there, taking in the grandeur of the golden shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas.
Overnight: Karbala
Day 4 - Najaf & Ur
After breakfast, drive from Karbala to Najaf. Stop off at the largest cemetery in the world, Wadi al Salam, where millions of Shia Muslims are buried near Imam Ali.
In Najaf, visit the golden dome of the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib. Enjoy the shrine and the markets surrounding it.
After lunch, drive onward to Nasiriyah. Stop on the way to visit the Great Ziggurat of Ur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Mesopotamia during Sumerian times.
Overnight: Nasiriyah
Day 5 - the Marshes
Early morning departure to Chibayish for an incredible Iraqi Marshlands experience. Start with breakfast with a local family at their home, then embark on a boat tour of the breathtaking marshes, one of the largest marsh ecosystems in the world and possibly the inspiration for the biblical Garden of Eden.
See the water buffaloes and other wildlife, take a swim in the water, and spend time with the local Marsh Arab people who have adapted to life on the water over centuries.
Visiting Al Qirna where the Tigris and the three team rivers meet next to the 'tree of knowledge' and 'the gardens of Eden'.
In the evening, we drive back to Baghdad.
Overnight: Baghdad
Day 6 - Samara & Hatra & Mosul
After breakfast in Baghdad, we head North to Samara to visit the Great Mosque of Samara and its iconic twisted minaret. If you're feeling brave, climb to the top of the minaret for a fantastic view of Samara - not for the faint of heart.
In the afternoon we drive to Hatra, a UNESCO site and one of the most stunning archaeological sites in Iraq.
Right at sunset we will reach Mosul.
Overnight: Mosul
Day 7 - Mosul & Erbil
Tour Mosul, including the Old Town, which was ISIS's last stronghold, and was heavily damaged during the battle for Mosul. Visit the Christian Syriac church where Pope Francis held mass during his visit to Mosul in March 2021. Visit the Al-Nuri Mosque and its famous minaret, and explore how this vibrant city is rebuilding after ISIS occupation.
Visit some of Mosul's heritage sites and take in the view of the Tigris River and the city, and then visit Mosul's bustling markets. Finally, we will drive 70 kilometers to Erbil and we will explore the enormous Citadel of Erbil. Also we will take a walk in downtown Erbil with its busy market.
Overnight: Erbil
Day 8 - Kurdistan
We will start with exploring Akre and continue our road trip in Kurdistan via Duhok and the famous visit Lalish Temple, the holiest site for the Yazidi Religion and learn more about this mysterious religion.
Overnight: Erbil
Day 9 - Day of departure
Saying goodbye to everyone and airport transfer.
Visa for Iraq
Depending on the country of your passport you will need a visa. For most Western countries there is a visa on arrival at Baghdad Airport and the process is fairly easy. You fill out a form at the airport, hand over your passport and it will all be sorted in 10 minutes. Just make sure you have $80 USD cash for paying the visa fee. Visa fee is not included in the trip.
Click here for the more info about the Iraq visa policy and figure out if you need a visa.
Flights
As mentioned in the beginning flights to and from Iraq are not included. Everyone is responsible for their own air travel. To find your inbound flight to Baghdad and your outbound flight from Erbil I recommend trying Skyscanner.
Insurance
Everyone will need to take care of their own travel insurance. Travel Insurance is mandatory for this trip, if you don't already have one I can recommend you Safetywing.
I will require you to send me a copy of your travel insurance.
Payment
When selected for the Traveltomtom Iraq Group Trip I will inform you about the payment options.
A down payment is mandatory for the trip which will have to be transfer to Traveltomtom Fz Lle bank account to guarantee your spot. When down payment is received you will receive a confirmation message from me.
Cancellation
In case of cancellations after down payment has been made, payments will not be refunded. The price of the group trip is based on a set amount of people and therefore I can't refund any cancellations. In case of cancellation check with your travel insurance.
If you have any questions please drop me a comment below.
In case of an unexpected trip cancellation from our side (Traveltomtom) you will be reimbursed 100% of your payment.